2 Corinthians 8:24
Treat them in such a way that the churches will see your love and will know why we bragged about you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever known someone who was held in high esteem by many people because all of his/her accomplishments? But at the same time, you knew that person in a different light. You knew that person by how he/she treated others … particularly those who worked for them or alongside them. And you knew that this person stepped on and over countless people to look better and build a reputation. You’ve probably had to bite your tongue on more than one occasion when someone begins bragging on that person, because you know the truth.
Sadly, this happens in all walks of life – even among “Christians.” Some people get so caught up in the “glory and fame” that they really don’t care how they treat others along the way. They serve on committees, attend countless functions to be seen and heard, but there is no real “meat” to their ministry. You may know someone like this who is always ready to “serve” or “the life of the party,” but has no depth to his/her character. School age kids call these people “two-faced” or even “bullies” – or “snobs”. These people often appear to have a whole host of friends, when in truth, they aren’t really close to anyone.
Imagine if Jesus had behaved this way. Surely He of all people had reason to make the most of His reputation … to “rest on His laurels” so to speak. Look at what He did – He healed the sick and the lame, He cast out demons, He fed the hungry. WOW! But that is why we “brag” on Jesus, is it? We know Jesus especially for His heart for others – His love, grace and mercy. We know Jesus as someone who loved children, his friends family and disciples … cared for the unclean and downtrodden … and died on the cross for all of us. Now that’s a reputation!
How do people know you? When your name is mentioned, do people automatically think of someone who is successful and well-respected … someone who “gets the job done”? Or do they hear your name and think, “He/she will step over anyone to look better or important.”? OR… does the mention of your name bring to mind someone who emulates Jesus … someone who loves unconditionally, has grace and mercy for others … a willing servant who does the work of the Lord with a humble heart and spirit?
Today, I pray we will all take a long, hard look in the mirror. Ask yourself, “What are my motives? Is my goal to get ahead in life regardless of the cost … or is my aim to please God with my actions and my service? Is making a ‘name’ for myself and getting ahead worth dishonoring God in the process?” How we treat others does matter. How we serve God matters. Our reputation matters … but not in the way some of us think. It is far more important to be known for humility and service to God … kindness and love for others … than to be known for our “accomplishments.” What kind of reputation do you seek? How will you be known by others?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label nurturing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nurturing. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 31, 2010
Matthew 7:12
Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, a dear friend of mine was having surgery in a Little Rock hospital. I telephoned the hospital to inquire about my friend and see how her surgery went. After talking to several people, the consensus was, “She’s not here.” I knew she was there, and I was insistent that they keep looking. Eventually, someone on the hospital staff located her – she had been moved to another area of the recovery room, and quite frankly, they had temporarily lost track of her! This was a scary thought.
While the staff was able to excuse it by saying the woman’s children had stepped out for a bite to eat and there was no one there to speak up when her name was called in the waiting area, the fact that my friend’s name was not on any lists or computer files made me wonder about how careful people were at that facility. I had to ask myself … what if they were the ones having surgery? Wouldn’t they want documentation that showed that they were in the building? Wouldn’t they want someone to be able to locate them?
This is a drastic, dramatic illustration of treating others as we want to be treated … but isn’t this in essence what we do quite often? We “lose” others because we lose focus and become self-absorbed. We don’t see the needs and consider the feelings of others because we are so busy with our own. Their names don’t appear on our “roster” … and we have ample excuses should we be called out for it. But the truth is … we want others to notice us and care about us! We don’t want to be misplaced or forgotten.
It’s time for a reality check. We need to be looking up, out, and all around. Who in our path needs something from us today? It could be a simple smile, handshake, e-mail message, ride to school or the store, or a brief phone call. Others may be sick or injured and in need of more specific or detailed attention. Never assume that you know the level of someone’s need until you have done a proper assessment. The single older lady with the “sniffle” may need more help and attention than the woman half her age who is hospitalized with pneumonia. The student with the broken wrist may need help with school work, dressing and putting on shoes, and getting in and out of the building each day for classes. The grieving parent may need someone to come and help with everyday chores around the house until he/she can get a few days/weeks under the belt and begin to think clearly and function somewhat normally again.
