Leviticus 19:35-36
“You must be impartial in
judgment. Use accurate measurements—lengths, weights, and volumes—and
give full measure, for I am Jehovah your God who brought you from the
land of Egypt.
The Living
Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission
of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights
reserved.
Yesterday while I was shopping at Walmart, I
wanted to purchase a name-brand shampoo and conditioner. I noticed a
big aisle display for “bundles”…two 12-ounce bottles of this particular
brand of shampoo and conditioner for $7. The sign on the display said
something about a “big savings!” I walked over to the shampoo aisle,
and bottles of this same brand of shampoo and conditioner were $3.84 per
12.6 ounce bottle. If you “do the math,” you will see that this “big
savings” amounted to one penny per ounce!
Deceptive? Maybe
not. But in our culture, particularly in the world of retail, such
“ploys” to get our attention are at best a little on the shady side.
How many times have you noticed that the price of some favorite product
has increased…only to discover that the size or quantity has
ever-so-slightly decreased? Maybe there was no deliberate effort to
deceive the consumer. But then again, it’s possible that the
manufacturer hoped that we would not notice the difference!
My
point is that these sorts of deceptions and tricks have become so
commonplace that we shrug our shoulders and go on with life, even when
we really don’t like what is happening. And I have to think that this
sort of “double dealing” has a way of working its way into our own
lives, as a result. When we let something become so readily acceptable
and commonplace, it’s easy to internalize it and make it a part of our
own persona.
I don’t mean to say that paying more for less
product at the store without complaining is going to make us all liars
and cheaters. But scripture definitely reminds us that God has told us
to be honest and fair in all things…business dealings, relationships
with others, and even with ourselves. Let’s be real here…that “one more
cookie won’t hurt” attitude may just signal a pattern of deception and
“fuzzy math and measurement” that will lead to all kinds of problems for
us personally!
So double down today in your effort to always
“take the high road.” We may not be able to change the practices of the
big corporations who make our shampoo and laundry detergent, but we can
certainly make every effort to operate in honesty and fairness in our
daily living…to err on the side of generosity…and to always leave the
judgments and retribution to God Almighty. Demonstrating our loyalty
and obedience to God is all that really matters. When we make this our
top priority, He will always handle the rest.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label lying. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lying. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 22, 2013
March 22 ~ Proverbs 19:1
Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust.
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.
Suppose someone offered you a million dollars, and all you had to do in return was deliver a package for them. You didn’t know what was in the package, and you didn’t ask. But you were pretty sure that what was happening was illegal… or at best, shady in some way. Would you do it? Now suppose your boss told you, “If you don’t lie for me about XYZ, you’re fired.” What would you do? After all, you have a family counting on your income… you have bills to pay…and all that you’re being asked to do is issue one simple, false statement or perform a single dishonest act. Maybe you’re being asked to say you saw a vehicular accident happen in a certain way – to place the blame on another driver. Or perhaps you are being asked to provide an alibi… “He was with me the whole time.” What could it hurt?
What if you could cheat on a test and score high enough for a scholarship… or you could shift one number and pocket some extra dollars that no one else would ever miss? If being honest about something meant you might actually suffer some sort of material loss… would you tell the truth? Let’s say you know there is something shifty going on with your friends or family members… or in the business in which you work… and reporting this could get a lot of people in trouble and/or cost you friendships and your job. How would you react? Suppose you were encouraged to pass off shoddy work… to cut corners in order to increase profits or speed up production. Could you keep quiet?
Let’s face it… life is not totally “black and white.” But too many of us are more concerned with “What’s in it for me?” than doing the right thing. Do you really want to work for a dishonest boss? Do you truly value friends who lie, cheat and steal? Are you doing family members a favor by keeping their secrets and allowing harm to come to them – and others? How would you feel if you were treated this way? Are you totally honest in all things? Are you willing to compromise your principles for personal gain? Are you more worried about how these things will affect you than in operating with integrity?
Being completely honest often requires a leap of faith and a heavy dose of courage. God will supply you with both. You may not always be the most popular person in some circles… or the wealthiest in terms of money and “stuff.” But you will be rich beyond measure in the things that truly matter… the blessings of God and His favor. Does this mean that all “rich” people are dishonest? Absolutely not! But in our culture, we have become so jaded by material wealth and “things,” that many of us often gauge our credibility and success in terms money and possessions instead of how well we love and serve others… and God.
Take a good hard look at your life and see where you have lost focus. Figure out what really matters to you and see where you have been willing to compromise your values in favor of a quick fix or something that seems to have value…but might actually be rather hollow. Fix your attention on God and the things that matter to Him. Make these the center of your life, and allow Him to determine your course. Let God show you how to do great things with less “stuff” and more integrity. Learn to value the things that He prizes. You may find that you are richer than you ever dreamed possible… in ways that truly matter.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust.
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.
Suppose someone offered you a million dollars, and all you had to do in return was deliver a package for them. You didn’t know what was in the package, and you didn’t ask. But you were pretty sure that what was happening was illegal… or at best, shady in some way. Would you do it? Now suppose your boss told you, “If you don’t lie for me about XYZ, you’re fired.” What would you do? After all, you have a family counting on your income… you have bills to pay…and all that you’re being asked to do is issue one simple, false statement or perform a single dishonest act. Maybe you’re being asked to say you saw a vehicular accident happen in a certain way – to place the blame on another driver. Or perhaps you are being asked to provide an alibi… “He was with me the whole time.” What could it hurt?
What if you could cheat on a test and score high enough for a scholarship… or you could shift one number and pocket some extra dollars that no one else would ever miss? If being honest about something meant you might actually suffer some sort of material loss… would you tell the truth? Let’s say you know there is something shifty going on with your friends or family members… or in the business in which you work… and reporting this could get a lot of people in trouble and/or cost you friendships and your job. How would you react? Suppose you were encouraged to pass off shoddy work… to cut corners in order to increase profits or speed up production. Could you keep quiet?
Let’s face it… life is not totally “black and white.” But too many of us are more concerned with “What’s in it for me?” than doing the right thing. Do you really want to work for a dishonest boss? Do you truly value friends who lie, cheat and steal? Are you doing family members a favor by keeping their secrets and allowing harm to come to them – and others? How would you feel if you were treated this way? Are you totally honest in all things? Are you willing to compromise your principles for personal gain? Are you more worried about how these things will affect you than in operating with integrity?
Being completely honest often requires a leap of faith and a heavy dose of courage. God will supply you with both. You may not always be the most popular person in some circles… or the wealthiest in terms of money and “stuff.” But you will be rich beyond measure in the things that truly matter… the blessings of God and His favor. Does this mean that all “rich” people are dishonest? Absolutely not! But in our culture, we have become so jaded by material wealth and “things,” that many of us often gauge our credibility and success in terms money and possessions instead of how well we love and serve others… and God.
Take a good hard look at your life and see where you have lost focus. Figure out what really matters to you and see where you have been willing to compromise your values in favor of a quick fix or something that seems to have value…but might actually be rather hollow. Fix your attention on God and the things that matter to Him. Make these the center of your life, and allow Him to determine your course. Let God show you how to do great things with less “stuff” and more integrity. Learn to value the things that He prizes. You may find that you are richer than you ever dreamed possible… in ways that truly matter.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 21, 2013
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the honest keeps them on track; the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.
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.
Believe it or not, there is an organization called the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention. According to information found at www.shoplifters.org, approximately 1 in 11 persons in our country today is a shoplifter. The reasons for shoplifting are varied, but many do not need the items and/or can afford to purchase them outright. These people get a “lift” from getting “something for nothing.” This “high” is more important to the shoplifter than the merchandise being stolen. Others steal to make up for a “loss” in their life…illness, job loss, the death of someone significant in their lives, a relationship breakup or dissolution, and more. Shoplifting may often make the person feel temporarily more in control.
Still others shoplift to relieve tension, anxiety, sadness or boredom, while others consider shoplifting a justifiable compensation for something lacking in their lives… payback for all they have given to others, how they feel they have been mistreated, or a specific experience. While many shoplifters fully expect to get caught at some point, they are often appalled to be placed in jail with “hardened criminals” for such a “petty crime.”
