Acts 10:34-36
Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.
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.
Greg and I have enjoyed watching the Arkansas Razorbacks teams play – particularly football and basketball – for several decades. Over the years, we have not really had “favorites” on the teams. But I have to say, this year, I am pretty fond of sophomore basketball forward Bobby Portis. This kid is 6'11”, 242 pounds of pure awesomeness on the court. The reports from his coaches are that he is a hard worker who spends endless hours perfecting his skills…and it shows. As of December 23, Portis was the only player in the SEC in the top 4 in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage.
But what impressed me the most about Bobby Portis was his off-court story. In an article published December 30, 2014, on ESPN.go.com*, writer Myron Medcalf tells of how Portis defended himself and his mother against her drunken, abusive boyfriend. He also tells how Portis and his family came home – more than once during his teenage years – to find all of their belongings on the lawn in front of an apartment from which they had been kicked out. At one point, Portis even slept on the floor of a 2-bedroom residence that served as “home” to nine people.
Now, Portis plays basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks and seems destined for a career in the NBA. He credits former Arkansas Razorback stand-out and NBA forward Corliss Williamson, who coached this young man’s AAU basketball team, with giving him more than just good instruction and encouragement on the court. Portis says that Williamson “gave me love” – and that were it not for Williamson, he doesn’t know what he would have done.
There are a lot of people in this world who need love and encouragement. They may not all possess the athletic ability of Bobby Portis…but that doesn’t matter – or make them any less important. Let’s make this the year that we look around and reach out to those who need love and encouragement…people who desperately need to know how much God loves them. Let’s open our hearts and minds – and our arms – to the ones in our midst who need to feel our acceptance and inclusion. Let’s share the Good News that Jesus offers to each and every one of us – and truly give others the idea that THEY are just as significant to Him as the next person.
God plays no favorites…and neither should we. His door is open to everyone who wants a relationship with Him. Are you as tolerant and welcoming? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12092388/arkansas-bobby-portis-overcomes-poverty-violence-prosper
Showing posts with label loving others. Show all posts
Showing posts with label loving others. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 3, 2014
Hebrews 5:2
And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses.
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.
My Mam-ma Polly became something of a “personal spokeswoman” for her Assisted Living Facility. Whenever a potential new resident toured the building, the administrator would ask Mam-ma if it was okay to show them Mam-ma’s room. While she was still able to talk, Mam-ma would visit with the potential resident and tell them, “Moving here is the best thing I ever did.” I’m not sure she fully believed that statement, but she counseled and encouraged a lot of people in her two years there. She understood their fears and apprehensions…how hard such a move and life change was - and the finality it represented. She could commiserate. My grandmother made a great ambassador for her Assisted Living Facility!
Who could better encourage an addict or alcoholic than someone who is recovering from the same affliction? Who could possibly be a more effective minister to those in prison than someone who was once incarcerated? Who knows more about the daily demands of dealing with a child with a disability than another mom or dad who is also the parent of a child with challenges? Who understands the heartache and suffering of being a student who is bullied – or has a learning disability – than someone with the same experience? We can commiserate with the athlete who suffers a career-ending injury…but we cannot possibly understand how he/she truly feels like another athlete who experienced the same thing.
The point is that we all have something…some life events that qualify us to “deal gently” or share compassion and encouragement with someone else. God never wastes an opportunity! And the very things we see as “baggage” or a burden…He may plan to use to help others - and bless us in the bargain.
When we fail to reach out to others and share our experiences, we potentially block God’s plans – and our own blessings. God wants us to minister to others out of our own history…to say, “This is my story…and this is how God got me through it. What He did for me, he will surely do for you!” I can tell others all day long that an Assisted Living Facility is the right place for them to live at a certain life stage…but I’ve never had to make that decision, so what do I really know?!
I have never lost a spouse…or a child…I’ve never been divorced, been fired from a job, or experienced the overseas deployment of a loved one who was in the military. But I know people who have…and they are ideal disciples for others in the same boat. By the same token, I have my own set of experiences that give me insight into certain situations that others might be facing…and so do you. We might be just the person to offer encouragement and compassion to these folks.
So what’s keeping you from doing this? Are you “too busy”…lazy…ashamed…insecure? What IS your excuse? Do you understand that God wants each of us to reach out to others and share what He has done for us? Do you get that this is part of real Christian discipleship?
Take a good look at your life…your “skill set”…the experiences and events that mold and shape your life. Think about how God has brought you to this point…how He has brought you through trials, tribulations, joys and sorrows. Look around at the people in your circle and see who is going through a similar incident. Aren’t you the perfect person to reach out to them? Isn’t this what God is calling each of us to do? God wants each of us to strengthen and encourage others through our own “weaknesses”. Are you ready to be His ambassador and do your part?
©2014 Debbie Robus
And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses.
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.
My Mam-ma Polly became something of a “personal spokeswoman” for her Assisted Living Facility. Whenever a potential new resident toured the building, the administrator would ask Mam-ma if it was okay to show them Mam-ma’s room. While she was still able to talk, Mam-ma would visit with the potential resident and tell them, “Moving here is the best thing I ever did.” I’m not sure she fully believed that statement, but she counseled and encouraged a lot of people in her two years there. She understood their fears and apprehensions…how hard such a move and life change was - and the finality it represented. She could commiserate. My grandmother made a great ambassador for her Assisted Living Facility!
Who could better encourage an addict or alcoholic than someone who is recovering from the same affliction? Who could possibly be a more effective minister to those in prison than someone who was once incarcerated? Who knows more about the daily demands of dealing with a child with a disability than another mom or dad who is also the parent of a child with challenges? Who understands the heartache and suffering of being a student who is bullied – or has a learning disability – than someone with the same experience? We can commiserate with the athlete who suffers a career-ending injury…but we cannot possibly understand how he/she truly feels like another athlete who experienced the same thing.
The point is that we all have something…some life events that qualify us to “deal gently” or share compassion and encouragement with someone else. God never wastes an opportunity! And the very things we see as “baggage” or a burden…He may plan to use to help others - and bless us in the bargain.
When we fail to reach out to others and share our experiences, we potentially block God’s plans – and our own blessings. God wants us to minister to others out of our own history…to say, “This is my story…and this is how God got me through it. What He did for me, he will surely do for you!” I can tell others all day long that an Assisted Living Facility is the right place for them to live at a certain life stage…but I’ve never had to make that decision, so what do I really know?!
I have never lost a spouse…or a child…I’ve never been divorced, been fired from a job, or experienced the overseas deployment of a loved one who was in the military. But I know people who have…and they are ideal disciples for others in the same boat. By the same token, I have my own set of experiences that give me insight into certain situations that others might be facing…and so do you. We might be just the person to offer encouragement and compassion to these folks.
So what’s keeping you from doing this? Are you “too busy”…lazy…ashamed…insecure? What IS your excuse? Do you understand that God wants each of us to reach out to others and share what He has done for us? Do you get that this is part of real Christian discipleship?
Take a good look at your life…your “skill set”…the experiences and events that mold and shape your life. Think about how God has brought you to this point…how He has brought you through trials, tribulations, joys and sorrows. Look around at the people in your circle and see who is going through a similar incident. Aren’t you the perfect person to reach out to them? Isn’t this what God is calling each of us to do? God wants each of us to strengthen and encourage others through our own “weaknesses”. Are you ready to be His ambassador and do your part?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 2, 2013
1 Kings 9:4-5
“As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For I made this promise to your father, David: ‘One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.’”
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.
When I was in high school, I truly enjoyed math… probably in large part because of my teacher, Mrs. Marilyn Berry. She really cared about her students – inside and outside of the classroom- and I loved her dearly. Now don’t get me wrong… on plenty of days, Mrs. Berry frustrated my classmates and me by giving us tests that didn’t seem to fit what we had just studied – especially in geometry. I loved geometry… there was a “method” to it. Geometry was not so much about finding the right answer as showing how we arrived at it… our “proof.” And as Mrs. Berry would review where we went wrong on the tests and point out the flaws in our “proofs,” the right path would reveal itself.
The heart of geometry lies in hypothesis and conclusion – or proof. According to information at http://hstutorials.net, the geometry definition of hypothesis is explained this way… “A conjecture is something believed to be true, but not yet proved true. We usually state these as if...then statements. The "if" part is the hypothesis...the "then" part is the conclusion.” For us as Christians, life is a lot like geometry. We have been promised eternal life in Jesus Christ. If we have truly committed our hearts to Him (which is the hypothesis)… our place in heaven is secured (which would be the conclusion). But the proof of our devotion and commitment lies in how we get there – which path we take.
God has made great promises over our lives and the lives of our descendants. He has shown us the right path to choose. He has offered us things we could never earn, much less deserve. If we truly want to prove that we appreciate His generosity, we have to operate in obedience, humility, faithfulness… and with integrity. Our word and actions have to be our bond.
People have to know that when we say we will show up… we will show up. When we tell someone we will keep their secret… we must keep it and not go blabbing to everyone we know. When someone asks us to pray for them, we should do so. We need to show up for work, school, church services and activities - even dates with friends or significant others – on time… if not a little bit early. We must be where we are supposed to be, when we are supposed to be there. When we are at work, we should be working… when we are engaged in any task or activity, we should be fully committed to it. We should be genuine, attentive, and responsible in our relationships with friends, family members, co-workers, church members and acquaintances.
As Christians, we must be fully committed to God. We promised to love Him and to love others as ourselves. How are you doing with that? We promised to serve Him and tell others about the amazing life He offers… the incredible sacrifices He made for all of us through Jesus Christ…the love, care, grace, mercy and forgiveness He provides for us each and every day. Are you doing these things? Are you truly a person of integrity? What is your proof? God has said, “If you will do these things, then I will bless and keep you.” I believe God’s promises (conclusion) to be true… and my “proof” will not be finished until I get to heaven. But I plan to work on it every single day. What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For I made this promise to your father, David: ‘One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.’”
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.
When I was in high school, I truly enjoyed math… probably in large part because of my teacher, Mrs. Marilyn Berry. She really cared about her students – inside and outside of the classroom- and I loved her dearly. Now don’t get me wrong… on plenty of days, Mrs. Berry frustrated my classmates and me by giving us tests that didn’t seem to fit what we had just studied – especially in geometry. I loved geometry… there was a “method” to it. Geometry was not so much about finding the right answer as showing how we arrived at it… our “proof.” And as Mrs. Berry would review where we went wrong on the tests and point out the flaws in our “proofs,” the right path would reveal itself.
The heart of geometry lies in hypothesis and conclusion – or proof. According to information at http://hstutorials.net, the geometry definition of hypothesis is explained this way… “A conjecture is something believed to be true, but not yet proved true. We usually state these as if...then statements. The "if" part is the hypothesis...the "then" part is the conclusion.” For us as Christians, life is a lot like geometry. We have been promised eternal life in Jesus Christ. If we have truly committed our hearts to Him (which is the hypothesis)… our place in heaven is secured (which would be the conclusion). But the proof of our devotion and commitment lies in how we get there – which path we take.
God has made great promises over our lives and the lives of our descendants. He has shown us the right path to choose. He has offered us things we could never earn, much less deserve. If we truly want to prove that we appreciate His generosity, we have to operate in obedience, humility, faithfulness… and with integrity. Our word and actions have to be our bond.
People have to know that when we say we will show up… we will show up. When we tell someone we will keep their secret… we must keep it and not go blabbing to everyone we know. When someone asks us to pray for them, we should do so. We need to show up for work, school, church services and activities - even dates with friends or significant others – on time… if not a little bit early. We must be where we are supposed to be, when we are supposed to be there. When we are at work, we should be working… when we are engaged in any task or activity, we should be fully committed to it. We should be genuine, attentive, and responsible in our relationships with friends, family members, co-workers, church members and acquaintances.
