1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you. The Scriptures say,
“Do you really love life? Do you want to be happy? Then stop saying cruel things and quit telling lies. Give up your evil ways and do right, as you find and follow the road that leads to peace.
The Lord watches over everyone who obeys him, and he listens to their prayers. But he opposes everyone who does evil."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent issue of ABC’s 20/20*, the story San Antonio kindergarten teacher, Cynthia Ambrose, was shared. The title given the story was “Did This Teacher Cross the Line?”. Ambrose had a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian. So when a fellow teacher came to her in May 2012 with 6-year-old Aiden Neely, who school officials at Salinas Elementary described as a playground bully, Ambrose decided to teach the child a lesson. She stood him before the class and asked her students if they would like to show Aiden what it felt like when he mistreated them.
Ambrose maintains that before she could even blink, a child approached Aiden and hit him, and then the others started taking their turn. Aiden and his mother claim that Ambrose asked all of her students to line up and take a turn at bullying him. And Aiden’s own teacher, Barbara Ramirez, substantiated this claim in court, saying that Ambrose told the children…"Come on boys and girls, let's line up and let's bully Aiden. Come on, let's hit him harder.” The court convicted Ambrose of “Official Oppression” – a Class-A misdemeanor in Texas. Ambrose was sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years of probation, which means that she won't be able to teach again in Texas until at least after this time frame. Aiden’s mother moved him to another elementary school, where he says the teachers and students are nicer.
As a former kindergarten teacher, I have so many problems with this story. It bothers me that a teacher was proudly recognized in her school for her “tough love”. It bothers me that another teacher took a student to this woman for disciplinary action. But more importantly, if Barbara Ramirez did indeed stand aside and let Ambrose line up the students to take a turn at bullying this child, she should be in just as much trouble as Cynthia Ambrose. The other thing that disturbs me is the child’s testimony in court, which was aired in part on the ABC broadcast. Ambrose insists that the children did not line up and taunt or bully this child. But this little boy testified that they did. When asked by the prosecutor how many kids hit him in the back, he promptly stated, “I think, like 21.” That sounds like a “coached” answer to me. I have seen this happen in my own teaching experience, where a parent was so eager for his/her child to be right that the “correct” answers were given to the child to be repeated when questioned.
The bottom line is that a lot of people were wrong in this sequence of events. Many of them were hateful and insulting. More than one person in this story acted without kindness and humility. This situation truly was wrong on countless levels. But this is not an isolated incident. We are all guilty to some degree of these behaviors on any given day. Hopefully we don’t bully others. Surely we do not stand someone before a group of their peers and suggest that they retaliate. But we may strike back in some way as an individual.
We may set about to “put someone in their place”. This can be as blatant and direct as a verbal insult…or as subtle as a quiet manipulation or “cold shoulder”. At least once in our lives, I bet we have all muttered the sentence, “I’ll show him a thing or two!” We all practice our own version of “tough love”… but our tactics are not necessarily pleasing to God.
This story left me feeling very sad for all involved. Perhaps Cynthia Ambrose really didn’t mean for this to escalate. Maybe she did think that the worst that would happen to little Aiden was that he would be shamed into behaving more kindly. Maybe Aiden’s teacher, Barbara Ramirez, was at her rope’s end and truly thought a colleague could help. Maybe Aiden is something of an innocent victim who was targeted and/or mistreated by his teachers and his peers. In the end, nobody “won”. And this is the case so often when we operate out of anything but love, concern, and a big dose of humility.
When we take matters into our own hands and fail to stop, breathe, and ask God to guide us, some pretty awful things can happen. When we find ourselves in a pit, the only way out often appears to be lies and deception. When our backs are against the wall, we frequently come out clawing and retaliating. And God is heartbroken by the messes we often make.
Most young children are taught to “Stop, look and listen.” Somehow, we seem to forget these instructions as we grow into adulthood! This is a good time to study this scripture passage and think about our own lives…to ask ourselves where we need to do a better job of operating in patience, kindness, humility…and turning the other cheek. Talk to God about the situations in your life that trouble you…ask Him to show you how to react and respond to them. Prayerfully consider your actions, and don’t get caught up in the heat of the moment. Follow the road to peace…and let God handle the “discipline”.
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/teacher-cross-line-22530010
Showing posts with label operating in humility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label operating in humility. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for November 15, 2013
2 Corinthians 10:12-16
We’re not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they’re our superiors. We wouldn’t dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.
We aren’t making outrageous claims here. We’re sticking to the limits of what God has set for us. But there can be no question that those limits reach to and include you. We’re not moving into someone else’s “territory.” We were already there with you, weren’t we? We were the first ones to get there with the Message of Christ, right? So how can there be any question of overstepping our bounds by writing or visiting you?
We’re not barging in on the rightful work of others, interfering with their ministries, demanding a place in the sun with them. What we’re hoping for is that as your lives grow in faith, you’ll play a part within our expanding work. And we’ll all still be within the limits God sets as we proclaim the Message in countries beyond Corinth. But we have no intention of moving in on what others have done and taking credit for it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I recently read a truly poignant essay that someone posted on Facebook about a woman who stood in the checkout line behind another woman who had five children with her. Two were blond like the “mother” figure and dressed rather nicely. Their appearance was neat and clean. The other three appeared to be of mixed race, and they were disheveled, dirty and unruly. The “mother” was struggling to put her purchases on the conveyor belt… juggle a handful of forms… and figure out how to use an EBT (food stamp) card – all while trying to corral five small children.
People behind the author of this essay began to mumble loudly. “Bet she doesn’t even know who the baby daddy is for those kids… whaddya wanna bet she pays with food stamps…there goes our taxpayer dollars – we’re the ones who are really paying for all of this!” The essayist seethed for a few minutes, and then she stepped forward and offered to help the “mother”, asking, “Yours or fosters?” The “mother” replied… “Both… these three were just dropped off with me… with only the clothes on their backs.” She handed them each a coat as the clerk rang up the price. The essayist offered that she was a foster mother herself… and she extended her help with sorting the food items according to WIC regulations… and showed the “mother” how to use her EBT card, which had come with the three foster children. When she had finished and the family was leaving, the essayist turned to the critics behind her… and she let them have it! She closed her story by noting that after her rant was over, the folks standing behind her moved to another checkout line.
If you go back and read the verses leading up to this passage from 2 Corinthians 10, you see that people were accusing the Apostle Paul of superiority… of talking rather strongly to them in his letters about how they should be conducting themselves. Word had apparently gotten back to Paul that some of the Corinthians wondered if he “walked the walk” as much as he “talked the talk”! And don’t you know people like that? Don’t you know people who are quick to criticize someone else for the very things they are doing themselves… or to make unfair comparisons or assumptions… and to act disrespectfully as a result?