I used shoplifting as an example of dishonesty, but there are parallels for many areas of our life. You may be patting yourself on the back and saying, “Thank goodness this isn’t me!” But I ask you to take a good hard look at yourself. Are there other areas where you “shoplift?” Do you engage in other dishonest or deceptive behaviors in order to temporarily give yourself a “lift” or to compensate for some wrong you feel has been done against you? Do you embellish the truth to make yourself look better to others? Do you brag about how fast you drove to XYZ and didn’t get caught? Do you participate in illegal activities like underage drinking… or drug abuse? Do you cheat on your taxes… or even take extra condiments from the fast-food place “because they are ‘free’?”
Do you put on a good front in public to make everyone think that your life is hunky-dory, then conduct yourself in a totally different manner at home in front of your family and close friends? Do you pretty well thumb your nose at the world because some things have happened in your life and you feel entitled to do so? Are you one of those people who fumbles in his/her pocket for money when it comes time to pay the bill - then lets someone else pay… or “borrows” from others and never gives the items back…or pretends to be busy and lets someone else do all the work – then shares in the credit? Have you become comfortable with gossip, “white lies” and other “harmless petty crimes?"
There are countless ways in which we are all capable of dishonesty, if we are not careful and on constant guard. The adage that you can “give him enough rope and he’ll hang himself” often applies and our sins are discovered… and we have to “come clean” – at least temporarily. But it really shouldn’t matter whether we are ever caught in a lie or not. GOD knows! He sees how incorrigible we often are, and this breaks His heart. There really is no excuse… not the circumstances of our life, our childhood or upbringing, or our “innocence.” We all must strive to operate with more integrity if we want to be like Jesus.
Stop what you are doing today and talk to God. Tell Him that you know there may be areas of your life where even YOU are not aware that you are dishonest or lack integrity. Ask God to shine a bright light on your heart and reveal the places where you need to improve. Don’t risk even the slightest opportunity for ruin. Humbly call upon God to help you with this… and make every effort to stay on track and operate with honesty and integrity - in all things… and at all times.
©2013 Debbie Robus
The integrity of the honest keeps them on track; the deviousness of crooks brings them to ruin.
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.
Believe it or not, there is an organization called the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention. According to information found at www.shoplifters.org, approximately 1 in 11 persons in our country today is a shoplifter. The reasons for shoplifting are varied, but many do not need the items and/or can afford to purchase them outright. These people get a “lift” from getting “something for nothing.” This “high” is more important to the shoplifter than the merchandise being stolen. Others steal to make up for a “loss” in their life…illness, job loss, the death of someone significant in their lives, a relationship breakup or dissolution, and more. Shoplifting may often make the person feel temporarily more in control.
Still others shoplift to relieve tension, anxiety, sadness or boredom, while others consider shoplifting a justifiable compensation for something lacking in their lives… payback for all they have given to others, how they feel they have been mistreated, or a specific experience. While many shoplifters fully expect to get caught at some point, they are often appalled to be placed in jail with “hardened criminals” for such a “petty crime.”
I used shoplifting as an example of dishonesty, but there are parallels for many areas of our life. You may be patting yourself on the back and saying, “Thank goodness this isn’t me!” But I ask you to take a good hard look at yourself. Are there other areas where you “shoplift?” Do you engage in other dishonest or deceptive behaviors in order to temporarily give yourself a “lift” or to compensate for some wrong you feel has been done against you? Do you embellish the truth to make yourself look better to others? Do you brag about how fast you drove to XYZ and didn’t get caught? Do you participate in illegal activities like underage drinking… or drug abuse? Do you cheat on your taxes… or even take extra condiments from the fast-food place “because they are ‘free’?”
Do you put on a good front in public to make everyone think that your life is hunky-dory, then conduct yourself in a totally different manner at home in front of your family and close friends? Do you pretty well thumb your nose at the world because some things have happened in your life and you feel entitled to do so? Are you one of those people who fumbles in his/her pocket for money when it comes time to pay the bill - then lets someone else pay… or “borrows” from others and never gives the items back…or pretends to be busy and lets someone else do all the work – then shares in the credit? Have you become comfortable with gossip, “white lies” and other “harmless petty crimes?"
There are countless ways in which we are all capable of dishonesty, if we are not careful and on constant guard. The adage that you can “give him enough rope and he’ll hang himself” often applies and our sins are discovered… and we have to “come clean” – at least temporarily. But it really shouldn’t matter whether we are ever caught in a lie or not. GOD knows! He sees how incorrigible we often are, and this breaks His heart. There really is no excuse… not the circumstances of our life, our childhood or upbringing, or our “innocence.” We all must strive to operate with more integrity if we want to be like Jesus.
Stop what you are doing today and talk to God. Tell Him that you know there may be areas of your life where even YOU are not aware that you are dishonest or lack integrity. Ask God to shine a bright light on your heart and reveal the places where you need to improve. Don’t risk even the slightest opportunity for ruin. Humbly call upon God to help you with this… and make every effort to stay on track and operate with honesty and integrity - in all things… and at all times.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 19, 2013
March 19 ~ Luke 16:10-13
For unless you are honest in small matters, you won’t be in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s money, why should you be entrusted with money of your own? “For neither you nor anyone else can serve two masters. You will hate one and show loyalty to the other, or else the other way around – you will be enthusiastic about one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
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 you get your credit card or utility bills… or your bank statement… you probably go over every line with a fine-toothed comb – or you should! I often hear people talk about hidden charges they discovered – and had removed. Or maybe you have discovered a charge on your bill that you did not authorize. Sometimes, we simply didn’t read the “fine print.” But there are times when I have to wonder whether some corporations figure you will never notice that little surcharge buried in the details. Over time, these amounts add up! Let’s say you or I had a small business where we tucked in little “incidental” charges that we did not disclose to our clients. Do you think we would have repeat customers if this were discovered? Could our reputation for honesty, fairness and integrity be compromised?
I think we understand the ramifications of cheating on a large scale. Most of us get it that we cannot borrow money from a bank, or even a friend or relative – and fail to repay the loan, without some serious consequences. But we fail to recognize that the impact of our failures to follow through on the smaller things in life can be just as critical. A local news station has been sponsoring a multi-week fitness program for a group of out-of-shape moms. Each week, a news report charts their progress. This week, the headline was a report that several of the moms are not showing up for the workouts. They are not honoring their commitment to the program. Not only are they failing to reach their goals and achieve the desired level of fitness, but their lack of commitment has been “outed” to their families, friends and co-workers on state-wide television! One has to wonder how these women treat other commitments if they fail to meet one with such a public view!
Do you see where I am headed with this? Jesus tells us in this passage that we “cannot serve two masters.” I would suggest that those of us who are unable to keep our word… or to be honest and honorable in seemingly small and insignificant things… are probably not capable of doing any better with big matters. If you lie (even to yourself) and say, “Nobody else will know if I eat this extra piece of cake”… or “Sue will forget that I owe her that $50”…how likely are you lie to your spouse about the new pair of shoes you bought, where you really went when you said you were having dinner with a friend, or how committed you are to your marriage?”
If you can pick up pens and paper clips at work and carry them home for personal use… or “borrow” a friend’s t-shirt and keep it to wear as your own… how will others ever believe that you can be trusted not to help yourself to their personal property - as an employee, or even as a friend or acquaintance? If you say one thing and do another, how will anyone ever believe you when you profess to be a faith-filled disciple of Christ?
This passage is about so much more than money. Jesus used this as His example, because so many of us do seem to worship the almighty dollar, so He knew we would easily relate to this analogy. But we all have moments each and every day to make a choice about whether to be honorable and trustworthy with seemingly insignificant issues and situations that have substantial and widespread ramifications… and speak directly to our moral and spiritual character.
What about you? Are you faithful in the small stuff? Are you honest and aboveboard in all things… are you truly honest with yourself? Do you understand how important integrity is in the life of a Christian? How authentic are you? Which “Master” will you serve today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
For unless you are honest in small matters, you won’t be in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s money, why should you be entrusted with money of your own? “For neither you nor anyone else can serve two masters. You will hate one and show loyalty to the other, or else the other way around – you will be enthusiastic about one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
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 you get your credit card or utility bills… or your bank statement… you probably go over every line with a fine-toothed comb – or you should! I often hear people talk about hidden charges they discovered – and had removed. Or maybe you have discovered a charge on your bill that you did not authorize. Sometimes, we simply didn’t read the “fine print.” But there are times when I have to wonder whether some corporations figure you will never notice that little surcharge buried in the details. Over time, these amounts add up! Let’s say you or I had a small business where we tucked in little “incidental” charges that we did not disclose to our clients. Do you think we would have repeat customers if this were discovered? Could our reputation for honesty, fairness and integrity be compromised?