As Christians, we must be fully committed to God. We promised to love Him and to love others as ourselves. How are you doing with that? We promised to serve Him and tell others about the amazing life He offers… the incredible sacrifices He made for all of us through Jesus Christ…the love, care, grace, mercy and forgiveness He provides for us each and every day. Are you doing these things? Are you truly a person of integrity? What is your proof? God has said, “If you will do these things, then I will bless and keep you.” I believe God’s promises (conclusion) to be true… and my “proof” will not be finished until I get to heaven. But I plan to work on it every single day. What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 8, 2012
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.
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’m trying very hard to keep the same “rules” at our house that Timothy and Zola (and someday, their baby brother Nathan) have at home. So even though I hung my least fragile Christmas ornaments on the lower 3 feet of my tree, I reminded the children today to… “Remember, we look, but we don’t touch.” I find myself thinking… “It wouldn’t really hurt anything if they touched those ornaments.” But I know we must be consistent, so we don’t allow this.
Toddlers and three-year-olds (and sometimes older “children”) do not understand why they hear the word “No!” so much. It’s hard to explain to them that our reasons are sound. Often, they try to pull the wool over our eyes… and sometimes, they succeed. They have no idea how much we love them… and that we will never stop!
My husband took a picture of me today sitting under the tree with Zola… an almost exact replica of a pose I have with Zola’s mother, when she was just a few months older than Zola is now. And while I know that Timmy and Zola’s mother did not understand all of our rules (I still remember a Christmas when she insisted she had to open her gifts on December 23rd because “I just can’t stand to wait any longer!)… we stuck by them. Still, we’ve never stopped loving her… and we never will.
As faith-filled Christians, God wants us to follow the Apostle Paul’s advice to the Corinthians and stay awake and alert to those who would try to deceive us… to stand up for our convictions and “stick to our guns”… to always give all we have as His disciples… and to never stop loving – Him and one another. That’s a tall order… but then, so is being a Christian!
I know that God has modeled all of this in my life… and in yours, as well. We can’t fool God…even though many of us have tried – or will someday. He is always “awake and alert!” God has stuck to His word and upheld His promises… given EVERYTHING (including His Only Son)…loved us unconditionally…and never faltered. That’s “amazing grace” in action! This should give us tremendous hope and courage. Here is our perfect example of how to live – and serve – well. Are you modeling these traits in your own life? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.
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’m trying very hard to keep the same “rules” at our house that Timothy and Zola (and someday, their baby brother Nathan) have at home. So even though I hung my least fragile Christmas ornaments on the lower 3 feet of my tree, I reminded the children today to… “Remember, we look, but we don’t touch.” I find myself thinking… “It wouldn’t really hurt anything if they touched those ornaments.” But I know we must be consistent, so we don’t allow this.
Toddlers and three-year-olds (and sometimes older “children”) do not understand why they hear the word “No!” so much. It’s hard to explain to them that our reasons are sound. Often, they try to pull the wool over our eyes… and sometimes, they succeed. They have no idea how much we love them… and that we will never stop!
My husband took a picture of me today sitting under the tree with Zola… an almost exact replica of a pose I have with Zola’s mother, when she was just a few months older than Zola is now. And while I know that Timmy and Zola’s mother did not understand all of our rules (I still remember a Christmas when she insisted she had to open her gifts on December 23rd because “I just can’t stand to wait any longer!)… we stuck by them. Still, we’ve never stopped loving her… and we never will.
As faith-filled Christians, God wants us to follow the Apostle Paul’s advice to the Corinthians and stay awake and alert to those who would try to deceive us… to stand up for our convictions and “stick to our guns”… to always give all we have as His disciples… and to never stop loving – Him and one another. That’s a tall order… but then, so is being a Christian!
I know that God has modeled all of this in my life… and in yours, as well. We can’t fool God…even though many of us have tried – or will someday. He is always “awake and alert!” God has stuck to His word and upheld His promises… given EVERYTHING (including His Only Son)…loved us unconditionally…and never faltered. That’s “amazing grace” in action! This should give us tremendous hope and courage. Here is our perfect example of how to live – and serve – well. Are you modeling these traits in your own life? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 29, 2012
James 2:1-4
My friends, if you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you won’t treat some people better than others. Suppose a rich person wearing fancy clothes and a gold ring comes to one of your meetings. And suppose a poor person dressed in worn-out clothes also comes. You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor. That is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you heard the urban legend (check http://www.snopes.com/travel/airline/obnoxious.asp) about the person who was on a flight and threw a fit because he/she was seated next to a person who was black/Muslim/insert-your-own-racial-or-ethnic-profile-here? The legend goes that the person complaining asked, “Do I have to sit next to this person?” The flight attendant replied, “You certainly do not,” then turned to the other passenger and said, “If you will kindly gather your things, we have a seat in First Class waiting for you.”
This probably never really happened… but it’s a great story… and a variation of something that most likely does happen a dozen times or more every day in any corner of the world. We humans are snobs… about wealth and money, race, religion, personal lifestyle choices, and more. We stare, we discriminate…we are rude and unkind. We listen to the devil when he tells us, “You are better than that person for XYZ reason(s).”
In truth, God loves ALL of us… equally! We don’t like to think about this, because then we have to admit that God loved madmen like Adolph Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and Osama bin Laden. We have to concede that God doesn’t love Republicans more than Democrats, blacks more than whites, or heterosexuals more than gay people. And we just do not want to go there… but we must!
The next time your inclination is to think better of yourself than the other guy – for any reason – stop and remind yourself of this scripture passage. Truly examine your faith and ask yourself how genuine your relationship with God really is. Because if you have faithfully committed yourself to Him and are “all in” a relationship with your Heavenly Father… if you honestly believe that Jesus died for your sins and those of anyone else who calls on Him to do so… if you really believe that we are all God’s creatures – His children who He loves equally… you cannot for one minute look down your nose at someone else.
Nobody ever said being a Christian was easy. Nobody ever fully prepared us for how strong the devil’s temptations would be… and a sense of arrogance and condescension are two of his favorite tools. He wants us to develop a viewpoint of superiority as Christians… because he knows this completely negates our witness and the very message of Jesus Christ. Don’t let him have that satisfaction!
Remember WHOSE you are... and that God loves all of us unconditionally. Approach others with Godly love in your heart… see them through His eyes… and operate in humility and obedience to His word. Lead by example. Let others see how well you treat all of God’s children. Let them be inspired to do the same because of your witness. You may occasionally miss the mark… but you’ll improve over time. Don’t you owe it to God to give this a try?
©2012 Debbie Robus
My friends, if you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, you won’t treat some people better than others. Suppose a rich person wearing fancy clothes and a gold ring comes to one of your meetings. And suppose a poor person dressed in worn-out clothes also comes. You must not give the best seat to the one in fancy clothes and tell the one who is poor to stand at the side or sit on the floor. That is the same as saying that some people are better than others, and you would be acting like a crooked judge.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you heard the urban legend (check http://www.snopes.com/travel/airline/obnoxious.asp) about the person who was on a flight and threw a fit because he/she was seated next to a person who was black/Muslim/insert-your-own-racial-or-ethnic-profile-here? The legend goes that the person complaining asked, “Do I have to sit next to this person?” The flight attendant replied, “You certainly do not,” then turned to the other passenger and said, “If you will kindly gather your things, we have a seat in First Class waiting for you.”
This probably never really happened… but it’s a great story… and a variation of something that most likely does happen a dozen times or more every day in any corner of the world. We humans are snobs… about wealth and money, race, religion, personal lifestyle choices, and more. We stare, we discriminate…we are rude and unkind. We listen to the devil when he tells us, “You are better than that person for XYZ reason(s).”
In truth, God loves ALL of us… equally! We don’t like to think about this, because then we have to admit that God loved madmen like Adolph Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and Osama bin Laden. We have to concede that God doesn’t love Republicans more than Democrats, blacks more than whites, or heterosexuals more than gay people. And we just do not want to go there… but we must!
The next time your inclination is to think better of yourself than the other guy – for any reason – stop and remind yourself of this scripture passage. Truly examine your faith and ask yourself how genuine your relationship with God really is. Because if you have faithfully committed yourself to Him and are “all in” a relationship with your Heavenly Father… if you honestly believe that Jesus died for your sins and those of anyone else who calls on Him to do so… if you really believe that we are all God’s creatures – His children who He loves equally… you cannot for one minute look down your nose at someone else.
Nobody ever said being a Christian was easy. Nobody ever fully prepared us for how strong the devil’s temptations would be… and a sense of arrogance and condescension are two of his favorite tools. He wants us to develop a viewpoint of superiority as Christians… because he knows this completely negates our witness and the very message of Jesus Christ. Don’t let him have that satisfaction!
Remember WHOSE you are... and that God loves all of us unconditionally. Approach others with Godly love in your heart… see them through His eyes… and operate in humility and obedience to His word. Lead by example. Let others see how well you treat all of God’s children. Let them be inspired to do the same because of your witness. You may occasionally miss the mark… but you’ll improve over time. Don’t you owe it to God to give this a try?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 20, 2012
Acts 10:27-28
Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come. Peter addressed them, "You know, I'm sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don't do this—visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other. So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was so excited to begin my student teaching block in college. I would spend approximately six weeks in a kindergarten classroom, and another six weeks in a third grade setting. The kindergarten teacher to whom I was assigned was preparing to go on maternity leave. She would only be my mentor for one week. A replacement teacher spent much of that week with us… learning the ropes before she took over on Monday morning.
On Friday afternoon, the principal came to the classroom to speak with the replacement teacher. She informed her that the administration had decided that someone of color needed to be in the classroom on Monday. So this woman (who was white) would not be taking over in this classroom. Instead, a young woman who had student taught the previous semester (and was African-American) was being hired. I had shared some college classes with the new replacement, so I sort of knew her already. And on Monday morning, she was the new “teacher” in my kindergarten class.
I really liked this woman. But sadly, she had not really been allowed to do much teaching as a student teacher, and she was as lost as a goose. Since my mother had been a kindergarten teacher for decades, I was in more familiar territory. So we “co-taught” for the next five weeks. I wish I could say that the parents of the students in this classroom embraced my friend and made her transition an easy one… but this was not the case. I felt terrible knowing that she knew the only reason she was there was because of her skin color.
For the life of me, I cannot understand how – or why – we treat people this way. How can we look at another of God’s children and decide that he/she is different from us because of race, ethnicity, or lifestyle choices? Do we really think God makes mistakes? And if so, what makes us think that WE aren’t the mistake rather than the other guy? I bet you didn’t want to think about that… did you?!
I don’t know why God created different races. I don’t know why I have coarse, naturally curly hair, and others have stick-straight, baby-fine manes! Why are some of us short and others tall? Why are some individuals able to perform athletic feats that defy logic… while others are incredible musicians or artists from an early age? Why did God make mosquitoes… and even several species?
I don’t know the answers to such questions… and I’m not supposed to. Neither are you! But we are supposed to respect God’s creations… and to recognize that no race is better than another! To do any less is to exercise arrogance and to insult Almighty God… to imply that we know better than He, which is preposterous.
If you harbor any feelings of bias or bigotry, I encourage you to spend some time in prayer - and ask God to help you. Humbly call on Him to show you how to be more loving and accepting of all people… regardless of their skin color, ethnicity or beliefs. Show others the encompassing love and kindness that Jesus shows to each of us, and take a page from Peter’s book. Follow what God shows you… not the world. Don’t question Him… just do what He says. Sit back, relax…and love all others as God loves you!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come. Peter addressed them, "You know, I'm sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don't do this—visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other. So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was so excited to begin my student teaching block in college. I would spend approximately six weeks in a kindergarten classroom, and another six weeks in a third grade setting. The kindergarten teacher to whom I was assigned was preparing to go on maternity leave. She would only be my mentor for one week. A replacement teacher spent much of that week with us… learning the ropes before she took over on Monday morning.
