Daily Devotional for December 24, 2016

Psalm 112:1-5
Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands.

His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men’s sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful — and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly. 

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.  

“Uncle Greg, are y’all rich?”  This was the question that Timothy asked when he learned that Greg had traded in the Jeep that he bought 12 years ago (used) for a newer one (also used).  Greg’s answer was priceless.  He explained to Timmy that we are rich…we have a loving family, the love of Jesus and a church family who cares for us, friends, a comfortable home, plenty to eat, good health – and so much more. That was not exactly the response that our little nephew was seeking. He has gotten it in his mind that we are “Donald Trump rich!”  Unless the president-elect has exaggerated his wealth, I assure you that we are NOT that kind if “rich!”

Today, our family will gather to celebrate Christmas.  There are dozens of packages under the Christmas tree…mostly for three precious children we love with all of our being.  There are stockings for everyone with a few little goodies (and some candy, of course!)…and we will share a fun afternoon of merriment and celebration. We have decorated, baked, shopped, and planned for this day.  We have tried to incorporate some family “traditions” and memories…particularly those of loved ones who are no longer with us.

Greg set out the big wooden Santa like the one from his childhood.  His mom and dad helped us create this jolly old elf almost 40 years ago. I have hung my mother’s crystal ornaments on our piano room tree, which is topped by the tinsel star that adorned the Christmas trees of Greg’s childhood. Mother’s big nativity set has a prominent spot amidst the collection of nativities on display in our piano room. Her “Christmas tree” napkin rings hold holiday cloths on our dining table.  The cookie jar is filled with my Mam-ma Polly’s legendary sugar cookies, and I’ve made my mother’s holiday “Russian tea.” The association these things and others have to our loved ones will remind us of their gift of love and fairness toward everyone they met.

We will also celebrate God’s kindness and mercy toward all of us…and the fact that He has seen us through some pretty rough patches this last year plus.  I will say a silent prayer to especially thank God for the amazing husband He gave me…a man who is unbelievably generous and fair to all, without any judgment or qualifications.  I will thank Him for the blessing of three little children whose innocent outlooks and penchant for joy in all circumstances have made seemingly unbearable moments tolerable.

I will thank God for HIS gifts…especially Jesus.  I will praise Him for the kindness, mercy, grace and generosity that He pours out on me each and every day.  And I will remind myself that we all have a “legacy” to perpetuate…that indeed, “good men’s sons have a special heritage.”  We have done all we can to prepare for this day…but each of us is called to carry the “spirit of Christmas” in our hearts every day…to operate in kindness and fairness…to be generous to others without judgment or qualification.  We are reminded to count our wealth not in dollars and cents…but in the blessings and abundance of God Almighty…beginning with the ultimate gift of Jesus that makes us heirs to His throne…and thereby “royalty.”  You can’t get richer than that!

So enjoy this day…celebrate with your own family traditions and perpetuate the heritage your family has created.  But take some time to remember the richest legacy…your place in the body of Christ.  Thank God for the best Gift of all…and make every effort going forward to advance His special heritage to the next generations.  Glory to God in the Highest…and Merry Christmas Eve to you and yours. 

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 28, 2015

Deuteronomy 16:18-20   
Appoint judges and officers, organized by tribes, in all the towns that God, your God, is giving you. They are to judge the people fairly and honestly. Don’t twist the law. Don’t play favorites. Don’t take a bribe—a bribe blinds even a wise person; it undermines the intentions of the best of people.

The right! The right! Pursue only what’s right! It’s the only way you can really live and possess the land that God, your God, is giving you.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
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I can’t make this stuff up!  I found an article at prnewswire.com that says…” According to a recent online survey, released by Great American Cookies® and conducted online on the brand's behalf, 94 percent of parents say they have rewarded their children for good behavior.” In response to the survey results, this company is launching the first-ever National Bribe Your Child Week from Aug. 9th – 15th. Parents can visit a website and download a worksheet to complete with their child and turn it in at any Great American Cookies® store for a free cookie.

It would be great if this company had chosen to call the project “National Reward Your Child Week"…but at the end of the day, hundreds of parents have just been bribed to participate in this program with the offer of  a “free” cookie.  So maybe their choice of words was appropriate.  See how easily we are drawn in? 

I utilize a reward system with Timothy, Zola and Nathan, where I punch numbers on a little card as they demonstrate “good” behaviors.  When all twenty of the numbers on the card have been punched, the child gets to choose a “prize” from my basket of goodies…cars, trucks, dinosaurs, small stuffed animals, crayons and chalk, and more.  So far, this has worked well…and it is a fair way to address each child’s behavior individually.  They often plan which prize they will “work for” next!

