Proverbs 16:6
If we truly love God,
our sins will be forgiven;
if we show him respect,
we will keep away from sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My
mother was fairly lucid until about 36 hours before she died. In one
of our last conversations, she looked my sister and me squarely in the
eyes and said, “We are a strange species.” I later learned from my
niece, Jasmine, that Mother peppered this phrase all throughout a
journal she kept for her grand-daughter for the last 23 years. And
indeed, we are a strange species. As I read this passage from
Proverbs, I thought of things that have happened even in this last week
and reminded myself that our actions do not always line up with our
talk…particularly as supposed Christian disciples.
I have said
time and again that people are watching. They notice when we demonstrate
great faith and hope in Jesus…and when we belie His teachings. The
nicest person in the world can say and do some pretty nasty things in
any given moment…or “act a fool” at some point. This doesn’t make any
of us particularly bad people…but depending on who observes these sins
(and yes, these are sins, because they represent disrespect and
disobedience toward Jesus and His teachings) we may do tremendous harm
to God’s Kingdom – and our effectiveness as His witness.
We
cannot judge others. We cannot treat them with
disdain…discriminate…criticize unkindly and unconstructively…or
humiliate. We have to be on our best behavior and continually check our
words and actions. There are people who will get on our last nerve…and
God calls us to love them anyway - even those who “are a strange
species.”
If we truly love God, we must obey Him. We have to
follow the teachings of Jesus and love others – ALL others. We have to
respect others and treat them fairly, because this demonstrates our
respect and reverence for the God we love and worship. We must stay
awake and alert for opportunities to sin - and avoid them at all cost.
Mother was right…we are
a strange species…ALL of us – not just the other guy! What we think,
say and do matters – to others AND to God. If we want Him to forgive
us, we must do what can be the hard work of following all of His
commands and demonstrating resolve, reverence, respect, and a healthy
dose of restraint!
Spend some time in prayer today and ask God to
show you where there are opportunities to demonstrate respect and
reverence…and where you need to operate in reservation and
self-discipline. He will give you the strength and courage you need to
do both. We are a strange species…and people are watching one another. When they look at you…what – and WHO – do they see?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label operating in calm peace humility love kindness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label operating in calm peace humility love kindness. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 19, 2015
Proverbs 15:1
A kind answer
soothes angry feelings,
but harsh words
stir them up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Headline on the front cover of the October 2010 edition of Tails magazine: “Rachel Ray finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog.” Oh, the difference a comma or two can make!
So often, it’s not just what we say…but how we say it. We are masters at filling our mouths with our feet. And sometimes, the difference between “kind answers” and “harsh words” is just a matter of a comma…a few seconds…a quick prayer…10 breaths…time to think over what we are about to say. I am as guilty of this as the next person, so this is as much a message for me as it is for you or anyone else.
God wants us to be thoughtful…intentional…to choose our words wisely and carefully. He wants us to soothe angry feelings, not stir them up. God wants us to be agents of peace and joy…to operate in His love for every other person. And we cannot do this if we are creating feelings of anger and outrage.
Look…everyone has opinions. And yours may differ from someone else’s. But the attitude with which you present yours may be the catalyst for either a mutual understanding – or a major fiasco. You may have already inadvertently damaged a friendship or acquaintance by your words and actions. Or you may have been the vehicle for a mended relationship by the way you spoke and/or acted with kindness and consideration for all concerned.
I am asking God to help me operate in the kindness lane…to be someone who offers answers that soothe feelings and demonstrate His love and care for ALL people. My prayer is that you will do the same. Together, we can make a change in the overall “vibe” of the atmosphere that surrounds us. We can be the “comma” that makes all the difference. It begins with each one of us and our thoughts, words and actions. Are you willing to do your part? Will you ask God to help you begin today?
©2015 Debbie Robus
A kind answer
soothes angry feelings,
but harsh words
stir them up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Headline on the front cover of the October 2010 edition of Tails magazine: “Rachel Ray finds inspiration in cooking her family and her dog.” Oh, the difference a comma or two can make!
So often, it’s not just what we say…but how we say it. We are masters at filling our mouths with our feet. And sometimes, the difference between “kind answers” and “harsh words” is just a matter of a comma…a few seconds…a quick prayer…10 breaths…time to think over what we are about to say. I am as guilty of this as the next person, so this is as much a message for me as it is for you or anyone else.
God wants us to be thoughtful…intentional…to choose our words wisely and carefully. He wants us to soothe angry feelings, not stir them up. God wants us to be agents of peace and joy…to operate in His love for every other person. And we cannot do this if we are creating feelings of anger and outrage.
Look…everyone has opinions. And yours may differ from someone else’s. But the attitude with which you present yours may be the catalyst for either a mutual understanding – or a major fiasco. You may have already inadvertently damaged a friendship or acquaintance by your words and actions. Or you may have been the vehicle for a mended relationship by the way you spoke and/or acted with kindness and consideration for all concerned.
I am asking God to help me operate in the kindness lane…to be someone who offers answers that soothe feelings and demonstrate His love and care for ALL people. My prayer is that you will do the same. Together, we can make a change in the overall “vibe” of the atmosphere that surrounds us. We can be the “comma” that makes all the difference. It begins with each one of us and our thoughts, words and actions. Are you willing to do your part? Will you ask God to help you begin today?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 14, 2015
Philippians 4:8-9
And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning as I skimmed through the posts on Facebook, I learned that the brother of one of my elementary school classmates has died. I sent a note to this sister to offer my condolences…and to share that in just a few days, it will be 17 years since my own brother left this earth. I recalled memories of fun times we shared with her brother. I wanted her to know that I understand the heartache of losing a sibling…and I told her that I am praying for her peace and comfort as she grieves.
This is a lot of what Paul was talking about in this letter to the people of Philippi…that we are to offer others God’s “peace that passes all understanding.” I cannot tell my friend how she will survive this and recover from the grief and sadness…but I can assure her that with God’s help, this IS possible. I can share how He helped me through a similar situation…and I can offer her love and support in the name of Jesus.
I said that I skimmed Facebook, because honestly, that’s what I do now. There is so much garbage on my wall…so many negative posts…such ugliness – particularly from “Christians” who believe that they are right and the rest of the world is wrong and destined for the fires of hell. One of my friends has begun posting photos of beautiful art. Someone else asked, “Why is he doing that? He doesn’t even know this artist!” I told her it was to counter all of the unloveliness that fills our screen…and I am grateful for it!
We don’t need to bury our heads in the sand and pretend that unpleasant things never happen. I am not implying that we should ignore injustices…or that we should not stand up for the teachings of Jesus. But what many are labeling “Christian values” are not from Christ…they are man-made rules and impositions that mere mortals want to see enacted – misinterpretations and downright manipulations of the words and commands of Jesus – and they are highly destructive to the creation of an atmosphere in which the peace of God can flourish.
Let’s take some time to study this scripture passage and fully grasp the message that God delivered to us via the Apostle Paul. Let’s focus on the good, pure, lovely, fine things that God has done for us…the beautiful accomplishments of His people - in ways both tangible and understood. Let’s reach out to others with a heart of peace and comfort...and let’s encourage one another and speak in hope, joy, and truth. We must start to ignore much of the “junk” and negativity that clutters our minds via media and pessimistic (if not downright destructive) people.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, good and right – and operate in the joy and peace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let’s start a wave of positivity…and allow others to see the REAL Jesus in us. Are you with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning as I skimmed through the posts on Facebook, I learned that the brother of one of my elementary school classmates has died. I sent a note to this sister to offer my condolences…and to share that in just a few days, it will be 17 years since my own brother left this earth. I recalled memories of fun times we shared with her brother. I wanted her to know that I understand the heartache of losing a sibling…and I told her that I am praying for her peace and comfort as she grieves.
This is a lot of what Paul was talking about in this letter to the people of Philippi…that we are to offer others God’s “peace that passes all understanding.” I cannot tell my friend how she will survive this and recover from the grief and sadness…but I can assure her that with God’s help, this IS possible. I can share how He helped me through a similar situation…and I can offer her love and support in the name of Jesus.