On Friday afternoon, the principal came to the classroom to speak with the replacement teacher. She informed her that the administration had decided that someone of color needed to be in the classroom on Monday. So this woman (who was white) would not be taking over in this classroom. Instead, a young woman who had student taught the previous semester (and was African-American) was being hired. I had shared some college classes with the new replacement, so I sort of knew her already. And on Monday morning, she was the new “teacher” in my kindergarten class.
I really liked this woman. But sadly, she had not really been allowed to do much teaching as a student teacher, and she was as lost as a goose. Since my mother had been a kindergarten teacher for decades, I was in more familiar territory. So we “co-taught” for the next five weeks. I wish I could say that the parents of the students in this classroom embraced my friend and made her transition an easy one… but this was not the case. I felt terrible knowing that she knew the only reason she was there was because of her skin color.
For the life of me, I cannot understand how – or why – we treat people this way. How can we look at another of God’s children and decide that he/she is different from us because of race, ethnicity, or lifestyle choices? Do we really think God makes mistakes? And if so, what makes us think that WE aren’t the mistake rather than the other guy? I bet you didn’t want to think about that… did you?!
I don’t know why God created different races. I don’t know why I have coarse, naturally curly hair, and others have stick-straight, baby-fine manes! Why are some of us short and others tall? Why are some individuals able to perform athletic feats that defy logic… while others are incredible musicians or artists from an early age? Why did God make mosquitoes… and even several species?
I don’t know the answers to such questions… and I’m not supposed to. Neither are you! But we are supposed to respect God’s creations… and to recognize that no race is better than another! To do any less is to exercise arrogance and to insult Almighty God… to imply that we know better than He, which is preposterous.
If you harbor any feelings of bias or bigotry, I encourage you to spend some time in prayer - and ask God to help you. Humbly call on Him to show you how to be more loving and accepting of all people… regardless of their skin color, ethnicity or beliefs. Show others the encompassing love and kindness that Jesus shows to each of us, and take a page from Peter’s book. Follow what God shows you… not the world. Don’t question Him… just do what He says. Sit back, relax…and love all others as God loves you!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 16, 2012
Psalm 133:1
It is truly wonderful when relatives live together in peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In the 1970s, The Waltons was a television show about a family who lived in the mountains of Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. Three generations lived together in one household, and for the most part, they all got along very well. Naturally there were moments of conflict, or there would have been no story line. But mostly, the stories were about how the family handled life challenges and pulled together to handle them. Each episode concluded with what seemed like an endless series of “Good nights!” between the family members as the house darkened.
In reality, very few families seem to resemble The Waltons. I think a more apt description (in TV terms) for a lot of us would be Family Feud! There is an old saying that goes something like, “You can pick your friends… but not your relatives.” And sadly, a lot of families have plenty of discord. It’s really nothing new… go back and read the story of Joseph and his brothers in the Old Testament… or read about Cain and Abel! We haven’t learned much, have we?!
At least once a month, I hear of someone who is having a problem with a sibling. This ranges from a rather tame disagreement over something like politics to an all-out war over an inheritance or settling the estate of another loved one. In some instances, the conflict escalates to the point where family members do not speak for years… if ever again. Some totally estrange themselves from their biological relatives and create a separate life altogether.
I think God must be especially grieved when we can’t seem to get along with members of our own family. He wants us to live in peace with ALL of our brothers and sisters… biological or otherwise. God places us together as family members for a reason. He equips us with the tools for living in harmony… but it is up to us to utilize them.
We don’t have to agree with our family members in every situation. We don’t have to look alike, act alike, live in the same neighborhood or community… or even attend the same church. But we need to be able to be in the same room with each other and be pleasant and civil. We must ask God to give us the ability to exercise patience, tolerance, and love for others – especially our own family members – and to control our tongue and our actions.
If we desire to please God, we must learn to operate in His grace, mercy, forgiveness and love toward all people… even our own family. Does yours more closely resemble The Waltons… or is it more of a Family Feud? I encourage you to ask God to help you do whatever is necessary to at least function somewhere more toward the middle of these two extremes.
Be sure that your words and actions are pleasing to God and honor His gifts to you. Ask Him to work in your family members, as well. You may never fully get along and agree on most points – or even really like each other. But with God’s help, you can operate in His love and maintain a bond. Take the first steps toward creating family harmony. Open the door for God to work toward peace and unity. We can’t pick our family members… but with God’s help, we can learn to love and tolerate each other!
©2012 Debbie Robus
It is truly wonderful when relatives live together in peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In the 1970s, The Waltons was a television show about a family who lived in the mountains of Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. Three generations lived together in one household, and for the most part, they all got along very well. Naturally there were moments of conflict, or there would have been no story line. But mostly, the stories were about how the family handled life challenges and pulled together to handle them. Each episode concluded with what seemed like an endless series of “Good nights!” between the family members as the house darkened.
In reality, very few families seem to resemble The Waltons. I think a more apt description (in TV terms) for a lot of us would be Family Feud! There is an old saying that goes something like, “You can pick your friends… but not your relatives.” And sadly, a lot of families have plenty of discord. It’s really nothing new… go back and read the story of Joseph and his brothers in the Old Testament… or read about Cain and Abel! We haven’t learned much, have we?!
At least once a month, I hear of someone who is having a problem with a sibling. This ranges from a rather tame disagreement over something like politics to an all-out war over an inheritance or settling the estate of another loved one. In some instances, the conflict escalates to the point where family members do not speak for years… if ever again. Some totally estrange themselves from their biological relatives and create a separate life altogether.
I think God must be especially grieved when we can’t seem to get along with members of our own family. He wants us to live in peace with ALL of our brothers and sisters… biological or otherwise. God places us together as family members for a reason. He equips us with the tools for living in harmony… but it is up to us to utilize them.
We don’t have to agree with our family members in every situation. We don’t have to look alike, act alike, live in the same neighborhood or community… or even attend the same church. But we need to be able to be in the same room with each other and be pleasant and civil. We must ask God to give us the ability to exercise patience, tolerance, and love for others – especially our own family members – and to control our tongue and our actions.
If we desire to please God, we must learn to operate in His grace, mercy, forgiveness and love toward all people… even our own family. Does yours more closely resemble The Waltons… or is it more of a Family Feud? I encourage you to ask God to help you do whatever is necessary to at least function somewhere more toward the middle of these two extremes.
Be sure that your words and actions are pleasing to God and honor His gifts to you. Ask Him to work in your family members, as well. You may never fully get along and agree on most points – or even really like each other. But with God’s help, you can operate in His love and maintain a bond. Take the first steps toward creating family harmony. Open the door for God to work toward peace and unity. We can’t pick our family members… but with God’s help, we can learn to love and tolerate each other!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 17, 2012
Romans 12:9-10
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
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.
Everywhere you turn, someone is promoting a particular fitness routine… Insanity Workout®, P90X®, Boot Camp, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, and countless others are taking the country by storm as people seek a way to get fit – and fast! What all of these workouts have in common is a lot of focus on your body’s “core” – or “center.” In order to develop true strength and fitness, you build up your mid-section, abdominal and lower back muscles. These represent your “core” or “center.”
Once your core is strong, you have more stamina and are less prone to injury. Your workouts are more effective. You are able to lift more, exert your body for longer periods of time, and your overall health improves. But you MUST strengthen your body’s core!
Here’s the message for today… in order to be Spiritually fit and strong, you must build up your heart, which is the core of your life in Christ. I’m not talking about your physical heart… I’m referring to the center of your soul… the place where the Holy Spirit resides. In order to be a loving, faith-filled, Spiritually healthy Christian, you must maintain a strong Spiritual “core.”
What constitutes a strong Spiritual “core?” Read these verses in Romans 12 again. Love from the center of who you are - and never fake it! Be the real deal. Truly love others with the love of Christ… remembering that you are often just as unlovely as the next guy – yet Jesus always has open arms to embrace you. Look for the good in all situations… and turn away from anything that is evil. This includes gossip, backbiting, revenge and spite, hatred, bigotry, dishonesty, and deliberate mistreatment of others, to name a few. Focus on putting others first. Compliment others… build them up in good times, and support them when life brings them difficulties. Quit asking “What’s in it for me?” Instead, ask God, “Who can I bless in Your name today?”
When you start to share the love of Jesus as outlined in these verses and other passages of Scripture… when you truly operate from a strong, sound Spiritual core…amazing things can happen. Blessings flow - in all directions and in ways you can’t begin to imagine. We are all so bad to put off our workouts – to say, “I’ll start tomorrow, next week, or next year.” Don’t do this with your Spiritual core. Start exercising today. Look for ways to build up your heart… opportunities to love others as Jesus loves you. Strengthen your Spiritual core, so that you have the stamina and power to handle everything life gives you. And get ready to be blessed beyond measure in the bargain!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
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.
Everywhere you turn, someone is promoting a particular fitness routine… Insanity Workout®, P90X®, Boot Camp, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, and countless others are taking the country by storm as people seek a way to get fit – and fast! What all of these workouts have in common is a lot of focus on your body’s “core” – or “center.” In order to develop true strength and fitness, you build up your mid-section, abdominal and lower back muscles. These represent your “core” or “center.”
Once your core is strong, you have more stamina and are less prone to injury. Your workouts are more effective. You are able to lift more, exert your body for longer periods of time, and your overall health improves. But you MUST strengthen your body’s core!
Here’s the message for today… in order to be Spiritually fit and strong, you must build up your heart, which is the core of your life in Christ. I’m not talking about your physical heart… I’m referring to the center of your soul… the place where the Holy Spirit resides. In order to be a loving, faith-filled, Spiritually healthy Christian, you must maintain a strong Spiritual “core.”
What constitutes a strong Spiritual “core?” Read these verses in Romans 12 again. Love from the center of who you are - and never fake it! Be the real deal. Truly love others with the love of Christ… remembering that you are often just as unlovely as the next guy – yet Jesus always has open arms to embrace you. Look for the good in all situations… and turn away from anything that is evil. This includes gossip, backbiting, revenge and spite, hatred, bigotry, dishonesty, and deliberate mistreatment of others, to name a few. Focus on putting others first. Compliment others… build them up in good times, and support them when life brings them difficulties. Quit asking “What’s in it for me?” Instead, ask God, “Who can I bless in Your name today?”
When you start to share the love of Jesus as outlined in these verses and other passages of Scripture… when you truly operate from a strong, sound Spiritual core…amazing things can happen. Blessings flow - in all directions and in ways you can’t begin to imagine. We are all so bad to put off our workouts – to say, “I’ll start tomorrow, next week, or next year.” Don’t do this with your Spiritual core. Start exercising today. Look for ways to build up your heart… opportunities to love others as Jesus loves you. Strengthen your Spiritual core, so that you have the stamina and power to handle everything life gives you. And get ready to be blessed beyond measure in the bargain!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 19, 2012
Ephesians 4:1-5
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people. We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I watched an interview that Oprah Winfrey conducted with rap artist 50 Cent… a.k.a. Curtis Jackson. I found it interesting to learn that the cold, harsh, often-profane “50 Cent” is a public persona. The real Curtis Jackson appears to be a tender, intelligent, loving man who was reared by his grandparents after his mother was murdered when Curtis was only eight. While I do not condone the violence and profane message - or the delivery - of 50 Cent’s “music” in general, I may have misjudged him overall. At the very least, I should learn to patiently put up with him.