Some have said that this amounts to bribery. The children will tell you that they earn these rewards.  I can see both sides…but they are learning valuable lessons about incentives to behave nicely – and penalties when this doesn’t happen (because they do NOT get a prize if their card isn’t punched).  And I will admit that I sometimes offer a Life Saver® as a quick and simple “bribe” for positive actions.

Try as we might to ignore or deny this, bribes are a common “currency” among many adults in our culture.  Some are slick about it and do their best to disguise these as “incentives” or fair exchanges.  But when we drill it down, they are bribes, pure and simple…and scripture tells us not to operate in these inducements. 

This is more easily said than done, as we are somewhat geared to help those who help us – and to show them favor.  But we must learn to stop operating in the mode of “what’s in it for me?” and model the teachings of Jesus as we figure out how we are to show someone else love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion.  When we shift our attitude to reflect that of our Savior, we are more concerned with pleasing Him than earning a material prize or the attention and approval of another.  We desire to treat others in such a way that they do what is right because they want to…not because we paid them to do so. 

The challenge for each of us is to live each and every day with the intention to serve God with our whole heart and mind…to make sure that every action is positive and without reproach.  Rewards will follow…but they will be the kind that God ordains – not man – and they will not be dangled before us as enticements to serve Him.  In other words, don’t look for God to offer you a cookie anytime soon! 

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 21, 2014

Isaiah 11:1-5
Like a branch that sprouts from a stump,someone from David’s family will someday be king. The Spirit of the Lord will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight.
 
He will be powerful, and he will know and honor the Lord. His greatest joy will be to obey the Lord.
 
This king won’t judge by appearances or listen to rumors. The poor and the needy will be treated with fairness and with justice.
 
His word will be law everywhere in the land, and criminals will be put to death. Honesty and fairness will be his royal robes.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
There was a plum tree at my grandparents’ farm that stood near a rock building we called the “dry house”, and it produced wonderful plums for eating by the handful…and for making delicious plum jelly.  By the time that Greg and I moved to the farm, this tree was in bad shape.  So Greg  reluctantly cut it down.  But from the stump, a “shoot” grew…and now – more than 20 years later - the “new” tree once again produces fine fruit.
 
You would never have thought to look at that stump that anything good would ever come from it again…but I have eaten the plums.  I have tasted the jelly made from their juice…and let me tell you – it is amazing - maybe even better than that of the original tree!  And the yield is abundant!
 
Greg filled the bird feeders in our backyard, and the songbirds are everywhere…cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees and more.    On the bluff at the edge of our yard, buzzards perch on tree branches…looking for food along the riverbank that curves below them.  As I watch these birds, I keep hearing the words of John 6:11, where Jesus blessed the fish and the loaves, and everyone had “plenty to eat.”
 
I’ve also noticed that there is enough food to go around…that one bird is not favored over another.  Well, okay, the blue jay seems to bully his way to the feeder on occasion…but everyone eats - from the stateliest cardinal to the tiniest junco or wren.  Even the squirrels pick up the dregs that fall to the ground…and the buzzards feast like kings on dead carcasses.
 
Because of Jesus, we ALL have “plenty to eat”.  Don’t misunderstand me…I’m not saying that people will never go hungry – that their bellies won’t rumble and ache with starvation for tangible food.  But those who trust in Jesus will NEVER be hungry in a spiritual sense.  They will never be judged on appearance and deemed unworthy.  They will never be treated as less than equal to every other believer – in any manner.  We WILL be judged someday – but not on these things.
 
As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this week, let’s revel in the amazing Blessing that came to us “from the root of Jesse”.  Let’s remind ourselves to live as He did…to treat all people with fairness and kindness…to turn a deaf ear to rumors and judgments…to look to GOD for guidance and answers.  Share the Good News with others this week…Jesus has come…there is “plenty to eat”  - for everyone!
 
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 31, 2013

Matthew 7:7-12
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?

“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
 
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 is the day that children across America look forward to all year…for several reasons. Chief among them?  Candy!  The kids (and some grown-ups!) dress up in cute and/or scary costumes, knock on doors and say, “Trick-or-treat!”… and expect to receive candy to put in their sack, bag, plastic pumpkin – or even a pillowcase!  According to news reports, a woman in West Fargo, North Dakota, has decided to substitute “fat letters” for candy as her “treat” to those children she decides are “obese”.  The letter will tell their parents that this child should not be consuming sugar… and encourage them to ration the child’s candy consumption.
 
While I am all for combatting childhood obesity… can you imagine the heartbreak of a child who rings the doorbell on Halloween - expecting a sweet treat - when he/she receives this letter?  Who would do such a thing to a child?  There is a time and place for everything… and this is neither the time – nor the place!  This woman is playing a game - and using unsuspecting children as the pawns.  This is exactly the point that Jesus is making in the book of Matthew… that most parents would never do this - and God most certainly would not!
 