I said that I skimmed Facebook, because honestly, that’s what I do now. There is so much garbage on my wall…so many negative posts…such ugliness – particularly from “Christians” who believe that they are right and the rest of the world is wrong and destined for the fires of hell. One of my friends has begun posting photos of beautiful art. Someone else asked, “Why is he doing that? He doesn’t even know this artist!” I told her it was to counter all of the unloveliness that fills our screen…and I am grateful for it!
We don’t need to bury our heads in the sand and pretend that unpleasant things never happen. I am not implying that we should ignore injustices…or that we should not stand up for the teachings of Jesus. But what many are labeling “Christian values” are not from Christ…they are man-made rules and impositions that mere mortals want to see enacted – misinterpretations and downright manipulations of the words and commands of Jesus – and they are highly destructive to the creation of an atmosphere in which the peace of God can flourish.
Let’s take some time to study this scripture passage and fully grasp the message that God delivered to us via the Apostle Paul. Let’s focus on the good, pure, lovely, fine things that God has done for us…the beautiful accomplishments of His people - in ways both tangible and understood. Let’s reach out to others with a heart of peace and comfort...and let’s encourage one another and speak in hope, joy, and truth. We must start to ignore much of the “junk” and negativity that clutters our minds via media and pessimistic (if not downright destructive) people.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, good and right – and operate in the joy and peace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Let’s start a wave of positivity…and allow others to see the REAL Jesus in us. Are you with me?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 15, 2014
October 15 ~ Mark 11:22-24
Jesus told his disciples:
Have faith in God! If you have faith in God and don’t doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, I watched a certain televangelist’s morning program every week. In fact, I recorded his “sermons” and studied them each Sunday afternoon. Do not judge! I gained a lot of Bible knowledge from this exercise. That is not to say that I believed everything this man taught – or his interpretation of the scriptures he presented each day. He took the scripture promise of Mark 11:22-24 in a totally different direction – and he quoted other scriptures in an attempt to support his stance.
This man believed that God wanted us to all live in “McMansions”, drive an expensive vehicle (or own a fleet of cars), wear expensive watches and diamond jewelry, own private jets and more. He assured us that all of this was within our reach...if we would believe for it AND “sow seeds” of money gifts to the church – even when we couldn’t pay our light bill! This is called “prosperity teaching/preaching”, and it’s become quite popular in certain “Christian” circles. No apologies are made for having excessive wealth...this is considered God’s reward or “favor” for faithfulness and obedience.
One of the things I did learn from all of this was how to study the scriptures for myself...to dig deeply and discover what God intended me to glean from His word. And here’s what I feel He tells me about this particular set of verses...”the rest of the story”!
If you continue reading in Mark 11, verses 25-26 say, “Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins.” Oh, but wait! You mean...I have to forgive others in order to “move that mountain”? Certainly! John 15:16 says “You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name.” So I have to ask for GOD’s will rather than my own? Most definitely!
In Isaiah 55:9, God tells us, “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.” Then we must not only have faith in God...but also in His ways – even when they are not what we expected or desired? Absolutely!
So while we may grow up wanting to be an architect or ballerina...believing with every fiber of our being that we will end up in the NBA or the NFL...or that we will marry the person of our dreams, have 2.5 children and the proverbial “house with the picket fence, two cars a dog and a cat” and live happily ever after...God may have far different plans. We can believe all day long that all we have to do is ask God for something, and He will give it to us...but if it doesn’t fit into His perfect plan, this simply will not happen. If we operate with anger, hatred, ill will or unforgiveness in our hearts and ask God to produce certain results, we’ve gotten it all wrong.
Understand this...God is in the business of miracles and moving mountains. He is ready, willing, and able to answer our prayers...to help us soar to heights beyond any we could ever imagine. But this only happens within His will and the parameters that He has outlined for us. We must have obedient faith...we must get rid of any ulterior or selfish motives...we must come to Him with a humble attitude and a genuine confidence that His answer is the best one. If all of these things come together as God desires, the “mountain” will be moved. If it is not...we must be ready to accept this and ask, “What did YOU have in mind, LORD?”
I don’t know what “mountains” you are asking God to move today. Perhaps you are asking for healing for yourself or someone you know. Maybe you are struggling at school or in the workplace...looking for a job...grappling with bills and a way to make ends meet...fighting for your marriage or resolution in another personal relationship...coping with the challenges of aging (your own or someone else’s)...seeking a deeper spiritual connection and/or grappling with relationships that involve fellow believers and/or your church family. Whatever your situation entails...God has a plan. He already knows what is best for us. But He wants us to ask for His help...in the right way, with the right attitude and expectations.
A lot of people want to tout the “power of positive thinking”...the notion that if we just believe strongly enough...if we just envision what we want with enough conviction...it will happen. Don’t leave God out of this equation. There is no “secret”, as some would have you believe. Everything is clearly spelled out in the scriptures...and everything you ask for in prayer – according to God’s perfect will – can indeed be yours. What are you asking for today...and how did you ask? There is faith...and then there is faith. In which will you choose to operate? How you answer may spell the difference in what happens to the “mountain”!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus told his disciples:
Have faith in God! If you have faith in God and don’t doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, I watched a certain televangelist’s morning program every week. In fact, I recorded his “sermons” and studied them each Sunday afternoon. Do not judge! I gained a lot of Bible knowledge from this exercise. That is not to say that I believed everything this man taught – or his interpretation of the scriptures he presented each day. He took the scripture promise of Mark 11:22-24 in a totally different direction – and he quoted other scriptures in an attempt to support his stance.
This man believed that God wanted us to all live in “McMansions”, drive an expensive vehicle (or own a fleet of cars), wear expensive watches and diamond jewelry, own private jets and more. He assured us that all of this was within our reach...if we would believe for it AND “sow seeds” of money gifts to the church – even when we couldn’t pay our light bill! This is called “prosperity teaching/preaching”, and it’s become quite popular in certain “Christian” circles. No apologies are made for having excessive wealth...this is considered God’s reward or “favor” for faithfulness and obedience.
One of the things I did learn from all of this was how to study the scriptures for myself...to dig deeply and discover what God intended me to glean from His word. And here’s what I feel He tells me about this particular set of verses...”the rest of the story”!
If you continue reading in Mark 11, verses 25-26 say, “Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins.” Oh, but wait! You mean...I have to forgive others in order to “move that mountain”? Certainly! John 15:16 says “You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name.” So I have to ask for GOD’s will rather than my own? Most definitely!
In Isaiah 55:9, God tells us, “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.” Then we must not only have faith in God...but also in His ways – even when they are not what we expected or desired? Absolutely!
So while we may grow up wanting to be an architect or ballerina...believing with every fiber of our being that we will end up in the NBA or the NFL...or that we will marry the person of our dreams, have 2.5 children and the proverbial “house with the picket fence, two cars a dog and a cat” and live happily ever after...God may have far different plans. We can believe all day long that all we have to do is ask God for something, and He will give it to us...but if it doesn’t fit into His perfect plan, this simply will not happen. If we operate with anger, hatred, ill will or unforgiveness in our hearts and ask God to produce certain results, we’ve gotten it all wrong.
Understand this...God is in the business of miracles and moving mountains. He is ready, willing, and able to answer our prayers...to help us soar to heights beyond any we could ever imagine. But this only happens within His will and the parameters that He has outlined for us. We must have obedient faith...we must get rid of any ulterior or selfish motives...we must come to Him with a humble attitude and a genuine confidence that His answer is the best one. If all of these things come together as God desires, the “mountain” will be moved. If it is not...we must be ready to accept this and ask, “What did YOU have in mind, LORD?”
I don’t know what “mountains” you are asking God to move today. Perhaps you are asking for healing for yourself or someone you know. Maybe you are struggling at school or in the workplace...looking for a job...grappling with bills and a way to make ends meet...fighting for your marriage or resolution in another personal relationship...coping with the challenges of aging (your own or someone else’s)...seeking a deeper spiritual connection and/or grappling with relationships that involve fellow believers and/or your church family. Whatever your situation entails...God has a plan. He already knows what is best for us. But He wants us to ask for His help...in the right way, with the right attitude and expectations.