The harried single mother with two kids may need someone to listen to her vent … or to sit and read stories to the children while she takes a hot shower. The college student who is juggling a full class load and a part-time job to pay for tuition and books may simply need to know that someone is available to listen or help where needed.
The bottom line is that we are called to serve others and meet their needs … just as they are called to do the same for ours. If we make excuses and let others get “lost in the shuffle,” we can hardly expect anything different for ourselves, can we? Ask God to open your eyes, ears, heart and mind to the needs of those around you. As you ask Him to meet your needs each day, think about who He will send to help you – and how this will be accomplished. Then ask where you have something to offer in return. God and others are counting on you to find the right balance.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, a dear friend of mine was having surgery in a Little Rock hospital. I telephoned the hospital to inquire about my friend and see how her surgery went. After talking to several people, the consensus was, “She’s not here.” I knew she was there, and I was insistent that they keep looking. Eventually, someone on the hospital staff located her – she had been moved to another area of the recovery room, and quite frankly, they had temporarily lost track of her! This was a scary thought.
While the staff was able to excuse it by saying the woman’s children had stepped out for a bite to eat and there was no one there to speak up when her name was called in the waiting area, the fact that my friend’s name was not on any lists or computer files made me wonder about how careful people were at that facility. I had to ask myself … what if they were the ones having surgery? Wouldn’t they want documentation that showed that they were in the building? Wouldn’t they want someone to be able to locate them?
This is a drastic, dramatic illustration of treating others as we want to be treated … but isn’t this in essence what we do quite often? We “lose” others because we lose focus and become self-absorbed. We don’t see the needs and consider the feelings of others because we are so busy with our own. Their names don’t appear on our “roster” … and we have ample excuses should we be called out for it. But the truth is … we want others to notice us and care about us! We don’t want to be misplaced or forgotten.
It’s time for a reality check. We need to be looking up, out, and all around. Who in our path needs something from us today? It could be a simple smile, handshake, e-mail message, ride to school or the store, or a brief phone call. Others may be sick or injured and in need of more specific or detailed attention. Never assume that you know the level of someone’s need until you have done a proper assessment. The single older lady with the “sniffle” may need more help and attention than the woman half her age who is hospitalized with pneumonia. The student with the broken wrist may need help with school work, dressing and putting on shoes, and getting in and out of the building each day for classes. The grieving parent may need someone to come and help with everyday chores around the house until he/she can get a few days/weeks under the belt and begin to think clearly and function somewhat normally again.
The harried single mother with two kids may need someone to listen to her vent … or to sit and read stories to the children while she takes a hot shower. The college student who is juggling a full class load and a part-time job to pay for tuition and books may simply need to know that someone is available to listen or help where needed.
The bottom line is that we are called to serve others and meet their needs … just as they are called to do the same for ours. If we make excuses and let others get “lost in the shuffle,” we can hardly expect anything different for ourselves, can we? Ask God to open your eyes, ears, heart and mind to the needs of those around you. As you ask Him to meet your needs each day, think about who He will send to help you – and how this will be accomplished. Then ask where you have something to offer in return. God and others are counting on you to find the right balance.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2010
Matthew 25:21
"Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a kid, I assumed my paternal grandparents were rich. They grew their own food on their farm – including Black Angus beef. My grandmother made beautiful clothes for herself, my sister and me - and our Barbies! We had a horse to ride, and twenty acres to explore. My grandparents always seemed to live in abundance.
What I could not see as a child was how hard they worked for the things they had. I knew they went to bed right after supper and rose early each morning. I knew my grandmother drove a school bus each day and then worked as a chairside assistant for a local dentist. I knew that each afternoon after she made the return trip in the school bus, she worked in her garden, quilted or sewed, and cooked wonderful meals … often alongside a big vat of dentures she was “setting” for a patient at work! I knew my grandfather got up early each day to feed his cattle … then operated heavy equipment - like road graders and bulldozers - for the county. After work, he came home and tended to his cattle and his crops.
With all of this work, my grandparents still managed to do for others. They were active members of their church. They shared their food with those who were hungry and ministered to sick and needy family members and friends. They always had time for their three grandchildren. And when their home of more than 25 years burned to the ground one December 20th, others came to their side and returned the favor.