Yes, God is our Heavenly Father.  Yes, He has standards… and expectations… for each of us.  But God would never play games with us.  He would never disrespect us or make promises He can’t – or won’t – keep.  God doesn’t lie, cheat or steal.  He doesn’t ignore us because He isn’t in the mood to talk to us (as we often do with friends and family members).  He would never try to con us or manipulate us.  God would never disrespect our relationship… He would never talk about us to others behind our backs, call us names, or speak hatefully or unkindly toward us.  God would never slam a door in our face… or lead us to expect one thing – and give us something else.
 
God offers us the perfect model for how to treat others in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus was never unkind or disrespectful toward anyone… not even His enemies.  And none of us wants to be mistreated or disrespected.  So why would we think it was okay to act this way toward anyone else?  This passage reminds us to think about how we want others to treat us… and beat them to the punch!
 
We are called to treat others in the same way that we wish to be treated – or better!  When trick-or-treaters ring your doorbell tonight, give them your best candy and treats.  And make a vow to give others your best each and every day. Let the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus be your daily “costume” as you strive to emulate Him in your interactions with others.  Savor the goodness of living in a way that pleases Him… as a child savors the best piece of chocolate in his/her bag.  Operate in the confidence that you have “represented” well.
 
Whether it’s Halloween or any other day of the year, operate in the “treats” of God… and leave the tricks and disrespect to the devil.
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 19, 2013

March 19 ~ Luke 16:10-13
For unless you are honest in small matters, you won’t be in large ones.  If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.  And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?  And if you are not faithful with other people’s money, why should you be entrusted with money of your own?  “For neither you nor anyone else can serve two masters.  You will hate one and show loyalty to the other, or else the other way around – you will be enthusiastic about one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and money.”
 
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
When you get your credit card or utility bills… or your bank statement… you probably go over every line with a fine-toothed comb – or you should!  I often hear people talk about hidden charges they discovered – and had removed.  Or maybe you have discovered a charge on your bill that you did not authorize.  Sometimes, we simply didn’t read the “fine print.”  But there are times when I have to wonder whether some corporations figure you will never notice that little surcharge buried in the details.  Over time, these amounts add up!  Let’s say you or I had a small business where we tucked in little “incidental” charges that we did not disclose to our clients.  Do you think we would have repeat customers if this were discovered?  Could our reputation for honesty, fairness and integrity be compromised?
 
I think we understand the ramifications of cheating on a large scale.  Most of us get it that we cannot borrow money from a bank, or even a friend or relative – and fail to repay the loan, without some serious consequences.  But we fail to recognize that the impact of our failures to follow through on the smaller things in life can be just as critical.  A local news station has been sponsoring a multi-week fitness program for a group of out-of-shape moms.  Each week, a news report charts their progress.  This week, the headline was a report that several of the moms are not showing up for the workouts.  They are not honoring their commitment to the program.  Not only are they failing to reach their goals and achieve the desired level of fitness, but their lack of commitment has been “outed” to their families, friends and co-workers on state-wide television!  One has to wonder how these women treat other commitments if they fail to meet one with such a public view!
 
Do you see where I am headed with this?  Jesus tells us in this passage that we “cannot serve two masters.”  I would suggest that those of us who are unable to keep our word… or to be honest and honorable in seemingly small and insignificant things… are probably not capable of doing any better with big matters.  If you lie (even to yourself) and say, “Nobody else will know if I eat this extra piece of cake”… or “Sue will forget that I owe her that $50”…how likely are you lie to your spouse about the new pair of shoes you bought, where you really went when you said you were having dinner with a friend, or how committed you are to your marriage?”
 
If you can pick up pens and paper clips at work and carry them home for personal use… or “borrow” a friend’s t-shirt and keep it to wear as your own… how will others ever believe that you can be trusted not to help yourself to their personal property - as an employee, or even as a friend or acquaintance?  If you say one thing and do another, how will anyone ever believe you when you profess to be a faith-filled disciple of Christ?
 
This passage is about so much more than money.  Jesus used this as His example, because so many of us do seem to worship the almighty dollar, so He knew we would easily relate to this analogy.  But we all have moments each and every day to make a choice about whether to be honorable and trustworthy with seemingly insignificant issues and situations that have substantial and widespread ramifications… and speak directly to our moral and spiritual character.
 
What about you?  Are you faithful in the small stuff?  Are you honest and aboveboard in all things… are you truly honest with yourself?  Do you understand how important integrity is in the life of a Christian?  How authentic are you?  Which “Master” will you serve today?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 16, 2013

Romans 12:16
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.