Stop laughing… I realize that 50 Cent is not often – if ever – on my radar screen. But we do have a number of people who rub us the wrong way all the time, for one reason or another… people we may have judged unfairly… people who are “hard to love.” And the truth is… this may be exactly how quite a few people view us!
“Me?” you may be asking. “What’s not to love about me?” For some, there may be plenty… from attitude to personality and more. “But I’m a Christian!” you may shout. And those who don’t particularly care for you may be, too! The point is, we are not called to LIKE everyone else… but we are called to show Christian love and patience - and to make every effort to get along.
Oprah asked 50 Cent, “Who really loves you?” She admitted that this is a daunting question, if you really think about it. For Curtis Jackson, the first person who came to mind was his grandmother. And then he had trouble thinking of others. Who really loves you? Who accepts you unconditionally, treats you gently and respectfully, and always puts up with you? We can probably all name dozens of “acquaintances” who appear to like us well enough… but who do you know for certain loves you, warts and all? Sadly, the lists are probably pretty short for all of us. I believe the devil dances on his head with joy at the thought that we have so much trouble getting along and genuinely loving others.
What if Jesus loved us like this? What if His list of people He truly loved rose and fell with His mood - and our behavior? Thankfully, this is not the case. And the same Jesus who died for you, died for me - and that neighbor you can’t stand, and the woman in your church who drives you crazy, or the classmate or co-worker who gets on your last nerve!
We need to do a better job of getting along – of at least tolerating others and not judging them so quickly. We need to take a long, hard look at each person we meet and remind ourselves that he/she is equally a child of God – and truly loved by Him every bit as much as we are. We need to “give peace a chance,” as the John Lennon song says... and live and love in a way that honors God’s love for us. As the Apostle Paul admonishes us in this passage, we must “live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.” How are you doing so far?
©2012 Debbie Robus
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people. We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I watched an interview that Oprah Winfrey conducted with rap artist 50 Cent… a.k.a. Curtis Jackson. I found it interesting to learn that the cold, harsh, often-profane “50 Cent” is a public persona. The real Curtis Jackson appears to be a tender, intelligent, loving man who was reared by his grandparents after his mother was murdered when Curtis was only eight. While I do not condone the violence and profane message - or the delivery - of 50 Cent’s “music” in general, I may have misjudged him overall. At the very least, I should learn to patiently put up with him.
Stop laughing… I realize that 50 Cent is not often – if ever – on my radar screen. But we do have a number of people who rub us the wrong way all the time, for one reason or another… people we may have judged unfairly… people who are “hard to love.” And the truth is… this may be exactly how quite a few people view us!
“Me?” you may be asking. “What’s not to love about me?” For some, there may be plenty… from attitude to personality and more. “But I’m a Christian!” you may shout. And those who don’t particularly care for you may be, too! The point is, we are not called to LIKE everyone else… but we are called to show Christian love and patience - and to make every effort to get along.
Oprah asked 50 Cent, “Who really loves you?” She admitted that this is a daunting question, if you really think about it. For Curtis Jackson, the first person who came to mind was his grandmother. And then he had trouble thinking of others. Who really loves you? Who accepts you unconditionally, treats you gently and respectfully, and always puts up with you? We can probably all name dozens of “acquaintances” who appear to like us well enough… but who do you know for certain loves you, warts and all? Sadly, the lists are probably pretty short for all of us. I believe the devil dances on his head with joy at the thought that we have so much trouble getting along and genuinely loving others.
What if Jesus loved us like this? What if His list of people He truly loved rose and fell with His mood - and our behavior? Thankfully, this is not the case. And the same Jesus who died for you, died for me - and that neighbor you can’t stand, and the woman in your church who drives you crazy, or the classmate or co-worker who gets on your last nerve!
We need to do a better job of getting along – of at least tolerating others and not judging them so quickly. We need to take a long, hard look at each person we meet and remind ourselves that he/she is equally a child of God – and truly loved by Him every bit as much as we are. We need to “give peace a chance,” as the John Lennon song says... and live and love in a way that honors God’s love for us. As the Apostle Paul admonishes us in this passage, we must “live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.” How are you doing so far?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 11, 2011
Psalm 133
How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It's like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron's beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. It's like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that's where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.
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.
Today is Veteran’s Day in the USA… Remembrance Day in Canada. This is a day when we salute all veterans for their service to our country. It is a noble and honorable holiday… a time to say “Thank You” to those who have served around the globe to protect us and the freedoms we enjoy.
We cannot ignore the fact that military troops are needed because “brothers and sisters” cannot get along. This is nothing new… remember Cain and Abel? Still, God desires peace among His children. He commands us to love one another and live in harmony. So we keep trying… and let’s be honest, it all begins at home.
How are you getting along with your “brothers and sisters” these days… those related to you by blood and those you interact with every day as a child of God? Are you prayerfully doing all you can to live in peace and harmony with others… to love even those who think differently or are “hard to love?” God will reward your efforts, even when others do not reciprocate. If you are obedient to His command to love others as you love yourself, He will pour out an anointing of blessings on your life. Will this be easy? Not always. Will it be worth the effort? Absolutely!
As we pause today to honor our veterans, let’s remember to thank God for loving us even when we are unlovely toward others. Let’s ask Him to guide our thoughts and actions… to make us more tolerant of others… and to anoint our efforts with His blessings. Thank God for promising us eternal life, where harmony will reign supreme… and ask Him to guard our thoughts and actions in the meantime.
©2011 Debbie Robus
How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It's like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron's beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. It's like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that's where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.
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.
Today is Veteran’s Day in the USA… Remembrance Day in Canada. This is a day when we salute all veterans for their service to our country. It is a noble and honorable holiday… a time to say “Thank You” to those who have served around the globe to protect us and the freedoms we enjoy.
We cannot ignore the fact that military troops are needed because “brothers and sisters” cannot get along. This is nothing new… remember Cain and Abel? Still, God desires peace among His children. He commands us to love one another and live in harmony. So we keep trying… and let’s be honest, it all begins at home.
How are you getting along with your “brothers and sisters” these days… those related to you by blood and those you interact with every day as a child of God? Are you prayerfully doing all you can to live in peace and harmony with others… to love even those who think differently or are “hard to love?” God will reward your efforts, even when others do not reciprocate. If you are obedient to His command to love others as you love yourself, He will pour out an anointing of blessings on your life. Will this be easy? Not always. Will it be worth the effort? Absolutely!
As we pause today to honor our veterans, let’s remember to thank God for loving us even when we are unlovely toward others. Let’s ask Him to guide our thoughts and actions… to make us more tolerant of others… and to anoint our efforts with His blessings. Thank God for promising us eternal life, where harmony will reign supreme… and ask Him to guard our thoughts and actions in the meantime.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 31, 2011
John 15:11-17
I have told you this to make you as completely happy as I am. Now I tell you to love each other, as I have loved you. The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. And you are my friends, if you obey me. Servants don't know what their master is doing, and so I don't speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me.
You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. So I command you to love each other.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were in elementary school – or maybe even older – and you played games that involved choosing teams? Were you ever the last person chosen… or somewhere near the bottom? Do you remember how that felt? It was as if nobody wanted you, yet someone had to take you for their team, and the feeling of being unwanted was uncomfortable at best – and possibly quite miserable.
I hate to tell you, but we do this all the time as Christians. We say we love everyone… but then we treat some people well – and others like dirt under our feet. We are quite eager to minister to one family who is in need, sick, or hurting… but another in our immediate “circle of friends” is completely ignored. It even happens in families… we treat those we like kindly, but those we find hard to love or who don’t agree with all of our viewpoints are given the cold shoulder – or even treated rudely and with disdain. I’m afraid on any given day, a lot of us who claim to be Disciples of Christ are anything but a friend to many in our midst!
I hope you will read this passage several times. Let it soak in that Jesus is a friend to all of us. Yes, He is our master, but He does not lord that over us… He clearly says that He considers us more than servants... we are friends! We are so undeserving of this love and kindness… yet Jesus showers us with His friendship. Doesn’t it make sense that we should offer this to others? If we are to truly serve Jesus… be His Disciples… bear good fruit… shouldn’t we follow His example?
Think about the people in your path today… and those on the outskirts. Think about choosing “Team Jesus” and how you make those feel as you make your selections. Does the last person chosen feel just as loved and valued as the first? Isn’t this how it should be? Where do you need to make adjustments in your attitude and the way you treat others today? Ask God to show you how to do this… and love others as Jesus loves us. Bear good fruit in His name… and trust God to bless you with friends who love you unconditionally, as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I have told you this to make you as completely happy as I am. Now I tell you to love each other, as I have loved you. The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. And you are my friends, if you obey me. Servants don't know what their master is doing, and so I don't speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me.
You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. So I command you to love each other.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were in elementary school – or maybe even older – and you played games that involved choosing teams? Were you ever the last person chosen… or somewhere near the bottom? Do you remember how that felt? It was as if nobody wanted you, yet someone had to take you for their team, and the feeling of being unwanted was uncomfortable at best – and possibly quite miserable.
I hate to tell you, but we do this all the time as Christians. We say we love everyone… but then we treat some people well – and others like dirt under our feet. We are quite eager to minister to one family who is in need, sick, or hurting… but another in our immediate “circle of friends” is completely ignored. It even happens in families… we treat those we like kindly, but those we find hard to love or who don’t agree with all of our viewpoints are given the cold shoulder – or even treated rudely and with disdain. I’m afraid on any given day, a lot of us who claim to be Disciples of Christ are anything but a friend to many in our midst!
I hope you will read this passage several times. Let it soak in that Jesus is a friend to all of us. Yes, He is our master, but He does not lord that over us… He clearly says that He considers us more than servants... we are friends! We are so undeserving of this love and kindness… yet Jesus showers us with His friendship. Doesn’t it make sense that we should offer this to others? If we are to truly serve Jesus… be His Disciples… bear good fruit… shouldn’t we follow His example?
Think about the people in your path today… and those on the outskirts. Think about choosing “Team Jesus” and how you make those feel as you make your selections. Does the last person chosen feel just as loved and valued as the first? Isn’t this how it should be? Where do you need to make adjustments in your attitude and the way you treat others today? Ask God to show you how to do this… and love others as Jesus loves us. Bear good fruit in His name… and trust God to bless you with friends who love you unconditionally, as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 23, 2011
Luke 22:49-51
When Jesus' disciples saw what was about to happen, they asked, "Lord, should we attack them with a sword?" One of the disciples even struck at the high priest's servant with his sword and cut off the servant's right ear.
"Enough of that!" Jesus said. Then he touched the servant's ear and healed it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mother used to tell us, “Two ‘wrongs’ don’t make a ‘right’.” I will admit, when I was a kid, I got pretty sick of hearing this… but when we were kids, revenge seemed like a pretty good way to go at times. We didn’t have the maturity to understand that we were basically heaping troubles upon troubles.
Sadly, a lot of us still don’t get it! Somebody makes us mad or upsets us, and we immediately start thinking of ways to make them suffer. “I’ll show them how this feels!” we think… and we start plotting ways to ostracize the person who has offended us or one of our friends or loved ones – just like the Disciple cut off the ear of the soldier who had come for Jesus.
We look at someone who seems headed down the wrong path – and on whom most people have already thrown in the towel – and we say, “What’s the use?” And we stop caring – and even praying. We ask God to help us overcome a struggle in our lives, and His answer seems too long in coming (it’s certainly not due to our impatience!)… and we give up and give in to the struggle and the consequences it brings. Someone doesn’t respond to us in the way we feel they should… or we listen to gossip and the talk of others and form a negative opinion about this person… and we decide to ignore them altogether – or we are downright icy (and rude) to them. After all, they are not “our kind.”