There are so many examples of this that I could cite, but I bet you can think of plenty on your own. The point is that we often want to throw credit – and blame – around where it doesn’t belong… and in doing so, we are disrespectful toward others. Our criticism and lack of regard for other people often seems to know no bounds! Ninety-nine percent of the time, we do not have all of the facts. That person who appears to have it all together and be incredibly successful and fortunate may be going through all sorts of heartbreaking things in private. The disheveled man or woman in the checkout line may be in a hurry to get home to a house filled with children who were up all night… and wondering what he/she will feed them for dinner and how they will stretch the paycheck for another week or more. Your cranky, difficult grandfather or grandmother may be secretly worried sick that he/she is going to end up in a nursing home and left to die alone.
Worse yet, we judge others’ level of faith. We conclude that this one or that one “is not a believer” or “doesn’t feel the Holy Spirit”. Most certainly they are not as faith-filled as we are… and if they don’t jump on our bandwagon, we all know where they are headed! If they really loved Jesus, they would be at church every Sunday. If they really had a relationship with the Holy Spirit, they would treat us… and others… more kindly. If God was top priority in their lives, they would have their act together! Admit it… you’ve uttered more than a couple of these – or something very close!
The time has come for us to all start respecting each other… to stop assuming that we know what the other person is thinking, feeling, or experiencing… and to work on refining our relationship with God. Only then will we be able to do His work… and to meet others right where they are. Only when our actions match our talk can we relate to one another on a level playing field.
If we are humble and sincere in your daily living, others will notice. If we stop judging others without all of the facts and making assumptions… if we live in a way that honors our Christian discipleship and the sacrifices of Jesus on our behalf, we can be confident that our actions are not misinterpreted or overstated. When others recognize us as respectful, honest, humble and sincere, they will not mistake our witness and ministry for grandstanding and superiority.
We must remember to always give credit where credit is due… to recognize God as our Supreme Source – for everything – and we must duly note that He is the only one worthy to judge any of us. When we operate in this truth, we are no longer even capable of judging or disrespecting others. It simply isn’t on our radar! And we are free to do the work of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ… of ministering to others and reaching them as equals. This is my fervent goal as a Disciple of Christ… is it yours?
©2013 Debbie Robus
We’re not, understand, putting ourselves in a league with those who boast that they’re our superiors. We wouldn’t dare do that. But in all this comparing and grading and competing, they quite miss the point.
We aren’t making outrageous claims here. We’re sticking to the limits of what God has set for us. But there can be no question that those limits reach to and include you. We’re not moving into someone else’s “territory.” We were already there with you, weren’t we? We were the first ones to get there with the Message of Christ, right? So how can there be any question of overstepping our bounds by writing or visiting you?
We’re not barging in on the rightful work of others, interfering with their ministries, demanding a place in the sun with them. What we’re hoping for is that as your lives grow in faith, you’ll play a part within our expanding work. And we’ll all still be within the limits God sets as we proclaim the Message in countries beyond Corinth. But we have no intention of moving in on what others have done and taking credit for it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I recently read a truly poignant essay that someone posted on Facebook about a woman who stood in the checkout line behind another woman who had five children with her. Two were blond like the “mother” figure and dressed rather nicely. Their appearance was neat and clean. The other three appeared to be of mixed race, and they were disheveled, dirty and unruly. The “mother” was struggling to put her purchases on the conveyor belt… juggle a handful of forms… and figure out how to use an EBT (food stamp) card – all while trying to corral five small children.
People behind the author of this essay began to mumble loudly. “Bet she doesn’t even know who the baby daddy is for those kids… whaddya wanna bet she pays with food stamps…there goes our taxpayer dollars – we’re the ones who are really paying for all of this!” The essayist seethed for a few minutes, and then she stepped forward and offered to help the “mother”, asking, “Yours or fosters?” The “mother” replied… “Both… these three were just dropped off with me… with only the clothes on their backs.” She handed them each a coat as the clerk rang up the price. The essayist offered that she was a foster mother herself… and she extended her help with sorting the food items according to WIC regulations… and showed the “mother” how to use her EBT card, which had come with the three foster children. When she had finished and the family was leaving, the essayist turned to the critics behind her… and she let them have it! She closed her story by noting that after her rant was over, the folks standing behind her moved to another checkout line.
If you go back and read the verses leading up to this passage from 2 Corinthians 10, you see that people were accusing the Apostle Paul of superiority… of talking rather strongly to them in his letters about how they should be conducting themselves. Word had apparently gotten back to Paul that some of the Corinthians wondered if he “walked the walk” as much as he “talked the talk”! And don’t you know people like that? Don’t you know people who are quick to criticize someone else for the very things they are doing themselves… or to make unfair comparisons or assumptions… and to act disrespectfully as a result?
There are so many examples of this that I could cite, but I bet you can think of plenty on your own. The point is that we often want to throw credit – and blame – around where it doesn’t belong… and in doing so, we are disrespectful toward others. Our criticism and lack of regard for other people often seems to know no bounds! Ninety-nine percent of the time, we do not have all of the facts. That person who appears to have it all together and be incredibly successful and fortunate may be going through all sorts of heartbreaking things in private. The disheveled man or woman in the checkout line may be in a hurry to get home to a house filled with children who were up all night… and wondering what he/she will feed them for dinner and how they will stretch the paycheck for another week or more. Your cranky, difficult grandfather or grandmother may be secretly worried sick that he/she is going to end up in a nursing home and left to die alone.
Worse yet, we judge others’ level of faith. We conclude that this one or that one “is not a believer” or “doesn’t feel the Holy Spirit”. Most certainly they are not as faith-filled as we are… and if they don’t jump on our bandwagon, we all know where they are headed! If they really loved Jesus, they would be at church every Sunday. If they really had a relationship with the Holy Spirit, they would treat us… and others… more kindly. If God was top priority in their lives, they would have their act together! Admit it… you’ve uttered more than a couple of these – or something very close!
The time has come for us to all start respecting each other… to stop assuming that we know what the other person is thinking, feeling, or experiencing… and to work on refining our relationship with God. Only then will we be able to do His work… and to meet others right where they are. Only when our actions match our talk can we relate to one another on a level playing field.
If we are humble and sincere in your daily living, others will notice. If we stop judging others without all of the facts and making assumptions… if we live in a way that honors our Christian discipleship and the sacrifices of Jesus on our behalf, we can be confident that our actions are not misinterpreted or overstated. When others recognize us as respectful, honest, humble and sincere, they will not mistake our witness and ministry for grandstanding and superiority.