A lot of people want to tout the “power of positive thinking”...the notion that if we just believe strongly enough...if we just envision what we want with enough conviction...it will happen. Don’t leave God out of this equation. There is no “secret”, as some would have you believe. Everything is clearly spelled out in the scriptures...and everything you ask for in prayer – according to God’s perfect will – can indeed be yours. What are you asking for today...and how did you ask? There is faith...and then there is faith. In which will you choose to operate? How you answer may spell the difference in what happens to the “mountain”!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 18, 2014
Luke 10:5-6
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all been there. You’re in your most comfortable – but somewhat ratty – pajamas or sweats…your hair is a mess…and maybe you need a shower. And someone knocks on your door. Delivery people like my mail carrier and the drivers for UPS and FedEx must think “That poor woman needs help!” when I answer their call. Worse yet is when a family member, friend or acquaintance drops by and catches you off guard. I’m pretty sure that in each case, we don’t exactly promote an air of peace!
Perhaps you have been on the “receiving end” of this experience. And maybe you have visited someone who was cordial, at best…but cool – or in some cases, quite short and rude. They did not make you feel welcome in their home, for whatever reason. Perhaps they were uncomfortable about their appearance…or you just caught them at a truly inconvenient time. Or maybe they really didn’t want to spend time with you…much less entertain you in their home for even the briefest of moments.
And that’s the point…there are all sorts of reasons for a reception that is less than welcoming. I have learned that most people are not noticing my appearance or the neatness and cleanliness of my house nearly as much as I am. I have also learned that I can’t possibly know everything that was happening right before I rang someone’s doorbell or approached them on the street or in a hallway at school, work or church…or in the grocery store or other public venue.
Think back to the old movies and television shows we watched when we were younger. Do you remember those where a stranger would approach a person or a group of people and say, “I come in peace!” This person was saying, “No need to be uneasy…I am not here to harm you or judge you in any way. I just want to talk.” In this passage, Jesus is instructing His disciples to let others know that “I come in peace!”
If we project a sense of acceptance and peace – and a lack of judgment and condemnation – we have a far better chance of getting a good reception. If we behave in this manner and offer the peace of God (if only in our demeanor and a silent prayer) and we are treated poorly, we’ve not really lost anything. It’s a “no-harm-no-foul” situation of sorts.
I’ll have to say, I have the best delivery people in the world. They treat me the same whether I look like I just rolled out of bed or I am dressed for a church service! I don’t know if they actually say, “Peace to this house” before they knock on my door…or if it just seems like it. I do know that one FedEx delivery man always says, “It’s been a pleasure to serve you” as he walks away. Whether he means that (and I think he does!) or not…this comment leaves me with a warm feeling.
When others come to your door, do they feel like it was a pleasure to be in your presence? When you visit others…do they know that you “come in peace”? Do you trust God to make the difference as you interact with others and offer His love, grace, mercy, peace, understanding – and the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ – to them? Do you rest in the peace of God, regardless of how others treat you? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all been there. You’re in your most comfortable – but somewhat ratty – pajamas or sweats…your hair is a mess…and maybe you need a shower. And someone knocks on your door. Delivery people like my mail carrier and the drivers for UPS and FedEx must think “That poor woman needs help!” when I answer their call. Worse yet is when a family member, friend or acquaintance drops by and catches you off guard. I’m pretty sure that in each case, we don’t exactly promote an air of peace!
Perhaps you have been on the “receiving end” of this experience. And maybe you have visited someone who was cordial, at best…but cool – or in some cases, quite short and rude. They did not make you feel welcome in their home, for whatever reason. Perhaps they were uncomfortable about their appearance…or you just caught them at a truly inconvenient time. Or maybe they really didn’t want to spend time with you…much less entertain you in their home for even the briefest of moments.
And that’s the point…there are all sorts of reasons for a reception that is less than welcoming. I have learned that most people are not noticing my appearance or the neatness and cleanliness of my house nearly as much as I am. I have also learned that I can’t possibly know everything that was happening right before I rang someone’s doorbell or approached them on the street or in a hallway at school, work or church…or in the grocery store or other public venue.
Think back to the old movies and television shows we watched when we were younger. Do you remember those where a stranger would approach a person or a group of people and say, “I come in peace!” This person was saying, “No need to be uneasy…I am not here to harm you or judge you in any way. I just want to talk.” In this passage, Jesus is instructing His disciples to let others know that “I come in peace!”
If we project a sense of acceptance and peace – and a lack of judgment and condemnation – we have a far better chance of getting a good reception. If we behave in this manner and offer the peace of God (if only in our demeanor and a silent prayer) and we are treated poorly, we’ve not really lost anything. It’s a “no-harm-no-foul” situation of sorts.
I’ll have to say, I have the best delivery people in the world. They treat me the same whether I look like I just rolled out of bed or I am dressed for a church service! I don’t know if they actually say, “Peace to this house” before they knock on my door…or if it just seems like it. I do know that one FedEx delivery man always says, “It’s been a pleasure to serve you” as he walks away. Whether he means that (and I think he does!) or not…this comment leaves me with a warm feeling.
When others come to your door, do they feel like it was a pleasure to be in your presence? When you visit others…do they know that you “come in peace”? Do you trust God to make the difference as you interact with others and offer His love, grace, mercy, peace, understanding – and the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ – to them? Do you rest in the peace of God, regardless of how others treat you? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 13, 2014
February 13 ~ Colossians 3:15
Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my former pastors asked in a Facebook post for interpretations of the phrase, “The LORD helps those who help themselves.” Man, did he get an earful…on all sides of the spectrum! The first time I heard this phrase was nearly 40 years ago from a fellow teacher. The comment was made in reference to someone who we both felt was not acting appropriately. Based on the evidence we had before us, we decided that this person was asking God to help them…then sitting back and waiting for it to happen!
There are several things to consider here: 1) this phrase is not found in the Bible – at least not literally, word-for-word; 2) God does call us to do our part – where and when we can – and this is presented in several scripture passages; and 3) it is not necessarily our job to decide who is doing said part! Here’s an example of how I believe this works…or how the Bible demonstrates that it should work:
As a member of the body of Christ, you have options…you can browbeat this person and tell him how “bad” he is for continuing to drink/smoke/use drugs/whatever. You can talk about this person to others and declare him to be an aggravation and frustration. You might even speak of this person to someone else and say, “You know, the LORD helps those who help themselves!” You can claim, “I am so glad that this is not ME…that I do not suffer from this same plight!”
Or…you can continue to pray for this person, and support them with love and encouragement. (I am not suggesting that you continue to support them in a way that enables the addiction…i.e. money or any other means of funding.) You can act as a living example of God’s love and care in action…and demonstrate what happens for us when we do our part to follow Him and live according to His will. You can lift this person in thought and prayer…and shower them with love, compassion, grace and mercy. To use another cliché, you can “Love the sinner, not the sin.”
Which of these tactics do you think are the more peaceful example of discipleship? Which approaches have the best chance of making a difference? More importantly, which methods represent true Christian discipleship – an endeavor to “let go and let God” work?
Sometimes we are so busy deciding how the other guy ought to be living that we fail to take stock of our own lives…much less be grateful for the work that God is doing in and through us. And let’s be honest…more than a few of us thrive on chaos. Living together in peace is simply too neat and clean for more than a few of us. We crave a little messy drama!
This is a good day to examine our hearts and determine our “camp”. We need to frequently ask ourselves, “Am I truly grateful for what Jesus has done for me – and what He continues to do each and every day? Do I really make every effort to serve Him and glorify His name by emulating His compassion and ministry to others? Have I really sought to operate in peace and harmony…or am I quick to judge and reprimand – or throw up my hands and walk away? Who do others see when they look at me…a judgmental, pious Christian…or someone who truly reflects the light and compassion of Christ?”
How you answer these questions matters…in fact, it’s HUGE! Are you ready to get real about your discipleship? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my former pastors asked in a Facebook post for interpretations of the phrase, “The LORD helps those who help themselves.” Man, did he get an earful…on all sides of the spectrum! The first time I heard this phrase was nearly 40 years ago from a fellow teacher. The comment was made in reference to someone who we both felt was not acting appropriately. Based on the evidence we had before us, we decided that this person was asking God to help them…then sitting back and waiting for it to happen!