Fellow church members who were traveling south for the winter offered their home to my grandparents. A local contractor agreed to put a “rush” on building a new house for them. The church members, family and friends opened their closets, wallets and hearts and “pounded” them with everything from staples for the kitchen to furniture, household items and more. People rallied around my grandmother when my grandfather died in 1984. Since that time, she has lived in the abundance of blessings from friends and family who “see after” her in ways great and small. And at almost 98 years of age, she still returns the blessings by doing for others as much as she can.
Early in their adult lives, God called my grandparents to serve Him … and they answered. God saw how well they did with so little, and He continued to heap blessings upon them. I’m not talking money, cars, lavish homes and opulent wealth. I’m talking about blessings that matter. Because I can tell you with confidence that I’ve been to enough estate sales to know it’s true that “you cannot take it with you!”
What is God asking you to do? Is He starting with something seemingly small? If so, are you stepping up and answering? I promise you, the “assignments” get bigger … but so do the blessings. Living in the abundance of a life spent serving God - in whatever manner He asks – will result in wealth you can’t even imagine … the kind that matters for all eternity. Don’t you want to hear God say, “I’m proud of you … you are a good and faithful servant!”? Don’t you want to share in His happiness? What are you doing today to make that happen?
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a kid, I assumed my paternal grandparents were rich. They grew their own food on their farm – including Black Angus beef. My grandmother made beautiful clothes for herself, my sister and me - and our Barbies! We had a horse to ride, and twenty acres to explore. My grandparents always seemed to live in abundance.
What I could not see as a child was how hard they worked for the things they had. I knew they went to bed right after supper and rose early each morning. I knew my grandmother drove a school bus each day and then worked as a chairside assistant for a local dentist. I knew that each afternoon after she made the return trip in the school bus, she worked in her garden, quilted or sewed, and cooked wonderful meals … often alongside a big vat of dentures she was “setting” for a patient at work! I knew my grandfather got up early each day to feed his cattle … then operated heavy equipment - like road graders and bulldozers - for the county. After work, he came home and tended to his cattle and his crops.
With all of this work, my grandparents still managed to do for others. They were active members of their church. They shared their food with those who were hungry and ministered to sick and needy family members and friends. They always had time for their three grandchildren. And when their home of more than 25 years burned to the ground one December 20th, others came to their side and returned the favor.
Fellow church members who were traveling south for the winter offered their home to my grandparents. A local contractor agreed to put a “rush” on building a new house for them. The church members, family and friends opened their closets, wallets and hearts and “pounded” them with everything from staples for the kitchen to furniture, household items and more. People rallied around my grandmother when my grandfather died in 1984. Since that time, she has lived in the abundance of blessings from friends and family who “see after” her in ways great and small. And at almost 98 years of age, she still returns the blessings by doing for others as much as she can.
Early in their adult lives, God called my grandparents to serve Him … and they answered. God saw how well they did with so little, and He continued to heap blessings upon them. I’m not talking money, cars, lavish homes and opulent wealth. I’m talking about blessings that matter. Because I can tell you with confidence that I’ve been to enough estate sales to know it’s true that “you cannot take it with you!”
What is God asking you to do? Is He starting with something seemingly small? If so, are you stepping up and answering? I promise you, the “assignments” get bigger … but so do the blessings. Living in the abundance of a life spent serving God - in whatever manner He asks – will result in wealth you can’t even imagine … the kind that matters for all eternity. Don’t you want to hear God say, “I’m proud of you … you are a good and faithful servant!”? Don’t you want to share in His happiness? What are you doing today to make that happen?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 3, 2010
June 3 ~ 2 Kings 6:16
"Don't be afraid," Elisha answered. "There are more troops on our side than on theirs."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Nobody likes to feel outnumbered. The good news is, in our Christian life, it may seem that way, but in truth, we have more “troops” on our side than we even realize! Truly, no weapon formed against us will prosper, if we are living within God’s will.