We must remember to always give credit where credit is due… to recognize God as our Supreme Source – for everything – and we must duly note that He is the only one worthy to judge any of us. When we operate in this truth, we are no longer even capable of judging or disrespecting others. It simply isn’t on our radar! And we are free to do the work of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ… of ministering to others and reaching them as equals. This is my fervent goal as a Disciple of Christ… is it yours?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 1, 2013
Luke 14:10-11
“When you’re invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then when the host comes he may very well say, ‘Friend, come up to the front.’ That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I’m saying is, If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face. But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
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 lifelong friend, Adam Little, is a video editor in Nashville… a very good video editor whose work has won numerous awards. He posted on Facebook today that two of his videos are up for CMA awards... Miranda Lambert’s "Mama's Broken Heart" and Blake Shelton's "Boys Round Here". He noted that “both were directed by the talented Trey Fanjoy.” Now here’s the deal… most of you have heard of Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. But I bet a lot of you had no clue who Adam Little and Trey Fanjoy were a few minutes ago! Yet, without a good director… and a very good video editor, the work of these famous performers might go fairly unrecognized. I can assure you that the advent of video and the Internet opened up a whole new world for entertainers in all genres… particularly music. Now, artists can put their work on YouTube and send it out through other mass media venues. They can now reach an audience of millions in minutes. This used to take months and years as the singers drove from radio station to station and peddled their latest recording.
Still, Lambert and Shelton will take home the glory at the CMAs while Adam and Trey simply smile and “do what they do”, so to speak. And I am not here to imply that Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton walk around with their noses in the air. I don’t know either of them… they very well may be humble, truly nice people. But I know that they will take the accolades and the credit – and thank a few people if they win (hopefully including Adam and Trey!)… and they will continue to be the people everyone talks about. It is my hope that in some format, the artists will give Adam and Trey and others who worked on their projects due recognition. I trust that they will find a way to essentially say to them, “Friend, come up to the front!” But I know Adam… he will be fine either way, because he is content to simply be himself. And that makes him more famous in my book than a thousand Blake Sheltons or Miranda Lamberts!
What about you? Do you seek the limelight? Do you crave recognition for your accomplishments and good deeds? Have you ever asked someone, “Do you have any idea who you are dealing with… do you know who I am?” Even if you didn’t say these words out loud… have you ever given someone else this impression? Do you aspire to hang out with “the rich and famous”? Is it your goal to become one of them?
I know people who think they are “all that and a bag of chips”… and people who truly are all that – and could care less who knew it! And I will tell you that those in the latter category truly have it going on… with other people – and with God! You’re not fooling anyone when you put on airs. It may seem as if people flock to you and want to be around you – or to be you! But in truth, an attitude of arrogance and/or superiority only appears to take one places. True humility and respect for others, regardless of their station or accomplishments – or yours, is what counts.
God will bless those who are simply themselves… the ones who quietly go about their work and move behind the scenes… the “video editors and directors” of life. Are you one of them? Don’t you think you should be?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“When you’re invited to dinner, go and sit at the last place. Then when the host comes he may very well say, ‘Friend, come up to the front.’ That will give the dinner guests something to talk about! What I’m saying is, If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face. But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
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 lifelong friend, Adam Little, is a video editor in Nashville… a very good video editor whose work has won numerous awards. He posted on Facebook today that two of his videos are up for CMA awards... Miranda Lambert’s "Mama's Broken Heart" and Blake Shelton's "Boys Round Here". He noted that “both were directed by the talented Trey Fanjoy.” Now here’s the deal… most of you have heard of Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. But I bet a lot of you had no clue who Adam Little and Trey Fanjoy were a few minutes ago! Yet, without a good director… and a very good video editor, the work of these famous performers might go fairly unrecognized. I can assure you that the advent of video and the Internet opened up a whole new world for entertainers in all genres… particularly music. Now, artists can put their work on YouTube and send it out through other mass media venues. They can now reach an audience of millions in minutes. This used to take months and years as the singers drove from radio station to station and peddled their latest recording.
Still, Lambert and Shelton will take home the glory at the CMAs while Adam and Trey simply smile and “do what they do”, so to speak. And I am not here to imply that Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton walk around with their noses in the air. I don’t know either of them… they very well may be humble, truly nice people. But I know that they will take the accolades and the credit – and thank a few people if they win (hopefully including Adam and Trey!)… and they will continue to be the people everyone talks about. It is my hope that in some format, the artists will give Adam and Trey and others who worked on their projects due recognition. I trust that they will find a way to essentially say to them, “Friend, come up to the front!” But I know Adam… he will be fine either way, because he is content to simply be himself. And that makes him more famous in my book than a thousand Blake Sheltons or Miranda Lamberts!
What about you? Do you seek the limelight? Do you crave recognition for your accomplishments and good deeds? Have you ever asked someone, “Do you have any idea who you are dealing with… do you know who I am?” Even if you didn’t say these words out loud… have you ever given someone else this impression? Do you aspire to hang out with “the rich and famous”? Is it your goal to become one of them?
I know people who think they are “all that and a bag of chips”… and people who truly are all that – and could care less who knew it! And I will tell you that those in the latter category truly have it going on… with other people – and with God! You’re not fooling anyone when you put on airs. It may seem as if people flock to you and want to be around you – or to be you! But in truth, an attitude of arrogance and/or superiority only appears to take one places. True humility and respect for others, regardless of their station or accomplishments – or yours, is what counts.
God will bless those who are simply themselves… the ones who quietly go about their work and move behind the scenes… the “video editors and directors” of life. Are you one of them? Don’t you think you should be?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 1, 2013
Matthew 6:1
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.”
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.
On August 21, 2013, a New York City cab jumped the sidewalk and plowed into a cyclist, then hit British tourist Siân Green and severed her leg. People in the area sprang into action, including a plumber named David Justino, who removed his belt and applied it to the leg as a tourniquet. Max Crespo, a food vendor brought ice and packed the severed limb, and an unnamed nurse guided all of the life-saving efforts. The story gained national attention when celebrity physician Mehmet Oz emerged from his office across the street to offer his assistance. If you GOOGLE this story, you will see that several of the heroes in this story are named… Justino and Crespo are among them. Of course, onlookers readily recognized Dr. Oz. The nurse did not give her name, and I am not sure whether she has ever come forth. As I write this devotional, there is an ad running on television for an upcoming Dr. Oz Show episode that will feature Siân Green and some of her “heroes”.
There are countless events in our world every day where people rush to make a difference in the lives of others. And in Dr. Oz’ defense, he cannot help that he is widely recognized. It might seem like he is exploiting this event. And in the eyes of some… maybe he is. But I visited Dr. Oz’ blog and learned more about “Plumber Dave” (as some have dubbed him) and the other unsung heroes of this tragedy, and Dr. Oz appears to be giving them all the credit for saving the life of Siân Green.
Imagine if every time your doctor saved a life, he/she called a news conference! What if you put out a notice on social media every time you helped a neighbor, bought someone’s meal in the drive-thru line, or sent a note of appreciation to someone who had touched your life in some manner? Would your efforts appear to be genuine and offered out of true discipleship and service? Or would stroking your ego seem to be the driving force behind them?
Ask yourself these simple questions… “Why am I doing XYZ? Is it so people will notice me and be impressed? Or is it because God has called me to serve Him by serving others… in whatever manner and format are appropriate at the time?” Remind yourself that God does not applaud when you “toot your own horn”! He does not reward ego and self-serving talk and actions. Nothing about Christian discipleship is truly about us!
On Dr. Oz’ blog (http://blog.doctoroz.com/dr-oz-blog/our-common-kindness), he states…
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.”