There are several things to consider here: 1) this phrase is not found in the Bible – at least not literally, word-for-word; 2) God does call us to do our part – where and when we can – and this is presented in several scripture passages; and 3) it is not necessarily our job to decide who is doing said part! Here’s an example of how I believe this works…or how the Bible demonstrates that it should work:
Someone you know and love has an addiction to alcohol or drugs. You pray for him…you pray with him. You ask God to help this person overcome his addiction…and you encourage him to stop drinking, using or abusing drugs, or whatever the addiction may be. The person does NOT stop this activity. He believes that God will miraculously “cure” him…even if he doesn’t say this out loud or do his “part” to make it happen.
As a member of the body of Christ, you have options…you can browbeat this person and tell him how “bad” he is for continuing to drink/smoke/use drugs/whatever. You can talk about this person to others and declare him to be an aggravation and frustration. You might even speak of this person to someone else and say, “You know, the LORD helps those who help themselves!” You can claim, “I am so glad that this is not ME…that I do not suffer from this same plight!”
Or…you can continue to pray for this person, and support them with love and encouragement. (I am not suggesting that you continue to support them in a way that enables the addiction…i.e. money or any other means of funding.) You can act as a living example of God’s love and care in action…and demonstrate what happens for us when we do our part to follow Him and live according to His will. You can lift this person in thought and prayer…and shower them with love, compassion, grace and mercy. To use another cliché, you can “Love the sinner, not the sin.”
Which of these tactics do you think are the more peaceful example of discipleship? Which approaches have the best chance of making a difference? More importantly, which methods represent true Christian discipleship – an endeavor to “let go and let God” work?
Sometimes we are so busy deciding how the other guy ought to be living that we fail to take stock of our own lives…much less be grateful for the work that God is doing in and through us. And let’s be honest…more than a few of us thrive on chaos. Living together in peace is simply too neat and clean for more than a few of us. We crave a little messy drama!
This is a good day to examine our hearts and determine our “camp”. We need to frequently ask ourselves, “Am I truly grateful for what Jesus has done for me – and what He continues to do each and every day? Do I really make every effort to serve Him and glorify His name by emulating His compassion and ministry to others? Have I really sought to operate in peace and harmony…or am I quick to judge and reprimand – or throw up my hands and walk away? Who do others see when they look at me…a judgmental, pious Christian…or someone who truly reflects the light and compassion of Christ?”
How you answer these questions matters…in fact, it’s HUGE! Are you ready to get real about your discipleship? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 15, 2013
Psalm 103:1-5
With all my heart
I praise the Lord,
and with all that I am
I praise his holy name!
With all my heart
I praise the Lord!
I will never forget
how kind he has been.
The Lord forgives our sins,
heals us when we are sick,
and protects us from death.
His kindness and love
are a crown on our heads.
Each day that we live,
he provides for our needs
and gives us the strength
of a young eagle.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was watching a video of my former pastor, John Miles, who is conducting a sermon series on “the hard sayings of Jesus.” On this particular day, Bro. John was talking about a passage from Matthew 19 (verses 7-11), in which the Pharisees tried to trip Jesus up by asking Him about whether divorce was okay. As Bro. John unraveled these verses and dug deeper, he suggested that Jesus spoke past these opponents and addressed a far broader issue. In this case, he maintains that Jesus was demonstrating how we objectify people and things. In other words, we put the focus on “marriage” and “divorce” instead of the people who are involved.
Several examples were given of how we objectify people… how lust, infidelity, and pornography – or even labels like “my husband”, “my wife” [rather than by their first name] - objectify those involved, and we don’t see them as real people with a heart and soul. He talked about how we seem to enjoy arguing about abortion, homosexuality, and other hot-button issues – to the point that we are focused on the label, not the people involved. One person tearfully mentioned to my pastor as they debated a particularly hot topic… “You just don’t know.” Clearly, this person had firsthand knowledge of the issue that my pastor did not possess. And in that moment, he saw a human being – a child of God who was struggling and in need of love and acceptance.
So what does this have to do with our scripture verses in Psalm 103? Everything! If you don’t believe me, go back and read the second half of the passage. The Lord forgives our sins… heals us when we are sick…provides for our needs… gives us the strength of a young eagle… and crowns us with His kindness and love. How can we do any less for those in our midst? The pastor concluded his sermon by noting that none of us are perfect… we all have fallen short in one area or another… yet we are all welcome at God’s table. And we should be welcome among fellow believers! He said several people had come to him over the years and confessed to one sin or another and asked… “Can I still receive Communion?” His answer is… “If God will allow me to serve it… you are allowed to receive it.”
Shouldn’t this be our continual thought? If God allows us to receive his love, kindness, care, protection, strength and healing… who are we to offer any less to others? What gives us the right to objectify – or judge – another creature? When we criticize – or exclude – another person, have we considered our own faults and shortcomings… and the grace and mercy God extends to us? Isn’t it time to drop the piety and pretense… to humbly and gratefully give God the praise for loving us all so incredibly… and to offer this same love to others? Will this be the day that we find true peace in God’s acceptance… and extend it to others in our midst?
©2013 Debbie Robus
With all my heart
I praise the Lord,
and with all that I am
I praise his holy name!
With all my heart
I praise the Lord!
I will never forget
how kind he has been.
The Lord forgives our sins,
heals us when we are sick,
and protects us from death.
His kindness and love
are a crown on our heads.
Each day that we live,
he provides for our needs
and gives us the strength
of a young eagle.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was watching a video of my former pastor, John Miles, who is conducting a sermon series on “the hard sayings of Jesus.” On this particular day, Bro. John was talking about a passage from Matthew 19 (verses 7-11), in which the Pharisees tried to trip Jesus up by asking Him about whether divorce was okay. As Bro. John unraveled these verses and dug deeper, he suggested that Jesus spoke past these opponents and addressed a far broader issue. In this case, he maintains that Jesus was demonstrating how we objectify people and things. In other words, we put the focus on “marriage” and “divorce” instead of the people who are involved.
Several examples were given of how we objectify people… how lust, infidelity, and pornography – or even labels like “my husband”, “my wife” [rather than by their first name] - objectify those involved, and we don’t see them as real people with a heart and soul. He talked about how we seem to enjoy arguing about abortion, homosexuality, and other hot-button issues – to the point that we are focused on the label, not the people involved. One person tearfully mentioned to my pastor as they debated a particularly hot topic… “You just don’t know.” Clearly, this person had firsthand knowledge of the issue that my pastor did not possess. And in that moment, he saw a human being – a child of God who was struggling and in need of love and acceptance.
So what does this have to do with our scripture verses in Psalm 103? Everything! If you don’t believe me, go back and read the second half of the passage. The Lord forgives our sins… heals us when we are sick…provides for our needs… gives us the strength of a young eagle… and crowns us with His kindness and love. How can we do any less for those in our midst? The pastor concluded his sermon by noting that none of us are perfect… we all have fallen short in one area or another… yet we are all welcome at God’s table. And we should be welcome among fellow believers! He said several people had come to him over the years and confessed to one sin or another and asked… “Can I still receive Communion?” His answer is… “If God will allow me to serve it… you are allowed to receive it.”
Shouldn’t this be our continual thought? If God allows us to receive his love, kindness, care, protection, strength and healing… who are we to offer any less to others? What gives us the right to objectify – or judge – another creature? When we criticize – or exclude – another person, have we considered our own faults and shortcomings… and the grace and mercy God extends to us? Isn’t it time to drop the piety and pretense… to humbly and gratefully give God the praise for loving us all so incredibly… and to offer this same love to others? Will this be the day that we find true peace in God’s acceptance… and extend it to others in our midst?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2013
Proverbs 17:14
The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My husband and I live on a bluff overlooking Greers Ferry Dam, which backs up the Little Red River into a 40,000-acre recreational lake. A couple of years ago, the lake levels got so high due to heavy rains that the gates on the dam were opened ever-so-slightly to try to reduce the effects of flooding and account for further runoff from streams and tributaries. Even though this was miniscule in the scheme of things, the flow of additional water caused major headaches for many who lived downstream along the river’s edge.
In much the same manner, the heart of our little town lies in a valley, with hills and “mountains” on all sides. When we have a sudden heavy rain, Main Street and several side streets – along with the businesses that line them – are often waylaid with flood waters. In the past week, our community has received well over 5 inches of rainfall… and more rain is forecast for today and the next two or three days. So as we drove to church this morning, I noticed that several local downtown businesses had sandbags placed against their front doors and windows. The shop owners are doing everything in their power to reduce the impact of flash flooding… and praying that they have done enough!