I will be honest… I didn’t really understand this when I was a teenager and young adult. And I now see just how generous God’s grace was over me during those years. I still remember being laughed at because I didn’t smoke cigarettes and wouldn’t try marijuana or other drugs. I still recall the sting of not being included in trips to the lake or other outings because I wasn’t allowed to wear a bikini bathing suit or the crop tops and low-rise jeans my girlfriends were wearing. I’ve heard the names… “prude,” “goody two-shoes,” and more. And I admit…at the time, these things really hurt. They made me feel like I was an outsider… like I was outnumbered, and everyone else was having more fun and laughing at me. And honestly, Satan delighted in this… and he could have so easily won me over, had God’s grace not covered me.
See, I didn’t realize it then, but for every temptation Satan hurled at me, God stood back, arms folded, watching His angels surround me and give me the resolve and courage I needed to muddle through each situation. It wasn’t easy, and I don’t have a spotless record! But now I see so clearly that I was I just didn’t realize Who had my back… I was never outnumbered! And neither are you!
God has a army of angels surrounding each of us, ready to fight off Satan’s attackers. We can call on them any hour of the night or day. All we have to do is say, “Lord, I need you. I’m upset, and I’m about to say something that I know I will regret later.” Or, “Lord, everyone else is doing this… I really, really want to fit in… can you help me?” Or, “Father, I don’t think I can fight this disease and the ailments of aging any more. Can you please give me strength and peace?”
When I sleepily rock our nephew Timothy in the middle of the night, and he will not settle down, I have prayed for God to give him rest and relaxation. I’ve envisioned him surrounded by angels who lovingly soothe him and calm him as he returns to sleep in his crib. I have felt the presence of angels in a hospital room as my dad lay dying, and I have acknowledged that they were far more powerful than the demons of his illness and suffering. I have been tempted to lash out in anger and frustration at someone when I felt they were mistreating me, and I’ve asked God to surround me with legions of angels to protect me – and my intended target. And always… ALWAYS… God answers when I call on Him. AND… He will do the very same thing for you. Nothing is too big or too small for God… and we do not have to operate one second more in fear.
Are you calling on God and His army of angels to calm your fears and give you courage – and encouragement? Do you recognize the enemy and confront him headlong by calling on The Great Commander? Isn’t it time we stopped giving in, compromising and declaring defeat unnecessarily? We need recognize that we are never outnumbered as Christians. Help is only a prayer away. I wish I had used them more often when I was younger, but I am making up for lost time now! God is truly my ultimate “lifeline” – is He yours?
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Don't be afraid," Elisha answered. "There are more troops on our side than on theirs."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Nobody likes to feel outnumbered. The good news is, in our Christian life, it may seem that way, but in truth, we have more “troops” on our side than we even realize! Truly, no weapon formed against us will prosper, if we are living within God’s will.
I will be honest… I didn’t really understand this when I was a teenager and young adult. And I now see just how generous God’s grace was over me during those years. I still remember being laughed at because I didn’t smoke cigarettes and wouldn’t try marijuana or other drugs. I still recall the sting of not being included in trips to the lake or other outings because I wasn’t allowed to wear a bikini bathing suit or the crop tops and low-rise jeans my girlfriends were wearing. I’ve heard the names… “prude,” “goody two-shoes,” and more. And I admit…at the time, these things really hurt. They made me feel like I was an outsider… like I was outnumbered, and everyone else was having more fun and laughing at me. And honestly, Satan delighted in this… and he could have so easily won me over, had God’s grace not covered me.
See, I didn’t realize it then, but for every temptation Satan hurled at me, God stood back, arms folded, watching His angels surround me and give me the resolve and courage I needed to muddle through each situation. It wasn’t easy, and I don’t have a spotless record! But now I see so clearly that I was I just didn’t realize Who had my back… I was never outnumbered! And neither are you!
God has a army of angels surrounding each of us, ready to fight off Satan’s attackers. We can call on them any hour of the night or day. All we have to do is say, “Lord, I need you. I’m upset, and I’m about to say something that I know I will regret later.” Or, “Lord, everyone else is doing this… I really, really want to fit in… can you help me?” Or, “Father, I don’t think I can fight this disease and the ailments of aging any more. Can you please give me strength and peace?”