I think we understand the ramifications of cheating on a large scale. Most of us get it that we cannot borrow money from a bank, or even a friend or relative – and fail to repay the loan, without some serious consequences. But we fail to recognize that the impact of our failures to follow through on the smaller things in life can be just as critical. A local news station has been sponsoring a multi-week fitness program for a group of out-of-shape moms. Each week, a news report charts their progress. This week, the headline was a report that several of the moms are not showing up for the workouts. They are not honoring their commitment to the program. Not only are they failing to reach their goals and achieve the desired level of fitness, but their lack of commitment has been “outed” to their families, friends and co-workers on state-wide television! One has to wonder how these women treat other commitments if they fail to meet one with such a public view!
Do you see where I am headed with this? Jesus tells us in this passage that we “cannot serve two masters.” I would suggest that those of us who are unable to keep our word… or to be honest and honorable in seemingly small and insignificant things… are probably not capable of doing any better with big matters. If you lie (even to yourself) and say, “Nobody else will know if I eat this extra piece of cake”… or “Sue will forget that I owe her that $50”…how likely are you lie to your spouse about the new pair of shoes you bought, where you really went when you said you were having dinner with a friend, or how committed you are to your marriage?”
If you can pick up pens and paper clips at work and carry them home for personal use… or “borrow” a friend’s t-shirt and keep it to wear as your own… how will others ever believe that you can be trusted not to help yourself to their personal property - as an employee, or even as a friend or acquaintance? If you say one thing and do another, how will anyone ever believe you when you profess to be a faith-filled disciple of Christ?
This passage is about so much more than money. Jesus used this as His example, because so many of us do seem to worship the almighty dollar, so He knew we would easily relate to this analogy. But we all have moments each and every day to make a choice about whether to be honorable and trustworthy with seemingly insignificant issues and situations that have substantial and widespread ramifications… and speak directly to our moral and spiritual character.
What about you? Are you faithful in the small stuff? Are you honest and aboveboard in all things… are you truly honest with yourself? Do you understand how important integrity is in the life of a Christian? How authentic are you? Which “Master” will you serve today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 5, 2013
Colossians 3:9-11
Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
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 love to find old garments at the thrift store and repurpose them into new things… especially children’s clothing. I look at a colorful ladies t-shirt and see a cute sundress with leggings for my nieces, Zola and Kelsey. I buy brightly colored, extra-large t-shirts and use them to make cute pants, shorts and more. Denim dresses and jeans have become everything from clothing to window coverings to a blanket to cover a brick fireplace hearth…and even a new high-chair seat cover! Old, discarded, possibly ill-fitting clothing becomes a new wardrobe…and more!
Recently, my friend Melissa gave me a designer-label dress that she no longer wore because it had a stain on the front. She said, “Do something fun and creative with it.” This was a really nice dress… high quality fabric, well made - and I’m sure it was quite expensive. The dress is now an Easter frock for my niece, Zola, and a colorful blouse for Melissa’s daughter, Ada. I used the scraps to make hair bows for both of the girls. As I worked on the scraps, I took a chance and bleached the stained area, and I was able to clean it “white as snow” and use it, as well.
The “old life” of the dress is done and gone, but the new life is customized. The old dress was stained… the new dresses are crisp and clean. While this dress bore a designer label, I don’t put an actual tag on the new things I create. But the children know that I made them with love and care… thinking especially of that particular child as I sewed… and my little friend, Ada, has told her mom several times that her new clothes “smell like ‘Miss Devvie!’”
As the Ultimate Designer, God created each of us. We were high quality…well-made out of the best materials… and so valuable that Jesus gave His very life for ours on the cross. As we grew, we became stained by sin. And Jesus refashioned us into new creatures when he exchanged His life for ours. Now we are crisp and clean. No “designer labels” are necessary if we walk with Jesus, because people will know Who we are “wearing” by the way we talk and act. Honesty and integrity are our trademarks… along with grace, mercy, humility, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and love. When we wear the new wardrobe given to us in Christ, people recognize that His fragrant aroma all over us!
Here’s the thing… some of us have a closet filled with the “designer label” clothing of Jesus Christ… but we still prefer to wear our old rags. We are trying to live in two different worlds. When we lie, cheat, steal, mistreat others, gossip, act unkindly, fail to conduct ourselves honorably, or ignore God, we totally negate our testimony of salvation and grace by faith to others. It would be like putting on designer jeans or shoes with a dirty, ill-fitting shirt that was tattered and missing buttons. The two do not belong together… and the “look” would not be impressive or desirable to anyone.
Through the blood of Jesus, God has blessed you with a beautiful new wardrobe that never goes out of style. Be “all in” for God. Don’t deface and disrespect His gift by operating in the things of your old life. Strive to live with integrity each and every minute of the day. Continually ask yourself, “Am I representing Jesus… or the devil? Are my actions and behaviors those that He desires… or am I acting selfishly and/or sinfully?” I can tell you, when you take a few minutes to stop and consider this before you speak or act, you will often find that you were about to “put on an old rag.” The more you take a moment to consider your behavior, the easier and more natural these choices will become. You will begin to feel so comfortable in the “new clothing” of Christ that you no longer desire to “wear” the things of your old life.
Take a good look at your “Spiritual closet” today and see what you are wearing. Who is your Designer of choices these days? Are you in need of “repurposing?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Don’t lie to one another. You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.
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 love to find old garments at the thrift store and repurpose them into new things… especially children’s clothing. I look at a colorful ladies t-shirt and see a cute sundress with leggings for my nieces, Zola and Kelsey. I buy brightly colored, extra-large t-shirts and use them to make cute pants, shorts and more. Denim dresses and jeans have become everything from clothing to window coverings to a blanket to cover a brick fireplace hearth…and even a new high-chair seat cover! Old, discarded, possibly ill-fitting clothing becomes a new wardrobe…and more!
Recently, my friend Melissa gave me a designer-label dress that she no longer wore because it had a stain on the front. She said, “Do something fun and creative with it.” This was a really nice dress… high quality fabric, well made - and I’m sure it was quite expensive. The dress is now an Easter frock for my niece, Zola, and a colorful blouse for Melissa’s daughter, Ada. I used the scraps to make hair bows for both of the girls. As I worked on the scraps, I took a chance and bleached the stained area, and I was able to clean it “white as snow” and use it, as well.
The “old life” of the dress is done and gone, but the new life is customized. The old dress was stained… the new dresses are crisp and clean. While this dress bore a designer label, I don’t put an actual tag on the new things I create. But the children know that I made them with love and care… thinking especially of that particular child as I sewed… and my little friend, Ada, has told her mom several times that her new clothes “smell like ‘Miss Devvie!’”
As the Ultimate Designer, God created each of us. We were high quality…well-made out of the best materials… and so valuable that Jesus gave His very life for ours on the cross. As we grew, we became stained by sin. And Jesus refashioned us into new creatures when he exchanged His life for ours. Now we are crisp and clean. No “designer labels” are necessary if we walk with Jesus, because people will know Who we are “wearing” by the way we talk and act. Honesty and integrity are our trademarks… along with grace, mercy, humility, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and love. When we wear the new wardrobe given to us in Christ, people recognize that His fragrant aroma all over us!
Here’s the thing… some of us have a closet filled with the “designer label” clothing of Jesus Christ… but we still prefer to wear our old rags. We are trying to live in two different worlds. When we lie, cheat, steal, mistreat others, gossip, act unkindly, fail to conduct ourselves honorably, or ignore God, we totally negate our testimony of salvation and grace by faith to others. It would be like putting on designer jeans or shoes with a dirty, ill-fitting shirt that was tattered and missing buttons. The two do not belong together… and the “look” would not be impressive or desirable to anyone.