This made me wonder…how often do we “sandbag” ourselves? Do we stop to think about the ramifications of a “flooding” quarrel or disagreement? Do we “speak now and worry about the consequences later”… or do we stop to temper our reactions and responses - much like the shop owners place sandbags at their store entrances? We all know that once the floodgates are opened even slightly, the damage can be significant. So why don’t we take a few minutes to consider all of the options… alternatives to starting World War Three… better ways to say what needs to be said to address an area of conflict?
God wants us to get along… and quite frankly, He will give us the tools for preventing the “drip” that can lead to a quarrel. Yes, God can also fix a “leak” once it has sprung… but we all know that repairing the damage after a flood is nowhere nearly as painless as preventing it in the first place! So let’s ask God to give us wisdom and common sense… and a hefty dose of diplomacy! Let’s call on Him to show us how to get along…to give us “sandbags” to guard our hearts and our tongues.
Let’s live in the joy of God’s peace as we discover ways to settle our differences without a deluge of discord and disagreement. The aftermath of a flood is never nice. Won’t you ask God to show you how and where to apply the “sandbags” in your daily living?
©2013 Debbie Robus
The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My husband and I live on a bluff overlooking Greers Ferry Dam, which backs up the Little Red River into a 40,000-acre recreational lake. A couple of years ago, the lake levels got so high due to heavy rains that the gates on the dam were opened ever-so-slightly to try to reduce the effects of flooding and account for further runoff from streams and tributaries. Even though this was miniscule in the scheme of things, the flow of additional water caused major headaches for many who lived downstream along the river’s edge.
In much the same manner, the heart of our little town lies in a valley, with hills and “mountains” on all sides. When we have a sudden heavy rain, Main Street and several side streets – along with the businesses that line them – are often waylaid with flood waters. In the past week, our community has received well over 5 inches of rainfall… and more rain is forecast for today and the next two or three days. So as we drove to church this morning, I noticed that several local downtown businesses had sandbags placed against their front doors and windows. The shop owners are doing everything in their power to reduce the impact of flash flooding… and praying that they have done enough!
This made me wonder…how often do we “sandbag” ourselves? Do we stop to think about the ramifications of a “flooding” quarrel or disagreement? Do we “speak now and worry about the consequences later”… or do we stop to temper our reactions and responses - much like the shop owners place sandbags at their store entrances? We all know that once the floodgates are opened even slightly, the damage can be significant. So why don’t we take a few minutes to consider all of the options… alternatives to starting World War Three… better ways to say what needs to be said to address an area of conflict?
God wants us to get along… and quite frankly, He will give us the tools for preventing the “drip” that can lead to a quarrel. Yes, God can also fix a “leak” once it has sprung… but we all know that repairing the damage after a flood is nowhere nearly as painless as preventing it in the first place! So let’s ask God to give us wisdom and common sense… and a hefty dose of diplomacy! Let’s call on Him to show us how to get along…to give us “sandbags” to guard our hearts and our tongues.
Let’s live in the joy of God’s peace as we discover ways to settle our differences without a deluge of discord and disagreement. The aftermath of a flood is never nice. Won’t you ask God to show you how and where to apply the “sandbags” in your daily living?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 2, 2013
Matthew 5:9
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
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.
Recently, a friend of mine “liked” an editorial comment on Facebook that was written by a young woman who clearly has absolutely zero regard for anyone who accepts government assistance… particularly Food Stamps. In my opinion, this young woman painted every person who accepts this type of help with a very broad brush, and I felt her comments and “solutions” to what she viewed as “our country’s problem” were harsh and unkind in most cases. However, I did not comment to this post. To do so would have only opened up the door for a huge argument… and honestly, it just was not worth the trouble. I would not change the minds of those who “liked” this post… and I would only have created animosity between myself and my friend, who is not a bad person. We just happen to share different views on this subject.
Thankfully, we live in a country where free speech is our right and privilege. But the temptation is often there to jump in and comment… to write a letter to the editor and publicly berate someone for their ideas and opinions… or to lambast them on social media or in person. The worst of it is when “Christians” sink to the level of name calling. I see this often on Facebook and other social media outlets, and it disheartens me. Again, these are not bad people. But I will never understand why they think that mockery and deriding others is acceptable to anyone… much less to God.
I know that it’s a slippery slope to ignore such comments and actions. Will others assume we agree with these people and their rants? Will our silence be an endorsement of sorts? We have to carefully weigh our options. Would it be better to keep silent and risk the assumption that we feel the same way… or to comment and open “Pandora’s box” – and perhaps subject ourselves to ridicule and derision? Is it worth hurting another person’s feelings or damaging a friendship? I think we have to prayerfully consider all avenues… react and respond in the manner that we feel God is leading us…and then stand by our decision.
When I feel strongly about something I see posted on Facebook, I will sometimes privately message the person who made the post and outline my feelings or opinions. On at least one occasion, I quietly “unfriended” a few people, rather than continue the association and have to be confronted with their insulting posts each day. This, too, can have mixed results. In one case, a former student realized we were no longer “friends”, and when I tried to gently diffuse the situation, she accused me of lying to her. I apologized for anything I might have said or done to make her feel I was being deceitful in any way, but she would have none of it. Now she no longer speaks to me or acknowledges me at all. That is okay …I still love her. I think at the core, she knows that some of the things she was saying were wrong and inappropriate. Rather than deal with that, she chose to turn the tide and be mad at me. Truthfully, we are so far apart politically that she was probably looking for a reason to disassociate. Nobody ever said being a Christian – or trying to keep the peace – was easy!
So what do we do? How do we become “peacemakers in God’s army”?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
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.
Recently, a friend of mine “liked” an editorial comment on Facebook that was written by a young woman who clearly has absolutely zero regard for anyone who accepts government assistance… particularly Food Stamps. In my opinion, this young woman painted every person who accepts this type of help with a very broad brush, and I felt her comments and “solutions” to what she viewed as “our country’s problem” were harsh and unkind in most cases. However, I did not comment to this post. To do so would have only opened up the door for a huge argument… and honestly, it just was not worth the trouble. I would not change the minds of those who “liked” this post… and I would only have created animosity between myself and my friend, who is not a bad person. We just happen to share different views on this subject.
Thankfully, we live in a country where free speech is our right and privilege. But the temptation is often there to jump in and comment… to write a letter to the editor and publicly berate someone for their ideas and opinions… or to lambast them on social media or in person. The worst of it is when “Christians” sink to the level of name calling. I see this often on Facebook and other social media outlets, and it disheartens me. Again, these are not bad people. But I will never understand why they think that mockery and deriding others is acceptable to anyone… much less to God.
I know that it’s a slippery slope to ignore such comments and actions. Will others assume we agree with these people and their rants? Will our silence be an endorsement of sorts? We have to carefully weigh our options. Would it be better to keep silent and risk the assumption that we feel the same way… or to comment and open “Pandora’s box” – and perhaps subject ourselves to ridicule and derision? Is it worth hurting another person’s feelings or damaging a friendship? I think we have to prayerfully consider all avenues… react and respond in the manner that we feel God is leading us…and then stand by our decision.
When I feel strongly about something I see posted on Facebook, I will sometimes privately message the person who made the post and outline my feelings or opinions. On at least one occasion, I quietly “unfriended” a few people, rather than continue the association and have to be confronted with their insulting posts each day. This, too, can have mixed results. In one case, a former student realized we were no longer “friends”, and when I tried to gently diffuse the situation, she accused me of lying to her. I apologized for anything I might have said or done to make her feel I was being deceitful in any way, but she would have none of it. Now she no longer speaks to me or acknowledges me at all. That is okay …I still love her. I think at the core, she knows that some of the things she was saying were wrong and inappropriate. Rather than deal with that, she chose to turn the tide and be mad at me. Truthfully, we are so far apart politically that she was probably looking for a reason to disassociate. Nobody ever said being a Christian – or trying to keep the peace – was easy!
So what do we do? How do we become “peacemakers in God’s army”?
- I believe we start with prayer. We ask God to “slow us and show us”… to give us the patience to stop and prayerfully consider our response… and then to act on the wisdom that God grants us.