When I sleepily rock our nephew Timothy in the middle of the night, and he will not settle down, I have prayed for God to give him rest and relaxation. I’ve envisioned him surrounded by angels who lovingly soothe him and calm him as he returns to sleep in his crib. I have felt the presence of angels in a hospital room as my dad lay dying, and I have acknowledged that they were far more powerful than the demons of his illness and suffering. I have been tempted to lash out in anger and frustration at someone when I felt they were mistreating me, and I’ve asked God to surround me with legions of angels to protect me – and my intended target. And always… ALWAYS… God answers when I call on Him. AND… He will do the very same thing for you. Nothing is too big or too small for God… and we do not have to operate one second more in fear.
Are you calling on God and His army of angels to calm your fears and give you courage – and encouragement? Do you recognize the enemy and confront him headlong by calling on The Great Commander? Isn’t it time we stopped giving in, compromising and declaring defeat unnecessarily? We need recognize that we are never outnumbered as Christians. Help is only a prayer away. I wish I had used them more often when I was younger, but I am making up for lost time now! God is truly my ultimate “lifeline” – is He yours?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 22, 2010
April 22 ~ Matthew 18:10-14
Don't be cruel to any of these little ones! I promise you that their angels are always with my Father in heaven. Let me ask you this. What would you do if you had a hundred sheep and one of them wandered off? Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go look for the one that had wandered away? I am sure that finding it would make you happier than having the ninety-nine that never wandered off. That's how it is with your Father in heaven. He doesn't want any of these little ones to be lost.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
During the Christmas holidays, I always make Italian cream cake. This rich dessert has become a family tradition for our holiday dinners, and I rarely make it any other time. This year, I set it on a beautiful antique cake plate that I purchased at the estate sale of a dear friend named Eloise. The pattern was called “Stars and Bars,” and every time I used that platter, I thought of Eloise. When the cake was finished, I slid the platter into my sink to wash it… and somehow it became wedged along the sides of the sink.
I could not budge that platter. I tried more dish soap. I tried gently pulling on the sides… being careful not to crack the plate and cut myself. Then I did a dumb thing. My dish water was very warm, so I got a cup of ice from our freezer and poured it in. CRACK! The plate immediately split into two pieces. Had I been a little more patient and thoughtful, the dish might have come loose as the water cooled. I learned a hard lesson.
The thing is… I have dozens of cake plates and beautiful antique trays that I have purchased at estate auctions. I even have another “Stars and Bars” tray. But almost all of the trays and dishes I keep have a story for me. They belonged to a friend… or the contemporary of my grandmothers. I have two trays that belonged to my grandmother and great-aunt, and I can still imagine them serving delicious little tidbits to their coffee klatch or canasta club. Each one is precious, and I am sad when I break or chip even one.
That was Jesus’ point with His analogy. Every single one of us is important to Him. Even the person you see as insignificant or “hard to love,” Jesus loves and adores every bit as much as He cares for you. I should have been more careful with Eloise’s cake plate. I will learn to live without it. But human souls are not as expendable. We cannot afford to ignore or mistreat a single one! What “sheep” have wandered off in your own life? To whom do you need to reach out today and encourage them back “into the fold?”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Don't be cruel to any of these little ones! I promise you that their angels are always with my Father in heaven. Let me ask you this. What would you do if you had a hundred sheep and one of them wandered off? Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go look for the one that had wandered away? I am sure that finding it would make you happier than having the ninety-nine that never wandered off. That's how it is with your Father in heaven. He doesn't want any of these little ones to be lost.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
During the Christmas holidays, I always make Italian cream cake. This rich dessert has become a family tradition for our holiday dinners, and I rarely make it any other time. This year, I set it on a beautiful antique cake plate that I purchased at the estate sale of a dear friend named Eloise. The pattern was called “Stars and Bars,” and every time I used that platter, I thought of Eloise. When the cake was finished, I slid the platter into my sink to wash it… and somehow it became wedged along the sides of the sink.
I could not budge that platter. I tried more dish soap. I tried gently pulling on the sides… being careful not to crack the plate and cut myself. Then I did a dumb thing. My dish water was very warm, so I got a cup of ice from our freezer and poured it in. CRACK! The plate immediately split into two pieces. Had I been a little more patient and thoughtful, the dish might have come loose as the water cooled. I learned a hard lesson.