The cold hard fact of life is that people are not going to always be who and what we want them to be. They are not going to always treat us as we would like – or respond in ways that suit our agenda. But this doesn’t give us the right to “cut off their ear!” Even if we feel like our motives are justified, we need to listen to the words of Jesus saying, “Enough of that!” If we want to truly model Christian behavior, we have to follow His lead. We have to “turn the other cheek,” continue to treat others as we would wish to be treated, and love one another in Jesus’ name.
It’s a tall order… but not much about the Christian walk is simple or easy. What we have to understand is that the long-term ramifications of our actions and behaviors will far outweigh any immediate satisfaction we might gain from a knee-jerk reaction. Staying the course with Christ will pay off in benefits and blessings we can’t even imagine. “Enough already!” It’s time to remember who we are – and WHOSE we are… and start living up to the grace-filled position we have been given. Have you had enough?
©2011 Debbie Robus
When Jesus' disciples saw what was about to happen, they asked, "Lord, should we attack them with a sword?" One of the disciples even struck at the high priest's servant with his sword and cut off the servant's right ear.
"Enough of that!" Jesus said. Then he touched the servant's ear and healed it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mother used to tell us, “Two ‘wrongs’ don’t make a ‘right’.” I will admit, when I was a kid, I got pretty sick of hearing this… but when we were kids, revenge seemed like a pretty good way to go at times. We didn’t have the maturity to understand that we were basically heaping troubles upon troubles.
Sadly, a lot of us still don’t get it! Somebody makes us mad or upsets us, and we immediately start thinking of ways to make them suffer. “I’ll show them how this feels!” we think… and we start plotting ways to ostracize the person who has offended us or one of our friends or loved ones – just like the Disciple cut off the ear of the soldier who had come for Jesus.
We look at someone who seems headed down the wrong path – and on whom most people have already thrown in the towel – and we say, “What’s the use?” And we stop caring – and even praying. We ask God to help us overcome a struggle in our lives, and His answer seems too long in coming (it’s certainly not due to our impatience!)… and we give up and give in to the struggle and the consequences it brings. Someone doesn’t respond to us in the way we feel they should… or we listen to gossip and the talk of others and form a negative opinion about this person… and we decide to ignore them altogether – or we are downright icy (and rude) to them. After all, they are not “our kind.”
The cold hard fact of life is that people are not going to always be who and what we want them to be. They are not going to always treat us as we would like – or respond in ways that suit our agenda. But this doesn’t give us the right to “cut off their ear!” Even if we feel like our motives are justified, we need to listen to the words of Jesus saying, “Enough of that!” If we want to truly model Christian behavior, we have to follow His lead. We have to “turn the other cheek,” continue to treat others as we would wish to be treated, and love one another in Jesus’ name.
It’s a tall order… but not much about the Christian walk is simple or easy. What we have to understand is that the long-term ramifications of our actions and behaviors will far outweigh any immediate satisfaction we might gain from a knee-jerk reaction. Staying the course with Christ will pay off in benefits and blessings we can’t even imagine. “Enough already!” It’s time to remember who we are – and WHOSE we are… and start living up to the grace-filled position we have been given. Have you had enough?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 4, 2011
1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come on now, let's go across to these uncircumcised pagans. Maybe GOD will work for us. There's no rule that says GOD can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop GOD from saving when he sets his mind to it."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
On April 12, 2011, 10-year-old LaShaun Armstrong’s 25-year-old mother put him and three siblings in the family van and told them, “If I’m going to die, you’re all going to die with me.” Then she drove the van into the frigid waters of the Hudson River near Newburgh, New York, 60 miles north of New York City. LaShaun managed to open a driver’s side window and swim to safety. His mother had crawled into the back seat, where she held LaShaun’s siblings – ages 5, 2, and eleven months. LaShaun says as he broke free, his mother said, “Oh, my God, I made a mistake” and tried to climb into the front seat and put the car in reverse. But it was too late. LaShaun was the only survivor.
News reports of this tragic incident hit the airwaves, and people were shocked and heartbroken. In particular, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was greatly moved by the courage of a young boy… and his tremendous loss. Lewis was so touched by LaShaun’s story that he formed a foundation and garnered the assistance of some of his friends from the Carolina Panthers. Lewis has since become something of a “big brother” to LaShaun. He said, "I looked at him and told him, 'I'm here for you man. I can't replace what you've lost. But I can tell you that I'm here to go forward with you.'"
Lewis was particularly touched by LaShaun’s story, because his own mother was unable to afford to keep him when he was a teenager. He knows the devastation of feeling abandoned by his mother… and he has vowed to make a difference in LaShaun’s life. Now, others have joined him, and LaShaun is surrounded by the love and care of many who are vowing to make a difference for him.
I know that Ray Lewis is a pro athlete with lots of resources. But he also has a big heart. He didn’t have to take an interest in a 10-year-old boy. Like many, he could have said, “That’s sad… but I’m just one person – and I don’t even know LaShaun Armstrong. There’s no way I could do anything.” Instead, this is an example of a man who has been given much using his wealth, status and resources to help others. And we can do this, too. Just as Jonathan learned in this passage from 1 Samuel, God doesn’t always need an army to make a difference… He can do great things with just one person, if He so desires.
When someone I knew to be a faithful Christian would say to me, “I am praying for you,” I used to reply, “Good… because I know you have a direct line to Heaven.” That sounds nice, and it’s quite the compliment… but it simply is not true. Nobody has a more direct line to heaven than another person. Your “line” to God is just as clear and has as many “bars” as the next person’s. You may seem to hear from Him more clearly than some… and your faithful contact may seem to result in more blessings… but God is waiting to help each of us equally.
We seriously underestimate God’s power and purpose to use “lil’ ole me” to serve and further His kingdom. He may not be calling you to fight a legion of pagans – or start a foundation to help an abandoned 10-year-old boy. But He does have plans for you – just “lil’ ole YOU”! Are you paying attention? Are you hearing God’s voice and answering His call?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come on now, let's go across to these uncircumcised pagans. Maybe GOD will work for us. There's no rule that says GOD can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop GOD from saving when he sets his mind to it."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
On April 12, 2011, 10-year-old LaShaun Armstrong’s 25-year-old mother put him and three siblings in the family van and told them, “If I’m going to die, you’re all going to die with me.” Then she drove the van into the frigid waters of the Hudson River near Newburgh, New York, 60 miles north of New York City. LaShaun managed to open a driver’s side window and swim to safety. His mother had crawled into the back seat, where she held LaShaun’s siblings – ages 5, 2, and eleven months. LaShaun says as he broke free, his mother said, “Oh, my God, I made a mistake” and tried to climb into the front seat and put the car in reverse. But it was too late. LaShaun was the only survivor.
News reports of this tragic incident hit the airwaves, and people were shocked and heartbroken. In particular, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was greatly moved by the courage of a young boy… and his tremendous loss. Lewis was so touched by LaShaun’s story that he formed a foundation and garnered the assistance of some of his friends from the Carolina Panthers. Lewis has since become something of a “big brother” to LaShaun. He said, "I looked at him and told him, 'I'm here for you man. I can't replace what you've lost. But I can tell you that I'm here to go forward with you.'"
Lewis was particularly touched by LaShaun’s story, because his own mother was unable to afford to keep him when he was a teenager. He knows the devastation of feeling abandoned by his mother… and he has vowed to make a difference in LaShaun’s life. Now, others have joined him, and LaShaun is surrounded by the love and care of many who are vowing to make a difference for him.
I know that Ray Lewis is a pro athlete with lots of resources. But he also has a big heart. He didn’t have to take an interest in a 10-year-old boy. Like many, he could have said, “That’s sad… but I’m just one person – and I don’t even know LaShaun Armstrong. There’s no way I could do anything.” Instead, this is an example of a man who has been given much using his wealth, status and resources to help others. And we can do this, too. Just as Jonathan learned in this passage from 1 Samuel, God doesn’t always need an army to make a difference… He can do great things with just one person, if He so desires.
When someone I knew to be a faithful Christian would say to me, “I am praying for you,” I used to reply, “Good… because I know you have a direct line to Heaven.” That sounds nice, and it’s quite the compliment… but it simply is not true. Nobody has a more direct line to heaven than another person. Your “line” to God is just as clear and has as many “bars” as the next person’s. You may seem to hear from Him more clearly than some… and your faithful contact may seem to result in more blessings… but God is waiting to help each of us equally.
We seriously underestimate God’s power and purpose to use “lil’ ole me” to serve and further His kingdom. He may not be calling you to fight a legion of pagans – or start a foundation to help an abandoned 10-year-old boy. But He does have plans for you – just “lil’ ole YOU”! Are you paying attention? Are you hearing God’s voice and answering His call?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 21, 2011
Proverbs 19:6-7
Lots of people flock around a generous person;
everyone's a friend to the philanthropist.
When you're down on your luck, even your family avoids you—
yes, even your best friends wish you'd get lost.
If they see you coming, they look the other way—
out of sight, out of 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.
If you have ever experienced the breakup or divorce of a couple with whom you were friends or acquaintances, you know how awkward it can be to maintain contact with the parties involved. This has happened to my husband and me… and often, we like both people and really don’t want to choose sides. Sometimes, it seems easier just to avoid both of them than to have to figure out how to deal with such a dicey situation.
Or maybe you know someone who has been injured or come down with a debilitating illness… and all of a sudden, you really don’t know how you are supposed to react to this person – or how to help. So a lot of times, we back off and pretend we are busy or make up some other excuse for not coming around… or we just completely cut the person out of our circle.
And maybe you have been on the “receiving end” of this sort of situation. Maybe because of circumstances beyond your control, things have changed in your life… health, finances, relationships… and you find that people you thought cared about you have disappeared. It happens more often than we want to think… and it hurts.
It’s easy to be friends and acquaintances with healthy, successful, generous people. And sadly, some people hang around these kind of folks because of what is in it for themselves. But God has called us to “love one another”… and that means loving others for themselves – not what they can do for you. This means not waiting to call someone and ask how they are doing until you need to follow that question with, “Listen… I need a big favor.” We are to continue to make the effort to stay in touch with people and love them – even when it’s awkward, or we don’t know how to help, or they seem so down on their luck that they feel like they have nothing to offer another human being.
We are all God’s children. He loves each and every one of us… and to Him, we are all tremendously valuable. If we are going to love one another like true Disciples of Christ, we must love in all circumstances and at all times. Ask yourself some hard questions about the people in your circle… and those from whom you have disconnected. Ask yourself why you surround yourself with some – and why you have distanced from others. The answers might astound you – and you might find that God is calling you to do some shifting in your “circle.”
Be obedient to the will of God… love others not for what they can do for you, but because of who they are and what they mean to you personally. Don’t let “out of sight – out of mind” apply to you and your relationships. Would you want others… or worse yet – God Himself… to treat you this way? Don’t be guilty of offering others any less than you would hope for yourself in relationships. Be a true vessel of the love and light of Christ, and treat others as God instructs you to do so.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Lots of people flock around a generous person;
everyone's a friend to the philanthropist.
When you're down on your luck, even your family avoids you—
yes, even your best friends wish you'd get lost.
If they see you coming, they look the other way—
out of sight, out of 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.
If you have ever experienced the breakup or divorce of a couple with whom you were friends or acquaintances, you know how awkward it can be to maintain contact with the parties involved. This has happened to my husband and me… and often, we like both people and really don’t want to choose sides. Sometimes, it seems easier just to avoid both of them than to have to figure out how to deal with such a dicey situation.