- If you simply must write a letter to the editor, park it on your desktop and let it simmer for a few days before you send it. See if you still feel the same way in retrospect. Write out your thoughts and feelings before sharing them with someone else… let some time pass. You don’t have to respond immediately. Ask God to help you choose your words thoughtfully and carefully.
- Avoid knee-jerk reactions of any kind… even “unfriending” people on social media. Think before you hit that “like” button… or before you share any comments, photos or cartoons.
- Stand up for what is right when God leads you to do so… but be prepared to deal with the fallout. Trust God to give you strength and courage to do the right thing…whichever direction He sends you!
- Remember that God loves the other guy just as much as He loves you and me. Think about how precious that person is to Him before you start slinging mud and placing labels. At every turn, lead with love, grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness… you know, all those things Jesus gives to you on a daily basis!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 1, 2013
Matthew 12:25
Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said to them:
Any kingdom where people fight each other will end up ruined. And a town or family that fights will soon destroy itself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I made a fresh apple pie. I don’t make a lot of desserts, so this is a rare treat for us. And while this recipe is not all that sweet, I looked at the pie and instantly thought, “A little slice of cheddar cheese on the side would be great to ‘cut the sweet’.”
My cousin Natalie recommended a book to me recently… A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet: Southern Stories of Faith, Family, and Fifteen Pounds of Bacon, by Sophie Hudson. The author shares stories of her Mississippi relatives and how they influenced her life. The title is a reference to her grandfather and something he used to say. Like my own grandfather who thought everything tasted better with sugar, hers would often top off his dessert with at least a few bites of something salty – another piece of chicken, some bacon or ham… or in my own grandfather’s case, a “spoonful of white soup beans”! The accompanying explanation was something along the lines of “I need something a little salty to cut the sweet.” I’ve heard this saying all of my life… and I have to admit, I have to have that last “salty” bite to “cut the sweet” quite often!
You probably think I’m going to talk about “salty” relationships in the context of those in which everything isn’t nice and sweet all the time. And I could easily do that… because clearly, Jesus is telling us that anytime we fight, hold grudges, and fail to get along, we are destined for failure and discontentment. There is no peace in relationships where people don’t speak for days/weeks/months/years. Sometimes, a little “saltiness” is okay – as long as we get back to the “sweet”, work things out, and restore order.
But what I really want to talk about today is how God puts together in relationships. Let’s understand something right up front… there is no such thing as a perfect family, friendship, community, or world at large. There will always be conflicts and disagreements, because God created each of us as unique human beings. Somewhere along the way, we’re not going to get along with the other guy. But that doesn’t mean we can allow disagreements and differences to fester and cause unrest or perpetual conflict. God brings us “salty” people to “cut the sweet”… to help us grow in our faith and learn how to share His love with everyone and live in His peace.
Right now, you may be harboring anger, resentment, jealousy, disappointment, or disgust toward a family member, friend, acquaintance, politician… or even a church member! You may base your feelings on an actual experience… or the hearsay and opinions of someone else. You may think you know the truth about someone or a specific situation…when in fact your feelings and attitudes are totally off base. Your “salty” may be totally out of balance to the “sweet” of your relationship with others. You may have been at odds with someone for so long that you honestly don’t remember what started the whole thing!
Where have you judged someone unfairly and failed to give him/her a chance to develop an honest, real relationship with you? Where have you closed the door and walked away, leaving resentments and hurts to fester and escalate? How have you contributed to a disagreement or misunderstanding… have you fanned the flames and made things worse? Have you said nothing and let someone assume you felt a particular way? Have you listened to the ideas and opinions of others and allowed them to tell you how you feel about certain people and/or situations? Do you treat others as you wish to be treated… or do some instantly sense your disapproval and disdain when you meet?
My pie recipe called for a tiny sprinkle of salt… to balance the sweetness and develop the flavor of the apples, I suppose. But adding any more salt than suggested would have totally ruined the dessert. I suggest that we all take a deep breath… that we spend some quiet time with God and ask Him to search our hearts and minds and see where we have added even a little too much “saltiness” to our lives. Life isn’t sweet all the time… and it doesn’t have to be. But we all know what too much salt can do to our diet… and that goes for our spiritual life, as well.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Jesus knew what they were thinking, and he said to them:
Any kingdom where people fight each other will end up ruined. And a town or family that fights will soon destroy itself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I made a fresh apple pie. I don’t make a lot of desserts, so this is a rare treat for us. And while this recipe is not all that sweet, I looked at the pie and instantly thought, “A little slice of cheddar cheese on the side would be great to ‘cut the sweet’.”
My cousin Natalie recommended a book to me recently… A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet: Southern Stories of Faith, Family, and Fifteen Pounds of Bacon, by Sophie Hudson. The author shares stories of her Mississippi relatives and how they influenced her life. The title is a reference to her grandfather and something he used to say. Like my own grandfather who thought everything tasted better with sugar, hers would often top off his dessert with at least a few bites of something salty – another piece of chicken, some bacon or ham… or in my own grandfather’s case, a “spoonful of white soup beans”! The accompanying explanation was something along the lines of “I need something a little salty to cut the sweet.” I’ve heard this saying all of my life… and I have to admit, I have to have that last “salty” bite to “cut the sweet” quite often!
You probably think I’m going to talk about “salty” relationships in the context of those in which everything isn’t nice and sweet all the time. And I could easily do that… because clearly, Jesus is telling us that anytime we fight, hold grudges, and fail to get along, we are destined for failure and discontentment. There is no peace in relationships where people don’t speak for days/weeks/months/years. Sometimes, a little “saltiness” is okay – as long as we get back to the “sweet”, work things out, and restore order.
But what I really want to talk about today is how God puts together in relationships. Let’s understand something right up front… there is no such thing as a perfect family, friendship, community, or world at large. There will always be conflicts and disagreements, because God created each of us as unique human beings. Somewhere along the way, we’re not going to get along with the other guy. But that doesn’t mean we can allow disagreements and differences to fester and cause unrest or perpetual conflict. God brings us “salty” people to “cut the sweet”… to help us grow in our faith and learn how to share His love with everyone and live in His peace.
Right now, you may be harboring anger, resentment, jealousy, disappointment, or disgust toward a family member, friend, acquaintance, politician… or even a church member! You may base your feelings on an actual experience… or the hearsay and opinions of someone else. You may think you know the truth about someone or a specific situation…when in fact your feelings and attitudes are totally off base. Your “salty” may be totally out of balance to the “sweet” of your relationship with others. You may have been at odds with someone for so long that you honestly don’t remember what started the whole thing!
Where have you judged someone unfairly and failed to give him/her a chance to develop an honest, real relationship with you? Where have you closed the door and walked away, leaving resentments and hurts to fester and escalate? How have you contributed to a disagreement or misunderstanding… have you fanned the flames and made things worse? Have you said nothing and let someone assume you felt a particular way? Have you listened to the ideas and opinions of others and allowed them to tell you how you feel about certain people and/or situations? Do you treat others as you wish to be treated… or do some instantly sense your disapproval and disdain when you meet?
My pie recipe called for a tiny sprinkle of salt… to balance the sweetness and develop the flavor of the apples, I suppose. But adding any more salt than suggested would have totally ruined the dessert. I suggest that we all take a deep breath… that we spend some quiet time with God and ask Him to search our hearts and minds and see where we have added even a little too much “saltiness” to our lives. Life isn’t sweet all the time… and it doesn’t have to be. But we all know what too much salt can do to our diet… and that goes for our spiritual life, as well.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 18, 2013
James 3:18
Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We had record attendance at our Vacation Bible School, and it seemed that each night the number who showed up grew! So by Night #3, we were running low on supplies for the crafts. For the fourth and final night, we actually did run short! Anticipating this, our children’s director had left a bin of supplies in our classroom for an alternate rendition of our craft for the night. We were supposed to make a papier maché memory box that featured a decal of a world globe glued on the lid… and a card printed with the Bible verse from John 3:16 glued inside. During the opening service, my cousin Olivia and some of her friends had asked me what the craft was, and I told them, “We’re going to make a memory box!”… not thinking that we might run out of supplies.