The thing is… I have dozens of cake plates and beautiful antique trays that I have purchased at estate auctions. I even have another “Stars and Bars” tray. But almost all of the trays and dishes I keep have a story for me. They belonged to a friend… or the contemporary of my grandmothers. I have two trays that belonged to my grandmother and great-aunt, and I can still imagine them serving delicious little tidbits to their coffee klatch or canasta club. Each one is precious, and I am sad when I break or chip even one.
That was Jesus’ point with His analogy. Every single one of us is important to Him. Even the person you see as insignificant or “hard to love,” Jesus loves and adores every bit as much as He cares for you. I should have been more careful with Eloise’s cake plate. I will learn to live without it. But human souls are not as expendable. We cannot afford to ignore or mistreat a single one! What “sheep” have wandered off in your own life? To whom do you need to reach out today and encourage them back “into the fold?”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 20, 2010
March 20 ~ Psalm 52:8
But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mother-in-law took a Mississippi River cruise several years ago with her aunt. Along the way, they saw a gingko tree, and my mother-in-law picked up a seed, brought it home, and planted it. Today, she has a beautiful tree in her front yard. She has carefully nurtured this gingko tree, and it stands almost two stories high now and produces leaves that turn a vivid yellow-gold in the fall. Recently, she asked my husband to prune a “second trunk” that was developing to give it an even nicer shape. As long as she is able, she will love and care for this tree, and it will thrive and continue to grow.
As crazy as this sounds, God cares about this gingko tree, too, just as He cares for all of His creations. But more importantly, as much as God cares about this tree, He cares for us even more. He “planted” us and has nurtured us along the way, and we can count on His love forever and ever at every stage of our journey. I know this is not NEWS to you, but think about this carefully for a while. God has nurtured you since even before you were a “seed” planted in your mother’s womb. He has planned for you, seen that your every need was met, and provided you with all you need to grow into the person He planned you to be. He sometimes “prunes” us for better growth by allowing us to go through a few things. And He LOVES you – forever and ever.
Don’t you feel a little more special today? Isn’t it wonderful to remind yourself just how much God loves you? Do you have a better understanding of how and why you can trust Him to always want the best for you? I don’t know about you, but I am pretty humbled by this. And when I see the beauty and perfection in even a yellow-leafed gingko tree and how carefully God planned for it, I am excited about what He has in store for me! Thank God today for loving you so well. Trust Him to continue to nurture you and care for you in the days to come – and to love you forever and ever.
©2010 Debbie Robus
But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mother-in-law took a Mississippi River cruise several years ago with her aunt. Along the way, they saw a gingko tree, and my mother-in-law picked up a seed, brought it home, and planted it. Today, she has a beautiful tree in her front yard. She has carefully nurtured this gingko tree, and it stands almost two stories high now and produces leaves that turn a vivid yellow-gold in the fall. Recently, she asked my husband to prune a “second trunk” that was developing to give it an even nicer shape. As long as she is able, she will love and care for this tree, and it will thrive and continue to grow.
As crazy as this sounds, God cares about this gingko tree, too, just as He cares for all of His creations. But more importantly, as much as God cares about this tree, He cares for us even more. He “planted” us and has nurtured us along the way, and we can count on His love forever and ever at every stage of our journey. I know this is not NEWS to you, but think about this carefully for a while. God has nurtured you since even before you were a “seed” planted in your mother’s womb. He has planned for you, seen that your every need was met, and provided you with all you need to grow into the person He planned you to be. He sometimes “prunes” us for better growth by allowing us to go through a few things. And He LOVES you – forever and ever.
Don’t you feel a little more special today? Isn’t it wonderful to remind yourself just how much God loves you? Do you have a better understanding of how and why you can trust Him to always want the best for you? I don’t know about you, but I am pretty humbled by this. And when I see the beauty and perfection in even a yellow-leafed gingko tree and how carefully God planned for it, I am excited about what He has in store for me! Thank God today for loving you so well. Trust Him to continue to nurture you and care for you in the days to come – and to love you forever and ever.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 17, 2010
February 17 ~ Matthew 19:13
Some people brought their children to Jesus, so that he could place his hands on them and pray for them. His disciples told the people to stop bothering him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anyone who knows me very well knows I love children. I am a mother to none and an “aunt” to dozens. If you don’t see the importance of loving and nurturing children, read this passage again.