Through the blood of Jesus, God has blessed you with a beautiful new wardrobe that never goes out of style. Be “all in” for God. Don’t deface and disrespect His gift by operating in the things of your old life. Strive to live with integrity each and every minute of the day. Continually ask yourself, “Am I representing Jesus… or the devil? Are my actions and behaviors those that He desires… or am I acting selfishly and/or sinfully?” I can tell you, when you take a few minutes to stop and consider this before you speak or act, you will often find that you were about to “put on an old rag.” The more you take a moment to consider your behavior, the easier and more natural these choices will become. You will begin to feel so comfortable in the “new clothing” of Christ that you no longer desire to “wear” the things of your old life.
Take a good look at your “Spiritual closet” today and see what you are wearing. Who is your Designer of choices these days? Are you in need of “repurposing?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 20, 2012
Ephesians 4:26-28
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry - but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
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 daily calendar quote for yesterday was, “The man who can’t dance thinks the band is no good.” I think this probably describes a good number of people who are not taking ownership for their problems or responsibilities. It’s someone else’s fault… or another person’s problem… but certainly no fault of their own. In a way, this is the same thing as stealing. If we allow others to accept responsibility for our problems… debts… mistakes… or even unhappiness, we are making ends meet at their expense.
So when you “borrow” from your friends – a place to stay, food, clothing, money – with no agreement or plan for restitution… you are stealing from them. If the friends allow this, you are letting them to own your problems instead of taking responsibility for them yourself. When you say or do something you shouldn’t and try to pawn it off on another person – or make excuses – you have pretty much stolen that person’s integrity, as in the case of the man who can’t dance. It’s really not the band’s fault… but he doesn’t want to be honest and admit that he has shortcomings. He would rather allow the band to own the deficiencies.
The daily quote for today was, “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt!” I think this is timely advice. When you are doing what God has called you to do… acting responsibly – even if it means admitting mistakes and making an effort to correct them… keep going. Don’t stop! Don’t get bogged down by anger, frustration, embarrassment, disappointment, or discouragement. Trust God to help you come out on top!
Pastor Joel Osteen paraphrases Philippians 4:13 in this manner… “It's not how you start that counts, it's how you finish. Shake off the past and keep running toward the prize!” Today is the day to stand up and accept responsibility for where we are in life… to do an honest day’s work in all arenas… and to move forward. There is no time for getting angry about the past… no room for the devil to get any pleasure in this! Let’s push on – with God’s help. Let’s ask God to show us how to quit focusing on the band and improve our “dancing!”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry - but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
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 daily calendar quote for yesterday was, “The man who can’t dance thinks the band is no good.” I think this probably describes a good number of people who are not taking ownership for their problems or responsibilities. It’s someone else’s fault… or another person’s problem… but certainly no fault of their own. In a way, this is the same thing as stealing. If we allow others to accept responsibility for our problems… debts… mistakes… or even unhappiness, we are making ends meet at their expense.
So when you “borrow” from your friends – a place to stay, food, clothing, money – with no agreement or plan for restitution… you are stealing from them. If the friends allow this, you are letting them to own your problems instead of taking responsibility for them yourself. When you say or do something you shouldn’t and try to pawn it off on another person – or make excuses – you have pretty much stolen that person’s integrity, as in the case of the man who can’t dance. It’s really not the band’s fault… but he doesn’t want to be honest and admit that he has shortcomings. He would rather allow the band to own the deficiencies.
The daily quote for today was, “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt!” I think this is timely advice. When you are doing what God has called you to do… acting responsibly – even if it means admitting mistakes and making an effort to correct them… keep going. Don’t stop! Don’t get bogged down by anger, frustration, embarrassment, disappointment, or discouragement. Trust God to help you come out on top!
Pastor Joel Osteen paraphrases Philippians 4:13 in this manner… “It's not how you start that counts, it's how you finish. Shake off the past and keep running toward the prize!” Today is the day to stand up and accept responsibility for where we are in life… to do an honest day’s work in all arenas… and to move forward. There is no time for getting angry about the past… no room for the devil to get any pleasure in this! Let’s push on – with God’s help. Let’s ask God to show us how to quit focusing on the band and improve our “dancing!”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 23, 2011
Psalm 35:9-28
I will celebrate and be joyful because you, LORD, have saved me. Every bone in my body will shout: "No one is like the LORD!" You protect the helpless from those in power; you save the poor and needy from those who hurt them. Liars accuse me of crimes I know nothing about. They repay evil for good, and I feel all alone. When they were sick, I wore sackcloth and went without food. I truly prayed for them, as I would for a friend or a relative. I was in sorrow and mourned, as I would for my mother.
I have stumbled, and worthless liars I don't even know surround me and sneer. Worthless people make fun and never stop laughing. But all you do is watch! When will you do something? Save me from the attack of those vicious lions. And when your people meet, I will praise you and thank you, Lord, in front of them all. Don't let my brutal enemies be glad because of me. They hate me for no reason. Don't let them wink behind my back. They say hurtful things, and they lie to people who want to live in peace. They are quick to accuse me. They say, "You did it! We saw you ourselves."
You see everything, LORD! Please don't keep silent or stay so far away. Fight to defend me, Lord God, and prove that I am right by your standards. Don't let them laugh at me or say to each other, "Now we've got what we want! We'll gobble him down!" Disappoint and confuse all who are glad to see me in trouble, but disgrace and embarrass my proud enemies who say to me, "You are nothing!"
Let all who want me to win be happy and joyful. From now on let them say, "The LORD is wonderful! God is glad when all goes well for his servant." Then I will shout all day, "Praise the LORD God! He did what was right."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In his recent “Sweet Tea” column for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Jay Grelen writes about Otus the Head Cat, the now-deceased “writer” of a weekly column in the same newspaper. Through his owner, Otus “channeled” his column, and while it was pure satire, the writing was just believable enough that many thought the comments made there were true. So it was that Otus credited former President Richard Nixon with creating “President’s Day,” and a writer for USA Today, believed this and perpetuated the story. It took some research by a skeptical law student to discern that “President’s Day” was actually initiated by former President Bill Clinton during his tenure.
We are a gullible group! We are also prone to making quick judgments, lying, and believing the fabrications of others. At best, we often operate with less than half of the facts and make our decisions accordingly. So is it any wonder that we often find ourselves being falsely accused or judged by others? A reporter asked President Obama, “Does it disturb you that so many people hate you?” The President replied, “The people who dislike you don't know you. What they hate is whatever funhouse mirror image of you that's out there. And they don't know you. And so, you don't take it personally.”
But most of us do take it personally. We are hurt – sometimes deeply – by the slings and arrows of others… the misunderstandings and judgments… the personal attacks (even if delivered behind our backs). And nobody is immune… from school-age nicknames to disgruntled co-workers to false assumptions about sporting and political opponents and more. It’s a pretty sure bet you have felt the disdain, misunderstandings, or ungrateful attitude of someone at some point in your life.
So what are we to do? The answer comes in the last few lines of this passage. We are to keep on doing what we know is right. We are to keep on loving and serving and behaving well… to take the high road and hold our shoulders back and our chin out. We are to honor our faith in God… and leave the rest to Him. Because He will defend us. He will defeat our enemies and make things right. Never forget this!
When you are hurt and disappointed… when you are wrongly accused or judged… when you are talked about and treated thanklessly… remember WHO is in charge. The only One you have to worry about – the only One to whom you have to answer – is Almighty God. He will get to the bottom of things and set things right for you. It may seem a long time coming, but it will happen. So hang in there! Be who God has called you to be, and trust Him to fight on your behalf. And one other thing… remember to give God praise and glory for loving you so well. Give Him a shout out and the credit He is due!
©2011 Debbie Robus
I will celebrate and be joyful because you, LORD, have saved me. Every bone in my body will shout: "No one is like the LORD!" You protect the helpless from those in power; you save the poor and needy from those who hurt them. Liars accuse me of crimes I know nothing about. They repay evil for good, and I feel all alone. When they were sick, I wore sackcloth and went without food. I truly prayed for them, as I would for a friend or a relative. I was in sorrow and mourned, as I would for my mother.
I have stumbled, and worthless liars I don't even know surround me and sneer. Worthless people make fun and never stop laughing. But all you do is watch! When will you do something? Save me from the attack of those vicious lions. And when your people meet, I will praise you and thank you, Lord, in front of them all. Don't let my brutal enemies be glad because of me. They hate me for no reason. Don't let them wink behind my back. They say hurtful things, and they lie to people who want to live in peace. They are quick to accuse me. They say, "You did it! We saw you ourselves."