Or maybe you know someone who has been injured or come down with a debilitating illness… and all of a sudden, you really don’t know how you are supposed to react to this person – or how to help. So a lot of times, we back off and pretend we are busy or make up some other excuse for not coming around… or we just completely cut the person out of our circle.
And maybe you have been on the “receiving end” of this sort of situation. Maybe because of circumstances beyond your control, things have changed in your life… health, finances, relationships… and you find that people you thought cared about you have disappeared. It happens more often than we want to think… and it hurts.
It’s easy to be friends and acquaintances with healthy, successful, generous people. And sadly, some people hang around these kind of folks because of what is in it for themselves. But God has called us to “love one another”… and that means loving others for themselves – not what they can do for you. This means not waiting to call someone and ask how they are doing until you need to follow that question with, “Listen… I need a big favor.” We are to continue to make the effort to stay in touch with people and love them – even when it’s awkward, or we don’t know how to help, or they seem so down on their luck that they feel like they have nothing to offer another human being.
We are all God’s children. He loves each and every one of us… and to Him, we are all tremendously valuable. If we are going to love one another like true Disciples of Christ, we must love in all circumstances and at all times. Ask yourself some hard questions about the people in your circle… and those from whom you have disconnected. Ask yourself why you surround yourself with some – and why you have distanced from others. The answers might astound you – and you might find that God is calling you to do some shifting in your “circle.”
Be obedient to the will of God… love others not for what they can do for you, but because of who they are and what they mean to you personally. Don’t let “out of sight – out of mind” apply to you and your relationships. Would you want others… or worse yet – God Himself… to treat you this way? Don’t be guilty of offering others any less than you would hope for yourself in relationships. Be a true vessel of the love and light of Christ, and treat others as God instructs you to do so.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 10, 2011
Galatians 6:1-3
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
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.
Problems and burdens are like holes in your underwear… at some point, everybody’s got ‘em! You can put on your clothes and assume that nobody will be any the wiser about the tiny hole – or the giant rip – underneath. And it’s the same with our problems… we can smooth them over and act as if we have none. But the fact remains… every single person has some sort of challenge or burden at one time or another.
Quite often, we make the colossal mistake of assuming that the other guy has no troubles… because after all, he makes good money, drives a nice car, lives in a big fancy house, and everything seems to go his way. We may not realize that his relationships are falling apart, he’s in debt up to his eyeballs, and the doctor just told him his “numbers” are through the roof. Because his exterior is neat, clean and starched, we may not see what lies underneath.
As Christians, we often make the mistake of looking past those in our immediate circle. We seek the lost… those who have no relationship with Jesus Christ… those who need a church home or clearly wear their problems like a shabby, threadbare coat. We see the obvious while completely missing “the elephant in the room.” One example of this is pastors and those in ministry. People tend to overlook these folks and their needs, assuming that they must have it all together – given their position and all. Often, nothing could be farther from the truth.
Pastors have health issues, family woes, money troubles, losses and grief and more… just like the rest of us. We once attended a church where the pastor stood up one Sunday and announced he was taking a break from the pulpit to deal with his own severe depression. Few, if any, in the congregation had a clue that he was suffering in this manner… and it was humbling to think we had not realized his serious burden. But often we don’t remember to ask people how they are doing – or even to pray for them!
As Christians, we are called to share each others’ burdens. We are not to be so self-absorbed or busy trying to “add to the flock” that we overlook the immediate needs of our own brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s time we took a look around us. Who in your immediate circle is flying under the radar? Who needs someone to ask, “Are you alright? Is there anything I can do for you?” What friends and family members need a word of encouragement… assurance that you care about them and have not forgotten how precious they are – to you and to God?
Never assume that the other guy has it all together based on outward appearance. Just as you should never criticize those whose burdens seem huge, distasteful – or even senseless – you should not criticize those who appear to have no problems. I assure you, their troubles may not be as big as some in the grand scheme of things… but on any given day, they can seem quite huge and frustrating. Just as we are not to judge those who appear to have big troubles or sins, we must not judge those who appear to be trouble free.
Have you looked around your backyard today? Have you asked yourself, “What is really happening with So-and-So… and have I been paying attention to his/her needs?” We’re all in this together… Jesus called us to love one another. Are you doing your part?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
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.
Problems and burdens are like holes in your underwear… at some point, everybody’s got ‘em! You can put on your clothes and assume that nobody will be any the wiser about the tiny hole – or the giant rip – underneath. And it’s the same with our problems… we can smooth them over and act as if we have none. But the fact remains… every single person has some sort of challenge or burden at one time or another.
Quite often, we make the colossal mistake of assuming that the other guy has no troubles… because after all, he makes good money, drives a nice car, lives in a big fancy house, and everything seems to go his way. We may not realize that his relationships are falling apart, he’s in debt up to his eyeballs, and the doctor just told him his “numbers” are through the roof. Because his exterior is neat, clean and starched, we may not see what lies underneath.
As Christians, we often make the mistake of looking past those in our immediate circle. We seek the lost… those who have no relationship with Jesus Christ… those who need a church home or clearly wear their problems like a shabby, threadbare coat. We see the obvious while completely missing “the elephant in the room.” One example of this is pastors and those in ministry. People tend to overlook these folks and their needs, assuming that they must have it all together – given their position and all. Often, nothing could be farther from the truth.
Pastors have health issues, family woes, money troubles, losses and grief and more… just like the rest of us. We once attended a church where the pastor stood up one Sunday and announced he was taking a break from the pulpit to deal with his own severe depression. Few, if any, in the congregation had a clue that he was suffering in this manner… and it was humbling to think we had not realized his serious burden. But often we don’t remember to ask people how they are doing – or even to pray for them!
As Christians, we are called to share each others’ burdens. We are not to be so self-absorbed or busy trying to “add to the flock” that we overlook the immediate needs of our own brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s time we took a look around us. Who in your immediate circle is flying under the radar? Who needs someone to ask, “Are you alright? Is there anything I can do for you?” What friends and family members need a word of encouragement… assurance that you care about them and have not forgotten how precious they are – to you and to God?
Never assume that the other guy has it all together based on outward appearance. Just as you should never criticize those whose burdens seem huge, distasteful – or even senseless – you should not criticize those who appear to have no problems. I assure you, their troubles may not be as big as some in the grand scheme of things… but on any given day, they can seem quite huge and frustrating. Just as we are not to judge those who appear to have big troubles or sins, we must not judge those who appear to be trouble free.
Have you looked around your backyard today? Have you asked yourself, “What is really happening with So-and-So… and have I been paying attention to his/her needs?” We’re all in this together… Jesus called us to love one another. Are you doing your part?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 31, 2011
Deuteronomy 6:5
Love GOD, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My husband and I did not think we could ever love another cat as much as we loved our first two “babies.” We loved them like children for 15 and 19 years respectively… and we grieved their passing deeply. It still makes me teary-eyed to think about our furry companions. Then we got Mabel and Lucy… and 12 years later, we can’t imagine life without them. Even when they are getting into trouble, we love them with all that is in us.
We love all of our nieces, nephews, cousins and little friends madly. And because we have spent so much time with Timothy, he is like our own child… and we love him with all we have - with our whole heart. When you love someone like this, you take on their joys, fears, hurts, heartaches, frustrations… whatever they experience, you feel deeply and internalize. This kind of love is incredibly personal and profound.
The question is… “Do we feel this same connection with God?” We’re supposed to! We are supposed to love God with our whole heart… to feel such a profound, personal connection to Him that we love what He loves... and who He loves. We are supposed to grieve over things that break His heart… and take great pride and joy in things that please and glorify Him. But I’m not sure that we always experience God in this way. I’m not sure that we fully commit our heart to Him in such a deep, intense manner, or that we spend a significant portion of each day thinking about Him.
How is it that the love we so easily give to a child or a pet… a significant other… or even a hobby or a career… we cannot muster for the God of the Universe? Isn’t it time we did some soul searching? Isn’t it time to love God with all we’ve got? Do you have a deep, abiding “love connection” with God? Shouldn’t you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Love GOD, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My husband and I did not think we could ever love another cat as much as we loved our first two “babies.” We loved them like children for 15 and 19 years respectively… and we grieved their passing deeply. It still makes me teary-eyed to think about our furry companions. Then we got Mabel and Lucy… and 12 years later, we can’t imagine life without them. Even when they are getting into trouble, we love them with all that is in us.
We love all of our nieces, nephews, cousins and little friends madly. And because we have spent so much time with Timothy, he is like our own child… and we love him with all we have - with our whole heart. When you love someone like this, you take on their joys, fears, hurts, heartaches, frustrations… whatever they experience, you feel deeply and internalize. This kind of love is incredibly personal and profound.
The question is… “Do we feel this same connection with God?” We’re supposed to! We are supposed to love God with our whole heart… to feel such a profound, personal connection to Him that we love what He loves... and who He loves. We are supposed to grieve over things that break His heart… and take great pride and joy in things that please and glorify Him. But I’m not sure that we always experience God in this way. I’m not sure that we fully commit our heart to Him in such a deep, intense manner, or that we spend a significant portion of each day thinking about Him.
How is it that the love we so easily give to a child or a pet… a significant other… or even a hobby or a career… we cannot muster for the God of the Universe? Isn’t it time we did some soul searching? Isn’t it time to love God with all we’ve got? Do you have a deep, abiding “love connection” with God? Shouldn’t you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 28, 2011
James 3:17-18
Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
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.
Our two cats are litter mates… sisters. Each one has “adopted” one of us, and they are both quite territorial. If Mabel comes near me, Lucy becomes grumpy. Conversely, my husband spends a lot of time in his upstairs office, and when Lucy and I “visit,” Mabel lets us know we are in her domain! The funny thing is that the cats get along at mealtime… coming together alongside their food bowls and trading off letting us know they need fresh food and water. And most meals begin or end with a mutual face washing… that is, until the hissing and fighting begins! Talk about hot/cold and two-faced! We both love each of our cats dearly, but they are as fickle as they come!
Our cats have learned to tolerate each other, mainly by establishing individual territories and seldom venturing beyond the boundary lines. And sadly, that’s how a lot of us practice our faith with regard to people we deem unlovely or “hard to love.” We tolerate them… often with visible disdain… and our boundary lines are clearly defined. They better not try to sit on our pew… or speak to us in public as if we are good friends. A quiet nod of “Hello” when we see them in the store or at church is sufficient, and the rest of the time we cut them a wide berth.
Those folks who attend a church of another denomination… or are of another race, ethnicity, socio-economic level, or lifestyle choice… are nice enough, but clearly they are not as godly as we are! We can work with them, take their money in our places of business, and expect them to provide goods and services for us. But they are not in our league when it comes to God. They better not try to be in our group at school or sit with us at ballgames or the movies. We don’t really want them on the prom planning committee or helping with Little League or the church potluck. We are not going to be giving them a ride to meet our friends any time soon.
We think we are being wise and “loving” by practicing “tolerance” of others. But we need to go deeper than this. We need to extend grace, mercy, and understanding to all people… not just those we like – those who appear to think and act like we do. The person who irritates us with his/her continual negativity may have huge struggles and heartaches we can never begin to imagine. The one who comes on strong and tries too hard may have been kicked in the gut so many times that he/she feels like no one will ever like them for who they really are. The person who appears to be so confident – even arrogant – may be incredibly insecure and defeated… and desperate for someone to love them for who they really are.
Acting as agents for Jesus Christ, we can be the difference. We can operate in God’s wisdom to treat each person we meet with dignity and honor… and in doing so, we can help to build and strengthen the community of believers. We are called to do this. We are commissioned to be peacemakers for Jesus Christ… in His name. We are told to love others as we love ourselves… and genuinely - not in performances worthy of an Academy Award.