Just lately, our great-nephew, Timmy, has learned to pull up on things, especially his crib rail. Each time he does this, he grins, growls and squeals – so proud of himself for this accomplishment. Frankly, I didn’t see it the same way at first… now the crib is not longer the safe haven I used when I needed to confine him. Soon enough he will learn to crawl over the rail and hit (hopefully not literally) the floor! My husband and I looked at each other recently and agreed… “Things just got a whole lot more complicated and challenging with this baby now that he is mobile!”
After watching Timmy for a while and seeing his delight, excitement and enthusiasm for learning these new things – and practicing them – I have a different attitude. He is growing and expressing his independence… and he takes great delight in each accomplishment. He has no clue that they pose more challenges for the adults who chase him – or that they involve risks and possible bumps and bruises along the way. He is absorbing each new thing like a sponge. The flip side of this is that he also absorbs our “vibes.” If you think a small child doesn’t sense your feelings, tension, frustration, and anger, you are dead wrong. And over time, these emotions can change a child’s spirit – if not squelch it completely. I have seen five-year-olds enter kindergarten with a spirit that has already been crushed by negative influences in their lives, and this is a sad, sad thing.
Spiritually, we all start out as children. We are eager, enthusiastic, and excited, and soaking up God’s word and His promises like a sponge. Sadly, it doesn’t take very long for Satan to move in and use those around us to try to squelch this. He may even be using you and me to do this to others. If we have a negative attitude… if we are less than enthusiastic about our faith or always discouraged about how God doesn’t seem to be working in our lives, Christian “children” will notice… and it will matter.
Our challenge is not to tamp down the excitement and enthusiasm of new Christians – or children. Our responsibility is to open our arms, just as Jesus did and pray for them… love, encourage and nurture them… and build them up in their new discoveries. We were all children once – physically and Spiritually. Think about how you were nurtured and who encouraged you. Thank God for loving “aunts” and “uncles” in your life and mentors who helped you to grow in your faith… and ask Him to show you how to do this for others.
©2009 Debbie Robus
Some people brought their children to Jesus, so that he could place his hands on them and pray for them. His disciples told the people to stop bothering him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anyone who knows me very well knows I love children. I am a mother to none and an “aunt” to dozens. If you don’t see the importance of loving and nurturing children, read this passage again.
Just lately, our great-nephew, Timmy, has learned to pull up on things, especially his crib rail. Each time he does this, he grins, growls and squeals – so proud of himself for this accomplishment. Frankly, I didn’t see it the same way at first… now the crib is not longer the safe haven I used when I needed to confine him. Soon enough he will learn to crawl over the rail and hit (hopefully not literally) the floor! My husband and I looked at each other recently and agreed… “Things just got a whole lot more complicated and challenging with this baby now that he is mobile!”
After watching Timmy for a while and seeing his delight, excitement and enthusiasm for learning these new things – and practicing them – I have a different attitude. He is growing and expressing his independence… and he takes great delight in each accomplishment. He has no clue that they pose more challenges for the adults who chase him – or that they involve risks and possible bumps and bruises along the way. He is absorbing each new thing like a sponge. The flip side of this is that he also absorbs our “vibes.” If you think a small child doesn’t sense your feelings, tension, frustration, and anger, you are dead wrong. And over time, these emotions can change a child’s spirit – if not squelch it completely. I have seen five-year-olds enter kindergarten with a spirit that has already been crushed by negative influences in their lives, and this is a sad, sad thing.
Spiritually, we all start out as children. We are eager, enthusiastic, and excited, and soaking up God’s word and His promises like a sponge. Sadly, it doesn’t take very long for Satan to move in and use those around us to try to squelch this. He may even be using you and me to do this to others. If we have a negative attitude… if we are less than enthusiastic about our faith or always discouraged about how God doesn’t seem to be working in our lives, Christian “children” will notice… and it will matter.
Our challenge is not to tamp down the excitement and enthusiasm of new Christians – or children. Our responsibility is to open our arms, just as Jesus did and pray for them… love, encourage and nurture them… and build them up in their new discoveries. We were all children once – physically and Spiritually. Think about how you were nurtured and who encouraged you. Thank God for loving “aunts” and “uncles” in your life and mentors who helped you to grow in your faith… and ask Him to show you how to do this for others.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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