You see everything, LORD! Please don't keep silent or stay so far away. Fight to defend me, Lord God, and prove that I am right by your standards. Don't let them laugh at me or say to each other, "Now we've got what we want! We'll gobble him down!" Disappoint and confuse all who are glad to see me in trouble, but disgrace and embarrass my proud enemies who say to me, "You are nothing!"
Let all who want me to win be happy and joyful. From now on let them say, "The LORD is wonderful! God is glad when all goes well for his servant." Then I will shout all day, "Praise the LORD God! He did what was right."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In his recent “Sweet Tea” column for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Jay Grelen writes about Otus the Head Cat, the now-deceased “writer” of a weekly column in the same newspaper. Through his owner, Otus “channeled” his column, and while it was pure satire, the writing was just believable enough that many thought the comments made there were true. So it was that Otus credited former President Richard Nixon with creating “President’s Day,” and a writer for USA Today, believed this and perpetuated the story. It took some research by a skeptical law student to discern that “President’s Day” was actually initiated by former President Bill Clinton during his tenure.
We are a gullible group! We are also prone to making quick judgments, lying, and believing the fabrications of others. At best, we often operate with less than half of the facts and make our decisions accordingly. So is it any wonder that we often find ourselves being falsely accused or judged by others? A reporter asked President Obama, “Does it disturb you that so many people hate you?” The President replied, “The people who dislike you don't know you. What they hate is whatever funhouse mirror image of you that's out there. And they don't know you. And so, you don't take it personally.”
But most of us do take it personally. We are hurt – sometimes deeply – by the slings and arrows of others… the misunderstandings and judgments… the personal attacks (even if delivered behind our backs). And nobody is immune… from school-age nicknames to disgruntled co-workers to false assumptions about sporting and political opponents and more. It’s a pretty sure bet you have felt the disdain, misunderstandings, or ungrateful attitude of someone at some point in your life.
So what are we to do? The answer comes in the last few lines of this passage. We are to keep on doing what we know is right. We are to keep on loving and serving and behaving well… to take the high road and hold our shoulders back and our chin out. We are to honor our faith in God… and leave the rest to Him. Because He will defend us. He will defeat our enemies and make things right. Never forget this!
When you are hurt and disappointed… when you are wrongly accused or judged… when you are talked about and treated thanklessly… remember WHO is in charge. The only One you have to worry about – the only One to whom you have to answer – is Almighty God. He will get to the bottom of things and set things right for you. It may seem a long time coming, but it will happen. So hang in there! Be who God has called you to be, and trust Him to fight on your behalf. And one other thing… remember to give God praise and glory for loving you so well. Give Him a shout out and the credit He is due!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 15, 2010
Proverbs 11:12
It's stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I grew up in a very tightly-knit neighborhood. For the most part, we all loved each other like family… and some of us were! In a one-block radius from my house were the homes of my grandparents, my great-aunt, my cousins, and my “Aunt Martha” and her parents. And while not related by blood, the Bakers, Baileys, Mrs. Butler… and later – the Davises were very much extended family.
When I was a child, we were in and out of each other’s houses at all hours of the night and day. It was nothing for a next-door neighbor to appear in their pajamas and bathrobe during breakfast and sit down at our table – or to drop in for any other meal. We scarcely even knocked before entering and knew “the lay” of each other’s houses. When something would happen to one family, the others would join forces to offer support – or to celebrate.
But some of the neighbors feuded. One lady got upset, supposedly because another neighbor kept her shovel and hoe leaned against a shed in the yard. The lady thought it was unsightly… and she said so! Others were quick to point out what they deemed “eyesores” to the neighborhood… and to criticize and complain if something wasn’t to their liking.
All of this pettiness was silly… and it really did nothing except make the people involved look a little ridiculous. And I have to admit, many of the biases I struggle to overcome today are directly due to the influences of my youth. When the ladies sat in porch swings on summer evenings and talked about someone they didn’t like, I decided I didn’t like that person or family, either. When I overheard them belittle a certain person as “poor” or “low class,” I decided it must be true.
These were not bad people… I loved my wonderful neighbors. But they were misguided in their thinking and actions on more than one occasion - as human beings often are - and I was a child who was watching (and learning). And that is the lesson. Someone is watching US! Someone is learning from our words and actions. Someone is becoming bigoted or biased if we are demonstrating this. Someone is learning to dislike a certain group or class of people, if that’s what we show them. Someone is deciding that it’s okay to stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong and tell our friends and neighbors how to run their lives and even decorate their houses and yards, if that’s what they see us doing!
I will say this once again… people are watching… and they are looking to us as Christians and deciding whether or not they want to follow Jesus based on how we behave! Being a Christian carries a huge responsibility in this regard. When we consider that every word we speak… the tone in our voice… every action we demonstrate… can sway someone toward or away from Jesus Christ, then even feuding with your neighbor over a hoe and a shovel becomes a big deal - and stupid!
Just how sensible are you willing to be for Christ? Can you bite your tongue when necessary and keep quiet in the face of all sorts of challenges? Are you ready to go “whole hog” for your faith? Are you ready to be the real deal in every way and demonstrate love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, humility, compassion, and more toward those you encounter? Are you ready to really be the hands and feet of Jesus and set high standards for yourself and those around you? Just what sort of “neighbor” will you be? You never know who is watching!
©2010 Debbie Robus
It's stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I grew up in a very tightly-knit neighborhood. For the most part, we all loved each other like family… and some of us were! In a one-block radius from my house were the homes of my grandparents, my great-aunt, my cousins, and my “Aunt Martha” and her parents. And while not related by blood, the Bakers, Baileys, Mrs. Butler… and later – the Davises were very much extended family.
When I was a child, we were in and out of each other’s houses at all hours of the night and day. It was nothing for a next-door neighbor to appear in their pajamas and bathrobe during breakfast and sit down at our table – or to drop in for any other meal. We scarcely even knocked before entering and knew “the lay” of each other’s houses. When something would happen to one family, the others would join forces to offer support – or to celebrate.
But some of the neighbors feuded. One lady got upset, supposedly because another neighbor kept her shovel and hoe leaned against a shed in the yard. The lady thought it was unsightly… and she said so! Others were quick to point out what they deemed “eyesores” to the neighborhood… and to criticize and complain if something wasn’t to their liking.
All of this pettiness was silly… and it really did nothing except make the people involved look a little ridiculous. And I have to admit, many of the biases I struggle to overcome today are directly due to the influences of my youth. When the ladies sat in porch swings on summer evenings and talked about someone they didn’t like, I decided I didn’t like that person or family, either. When I overheard them belittle a certain person as “poor” or “low class,” I decided it must be true.
These were not bad people… I loved my wonderful neighbors. But they were misguided in their thinking and actions on more than one occasion - as human beings often are - and I was a child who was watching (and learning). And that is the lesson. Someone is watching US! Someone is learning from our words and actions. Someone is becoming bigoted or biased if we are demonstrating this. Someone is learning to dislike a certain group or class of people, if that’s what we show them. Someone is deciding that it’s okay to stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong and tell our friends and neighbors how to run their lives and even decorate their houses and yards, if that’s what they see us doing!
I will say this once again… people are watching… and they are looking to us as Christians and deciding whether or not they want to follow Jesus based on how we behave! Being a Christian carries a huge responsibility in this regard. When we consider that every word we speak… the tone in our voice… every action we demonstrate… can sway someone toward or away from Jesus Christ, then even feuding with your neighbor over a hoe and a shovel becomes a big deal - and stupid!
Just how sensible are you willing to be for Christ? Can you bite your tongue when necessary and keep quiet in the face of all sorts of challenges? Are you ready to go “whole hog” for your faith? Are you ready to be the real deal in every way and demonstrate love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, humility, compassion, and more toward those you encounter? Are you ready to really be the hands and feet of Jesus and set high standards for yourself and those around you? Just what sort of “neighbor” will you be? You never know who is watching!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 13, 2010
Psalm 52:3
You would rather do evil than good, and tell lies than speak the truth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who seems to love to argue? This person is always picking a fight, bringing up a controversial topic for discussion, and generally trying to “get a rise” out of others. He/she may not be deliberately trying to be evil or stir up trouble. More likely, this individual has gotten comfortable with such behavior… and even a little lazy.