Sure enough, by the time the third graders made it to our last crafting session, we had ten boxes… and about 19 children. So I eagerly displayed a little plaque made of craft foam, popsicle sticks, a glittery pipe cleaner, and a decal of the world and John 3:16 and said, “Tonight, we will make this plaque that you can hang on your doorknob or your wall and remember what you learned at VBS!” Olivia said, “But Aunt Debbie… you said we were going to make a memory box.” I apologized and said, “We ran out of boxes… our ‘marketplace’ is sold out!” “But you promised!” several little girls said in unison.
I asked how many children wanted to make the box. About 14 hands went up. I apologized again and said, “We only have ten boxes… that just will not work… and I want to be fair to everyone. So we will all have to do the same thing.” And then, one little boy said, “I’ll make the plaque… if that will help.” His friend sitting next to him said, “I will, too.” One by one, the little boys began to offer to make the alternate version of the craft project. In short order, all of the boys had decided that the girls could have the boxes… they would make the plaques. Here’s the kicker… we had ten girls!
Isn’t it amazing how God works out the details when we work together in peace and harmony? Don’t you find it incredibly wonderful that He orchestrates a healthy, robust community overflowing with mercy and blessings when we “do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor”? Do you see that a group of 9-year-old-almost-fourth-graders schooled us in how to get this done?!
I stood back and realized that this was the lesson of our Vacation Bible School. These children truly heard the message of the Apostle Paul as he shared the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. They were busy putting into action the meaning of his words in Philippians 3:12-14… “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”
Where do you need to compromise and reach for Christ? Where have you been two-faced or behaved unreasonably? Have you treated others with dignity and honor…even when it took every fiber of your being to do so? Do you have your eye on the goal of finding peace by living for Jesus and making every effort to get along? Isn’t it time you humbled yourself like Paul… and these precious children… and made this the focus of your life? Will today be the day you begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We had record attendance at our Vacation Bible School, and it seemed that each night the number who showed up grew! So by Night #3, we were running low on supplies for the crafts. For the fourth and final night, we actually did run short! Anticipating this, our children’s director had left a bin of supplies in our classroom for an alternate rendition of our craft for the night. We were supposed to make a papier maché memory box that featured a decal of a world globe glued on the lid… and a card printed with the Bible verse from John 3:16 glued inside. During the opening service, my cousin Olivia and some of her friends had asked me what the craft was, and I told them, “We’re going to make a memory box!”… not thinking that we might run out of supplies.
Sure enough, by the time the third graders made it to our last crafting session, we had ten boxes… and about 19 children. So I eagerly displayed a little plaque made of craft foam, popsicle sticks, a glittery pipe cleaner, and a decal of the world and John 3:16 and said, “Tonight, we will make this plaque that you can hang on your doorknob or your wall and remember what you learned at VBS!” Olivia said, “But Aunt Debbie… you said we were going to make a memory box.” I apologized and said, “We ran out of boxes… our ‘marketplace’ is sold out!” “But you promised!” several little girls said in unison.
I asked how many children wanted to make the box. About 14 hands went up. I apologized again and said, “We only have ten boxes… that just will not work… and I want to be fair to everyone. So we will all have to do the same thing.” And then, one little boy said, “I’ll make the plaque… if that will help.” His friend sitting next to him said, “I will, too.” One by one, the little boys began to offer to make the alternate version of the craft project. In short order, all of the boys had decided that the girls could have the boxes… they would make the plaques. Here’s the kicker… we had ten girls!
Isn’t it amazing how God works out the details when we work together in peace and harmony? Don’t you find it incredibly wonderful that He orchestrates a healthy, robust community overflowing with mercy and blessings when we “do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor”? Do you see that a group of 9-year-old-almost-fourth-graders schooled us in how to get this done?!
I stood back and realized that this was the lesson of our Vacation Bible School. These children truly heard the message of the Apostle Paul as he shared the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. They were busy putting into action the meaning of his words in Philippians 3:12-14… “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”
Where do you need to compromise and reach for Christ? Where have you been two-faced or behaved unreasonably? Have you treated others with dignity and honor…even when it took every fiber of your being to do so? Do you have your eye on the goal of finding peace by living for Jesus and making every effort to get along? Isn’t it time you humbled yourself like Paul… and these precious children… and made this the focus of your life? Will today be the day you begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 14, 2013
1 Timothy 1:12-14
I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing—didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.
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.
This morning, I went to a garage sale… hoping to find some bargains for my little niece and nephews. Sure enough, I spotted a big box of VHS tapes for children, alongside an equally large box of DVD children’s movies. The box of VHS tapes said 50¢ each… DVDs were $2.00 per movie. I checked with my niece to see which ones her children did/did not have, and I selected 10 VHS tapes and 5 DVDs. I bought one other item for $1 and continued shopping.
When I paid for my items, the clerk said, “That will be $21.” I mentally “did the math” again and looked in my sack, and then I said to the lady conducting the sale… “I think there has been a mistake. I bought 10 of the VHS tapes and 5 DVDs, so how does that come to $21?” The lady explained that VHS tapes were $1 each, and DVDs were $2. I said, “Oh… the sign on the box said that VHS tapes were only 50¢ each.” Her response was, “Well, that’s not what it’s supposed to say… VHS tapes are $1 each.” I was in a hurry and didn’t want to cause a further scene… after all, my children are worth an extra $5 and will enjoy the movies immensely. But I felt a little disappointed that this was her response.
I barely got to my car and turned the key when I saw the woman energetically waving for me to come back. I turned off the motor, got out of my car, and she said, “Come back! We’re going to refund you $5. That’s only fair.” And she handed me a $5 bill. I was relieved that she did the right thing… not so much for myself as for her. And later as I read this scripture passage, I thought… this is how things go with God much of the time.
We are the “seller” who overcharged and did not apologize for it… at least initially. And God is not pleased with us for these actions… but He continues to love us and offer us grace. I was not prepared to say, “I’ll never shop at this woman’s garage sale again because she overcharged me.” For one thing, it WAS a GARAGE SALE, after all! But more than this, I was ready to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe those were not her tapes… it looked like a multi-family event. Maybe she really needed that extra $5. This overcharge wasn’t going to signal the end of the world. And a lot of the things we do that are invective (abusive), arrogant, or less than upright won’t be of major significance in the scheme of things. Still, they are not the behaviors of true disciples. They displease God greatly… yet He loves us and meets our needs anyway.
I don’t know about you, but I am a work in progress… and this is the key! I make mistakes… I falter… but I keep working on moving forward. And God notices. He doesn’t give me a free pass… He doesn’t excuse me when I disappoint Him… but He loves me in spite of my shortcomings and failures. I don’t have to beat myself up… I don’t have to wallow in self-loathing or live in turmoil. I can have peace and contentment because each and every day, I am striving to do better… to be more like Jesus Christ…to mess up less and make more forward progress!
I may be the person who overcharges someone at a garage sale tomorrow. Sadly, I may snap at someone and/or say something I regret. My decisions may not be 100% accurate… and neither may those of my friends and acquaintances. But with God’s help, I will keep trying to do better… and God will extend His grace to me as a result. In return, He expects me to offer this grace and peace to others along the way. And He will do the same for you! Do you know Who has your back these days? Do you know Who you are dealing with? Is your goal to be adequate to do Jesus’ work… and to operate in His peace and grace each and every day? Isn’t it time you made this a priority?
©2013 Debbie Robus
I’m so grateful to Christ Jesus for making me adequate to do this work. He went out on a limb, you know, in trusting me with this ministry. The only credentials I brought to it were invective and witch hunts and arrogance. But I was treated mercifully because I didn’t know what I was doing—didn’t know Who I was doing it against! Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me. And all because of Jesus.
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.
This morning, I went to a garage sale… hoping to find some bargains for my little niece and nephews. Sure enough, I spotted a big box of VHS tapes for children, alongside an equally large box of DVD children’s movies. The box of VHS tapes said 50¢ each… DVDs were $2.00 per movie. I checked with my niece to see which ones her children did/did not have, and I selected 10 VHS tapes and 5 DVDs. I bought one other item for $1 and continued shopping.
When I paid for my items, the clerk said, “That will be $21.” I mentally “did the math” again and looked in my sack, and then I said to the lady conducting the sale… “I think there has been a mistake. I bought 10 of the VHS tapes and 5 DVDs, so how does that come to $21?” The lady explained that VHS tapes were $1 each, and DVDs were $2. I said, “Oh… the sign on the box said that VHS tapes were only 50¢ each.” Her response was, “Well, that’s not what it’s supposed to say… VHS tapes are $1 each.” I was in a hurry and didn’t want to cause a further scene… after all, my children are worth an extra $5 and will enjoy the movies immensely. But I felt a little disappointed that this was her response.