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.
On August 21, 2013, a New York City cab jumped the sidewalk and plowed into a cyclist, then hit British tourist Siân Green and severed her leg. People in the area sprang into action, including a plumber named David Justino, who removed his belt and applied it to the leg as a tourniquet. Max Crespo, a food vendor brought ice and packed the severed limb, and an unnamed nurse guided all of the life-saving efforts. The story gained national attention when celebrity physician Mehmet Oz emerged from his office across the street to offer his assistance. If you GOOGLE this story, you will see that several of the heroes in this story are named… Justino and Crespo are among them. Of course, onlookers readily recognized Dr. Oz. The nurse did not give her name, and I am not sure whether she has ever come forth. As I write this devotional, there is an ad running on television for an upcoming Dr. Oz Show episode that will feature Siân Green and some of her “heroes”.
There are countless events in our world every day where people rush to make a difference in the lives of others. And in Dr. Oz’ defense, he cannot help that he is widely recognized. It might seem like he is exploiting this event. And in the eyes of some… maybe he is. But I visited Dr. Oz’ blog and learned more about “Plumber Dave” (as some have dubbed him) and the other unsung heroes of this tragedy, and Dr. Oz appears to be giving them all the credit for saving the life of Siân Green.
Imagine if every time your doctor saved a life, he/she called a news conference! What if you put out a notice on social media every time you helped a neighbor, bought someone’s meal in the drive-thru line, or sent a note of appreciation to someone who had touched your life in some manner? Would your efforts appear to be genuine and offered out of true discipleship and service? Or would stroking your ego seem to be the driving force behind them?
Ask yourself these simple questions… “Why am I doing XYZ? Is it so people will notice me and be impressed? Or is it because God has called me to serve Him by serving others… in whatever manner and format are appropriate at the time?” Remind yourself that God does not applaud when you “toot your own horn”! He does not reward ego and self-serving talk and actions. Nothing about Christian discipleship is truly about us!
On Dr. Oz’ blog (http://blog.doctoroz.com/dr-oz-blog/our-common-kindness), he states…
Dave is an inspiration to me. His example reminds us all that we are not alone in moments of crisis. If you ever need proof of human goodness, remember the people who opened their doors or handed out free soup and sandwiches to people affected by Hurricane Sandy. Think of people who hurried to pull victims from the rubble after a building collapsed in Philadelphia in June. Look to the elementary school clerk who fearlessly talked down an armed shooter in Georgia before he could hurt a single student.God wants us to be ordinary servants who do extraordinary things. When we accept the challenges, He will provide us with opportunities…and bless us in ways we cannot even imagine. But the choice is ours. We can do what is asked of us with quiet humility and a spirit of servitude. We can answer the call… and brag about it afterward. Or we can do nothing and “let the chips fall where they may”. How will you choose? Your answer matters… maybe more than you think! Is the world your “stage”… or are you quietly serving as a Christian disciple and basking in the applause of heaven?
It can be easy to lose perspective as we find ourselves caught up in minor irritations and arguments throughout the day. But we must remember that when it comes down to it, kindness is our best defense against disaster, and absolutely no one is too ordinary to be a hero.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 16, 2013
May 16 ~ Ephesians 4:1-3
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
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.
A wonderful Christian friend of mine shared a video on Facebook from Upworthy.com* about how we look at adulthood… and the choices we make. A lot of what seems boring or mundane to us has to do with how we choose to see things. We can look at a long grocery check-out line as an aggravation and inconvenience… or a chance to pray. We can be irritated by the lady ahead of us with two kids tugging on her who is in a discussion with the cashier over a grocery coupon… or see her as a busy working mother who is struggling to make ends meet and really needs that extra $1 off her bill. We can see the oversized cars in the traffic lanes as road hogs… or we can recognize that this may be a vehicle that young parents chose because of its sturdiness and safety factors for hauling their little ones back and forth to daycare and other destinations.
And so it is with those who try our patience. We can choose to see their faults and flaws and the things about them that drive us nuts… or we can try to see what God sees… another of His creations…someone who is just as precious and has just as much potential – and is just as flawed - in His eyes as you and I. We can be humble and gentle and recognize that every person has a story… there is a heartache on every pew (as my pastor often says) – and in every grocery line and traffic lane. We can recognize that we do not corner the market on God’s love… or on His patience. We can do better at making an effort to stay united in the Spirit and operating from a place of peace.
If we are truly born-again, Spirit-filled Christians, we must choose to operate more from the place in our hearts where the Holy Spirit resides and less from our human desires. We must call on the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, actions… and choices… and to grant us an extra-hefty dose of patience in many instances. And He will do this… and the shift in our attitude will be palpable and fully obvious… in our own daily living – and in the lives of those around us.
What do you say? Are you leading a life worthy of your calling by God? Are you seeing even the most trivial and seemingly insignificant moments as opportunities to exercise humility, gentleness, and patience… a chance to choose peace over stress, strife, or even momentary irritation? Isn’t it time we shifted our attitude in this area and began to choose according to the Holy Spirit? Are you ready to answer the call?
©2013 Debbie Robus
*http://www.upworthy.com/the-earth-shatteringly-amazing-speech-that-ll-change-the-way-you-think-about-adulthood-4?g=4
Daily Devotional for May 14, 2013
May 14 ~ Colossians 3:12-13
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
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.
This was my “quote for the day” today… “A police officer saw a lady driving and knitting at the same time, so after driving next to her for a while, he yelled, ‘Pull over!’ ‘No!’ she called back. ‘It’s a pair of socks!’”
A very good friend of mine called recently to “vent” about her aging mother. It’s time for “the talk” – the one where my friend tries to convince her mother to stop driving! After numerous “fender-benders” and a situation that could have been tragic, my friend sees that it’s only a matter of time before something catastrophic happens if she doesn’t intervene. Thankfully, she is not driving and knitting… but her reflexes and judgment on the road are impaired, all the same. Still, like many aging seniors, my friend’s mother thinks there is nothing wrong with her driving… and she is quite insulted that anyone would even suggest she lay down the keys!
In exasperation, my friend finally told her, “If I find out that you have driven that car out of town for any reason, I am coming over here and get your keys and take them home with me!” This reminded me of a time when my mother was exasperated with her mother, who would not stop cooking on her electric range and allow her Home Health aide to do the cooking. One day mother told my grandmother, “If you turn one knob on the cookstove, I’ll remove the heating element and carry it in my purse!”
Like my friend, my mother grappled with a lack of patience and the arguments with my grandparents that ensued. And I understand… there were PLENTY of times when I lost patience with my Mam-ma Polly. Hey, I lose patience with someone on almost a daily basis! And therein lies the problem. Paul is reminding us that we ALL have faults. If we had any inkling of how often we exasperate the LORD… if we knew how frequently and easily He could lose patience with us… we would think twice about how we are treating others. We so don’t deserve the love, mercy, kindness, gentleness and patience we receive from God on a minute-by-minute basis. The least we can do is to show our respect and honor for these blessings by treating others in the same manner – and with a mega dose of humility.