It may seem like doing good and telling the truth are boring. But actually, it takes more energy and brain power. Haven’t you heard people say, “It was easier to go along than argue.”? Don’t you know people who avoid confrontation at all costs… even to the point of lying for a friend or relative, or doing something they know is wrong just to avoid a conflict? Friends don’t want to anger or upset one another, so they “cover” for them. Parents bail their children out of messes to avoid embarrassment and unpleasantness for all concerned. People embezzle from their workplace to manage their debts… while others offer bribes to smooth over the rough spots and make troubles go away.
Owning up to our mistakes, saying “No!” when we know something isn’t right, and taking responsibility for our lives and the messes we sometimes get into is often much more difficult. This takes our time, energy, and sometimes… our money. It can cost us friendships and more. But at the end of the day, our honesty and integrity are intact… and we know from other scriptures that these are traits that God desires for us.
Additionally, if we start operating more in honesty and “doing good,” we will find that the opportunities and temptations for lying and participating in evil behavior actually diminish. Staying in a close relationship with God greatly eliminates opportunities – and our desire - for lies, cheating and deception. And when problems do arise, we have a ready Source of strength and wisdom to whom we can turn.
We are in a season that is full of opportunities to do good… to speak the truth and share the blessings of a life in Christ with others. This is a great time to stop our “busyness” and spend some time in communion with God, seeking His guidance and wisdom. We can begin today to operate in truths and making a habit of doing good. We can make a conscious effort to choose to do what is right, no matter how hard it may seem. We can stand up and say, “With God, all things are possible,” and dare to prove it through our words and actions. Are you up to the challenge?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You would rather do evil than good, and tell lies than speak the truth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who seems to love to argue? This person is always picking a fight, bringing up a controversial topic for discussion, and generally trying to “get a rise” out of others. He/she may not be deliberately trying to be evil or stir up trouble. More likely, this individual has gotten comfortable with such behavior… and even a little lazy.
It may seem like doing good and telling the truth are boring. But actually, it takes more energy and brain power. Haven’t you heard people say, “It was easier to go along than argue.”? Don’t you know people who avoid confrontation at all costs… even to the point of lying for a friend or relative, or doing something they know is wrong just to avoid a conflict? Friends don’t want to anger or upset one another, so they “cover” for them. Parents bail their children out of messes to avoid embarrassment and unpleasantness for all concerned. People embezzle from their workplace to manage their debts… while others offer bribes to smooth over the rough spots and make troubles go away.
Owning up to our mistakes, saying “No!” when we know something isn’t right, and taking responsibility for our lives and the messes we sometimes get into is often much more difficult. This takes our time, energy, and sometimes… our money. It can cost us friendships and more. But at the end of the day, our honesty and integrity are intact… and we know from other scriptures that these are traits that God desires for us.
Additionally, if we start operating more in honesty and “doing good,” we will find that the opportunities and temptations for lying and participating in evil behavior actually diminish. Staying in a close relationship with God greatly eliminates opportunities – and our desire - for lies, cheating and deception. And when problems do arise, we have a ready Source of strength and wisdom to whom we can turn.
We are in a season that is full of opportunities to do good… to speak the truth and share the blessings of a life in Christ with others. This is a great time to stop our “busyness” and spend some time in communion with God, seeking His guidance and wisdom. We can begin today to operate in truths and making a habit of doing good. We can make a conscious effort to choose to do what is right, no matter how hard it may seem. We can stand up and say, “With God, all things are possible,” and dare to prove it through our words and actions. Are you up to the challenge?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 12, 2010
Jeremiah 9:5
They wear themselves out, always looking for a new way to cheat their friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We need look no further than late-night infomercials on television to see the power of the line, “Have I got a deal for YOU!” Dozens, if not hundreds, of entrepreneurs stand ready to sell you their latest invention, sure to make your life better in every way imaginable. And maybe a few of these products work. I’ve been tempted to order a few… the incredible clothes hangers, the orange cleaner for your floors and other surfaces, and even the slap-chopper thingy that is supposed to make dicing onions and other veggies a breeze.
I have also seen a segment on a local news station broadcast called, “We Try It Before You Buy It.” And I’ve seen some of the niftiest looking gadgets go down in flames when the show hosts cannot make them work… or they fail to come through as promised by the merchant on TV. These “inventors” are wearing themselves out looking for a new way to make a buck. Maybe they don’t set out to intentionally cheat the public with a product that doesn’t deliver. But I have to believe that quite a few of them know their product is worthless and won’t work for the consumers who purchase it.
What are we “selling” that can’t deliver? How are we wearing ourselves out chasing our tail, so to speak… spending time and energy on things that are less than honest or fair, rather than be the real deal for Jesus? How often do we ask ourselves, “What’s in this for me?” rather than “What would Jesus do?”
I would like to think that none of us deliberately sets out to cheat our friends – or even those we don’t know! But that’s exactly what happens sometimes when we put ourselves first. Maybe you just wanted a day to yourself, but by not offering your friend a ride, he/she didn’t get to attend something important to them. Maybe you bought yourself a cup of hot coffee instead of putting your change in the Salvation Army bucket outside the store… and now someone who really needed a hot cup of coffee won’t get it. Maybe you decided you would rather be lazy and stay home than attend the funeral of a close friend’s relative… and a whole lot of other people did the same things, so the crowd of supporters was noticeably small. Each time, your excuse was good, but it was just that - an excuse (and maybe even a dishonest one!).
While these things may not quite literally be considered cheating or lying, we tend to narrow our definition of these actions to fit our own desires… when in God’s eyes, a whole lot of things we would discount are truly dishonest and wrong behaviors. When we start to truly walk in the ways of God… to let Him live in and through us, our selfish desires become secondary to non-existent. Lying and cheating are not even on our radar screen… in ways great and small. Are you there yet? Have you made this commitment… and can others see it in your daily living? Isn’t it time we began to turn the corner?
©2010 Debbie Robus
They wear themselves out, always looking for a new way to cheat their friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We need look no further than late-night infomercials on television to see the power of the line, “Have I got a deal for YOU!” Dozens, if not hundreds, of entrepreneurs stand ready to sell you their latest invention, sure to make your life better in every way imaginable. And maybe a few of these products work. I’ve been tempted to order a few… the incredible clothes hangers, the orange cleaner for your floors and other surfaces, and even the slap-chopper thingy that is supposed to make dicing onions and other veggies a breeze.
I have also seen a segment on a local news station broadcast called, “We Try It Before You Buy It.” And I’ve seen some of the niftiest looking gadgets go down in flames when the show hosts cannot make them work… or they fail to come through as promised by the merchant on TV. These “inventors” are wearing themselves out looking for a new way to make a buck. Maybe they don’t set out to intentionally cheat the public with a product that doesn’t deliver. But I have to believe that quite a few of them know their product is worthless and won’t work for the consumers who purchase it.
What are we “selling” that can’t deliver? How are we wearing ourselves out chasing our tail, so to speak… spending time and energy on things that are less than honest or fair, rather than be the real deal for Jesus? How often do we ask ourselves, “What’s in this for me?” rather than “What would Jesus do?”
I would like to think that none of us deliberately sets out to cheat our friends – or even those we don’t know! But that’s exactly what happens sometimes when we put ourselves first. Maybe you just wanted a day to yourself, but by not offering your friend a ride, he/she didn’t get to attend something important to them. Maybe you bought yourself a cup of hot coffee instead of putting your change in the Salvation Army bucket outside the store… and now someone who really needed a hot cup of coffee won’t get it. Maybe you decided you would rather be lazy and stay home than attend the funeral of a close friend’s relative… and a whole lot of other people did the same things, so the crowd of supporters was noticeably small. Each time, your excuse was good, but it was just that - an excuse (and maybe even a dishonest one!).
While these things may not quite literally be considered cheating or lying, we tend to narrow our definition of these actions to fit our own desires… when in God’s eyes, a whole lot of things we would discount are truly dishonest and wrong behaviors. When we start to truly walk in the ways of God… to let Him live in and through us, our selfish desires become secondary to non-existent. Lying and cheating are not even on our radar screen… in ways great and small. Are you there yet? Have you made this commitment… and can others see it in your daily living? Isn’t it time we began to turn the corner?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 11, 2010
Proverbs 11:3
If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I saw an HGTV show about a young couple who had purchased their first home, but it had some “issues.” They called in an expert, who promptly discovered that the problems were very serious. One entire wall was pulling away from the studs, the wiring was worse than sub-standard, and there was mold and leaky pipes that were causing a ceiling to cave in and risk total collapse.