I barely got to my car and turned the key when I saw the woman energetically waving for me to come back. I turned off the motor, got out of my car, and she said, “Come back! We’re going to refund you $5. That’s only fair.” And she handed me a $5 bill. I was relieved that she did the right thing… not so much for myself as for her. And later as I read this scripture passage, I thought… this is how things go with God much of the time.
We are the “seller” who overcharged and did not apologize for it… at least initially. And God is not pleased with us for these actions… but He continues to love us and offer us grace. I was not prepared to say, “I’ll never shop at this woman’s garage sale again because she overcharged me.” For one thing, it WAS a GARAGE SALE, after all! But more than this, I was ready to give her the benefit of the doubt. Maybe those were not her tapes… it looked like a multi-family event. Maybe she really needed that extra $5. This overcharge wasn’t going to signal the end of the world. And a lot of the things we do that are invective (abusive), arrogant, or less than upright won’t be of major significance in the scheme of things. Still, they are not the behaviors of true disciples. They displease God greatly… yet He loves us and meets our needs anyway.
I don’t know about you, but I am a work in progress… and this is the key! I make mistakes… I falter… but I keep working on moving forward. And God notices. He doesn’t give me a free pass… He doesn’t excuse me when I disappoint Him… but He loves me in spite of my shortcomings and failures. I don’t have to beat myself up… I don’t have to wallow in self-loathing or live in turmoil. I can have peace and contentment because each and every day, I am striving to do better… to be more like Jesus Christ…to mess up less and make more forward progress!
I may be the person who overcharges someone at a garage sale tomorrow. Sadly, I may snap at someone and/or say something I regret. My decisions may not be 100% accurate… and neither may those of my friends and acquaintances. But with God’s help, I will keep trying to do better… and God will extend His grace to me as a result. In return, He expects me to offer this grace and peace to others along the way. And He will do the same for you! Do you know Who has your back these days? Do you know Who you are dealing with? Is your goal to be adequate to do Jesus’ work… and to operate in His peace and grace each and every day? Isn’t it time you made this a priority?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 17, 2013
Galatians 5:22-24
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Timothy is learning about rewards and consequences. When he eats all of his dinner, a “treat” afterward is often offered. Last night it was ice cream and a small piece of chocolate. Sometimes it is a special video or a trip to the park. And this morning, I surprised him with a big fat marshmallow – one of his favorite treats – because he had been polite, obedient, and well-mannered. I hope he and his siblings will learn to develop patience, compassion, and an innate sense of holiness. Last week during his birthday party (which happened to be on Mother’s Day), Timothy climbed the ladder to his little slide, stopped and said, “Hey, Happy Mother’s Day everyone!” I count that a victory… an unforced expression of love and kindness that was followed a few minutes later by an unprompted “Thanks for telling me ‘Happy Birthday,’ guys!”
Every day is different, and today, Timothy wanted to be a superhero. He asked for a cape and a mask, and I tied a kitchen towel around his neck and gave him a quickly-fashioned paper eye mask. He was delighted. He didn’t need a fancy, store-bought costume. He was every much “Super Timmy” in his home-made duds. All the television commercials in the world for fancy toys and wacky-flavored cereals cannot compete with a quick home-made costume and a marshmallow for this kid!
Let’s be honest… not all four-year-old boys develop patience, kindness, and a loving heart and spirit so early. And in any given minute, Timothy is anything but all of these things - because he is only four and still learning. In fact, he had a "meltdown" as I wrote this, because I would not produce another marshmallow on demand! Sadly, many forty-year-old (or older) men and women behave in much the same way! They still have not developed a heart for the “fruits of the Spirit”… they operate in the things of this world – the unwritten laws which dictate that we must have this or that… and everything should always go our way! So they experience all sorts of dilemmas and challenges… debt, disappointment, lack of respect in the home and workplace, frustration, failed relationships, and a reputation for being disagreeable or a hothead, just to name a few. Worse yet, many people fail to receive all of the good gifts that God wishes to send their way. Like a little boy who didn’t eat his dinner or couldn’t play nicely, there is no “treat” or surprise.
When we fully experience a transformation from the ways of this world to a life in Christ… when we allow the Holy Spirit to have complete authority over our heart… we are forever changed. And everyone notices. We operate from a totally different perspective than other people. We are kinder and more patient… we have more compassion for others and the circumstances of the world… and we operate with a sense of inner peace and calm in even the craziest and most challenging situations. And God responds by blessing us beyond what we could ever have hoped or imagined.
I don’t know about you, but I want this kind of life… for myself, and for my family and friends. That’s why I am sharing this message with you. I want you to understand what a hope we have in Jesus Christ… how much God wants to give us, if only we will allow Him to fill our heart. When we make serving God – and serving others in His name – second nature, we are free of the world’s “rules” and ways and able to fully experience all that He has in store for us. Won’t you ask God today to help you fill your heart with His Holy Spirit? Won’t you learn to walk in the ways of the LORD and to experience life like never before? Whether you are four or forty-four… or even twice that age… God still has plenty in store for you. Are you ready to receive His good gifts?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Timothy is learning about rewards and consequences. When he eats all of his dinner, a “treat” afterward is often offered. Last night it was ice cream and a small piece of chocolate. Sometimes it is a special video or a trip to the park. And this morning, I surprised him with a big fat marshmallow – one of his favorite treats – because he had been polite, obedient, and well-mannered. I hope he and his siblings will learn to develop patience, compassion, and an innate sense of holiness. Last week during his birthday party (which happened to be on Mother’s Day), Timothy climbed the ladder to his little slide, stopped and said, “Hey, Happy Mother’s Day everyone!” I count that a victory… an unforced expression of love and kindness that was followed a few minutes later by an unprompted “Thanks for telling me ‘Happy Birthday,’ guys!”
Every day is different, and today, Timothy wanted to be a superhero. He asked for a cape and a mask, and I tied a kitchen towel around his neck and gave him a quickly-fashioned paper eye mask. He was delighted. He didn’t need a fancy, store-bought costume. He was every much “Super Timmy” in his home-made duds. All the television commercials in the world for fancy toys and wacky-flavored cereals cannot compete with a quick home-made costume and a marshmallow for this kid!
Let’s be honest… not all four-year-old boys develop patience, kindness, and a loving heart and spirit so early. And in any given minute, Timothy is anything but all of these things - because he is only four and still learning. In fact, he had a "meltdown" as I wrote this, because I would not produce another marshmallow on demand! Sadly, many forty-year-old (or older) men and women behave in much the same way! They still have not developed a heart for the “fruits of the Spirit”… they operate in the things of this world – the unwritten laws which dictate that we must have this or that… and everything should always go our way! So they experience all sorts of dilemmas and challenges… debt, disappointment, lack of respect in the home and workplace, frustration, failed relationships, and a reputation for being disagreeable or a hothead, just to name a few. Worse yet, many people fail to receive all of the good gifts that God wishes to send their way. Like a little boy who didn’t eat his dinner or couldn’t play nicely, there is no “treat” or surprise.
When we fully experience a transformation from the ways of this world to a life in Christ… when we allow the Holy Spirit to have complete authority over our heart… we are forever changed. And everyone notices. We operate from a totally different perspective than other people. We are kinder and more patient… we have more compassion for others and the circumstances of the world… and we operate with a sense of inner peace and calm in even the craziest and most challenging situations. And God responds by blessing us beyond what we could ever have hoped or imagined.
I don’t know about you, but I want this kind of life… for myself, and for my family and friends. That’s why I am sharing this message with you. I want you to understand what a hope we have in Jesus Christ… how much God wants to give us, if only we will allow Him to fill our heart. When we make serving God – and serving others in His name – second nature, we are free of the world’s “rules” and ways and able to fully experience all that He has in store for us. Won’t you ask God today to help you fill your heart with His Holy Spirit? Won’t you learn to walk in the ways of the LORD and to experience life like never before? Whether you are four or forty-four… or even twice that age… God still has plenty in store for you. Are you ready to receive His good gifts?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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