I’m not saying that we won’t lose patience with people and situations. We’re human… it will happen. But we can become more aware of what we are saying… and how we treat others… and lessen the frequency and impact of these events. We can ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” Hopefully this will be the impetus we need to see things in a new light – and to temper our behavior.
At the end of the day, my friend still has to do what is in the best interest of all concerned. As I told her when we spoke, “You may have to make your mom mad my friend in order to keep her safe. We are praying and asking God to equip her with an extra dose of patience, humility, and lovingkindness as she does what has to be done. And I’m going to ask Him to soften the heart of my friend’s mother – and give her patience and understanding also, as her daughter sees after her well-being.
We are so blessed that God offers us His love, mercy and patience. Won’t you ask Him to give you a hefty measure of these qualities, as well?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
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.
This was my “quote for the day” today… “A police officer saw a lady driving and knitting at the same time, so after driving next to her for a while, he yelled, ‘Pull over!’ ‘No!’ she called back. ‘It’s a pair of socks!’”
A very good friend of mine called recently to “vent” about her aging mother. It’s time for “the talk” – the one where my friend tries to convince her mother to stop driving! After numerous “fender-benders” and a situation that could have been tragic, my friend sees that it’s only a matter of time before something catastrophic happens if she doesn’t intervene. Thankfully, she is not driving and knitting… but her reflexes and judgment on the road are impaired, all the same. Still, like many aging seniors, my friend’s mother thinks there is nothing wrong with her driving… and she is quite insulted that anyone would even suggest she lay down the keys!
In exasperation, my friend finally told her, “If I find out that you have driven that car out of town for any reason, I am coming over here and get your keys and take them home with me!” This reminded me of a time when my mother was exasperated with her mother, who would not stop cooking on her electric range and allow her Home Health aide to do the cooking. One day mother told my grandmother, “If you turn one knob on the cookstove, I’ll remove the heating element and carry it in my purse!”
Like my friend, my mother grappled with a lack of patience and the arguments with my grandparents that ensued. And I understand… there were PLENTY of times when I lost patience with my Mam-ma Polly. Hey, I lose patience with someone on almost a daily basis! And therein lies the problem. Paul is reminding us that we ALL have faults. If we had any inkling of how often we exasperate the LORD… if we knew how frequently and easily He could lose patience with us… we would think twice about how we are treating others. We so don’t deserve the love, mercy, kindness, gentleness and patience we receive from God on a minute-by-minute basis. The least we can do is to show our respect and honor for these blessings by treating others in the same manner – and with a mega dose of humility.
I’m not saying that we won’t lose patience with people and situations. We’re human… it will happen. But we can become more aware of what we are saying… and how we treat others… and lessen the frequency and impact of these events. We can ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” Hopefully this will be the impetus we need to see things in a new light – and to temper our behavior.
At the end of the day, my friend still has to do what is in the best interest of all concerned. As I told her when we spoke, “You may have to make your mom mad my friend in order to keep her safe. We are praying and asking God to equip her with an extra dose of patience, humility, and lovingkindness as she does what has to be done. And I’m going to ask Him to soften the heart of my friend’s mother – and give her patience and understanding also, as her daughter sees after her well-being.
We are so blessed that God offers us His love, mercy and patience. Won’t you ask Him to give you a hefty measure of these qualities, as well?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 27, 2013
April 27 ~ Matthew 7:21-23
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
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.
When my grandmother died, the members of her church prepared lunch for my family on the day of her visitation and funeral service. Someone organized a meal and contacted church members to prepare the varied dishes that were served. Several couples and individuals set up tables in the social hall, prepared iced tea and coffee, and set out a buffet table with all of the food that had been provided. We literally didn’t have to do a thing except fill our plates. These loving servants brought beverages to our tables, picked up our dirty dishes, and stayed to clean up and take care of the leftovers after we had eaten.
Afterward, I was given a list of the people who participated. I have to tell you…it was humbling to see the names of many busy people who took time to prepare a dish, even though they work fulltime… the retirees who made a salad or baked a casserole, cake or pie, when I know they are in poor health… those who contributed in some way, even though they are caring for a loved one at home who is unwell and could probably use a covered dish themselves!
I was greatly moved by the loving gestures of people who dropped everything to stop by my grandmother’s room as she lay dying and offer us a hug. Some of them left loved ones of theirs who were not well, and others who took time out of a busy workday… just to pray with us, say a “Goodbye” to my grandmother - and to let us know how deeply they cared. Even fellow believers need nurture and encouragement… and ministry!
Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, says that some of the most important ministries are the most obscure. And truly, what could share the love of Jesus better than a visit to a shut-in or someone who is sick… an anonymous donation of clothing or food to a needy family… or the subtle palming of a twenty dollar bill to someone who is down to their last dime? Which makes the bigger impact… a check written to a memorial fund that gets your name on a plaque or pulling out your wallet and paying for the groceries of the person ahead of you in the check-out line who has obviously overspent? Who is the bigger servant… the 80-year-old man who sets out tables and chairs for a luncheon to feed a grieving family – or the person who lends his/her name to committees and projects and participates in church and community events in hopes that everyone will see him/her and be impressed?
This scripture passage reminds me of people we meet along the way who ask, “How are you doing?” but never stick around for the answer. And at the end of the day, God really doesn’t care how big of a splash you made, what committees you chaired, or how much money you gave. He cares about your heart. And no amount of excuses will be good enough to justify giving Him “lip service” or serving with ulterior motives or selfish ambition.
Three things come to mind about this passage…
Where do you find yourself these days? Are you willing to do the “grunt work” for God… or do you crave the limelight? When God assesses your ministries, will He be pleased… or will you be grappling for excuses?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
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.
When my grandmother died, the members of her church prepared lunch for my family on the day of her visitation and funeral service. Someone organized a meal and contacted church members to prepare the varied dishes that were served. Several couples and individuals set up tables in the social hall, prepared iced tea and coffee, and set out a buffet table with all of the food that had been provided. We literally didn’t have to do a thing except fill our plates. These loving servants brought beverages to our tables, picked up our dirty dishes, and stayed to clean up and take care of the leftovers after we had eaten.
Afterward, I was given a list of the people who participated. I have to tell you…it was humbling to see the names of many busy people who took time to prepare a dish, even though they work fulltime… the retirees who made a salad or baked a casserole, cake or pie, when I know they are in poor health… those who contributed in some way, even though they are caring for a loved one at home who is unwell and could probably use a covered dish themselves!
I was greatly moved by the loving gestures of people who dropped everything to stop by my grandmother’s room as she lay dying and offer us a hug. Some of them left loved ones of theirs who were not well, and others who took time out of a busy workday… just to pray with us, say a “Goodbye” to my grandmother - and to let us know how deeply they cared. Even fellow believers need nurture and encouragement… and ministry!
Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, says that some of the most important ministries are the most obscure. And truly, what could share the love of Jesus better than a visit to a shut-in or someone who is sick… an anonymous donation of clothing or food to a needy family… or the subtle palming of a twenty dollar bill to someone who is down to their last dime? Which makes the bigger impact… a check written to a memorial fund that gets your name on a plaque or pulling out your wallet and paying for the groceries of the person ahead of you in the check-out line who has obviously overspent? Who is the bigger servant… the 80-year-old man who sets out tables and chairs for a luncheon to feed a grieving family – or the person who lends his/her name to committees and projects and participates in church and community events in hopes that everyone will see him/her and be impressed?
This scripture passage reminds me of people we meet along the way who ask, “How are you doing?” but never stick around for the answer. And at the end of the day, God really doesn’t care how big of a splash you made, what committees you chaired, or how much money you gave. He cares about your heart. And no amount of excuses will be good enough to justify giving Him “lip service” or serving with ulterior motives or selfish ambition.
Three things come to mind about this passage…
- God is not impressed with a show… and He does know when we are giving Him one.
- You truly can’t judge a book by its cover. Just because someone doesn’t appear to be doing anything for the LORD doesn’t mean this is the case. He/she may have actually mastered serving with humility and working in the background – and accomplishing more than most for the Kingdom of heaven!
- You can’t toss around God’s name and expect to receive a free pass. Just because you are a born-again Christian doesn’t mean you are more special than the next guy… or exempt from serving obediently wherever – and whenever God calls on you.
Where do you find yourself these days? Are you willing to do the “grunt work” for God… or do you crave the limelight? When God assesses your ministries, will He be pleased… or will you be grappling for excuses?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 19, 2013
February 19 ~ Philippians 2:1-4
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was listening to a segment on NBC’s The TODAY show about sticky social situations. A woman wrote in and said that she and her husband live in Vermont - where it snows a lot, of course. Every time it snows, this woman’s husband blows off the driveway of an elderly neighbor when he cleans his own driveway. The neighbor has never acknowledged that the man does this… never thanked him… nothing. And he has been doing this for years. The wife asked, “How does he stop?” The panel had several suggestions, including asking the woman if she would like for him to continue – or had she made other arrangements… the wife telling her in private that it would be nice if she spoke to the husband about this once in a while and expressed gratitude… and my favorite – keep blowing off the driveway and say nothing!
When I read this scripture passage, I was reminded of the question on this television segment. The whole purpose in clearing the elderly woman’s driveway should not be to get a “thank you” or to be a hero in any way. In life, there will be a lot of things that we do for others that are never acknowledged or don’t appear to be appreciated. But this is not the point! We should be willing to put ourselves aside… to forget about our own gratification and accolades long enough to help others.
There will be a lot of “thankless jobs” in life. If you are truly serving God in doing them, you won’t care. Stop and think about your own life. Where have you made certain things about you that should really be about God? Where are you acting out of selfishness, jealousy, or an obsession with gaining your own advantage? Have you really gotten anything out of your pursuit of a life in Christ? Is your mission truly to be more like Him and to share His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness with others… or are you more interested in what you He can do for you?
Go back and read this again… if you have really gotten anything out of your journey with Christ, you will pay it forward. If you are more concerned with what’s in it for you than what you can give, maybe it’s time to take a breather and fully examine your discipleship and your commitment. If you are waiting for the elderly lady next door to thank you for clearing her driveway, so to speak, you probably need a “discipleship makeover.” Today seems like a pretty good day to begin… doesn’t it?!
©2013 Debbie Robus
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was listening to a segment on NBC’s The TODAY show about sticky social situations. A woman wrote in and said that she and her husband live in Vermont - where it snows a lot, of course. Every time it snows, this woman’s husband blows off the driveway of an elderly neighbor when he cleans his own driveway. The neighbor has never acknowledged that the man does this… never thanked him… nothing. And he has been doing this for years. The wife asked, “How does he stop?” The panel had several suggestions, including asking the woman if she would like for him to continue – or had she made other arrangements… the wife telling her in private that it would be nice if she spoke to the husband about this once in a while and expressed gratitude… and my favorite – keep blowing off the driveway and say nothing!
When I read this scripture passage, I was reminded of the question on this television segment. The whole purpose in clearing the elderly woman’s driveway should not be to get a “thank you” or to be a hero in any way. In life, there will be a lot of things that we do for others that are never acknowledged or don’t appear to be appreciated. But this is not the point! We should be willing to put ourselves aside… to forget about our own gratification and accolades long enough to help others.
There will be a lot of “thankless jobs” in life. If you are truly serving God in doing them, you won’t care. Stop and think about your own life. Where have you made certain things about you that should really be about God? Where are you acting out of selfishness, jealousy, or an obsession with gaining your own advantage? Have you really gotten anything out of your pursuit of a life in Christ? Is your mission truly to be more like Him and to share His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness with others… or are you more interested in what you He can do for you?
Go back and read this again… if you have really gotten anything out of your journey with Christ, you will pay it forward. If you are more concerned with what’s in it for you than what you can give, maybe it’s time to take a breather and fully examine your discipleship and your commitment. If you are waiting for the elderly lady next door to thank you for clearing her driveway, so to speak, you probably need a “discipleship makeover.” Today seems like a pretty good day to begin… doesn’t it?!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 13, 2013
2 Timothy 2:22-26
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
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.
There are a lot of parallels in working with children and old people. One of these involves trying to reason with either age group. You can sometimes tell a child a dozen times that… “this square puzzle piece does not fit in that round hole”… but the child has to figure this out on his/her own to fully learn the lesson. You may gently suggest to an elderly loved one that “perhaps it’s time to consider downsizing or moving to a retirement village or assisted living facility.” But if the senior still has his/her mental faculties, you cannot make this decision yourself. At both ends of this generational spectrum, the temptation is often there to yell and scream – if only inside your own head! Why can’t these people see what you see? Why do they have to insist on their own way?
Stop and read these last two sentences again… and think about Jesus. Why can’t we see what He sees? Why do we insist on having things our own way instead of listening to Him? What if Jesus yelled and screamed at us when we disobeyed or chose the wrong path? Do you see that sometimes the best tactic is to keep cool, stay patient, and gently listen and lead? Do you operate with a gracious, merciful and forgiving heart toward others… as Jesus does toward each of us?
In my own experience, I’ll admit that I’ve tried yelling and screaming. I’ve been impatient and argumentative. And I know for a fact that this method pretty much never works! I’ve sat back and watched little children figure things out on their own… and seen the joy and confidence spread over their faces as they “got it.” I’ve watched my own grandmother come to the conclusion that she needed to move to an assisted living facility. I’ve seen the peace and satisfaction that she and my great-aunt both experienced when they set aside their car keys and decided they were no longer able to drive… versus the angst my grandfather endured when this decision was imposed upon him.