The young homeowner said, “I had the house inspected before we purchased it, and the inspector said everything was okay. Maybe I should have researched inspectors a little more. Someone said this guy was a good one… but obviously, he wasn’t.” In the end, the host of the HGTV show resolved all of the construction issues… even tearing out a lot of the walls, wiring and plumbing and starting over in many instances.
I don’t know if the dishonest… and certainly disreputable… inspector was ever prosecuted for this shoddy work. But I feel certain that somewhere down the line, his dishonesty will trap him. My dad was involved in building construction, and I know that doing things right the first time might take a little longer and cost a little more… and it might even cut into the builder’s profits a bit. But taking shortcuts and operating any other way is nothing but a trap that can lead to disaster at some point.
And so it is in our daily living. Our “little white lies” may seem harmless at the time, but in the end, they pile up like the kindling to start a campfire… and when we least expect it, they ignite and blow up in our face. Choosing the wrong guide… listening to friends and acquaintances or anyone who tells us “It won’t hurt anything/anyone” or “Nobody will ever know”… sets us up for destruction.
Choose your guides wisely. Choose the ultimate Guide… and follow His advice. Do the right thing… always… according to God’s will, and your “house” will always be well constructed and in good condition.
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I saw an HGTV show about a young couple who had purchased their first home, but it had some “issues.” They called in an expert, who promptly discovered that the problems were very serious. One entire wall was pulling away from the studs, the wiring was worse than sub-standard, and there was mold and leaky pipes that were causing a ceiling to cave in and risk total collapse.
The young homeowner said, “I had the house inspected before we purchased it, and the inspector said everything was okay. Maybe I should have researched inspectors a little more. Someone said this guy was a good one… but obviously, he wasn’t.” In the end, the host of the HGTV show resolved all of the construction issues… even tearing out a lot of the walls, wiring and plumbing and starting over in many instances.
I don’t know if the dishonest… and certainly disreputable… inspector was ever prosecuted for this shoddy work. But I feel certain that somewhere down the line, his dishonesty will trap him. My dad was involved in building construction, and I know that doing things right the first time might take a little longer and cost a little more… and it might even cut into the builder’s profits a bit. But taking shortcuts and operating any other way is nothing but a trap that can lead to disaster at some point.
And so it is in our daily living. Our “little white lies” may seem harmless at the time, but in the end, they pile up like the kindling to start a campfire… and when we least expect it, they ignite and blow up in our face. Choosing the wrong guide… listening to friends and acquaintances or anyone who tells us “It won’t hurt anything/anyone” or “Nobody will ever know”… sets us up for destruction.
Choose your guides wisely. Choose the ultimate Guide… and follow His advice. Do the right thing… always… according to God’s will, and your “house” will always be well constructed and in good condition.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 10, 2010
Jeremiah 5:3
Search Jerusalem for honest people who try. If you can find even one, I'll forgive the whole city. Everyone breaks promises made in my name." I answered, "I know that you look for truth. You punished your people for their lies, but in spite of the pain, they became more stubborn and refused to turn back to you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were watching a silly television sitcom recently where a man visited his ex-wife, and while he was there, he “lifted” a pair of diamond earrings he had given her shortly before she filed for divorce. He needed a birthday gift for his new girlfriend and had no money – and his justification was not only revenge but the claim that his first wife “never wore them!” The show ended with this man’s brother asking if he felt any remorse, and he held up a necklace and said something to the effect of “No… and it was even easier the second time.”
Albert Einstein defines insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Yet this is exactly what we seem to do with the truth. We know that our lies, cheating and deceit dishonor and disappoint God. We know that in the end, these behaviors create even larger problems for us. But we continue down the same path, repeating the same mistakes, and hoping for different results – this time!
The sitcom was truly silly, but it does serve to illustrate a very real point. Lying… and sin in general… becomes easier with practice. So while we may not consciously set out to get better at this over time, what seemed daunting and risky today may not seem so bad tomorrow. This is how people get into serious trouble with things like money. They “rob Peter to pay Paul” by taking a little money from their kids’ piggy bank to gamble, thinking the winnings will be more than enough to pay everyone back… and then some. But when the bet fails, and the money is gone, the gambler has to become more creative – and dishonest – about how and where to find more money for the next bet.
When you lie to a friend or family member about what you are doing or where you are going, it may be hard the first time. But it gets easier the more you practice. It may not seem like a bad thing to tell someone you accomplished something you didn’t – or to stretch the truth a little. But soon, you are well-versed in stretching things, and nobody can believe a word you say, because your claims are so outlandish and your reputation for exaggerating, at best, precedes you.
Maybe you have gotten so “good” at this that you honestly don’t know how to stop. If this is the case, it’s too late for me to tell you to never begin! But I do have help for you…and His name is Jesus. We can call on Jesus to help us accomplish whatever we cannot do on our own. We can ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins (which is the first step), and then we can call on Him to help us begin to rebuild our character and reputation. Jesus will give us the strength to tell the truth… even if it means we have to do without or make personal sacrifices. Believe me, none of them compares to the sacrifice HE made on the cross for us.
Examine your life today. Look in the nooks and crannies and see where you are practicing the insanity of lies, deceit, and sin of any kind. Confess these to Jesus and ask Him to help you get on your feet. Ask Jesus to help you avoid repeating the sins of your past. Give Him your burdens and free your mind to focus on what – and Who – really matters!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Search Jerusalem for honest people who try. If you can find even one, I'll forgive the whole city. Everyone breaks promises made in my name." I answered, "I know that you look for truth. You punished your people for their lies, but in spite of the pain, they became more stubborn and refused to turn back to you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were watching a silly television sitcom recently where a man visited his ex-wife, and while he was there, he “lifted” a pair of diamond earrings he had given her shortly before she filed for divorce. He needed a birthday gift for his new girlfriend and had no money – and his justification was not only revenge but the claim that his first wife “never wore them!” The show ended with this man’s brother asking if he felt any remorse, and he held up a necklace and said something to the effect of “No… and it was even easier the second time.”
Albert Einstein defines insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Yet this is exactly what we seem to do with the truth. We know that our lies, cheating and deceit dishonor and disappoint God. We know that in the end, these behaviors create even larger problems for us. But we continue down the same path, repeating the same mistakes, and hoping for different results – this time!
The sitcom was truly silly, but it does serve to illustrate a very real point. Lying… and sin in general… becomes easier with practice. So while we may not consciously set out to get better at this over time, what seemed daunting and risky today may not seem so bad tomorrow. This is how people get into serious trouble with things like money. They “rob Peter to pay Paul” by taking a little money from their kids’ piggy bank to gamble, thinking the winnings will be more than enough to pay everyone back… and then some. But when the bet fails, and the money is gone, the gambler has to become more creative – and dishonest – about how and where to find more money for the next bet.
When you lie to a friend or family member about what you are doing or where you are going, it may be hard the first time. But it gets easier the more you practice. It may not seem like a bad thing to tell someone you accomplished something you didn’t – or to stretch the truth a little. But soon, you are well-versed in stretching things, and nobody can believe a word you say, because your claims are so outlandish and your reputation for exaggerating, at best, precedes you.
Maybe you have gotten so “good” at this that you honestly don’t know how to stop. If this is the case, it’s too late for me to tell you to never begin! But I do have help for you…and His name is Jesus. We can call on Jesus to help us accomplish whatever we cannot do on our own. We can ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins (which is the first step), and then we can call on Him to help us begin to rebuild our character and reputation. Jesus will give us the strength to tell the truth… even if it means we have to do without or make personal sacrifices. Believe me, none of them compares to the sacrifice HE made on the cross for us.
Examine your life today. Look in the nooks and crannies and see where you are practicing the insanity of lies, deceit, and sin of any kind. Confess these to Jesus and ask Him to help you get on your feet. Ask Jesus to help you avoid repeating the sins of your past. Give Him your burdens and free your mind to focus on what – and Who – really matters!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 9, 2010
Proverbs 12:22
The LORD hates every liar, but he is the friend of all who can be trusted.