This is hard work… but nobody ever said being a Christian was easy. We’ve gotten too comfortable with picking and choosing who we love – and like – and drawing boundary lines to separate us from the rest. It’s time we remembered that the same God who is madly in love with us is also madly in love with the other guy, too! We’re not asked to lie and pretend to like someone… we’re asked to prayerfully call on God to give us the strength and wisdom to truly be kind and accepting of others… warts and all… and to work through our differences for the greater good of His kingdom.
Earlier verses of James 3 say that… “whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.” If we want to live wisely, in the full blessings of God, we must learn to humble ourselves and make a prayerful effort to get along with others… all of them… all the time! We are not cats… we don’t get to be territorial – or fickle! How wise and humble are you these days? Are you a peacemaker in Jesus’ name?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
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.
Our two cats are litter mates… sisters. Each one has “adopted” one of us, and they are both quite territorial. If Mabel comes near me, Lucy becomes grumpy. Conversely, my husband spends a lot of time in his upstairs office, and when Lucy and I “visit,” Mabel lets us know we are in her domain! The funny thing is that the cats get along at mealtime… coming together alongside their food bowls and trading off letting us know they need fresh food and water. And most meals begin or end with a mutual face washing… that is, until the hissing and fighting begins! Talk about hot/cold and two-faced! We both love each of our cats dearly, but they are as fickle as they come!
Our cats have learned to tolerate each other, mainly by establishing individual territories and seldom venturing beyond the boundary lines. And sadly, that’s how a lot of us practice our faith with regard to people we deem unlovely or “hard to love.” We tolerate them… often with visible disdain… and our boundary lines are clearly defined. They better not try to sit on our pew… or speak to us in public as if we are good friends. A quiet nod of “Hello” when we see them in the store or at church is sufficient, and the rest of the time we cut them a wide berth.
Those folks who attend a church of another denomination… or are of another race, ethnicity, socio-economic level, or lifestyle choice… are nice enough, but clearly they are not as godly as we are! We can work with them, take their money in our places of business, and expect them to provide goods and services for us. But they are not in our league when it comes to God. They better not try to be in our group at school or sit with us at ballgames or the movies. We don’t really want them on the prom planning committee or helping with Little League or the church potluck. We are not going to be giving them a ride to meet our friends any time soon.
We think we are being wise and “loving” by practicing “tolerance” of others. But we need to go deeper than this. We need to extend grace, mercy, and understanding to all people… not just those we like – those who appear to think and act like we do. The person who irritates us with his/her continual negativity may have huge struggles and heartaches we can never begin to imagine. The one who comes on strong and tries too hard may have been kicked in the gut so many times that he/she feels like no one will ever like them for who they really are. The person who appears to be so confident – even arrogant – may be incredibly insecure and defeated… and desperate for someone to love them for who they really are.
Acting as agents for Jesus Christ, we can be the difference. We can operate in God’s wisdom to treat each person we meet with dignity and honor… and in doing so, we can help to build and strengthen the community of believers. We are called to do this. We are commissioned to be peacemakers for Jesus Christ… in His name. We are told to love others as we love ourselves… and genuinely - not in performances worthy of an Academy Award.
This is hard work… but nobody ever said being a Christian was easy. We’ve gotten too comfortable with picking and choosing who we love – and like – and drawing boundary lines to separate us from the rest. It’s time we remembered that the same God who is madly in love with us is also madly in love with the other guy, too! We’re not asked to lie and pretend to like someone… we’re asked to prayerfully call on God to give us the strength and wisdom to truly be kind and accepting of others… warts and all… and to work through our differences for the greater good of His kingdom.
Earlier verses of James 3 say that… “whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.” If we want to live wisely, in the full blessings of God, we must learn to humble ourselves and make a prayerful effort to get along with others… all of them… all the time! We are not cats… we don’t get to be territorial – or fickle! How wise and humble are you these days? Are you a peacemaker in Jesus’ name?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 23, 2010
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t let this day pass without acknowledging two influential women in my life… my cousin, Betty Rhea – whom we later called Granny Betty – and my great-Aunt Zula. Both of these ladies loved with big hearts and had generosity to spare. Granny Betty was a “character” – larger than life with a boisterous, bubbly personality. She never met a stranger, and everyone adored her. Family was top priority with Granny Betty, and she doted on everyone, especially her grandchildren. Aunt Zula was a quiet, orderly school teacher. She devoted her time to her students, her family, and her church… and not necessarily in that order. She was a hard-working Ozark woman with Southern grace and genteel beauty.
While Granny Betty had a quick wit and snappy comebacks that left you laughing and smiling, Aunt Zula had the patience of Job and a low-key – but no less fun - personality. Only once did I ever see her halfway irritated… she felt a cousin had tried to take advantage of her… something that totally ran counter to her moral fortitude.
So what do these two ladies have in common, aside from their love of family, their connection to me, and their Christian faith? In the mid-1990s, Granny Betty suffered a stroke. After her husband died and she could no longer live at home, she lived in a nursing home for nine years, slowly declining until her death on December 21, 2005. Her funeral was held on December 23rd. Aunt Zula’s adult home was in Quitman, Arkansas, and she lived minutes from the school where she taught fourth grade for decades. Old age took its toll on her in recent years, claiming her eyesight, her hearing, and generally wearing out her 91-year-old body. And on December 23, 2009, she became seriously ill. She was rushed to the emergency room at our hospital, where my mom visited with her briefly. Doctors determined there was nothing left to do but keep her comfortable, so she was transported to her home a few hours later. My mom phoned to tell me that Aunt Zula barely got back into her own bed before she passed into Heaven.
If you have ever lost a loved one at Christmas time, you understand that it is almost surreal. People are hurrying and bustling here and there. Most are jolly and upbeat. Many don’t know how to respond to you in your grief… especially at what is supposed to be such a celebratory time. Truthfully, you don’t know what you are supposed to feel, either.
But I have my own theory…
This is the "Season of Giving." And honestly, what greater gift could any of us receive than to get to sit at the feet of Jesus in Heaven?! So my thinking is that Granny Betty and Aunt Zula… and others who have gone before them in the Christmas season… got an extra special Christmas gift! I know they wouldn’t come back for a thousand trees with a zillion gifts piled underneath. I know that they were good to the people around them – they lived big and loved big – and they earned their reward in heaven.
I am not sad as I think of my loved ones who have passed during the holidays… or any of my loved ones who have passed. I know that EVERY day is Christmas for them, because they spend their days with Jesus. My prayer is that we would live in such a way that we are pleasing to God… that we would ove our enemies and be good to all people. We can’t earn the reward of heaven with good deeds, but I would much rather sit at the feet of Jesus knowing I served Him well, wouldn’t you?
Today, thank God for the “Granny Bettys” and “Aunt Zulas” in your life. Thank Him for the love and influence of those who have shown you the example of being good to everyone and “loving big”. Thank Him for the gift of Heaven. And say a prayer for those who are saying a final “Goodbye” to loved ones this holiday season. Ask God to give them His comfort and peace … and to fill their hearts with happy memories of their loved one for Christmases to come.
©2010 Debbie Robus
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t let this day pass without acknowledging two influential women in my life… my cousin, Betty Rhea – whom we later called Granny Betty – and my great-Aunt Zula. Both of these ladies loved with big hearts and had generosity to spare. Granny Betty was a “character” – larger than life with a boisterous, bubbly personality. She never met a stranger, and everyone adored her. Family was top priority with Granny Betty, and she doted on everyone, especially her grandchildren. Aunt Zula was a quiet, orderly school teacher. She devoted her time to her students, her family, and her church… and not necessarily in that order. She was a hard-working Ozark woman with Southern grace and genteel beauty.
While Granny Betty had a quick wit and snappy comebacks that left you laughing and smiling, Aunt Zula had the patience of Job and a low-key – but no less fun - personality. Only once did I ever see her halfway irritated… she felt a cousin had tried to take advantage of her… something that totally ran counter to her moral fortitude.
So what do these two ladies have in common, aside from their love of family, their connection to me, and their Christian faith? In the mid-1990s, Granny Betty suffered a stroke. After her husband died and she could no longer live at home, she lived in a nursing home for nine years, slowly declining until her death on December 21, 2005. Her funeral was held on December 23rd. Aunt Zula’s adult home was in Quitman, Arkansas, and she lived minutes from the school where she taught fourth grade for decades. Old age took its toll on her in recent years, claiming her eyesight, her hearing, and generally wearing out her 91-year-old body. And on December 23, 2009, she became seriously ill. She was rushed to the emergency room at our hospital, where my mom visited with her briefly. Doctors determined there was nothing left to do but keep her comfortable, so she was transported to her home a few hours later. My mom phoned to tell me that Aunt Zula barely got back into her own bed before she passed into Heaven.
If you have ever lost a loved one at Christmas time, you understand that it is almost surreal. People are hurrying and bustling here and there. Most are jolly and upbeat. Many don’t know how to respond to you in your grief… especially at what is supposed to be such a celebratory time. Truthfully, you don’t know what you are supposed to feel, either.
But I have my own theory…
This is the "Season of Giving." And honestly, what greater gift could any of us receive than to get to sit at the feet of Jesus in Heaven?! So my thinking is that Granny Betty and Aunt Zula… and others who have gone before them in the Christmas season… got an extra special Christmas gift! I know they wouldn’t come back for a thousand trees with a zillion gifts piled underneath. I know that they were good to the people around them – they lived big and loved big – and they earned their reward in heaven.
I am not sad as I think of my loved ones who have passed during the holidays… or any of my loved ones who have passed. I know that EVERY day is Christmas for them, because they spend their days with Jesus. My prayer is that we would live in such a way that we are pleasing to God… that we would ove our enemies and be good to all people. We can’t earn the reward of heaven with good deeds, but I would much rather sit at the feet of Jesus knowing I served Him well, wouldn’t you?
Today, thank God for the “Granny Bettys” and “Aunt Zulas” in your life. Thank Him for the love and influence of those who have shown you the example of being good to everyone and “loving big”. Thank Him for the gift of Heaven. And say a prayer for those who are saying a final “Goodbye” to loved ones this holiday season. Ask God to give them His comfort and peace … and to fill their hearts with happy memories of their loved one for Christmases to come.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 21, 2010
Luke 2:13-17
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I love to decorate… and at Christmas, some would say I go nuts! I know there are many who do more than I, but over the years, my collection of Christmas decorations has grown quite a bit. No longer is one tree enough… we have “the big tree,” a smaller one on the piano, a lighted tree on outside on our bluff for others to enjoy… and now, a tree for Timothy that has ornaments with which he is allowed to play. I have Santas, snowmen, lots of greenery and lights… and more than 50 nativity sets that I display together as a collection. Over the years, my students, friends and family members have given me Christmas ornaments for the tree, and I proudly hang every one.
In 36 years of marriage, I think there has been one Christmas that we did not have a tree… and that was because I had undergone surgery, and we were spending the holidays with our parents. I keep many of our “winter” decorations out through much of February so the house doesn’t seem so bare in the cold, bleak months. A couple of years ago, I was packing away the decorations, and I became sad and frustrated. WHY did I do this? Putting it all away was no fun. It took several days. And let’s be honest… putting it out to start with took me two to three days, too. So WHY do it?
I said to myself, “Next year, I won’t do so much. I’ll go through my things and get rid of some of them and pare down.” But when the next year came, Timothy was here, and experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child is a whole new ball of wax. Even though he was too small to understand, he enjoyed the lights, the sparkle, and the color. My mom came to help me get the tree decorated.