I have also seen the “kicking and screaming” – both literal and figurative – that have resulted when often-well-meaning Christians tried to force their beliefs and practices on others. And I have seen the beauty of the moment that someone genuinely, humbly surrendered to Jesus and truly felt the warmth and glory of His touch. I am firmly convinced that we would see more of the latter if we could learn to curb our urge to operate in the former!
There is a lot of “meat” in this scripture passage for all of us. Don’t miss it! Study the words of the Apostle Paul to young Timothy and apply them to your own life. Find a balance between patience and treating others firmly… between being a good listener while gently teaching and leading…between keeping your cool and making your point. Always think of Jesus. Remind yourself of His gentle rhythms…how He continually operated in love and forgiveness, grace and mercy – while demonstrating obedience to God and respect for His laws. See firsthand how effective your witness can be when you apply these approaches to your own interactions with others.
Let others see Jesus in your words and actions… and prepare to see Jesus at work in ways you never dreamed were possible. It’s time we moved over and let Jesus have control. Are you willing to step aside and let Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
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.
There are a lot of parallels in working with children and old people. One of these involves trying to reason with either age group. You can sometimes tell a child a dozen times that… “this square puzzle piece does not fit in that round hole”… but the child has to figure this out on his/her own to fully learn the lesson. You may gently suggest to an elderly loved one that “perhaps it’s time to consider downsizing or moving to a retirement village or assisted living facility.” But if the senior still has his/her mental faculties, you cannot make this decision yourself. At both ends of this generational spectrum, the temptation is often there to yell and scream – if only inside your own head! Why can’t these people see what you see? Why do they have to insist on their own way?
Stop and read these last two sentences again… and think about Jesus. Why can’t we see what He sees? Why do we insist on having things our own way instead of listening to Him? What if Jesus yelled and screamed at us when we disobeyed or chose the wrong path? Do you see that sometimes the best tactic is to keep cool, stay patient, and gently listen and lead? Do you operate with a gracious, merciful and forgiving heart toward others… as Jesus does toward each of us?
In my own experience, I’ll admit that I’ve tried yelling and screaming. I’ve been impatient and argumentative. And I know for a fact that this method pretty much never works! I’ve sat back and watched little children figure things out on their own… and seen the joy and confidence spread over their faces as they “got it.” I’ve watched my own grandmother come to the conclusion that she needed to move to an assisted living facility. I’ve seen the peace and satisfaction that she and my great-aunt both experienced when they set aside their car keys and decided they were no longer able to drive… versus the angst my grandfather endured when this decision was imposed upon him.
I have also seen the “kicking and screaming” – both literal and figurative – that have resulted when often-well-meaning Christians tried to force their beliefs and practices on others. And I have seen the beauty of the moment that someone genuinely, humbly surrendered to Jesus and truly felt the warmth and glory of His touch. I am firmly convinced that we would see more of the latter if we could learn to curb our urge to operate in the former!
There is a lot of “meat” in this scripture passage for all of us. Don’t miss it! Study the words of the Apostle Paul to young Timothy and apply them to your own life. Find a balance between patience and treating others firmly… between being a good listener while gently teaching and leading…between keeping your cool and making your point. Always think of Jesus. Remind yourself of His gentle rhythms…how He continually operated in love and forgiveness, grace and mercy – while demonstrating obedience to God and respect for His laws. See firsthand how effective your witness can be when you apply these approaches to your own interactions with others.
Let others see Jesus in your words and actions… and prepare to see Jesus at work in ways you never dreamed were possible. It’s time we moved over and let Jesus have control. Are you willing to step aside and let Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 13, 2013
Romans 5:6-8
Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.
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.
In his autobiography, Gypsy Smith: His Life, His Work, evangelist Rodney “Gypsy” Smith writes about how his father, Cornelius, played his fiddle in taverns throughout England. Cornelius always got drunk when he performed in these taverns. All of this changed on the day he found Jesus and was converted. When Cornelius Smith found Jesus, he vowed to never again play in a tavern. One Christmas, the family was hungry and without food. Cornelius knew that he could earn money for his family by taking his fiddle and going to a tavern to perform. But he refused to betray the commitment he had made to Jesus Christ…who died on the cross for sinners like him.
Gathering his family together, Cornelius Smith suggested that they sing a hymn… “The Lord Will Provide.” Here are the words of this hymn, written in 1894 by Mrs. A. W. Cook…
In some way or other the Lord will provide;
It may not be my way, It may not be thy way;
And yet, in His own way, “The Lord will provide.”
At some time or other the Lord will provide;
It may not be my time; It may not be thy time;
And yet, in His own time, “The Lord will provide.”
Despond then no longer; the Lord will provide;
And this be the token, No word He hath spoken
Was ever yet broken: “The Lord will provide.”
March on then right boldly; the sea shall divide,
The path-way made glorious, With shoutings victorious
We’ll join in the chorus: “The Lord will provide.”
Then, we’ll trust in the Lord,
And He will provide; Yes, we’ll trust in the Lord,
And He will provide.
Soon after singing this hymn, a local missionary knocked on the Smith’s door and told Cornelius that a shop in town was holding three legs of mutton and some other groceries for the family. All they had to do was go and collect the food. The Lord had provided.
Long before Cornelius Smith turned his life around, Jesus was providing for him. Jesus knew exactly what would happen… how this man would spend much of his young life drunk or passed out in taverns, and still He felt Cornelius was worth the sacrifice of His very life. He knows you… and me… our families and friends… the homeless guy we pretend is not there… the drunk who can’t seem to stay out of bars or away from the bottle… and the coed in your dorm who seems headed for disaster.
Jesus knows each of us better than we will ever know ourselves. He knew us before the Roman soldiers arrested Him… long before He was beaten and nailed to a cross. And still, He thought we were worth the sacrifice. Jesus knew that we needed Him to provide for us… and provide He did. Now that we have made a commitment to follow Him, Jesus continues to provide and sacrifice on our behalf. See, Jesus knows that even His disciples will have days/weeks/months where things don’t go so well… where the “cupboards are bare,” so to speak. He knows we will have challenges, setbacks, and pitfalls… and still He provides.
It may look pretty bleak in your corner of the world today. You may have taken a step or more backward… you may feel that you have fallen away from God and don’t deserve the sacrifices of Jesus – or His forgiveness. You may be ready to “pick up your fiddle and go back to the tavern.” I’m here to tell you that Jesus will ALWAYS provide… if only we will trust Him to do so.
Read the words of this beautiful hymn again… “Despond then no longer; the Lord will provide.” Humble yourself before God and thank Him for the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. Ask God to forgive you yet again for whatever you may have done that separated you from your connection with Jesus. Remember that Jesus isn’t the one who walked away. But if you will take steps to come back to Him, He will welcome you with open arms. And yes, He will provide.
Once we have recognized Jesus’ sacrifices and claimed them, we must trust Him to fulfill His promises… to provide for us according to His will…to love us even though we will never deserve this gift. I don’t know about you, but it boggles my mind to think that Jesus could love me… could give his life for mine… that He could truly care about my needs and want to meet every single one of them. But this is the truth! So I will “march on right boldly… join in the chorus, with shoutings victorious… and trust in the LORD”… that He will provide. Will you add your voice to the choir?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.