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

Timothy and I were at the park, and a group of children had shown up to play. Timothy was in heaven to have “friends” to run and climb with – a partner on the see-saw – and someone else to enjoy the swings with him. But when the children all suddenly turned and headed for the merry-go-round, Timothy yelled, “Hey! Wait for me.” Then under his breath, he said something about “idiots.” I stopped him and explained that this was not nice… that we could not call people an ugly name like that. I made sure he understood that this was not acceptable. A few days later, we were watching the Dr. Seuss movie “Horton Hears a Who” on video, and one of the characters stormed into an “office” and said to his “secretary”… “I’m not an idiot! Do I look like an idiot?” In that moment, I knew where my little nephew had learned about “idiots”… and I knew that a lifelong battle with parroting what he sees and hears had begun.

My point is that it’s easy to get caught up in this. We hear people say all sorts of things on television, in the movies, and in our daily living… and unkind things creep into our vocabulary. Innocent children who gleefully play together on a playground with no socio-economic boundaries will soon enough learn that this child’s parents can afford more than that one’s… and that some children wear nicer clothes than others and get to do things that are out of reach for others. Just this week, my cousin texted me a picture of her child’s Valentine’s Day box… a darling hand-made creation. I wondered, “How many children in this little girl’s class will not have a beautiful box for their Valentines? Will they feel like the “great nobody” because of this? It starts early!

So what can we do? Certainly we cannot make fancy Valentine’s boxes for every elementary school child. We can’t take every kid to Disneyworld or make sure that everyone has designer clothing, fancy cars and lives in a big, expensive house. But we can treat others fairly and equally. We can check our language… and even our thoughts… and make sure that we make a concerted effort to get along with everybody. We can teach our children that nobody is better than another person… we can model humility, acceptance of others, and genuine friendship. We can refrain from criticizing or belittling others… even in the privacy of our own homes. We can ask God to help us love others as Jesus loves us… and to accept each of His children as precious in His sight.

We can live in a way that demonstrates our gratitude that Jesus died for Nobodies like each of us… and turned us into Somebodies. We can recognize that not only are we heirs to His throne… but so are all who have given their hearts to Him… and all who will accept Him. My cousin recently lost his 42-year-old wife, Angie, to breast cancer. I can’t tell you how many people commented that Angie loved everybody… and she truly did. Angie didn’t see race, creed or color. She did not care if you were dressed in diamonds and furs… or covered from head to toe in tattoos and piercings. It didn’t matter to her if you smelled like a million bucks… or like you hadn’t showered in days. She really didn’t notice whether you were drop-dead gorgeous – or missing most of your teeth. Angie only cared that you knew Jesus… and everyone who met her knew this. We need more “Angies” in the world. We need to be so busy letting others know how much Jesus loves them – and how much we love them in His name – that nothing else matters.

None of us have the excuse of being three years old any longer. We will continue to watch Dr. Seuss movies at my house… but I will make sure that the children understand that what we see in movies is not always acceptable or proper in our relationships with others. It’s time to take responsibility for our actions… and for our role as Disciples of Christ. We need to be truthful, kind, patient, loving, genuine, and humble. We need to treat others fairly… and to shower them with the same love and acceptance that Jesus offers to us. This won’t be easy for some of us. We’ve been operating according to the world’s standards for a long time now. But we really don’t have a choice. This is what God has called us to do… and truly, nothing else matters. I know that I have work to do in this area… but I’m ready and willing to do whatever it takes. Are you?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 18, 2012

Psalm 34:13
Guard your tongue from profanity, and no more lying through your teeth.

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.

According to information gathered at www.rotary.org, Rotary International is a world-wide (and widely respected) service organization whose mission is…”to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.” I was a member of Rotary International for several years. Like most members, I carried a card in my wallet that outlined the Rotary “4-Way Test”…

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

We would do well to ask ourselves these questions in every area of life. While Rotary International is not purported to be a “Christian” organization, these questions certainly have a “What-would-Jesus-do?” quality to them and serve as a good basis for behaving in a manner that honors our Christian faith and witness.

We are on the threshold of a new school year… a new beginning for many – particularly those under the age of 25. When I was teaching, the end of August held more of a “New Year/Fresh Start” feeling for me than January 1st. So it is fitting that as we approach the “back-to-school” date on the calendar, we renew our determination to speak the truth… to avoid all unkind language (not just profanity)… to seek fairness, goodwill, better friendships…and to make sure that our words and actions are beneficial to all concerned.

Let’s make this our prayer for today and every day. Let’s incorporate the 4-Way Test into our daily Christian discipleship. Ask God to help you make this a great year… and to start it off on the right foot!

©2012 Debbie Robus