This year, Timothy is old enough to begin to enjoy the ornaments and lights… the nativities, and more. So once again, I got out our decorations and transformed our house into a holiday wonderland. And again, Mom came to help with the big tree. She no longer puts up a tree, since all of our family festivities happen at our house. So we have started a new tradition of trimming the big tree together.
I know many people who no longer decorate, for a variety of reasons… and that’s okay. And yes, we have become too commercialized about Christmas. But look at these verses in Luke again… the angels were celebrating. The shepherds left the manger to celebrate the birth of Christ with others and share this good news. Let’s be honest… at that point, the ramifications of Christ’s birth were not totally clear. Most people did not realize the significance of this event until after Jesus had died on the cross and ascended into heaven.
The point is… as much as Christmas is a celebration of the birth of our risen Savior, it also serves as a reminder of what Jesus taught us – unconditional love for our fellow man, grace, mercy, generosity in giving to others, service, joy, faith, and so much more. And don’t we often seem to be better at putting these things into action during the holidays? We truly celebrate Jesus by making our homes festive… and inviting others to visit. We put up a tree and trim it with lights and sparkling ornaments and create a party atmosphere. We are kinder and gentler with others… more generous. We seem to find more time for parties, celebrations and writing cards… baking treats to share with others… shopping and wrapping gifts.
For a few days/weeks, we at least give ourselves the opportunity to more closely emulate some of the traits Jesus taught us. Oh, sure, some will become stressed and grumpy… some will become “Scrooges” and refuse to participate… but many will transform into totally different people. And maybe… just maybe… some will continue that spirit after the tree is taken to the curb and the decorations are packed away for another year. Maybe the joy and celebration of all that Jesus’ birth represents will be shared for months to come… or even all year long! The first step is to start the party… to deck the halls and celebrate. You don’t have to put up a tree or hang a wreath on the door… all you have to do is “deck your hall” with a smile and a warm heart for those around you!
How will you celebrate this year? Are you ready to “party hearty” in Jesus’ name? Will others notice a difference… and better yet, will you keep His joy going all year long?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I love to decorate… and at Christmas, some would say I go nuts! I know there are many who do more than I, but over the years, my collection of Christmas decorations has grown quite a bit. No longer is one tree enough… we have “the big tree,” a smaller one on the piano, a lighted tree on outside on our bluff for others to enjoy… and now, a tree for Timothy that has ornaments with which he is allowed to play. I have Santas, snowmen, lots of greenery and lights… and more than 50 nativity sets that I display together as a collection. Over the years, my students, friends and family members have given me Christmas ornaments for the tree, and I proudly hang every one.
In 36 years of marriage, I think there has been one Christmas that we did not have a tree… and that was because I had undergone surgery, and we were spending the holidays with our parents. I keep many of our “winter” decorations out through much of February so the house doesn’t seem so bare in the cold, bleak months. A couple of years ago, I was packing away the decorations, and I became sad and frustrated. WHY did I do this? Putting it all away was no fun. It took several days. And let’s be honest… putting it out to start with took me two to three days, too. So WHY do it?
I said to myself, “Next year, I won’t do so much. I’ll go through my things and get rid of some of them and pare down.” But when the next year came, Timothy was here, and experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child is a whole new ball of wax. Even though he was too small to understand, he enjoyed the lights, the sparkle, and the color. My mom came to help me get the tree decorated.
This year, Timothy is old enough to begin to enjoy the ornaments and lights… the nativities, and more. So once again, I got out our decorations and transformed our house into a holiday wonderland. And again, Mom came to help with the big tree. She no longer puts up a tree, since all of our family festivities happen at our house. So we have started a new tradition of trimming the big tree together.
I know many people who no longer decorate, for a variety of reasons… and that’s okay. And yes, we have become too commercialized about Christmas. But look at these verses in Luke again… the angels were celebrating. The shepherds left the manger to celebrate the birth of Christ with others and share this good news. Let’s be honest… at that point, the ramifications of Christ’s birth were not totally clear. Most people did not realize the significance of this event until after Jesus had died on the cross and ascended into heaven.
The point is… as much as Christmas is a celebration of the birth of our risen Savior, it also serves as a reminder of what Jesus taught us – unconditional love for our fellow man, grace, mercy, generosity in giving to others, service, joy, faith, and so much more. And don’t we often seem to be better at putting these things into action during the holidays? We truly celebrate Jesus by making our homes festive… and inviting others to visit. We put up a tree and trim it with lights and sparkling ornaments and create a party atmosphere. We are kinder and gentler with others… more generous. We seem to find more time for parties, celebrations and writing cards… baking treats to share with others… shopping and wrapping gifts.
For a few days/weeks, we at least give ourselves the opportunity to more closely emulate some of the traits Jesus taught us. Oh, sure, some will become stressed and grumpy… some will become “Scrooges” and refuse to participate… but many will transform into totally different people. And maybe… just maybe… some will continue that spirit after the tree is taken to the curb and the decorations are packed away for another year. Maybe the joy and celebration of all that Jesus’ birth represents will be shared for months to come… or even all year long! The first step is to start the party… to deck the halls and celebrate. You don’t have to put up a tree or hang a wreath on the door… all you have to do is “deck your hall” with a smile and a warm heart for those around you!
How will you celebrate this year? Are you ready to “party hearty” in Jesus’ name? Will others notice a difference… and better yet, will you keep His joy going all year long?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 19, 2010
Leviticus 19:18
Stop being angry and don't try to take revenge. I am the LORD, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My brother was born when I was four years old. I actually remember praying for a baby brother. But as anyone who has had a younger sibling can tell you, this was just enough of an age gap that my brother became a pest to me much of the time when were younger. He knew how to push all my buttons… and my sister’s… and one Christmas, he made us both so mad that we plotted our revenge.
My mom has written a darling children’s story about this… “Bartholomew’s Christmas,” in which she substitutes a tiny field mouse and his family for that of my own. But here’s what really happened…
My brother had never had a new bicycle. My family’s household budget was like a lot of others with two parents and three kids – money was tight. So my dad would piece together parts of this bike and another and fashion something for my brother to peddle. What Tim really wanted was a brand spanking new “Stingray” bicycle. And he just knew that this particular Christmas was “it!” This was all we heard for weeks… “I’m getting a bicycle! I’m getting a bicycle.” It really annoyed my sister and me.
I’m guessing that my sister and I were 12 and 13, so Tim was about 9. My sister had asked for a wig for Christmas. I can’t remember what I had asked for, but on Christmas Eve, my grandparents gave my brother a tape recorder. He was so happy with that little machine, and when we got back home, my sister and I asked to borrow it. Of course, he naively said we could. We recorded a message for him, telling him that after our parents purchased my present and my sister’s wig, there just was not enough money to buy a bicycle for him. Better luck next Christmas!
We returned the tape recorder to my little brother and said, “We made a message for you!” The next thing we heard was heavy sobbing from my brother’s bedroom. We went into panic mode. We had not anticipated this reaction. We went to him and tried to convince him that we made it all up… that he WAS getting a bike for Christmas. But he continued to cry and would not believe us.
The next morning, we got up early… eager to see what was under the tree. My brother trudged into the kitchen as if he were headed to the gallows for hanging. My mom suggested he pull the sliding door curtain and take a peek out on the back patio. He was not enthused. Reluctantly, my sister and I began to reveal our dastardly deed… as our parents expressed great disapproval and unhappiness with us. But finally, we were able to coax my brother to the window, and once he saw the bicycle, he was back to dancing around and saying, “I knew it! I knew it!” And no other kid could have loved a bicycle as much as he loved this one.
My sister and I learned a valuable lesson that Christmas… one that haunted me for years to come. I apologized many times to my brother until his dying day. And he forgave me. But I saw the power of something as seemingly innocent as a practical joke. How often do we say or do something that we think is funny or harmless without stopping to truly consider the possible ramifications… the effect it could have on someone else? Do we think only of how much we will enjoy this… or how it might make us look “funny” or “interesting” in the eyes of others…failing to consider how the recipient of our “fun” might appear?
Where have we plotted to take matters into our own hands, forgetting that revenge is not our job? Instead of trying to handle these things ourselves, we should be opening our hands upward and saying, “This is yours, Father… do what You will with it.” At the end of the day, my sister and I were two young girls trying to play a joke on their pesky little brother. But even the smallest of acts has the potential for paving the way to larger, more costly situations.
Let’s stop ourselves now… let’s realize that even the tiniest things matter greatly. Let’s open our hands, let go and let GOD handle EVERYTHING… even little brothers and their bicycles.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Stop being angry and don't try to take revenge. I am the LORD, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My brother was born when I was four years old. I actually remember praying for a baby brother. But as anyone who has had a younger sibling can tell you, this was just enough of an age gap that my brother became a pest to me much of the time when were younger. He knew how to push all my buttons… and my sister’s… and one Christmas, he made us both so mad that we plotted our revenge.
My mom has written a darling children’s story about this… “Bartholomew’s Christmas,” in which she substitutes a tiny field mouse and his family for that of my own. But here’s what really happened…
My brother had never had a new bicycle. My family’s household budget was like a lot of others with two parents and three kids – money was tight. So my dad would piece together parts of this bike and another and fashion something for my brother to peddle. What Tim really wanted was a brand spanking new “Stingray” bicycle. And he just knew that this particular Christmas was “it!” This was all we heard for weeks… “I’m getting a bicycle! I’m getting a bicycle.” It really annoyed my sister and me.
I’m guessing that my sister and I were 12 and 13, so Tim was about 9. My sister had asked for a wig for Christmas. I can’t remember what I had asked for, but on Christmas Eve, my grandparents gave my brother a tape recorder. He was so happy with that little machine, and when we got back home, my sister and I asked to borrow it. Of course, he naively said we could. We recorded a message for him, telling him that after our parents purchased my present and my sister’s wig, there just was not enough money to buy a bicycle for him. Better luck next Christmas!
We returned the tape recorder to my little brother and said, “We made a message for you!” The next thing we heard was heavy sobbing from my brother’s bedroom. We went into panic mode. We had not anticipated this reaction. We went to him and tried to convince him that we made it all up… that he WAS getting a bike for Christmas. But he continued to cry and would not believe us.
The next morning, we got up early… eager to see what was under the tree. My brother trudged into the kitchen as if he were headed to the gallows for hanging. My mom suggested he pull the sliding door curtain and take a peek out on the back patio. He was not enthused. Reluctantly, my sister and I began to reveal our dastardly deed… as our parents expressed great disapproval and unhappiness with us. But finally, we were able to coax my brother to the window, and once he saw the bicycle, he was back to dancing around and saying, “I knew it! I knew it!” And no other kid could have loved a bicycle as much as he loved this one.
My sister and I learned a valuable lesson that Christmas… one that haunted me for years to come. I apologized many times to my brother until his dying day. And he forgave me. But I saw the power of something as seemingly innocent as a practical joke. How often do we say or do something that we think is funny or harmless without stopping to truly consider the possible ramifications… the effect it could have on someone else? Do we think only of how much we will enjoy this… or how it might make us look “funny” or “interesting” in the eyes of others…failing to consider how the recipient of our “fun” might appear?
Where have we plotted to take matters into our own hands, forgetting that revenge is not our job? Instead of trying to handle these things ourselves, we should be opening our hands upward and saying, “This is yours, Father… do what You will with it.” At the end of the day, my sister and I were two young girls trying to play a joke on their pesky little brother. But even the smallest of acts has the potential for paving the way to larger, more costly situations.
Let’s stop ourselves now… let’s realize that even the tiniest things matter greatly. Let’s open our hands, let go and let GOD handle EVERYTHING… even little brothers and their bicycles.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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