Proverbs 19:22
What matters most is loyalty. It's better to be poor than to be a liar.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever had to make a hard decision about being truthful, you know how gut-wrenching it can be. In your heart, you may know that covering for your boss/coach/best friend/family member would make things more pleasant. But at the same time, you know that this is not what God would have you do. And believe me, God understands that you find yourself in a pickle!
I can tell you from personal experience that choosing the truth will be the best decision. I know of a teacher who was asked to lie and say that he was certified to teach a certain course so that the school would not get into trouble with the state evaluators. He was told that to be honest would mean he would be fired. Now, I seriously doubt the principal could have really accomplished this without some more lies to trump up charges on this teacher for a “just cause” dismissal. But the threat was strong enough to scare the teacher into feeling trapped. Ultimately, the teacher chose to be honest… and find a new job in a new school district. And you know what? The teacher reports that this new job is far better than the one he left!
I know other people who have been told to do something deceptive or dishonest or be kicked off a team… or lose their job. I’ve told the truth and been cut off from a circle of “friends” and activities. I refused to go along with something dishonest when I was in high school, so my classmates blackballed my sister and didn’t elect her to participate on the sophomore service team for our prom. Then they wanted me to ask her to come to prom anyway and play the piano to accompany someone who was singing. We refused. My classmates were astonished that I would not be party to this, but it was the right thing to do, and my sister appreciated that I stood up for her.
As an adult, I’ve experienced the good and bad ends of truth and lies… and you will, too. There have been times when I have told the truth and answered honestly, and it “cost” me. People lie about all sorts of things, such as finances and physical needs/ailments in order to “play the system.” But in the end, this will catch up with them. I know there are people who even lie in order to get the church to help them… and the church does this… but GOD knows the truth, and we will have to answer to Him someday for all of this.
One of the best assets you will ever have is your honesty and moral character. Do not compromise this reputation with even the smallest “white lie.” Be poor before you will be dishonest. Be cut off from “friends” before you will lie or cheat for them. Trust that God will bless your efforts and see you through the rough times… value His friendship and approval above all else, and always be His loyal servant.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD hates every liar, but he is the friend of all who can be trusted.
Proverbs 19:22
What matters most is loyalty. It's better to be poor than to be a liar.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever had to make a hard decision about being truthful, you know how gut-wrenching it can be. In your heart, you may know that covering for your boss/coach/best friend/family member would make things more pleasant. But at the same time, you know that this is not what God would have you do. And believe me, God understands that you find yourself in a pickle!
I can tell you from personal experience that choosing the truth will be the best decision. I know of a teacher who was asked to lie and say that he was certified to teach a certain course so that the school would not get into trouble with the state evaluators. He was told that to be honest would mean he would be fired. Now, I seriously doubt the principal could have really accomplished this without some more lies to trump up charges on this teacher for a “just cause” dismissal. But the threat was strong enough to scare the teacher into feeling trapped. Ultimately, the teacher chose to be honest… and find a new job in a new school district. And you know what? The teacher reports that this new job is far better than the one he left!
I know other people who have been told to do something deceptive or dishonest or be kicked off a team… or lose their job. I’ve told the truth and been cut off from a circle of “friends” and activities. I refused to go along with something dishonest when I was in high school, so my classmates blackballed my sister and didn’t elect her to participate on the sophomore service team for our prom. Then they wanted me to ask her to come to prom anyway and play the piano to accompany someone who was singing. We refused. My classmates were astonished that I would not be party to this, but it was the right thing to do, and my sister appreciated that I stood up for her.
As an adult, I’ve experienced the good and bad ends of truth and lies… and you will, too. There have been times when I have told the truth and answered honestly, and it “cost” me. People lie about all sorts of things, such as finances and physical needs/ailments in order to “play the system.” But in the end, this will catch up with them. I know there are people who even lie in order to get the church to help them… and the church does this… but GOD knows the truth, and we will have to answer to Him someday for all of this.
One of the best assets you will ever have is your honesty and moral character. Do not compromise this reputation with even the smallest “white lie.” Be poor before you will be dishonest. Be cut off from “friends” before you will lie or cheat for them. Trust that God will bless your efforts and see you through the rough times… value His friendship and approval above all else, and always be His loyal servant.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 8, 2010
Leviticus 19:11
Do not steal or tell lies or cheat others.
Psalm 101:7
No one who cheats or lies will have a position in my royal court.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Friends and I were sharing stories the other day, and one of the women in the group said she used to work at a grocery store in California called Vons. The employees were told not to so much as taste a grape from the produce bins… that it would be considered stealing. I laughed, because it reminded me of when I was a child, and my friend Shaun and I went to Mr. Hicks' grocery store one day with our mothers. The store was a small neighborhood market located on Main Street near Pizza Piezazz. Shaun and I were about 5, and we each ate a grape from the produce display. We had seen adults sample the grapes as they were purchasing them, so we thought we’d try it.
The results may have been different for Shaun, but when I got in the car, I got in a LOT of trouble. My mother had seen me eat the grape, and she let me know in no uncertain terms that this was stealing. And to this day, I’ve never sampled a grape or any other produce in the store, unless a vendor offered me a sample. When I see someone pick a grape and taste it, I always think of this incident!
So what’s the big deal about eating one lone grape in the grocery store? And why was it such a big deal for my friend and her co-workers at Vons? The point is that little things have a way of becoming bigger things. It starts with one grape, but soon, workers would be going by and helping themselves to a handful every day… or just one apple, or one banana. This adds up in a hurry. And customers are eating food for which they have not paid!
As for us, the “one grape,” becomes something bigger, and soon we think nothing of taking office supplies from work that are not ours, or stealing road signs to make a cool display in our room, or making excuses to our teachers/coaches/parents/bosses about why we were late or why we want the day off from work or a certain event. “One grape” can become a huge deal… and the cost can be incredibly high – not for us in a monetary way, maybe – but in the eyes of God.
Psalm 101:7 says that no one who cheats or lies will have a position in the royal court. In other words, God doesn’t have the time or energy for liars and cheats. Yes, He is loving and forgiving… but do you really want to anger Him or challenge His authority? He has spoken… and the rule is, NO STEALING, CHEATING or LYING… not even a grape! Are you paying attention?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Do not steal or tell lies or cheat others.
Psalm 101:7
No one who cheats or lies will have a position in my royal court.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Friends and I were sharing stories the other day, and one of the women in the group said she used to work at a grocery store in California called Vons. The employees were told not to so much as taste a grape from the produce bins… that it would be considered stealing. I laughed, because it reminded me of when I was a child, and my friend Shaun and I went to Mr. Hicks' grocery store one day with our mothers. The store was a small neighborhood market located on Main Street near Pizza Piezazz. Shaun and I were about 5, and we each ate a grape from the produce display. We had seen adults sample the grapes as they were purchasing them, so we thought we’d try it.
The results may have been different for Shaun, but when I got in the car, I got in a LOT of trouble. My mother had seen me eat the grape, and she let me know in no uncertain terms that this was stealing. And to this day, I’ve never sampled a grape or any other produce in the store, unless a vendor offered me a sample. When I see someone pick a grape and taste it, I always think of this incident!
So what’s the big deal about eating one lone grape in the grocery store? And why was it such a big deal for my friend and her co-workers at Vons? The point is that little things have a way of becoming bigger things. It starts with one grape, but soon, workers would be going by and helping themselves to a handful every day… or just one apple, or one banana. This adds up in a hurry. And customers are eating food for which they have not paid!
As for us, the “one grape,” becomes something bigger, and soon we think nothing of taking office supplies from work that are not ours, or stealing road signs to make a cool display in our room, or making excuses to our teachers/coaches/parents/bosses about why we were late or why we want the day off from work or a certain event. “One grape” can become a huge deal… and the cost can be incredibly high – not for us in a monetary way, maybe – but in the eyes of God.
Psalm 101:7 says that no one who cheats or lies will have a position in the royal court. In other words, God doesn’t have the time or energy for liars and cheats. Yes, He is loving and forgiving… but do you really want to anger Him or challenge His authority? He has spoken… and the rule is, NO STEALING, CHEATING or LYING… not even a grape! Are you paying attention?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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