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.
In his autobiography, Gypsy Smith: His Life, His Work, evangelist Rodney “Gypsy” Smith writes about how his father, Cornelius, played his fiddle in taverns throughout England. Cornelius always got drunk when he performed in these taverns. All of this changed on the day he found Jesus and was converted. When Cornelius Smith found Jesus, he vowed to never again play in a tavern. One Christmas, the family was hungry and without food. Cornelius knew that he could earn money for his family by taking his fiddle and going to a tavern to perform. But he refused to betray the commitment he had made to Jesus Christ…who died on the cross for sinners like him.
Gathering his family together, Cornelius Smith suggested that they sing a hymn… “The Lord Will Provide.” Here are the words of this hymn, written in 1894 by Mrs. A. W. Cook…
In some way or other the Lord will provide;
It may not be my way, It may not be thy way;
And yet, in His own way, “The Lord will provide.”
At some time or other the Lord will provide;
It may not be my time; It may not be thy time;
And yet, in His own time, “The Lord will provide.”
Despond then no longer; the Lord will provide;
And this be the token, No word He hath spoken
Was ever yet broken: “The Lord will provide.”
March on then right boldly; the sea shall divide,
The path-way made glorious, With shoutings victorious
We’ll join in the chorus: “The Lord will provide.”
Then, we’ll trust in the Lord,
And He will provide; Yes, we’ll trust in the Lord,
And He will provide.
Soon after singing this hymn, a local missionary knocked on the Smith’s door and told Cornelius that a shop in town was holding three legs of mutton and some other groceries for the family. All they had to do was go and collect the food. The Lord had provided.
Long before Cornelius Smith turned his life around, Jesus was providing for him. Jesus knew exactly what would happen… how this man would spend much of his young life drunk or passed out in taverns, and still He felt Cornelius was worth the sacrifice of His very life. He knows you… and me… our families and friends… the homeless guy we pretend is not there… the drunk who can’t seem to stay out of bars or away from the bottle… and the coed in your dorm who seems headed for disaster.
Jesus knows each of us better than we will ever know ourselves. He knew us before the Roman soldiers arrested Him… long before He was beaten and nailed to a cross. And still, He thought we were worth the sacrifice. Jesus knew that we needed Him to provide for us… and provide He did. Now that we have made a commitment to follow Him, Jesus continues to provide and sacrifice on our behalf. See, Jesus knows that even His disciples will have days/weeks/months where things don’t go so well… where the “cupboards are bare,” so to speak. He knows we will have challenges, setbacks, and pitfalls… and still He provides.
It may look pretty bleak in your corner of the world today. You may have taken a step or more backward… you may feel that you have fallen away from God and don’t deserve the sacrifices of Jesus – or His forgiveness. You may be ready to “pick up your fiddle and go back to the tavern.” I’m here to tell you that Jesus will ALWAYS provide… if only we will trust Him to do so.
Read the words of this beautiful hymn again… “Despond then no longer; the Lord will provide.” Humble yourself before God and thank Him for the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. Ask God to forgive you yet again for whatever you may have done that separated you from your connection with Jesus. Remember that Jesus isn’t the one who walked away. But if you will take steps to come back to Him, He will welcome you with open arms. And yes, He will provide.
Once we have recognized Jesus’ sacrifices and claimed them, we must trust Him to fulfill His promises… to provide for us according to His will…to love us even though we will never deserve this gift. I don’t know about you, but it boggles my mind to think that Jesus could love me… could give his life for mine… that He could truly care about my needs and want to meet every single one of them. But this is the truth! So I will “march on right boldly… join in the chorus, with shoutings victorious… and trust in the LORD”… that He will provide. Will you add your voice to the choir?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 5, 2013
Luke 11:2-4
So he said, “When you pray, say,
Father, Reveal who you are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.”
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.
Yesterday, I purchased some things for my niece and nephews at a Facebook online garage sale. I told the seller I would get them later this week. She responded and asked if she could bring them to me that same day… her bank account balance was under $15, and she needed money for food. Stop and think about it… imagine being down to your last $20 – and hungry. I wonder if this woman prayed yesterday morning for God to keep her family alive with three square meals. Clearly, He did exactly that!
I’ve also been posting an ad on Facebook for my nephew… advertising that he will do odd jobs - like yard work - to support his family. Believe me when I say that we have prayed for God to provide steady work. Literally every time my nephew runs out of work, someone else calls and says, “I need you.” This is clear evidence of God’s love and care.
These are just two ways that God has revealed who He is to me lately. This model prayer that Jesus provided us seems so simple… but it is rich with wisdom and promise for us. God will show us who He is… reveal His power, love, grace, mercy and forgiveness – if only we will ask. He will keep us safe from the devil’s temptations. Notice that it doesn’t say we won’t be tempted… but God will protect us from falling for the devil’s tricks.
If we humbly admit to God when we fall short, He will forgive us. Through His love and mercy – and by the power of His Holy Spirit – we can, in turn, offer forgiveness to others. I don’t mean to belittle God’s incredible love and care, but the old adage that “what goes around, comes around” seems to apply here. When we respectfully bow before God and ask Him to meet our needs, He will do exactly that! And when God blesses and cares for us… and forgives us of our sins and misdeeds… we must do the same for others. I was truly humbled to think that my measly purchase might have been the answer to a mother’s prayer for money to purchase food. I am incredibly blessed and grateful to all who have answered the ad and given my nephew work. God reveals himself to us when we ask… and lately, He has given me abundant evidence of His love and care.
One other thing… the God who blesses and forgives us so mightily deserves our service. He also deserves our praise and honor. When God meets your needs as you have asked, remember to thank Him. Share the GOOD NEWS with others. Tell everyone you can how God has blessed your life… and how He can – and will – bless theirs, as well. When you ask God to show up in your life - and you give Him the glory and credit for doing so – amazing things happen. Are you getting in on all of them? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So he said, “When you pray, say,
Father, Reveal who you are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.”
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.
Yesterday, I purchased some things for my niece and nephews at a Facebook online garage sale. I told the seller I would get them later this week. She responded and asked if she could bring them to me that same day… her bank account balance was under $15, and she needed money for food. Stop and think about it… imagine being down to your last $20 – and hungry. I wonder if this woman prayed yesterday morning for God to keep her family alive with three square meals. Clearly, He did exactly that!
I’ve also been posting an ad on Facebook for my nephew… advertising that he will do odd jobs - like yard work - to support his family. Believe me when I say that we have prayed for God to provide steady work. Literally every time my nephew runs out of work, someone else calls and says, “I need you.” This is clear evidence of God’s love and care.
These are just two ways that God has revealed who He is to me lately. This model prayer that Jesus provided us seems so simple… but it is rich with wisdom and promise for us. God will show us who He is… reveal His power, love, grace, mercy and forgiveness – if only we will ask. He will keep us safe from the devil’s temptations. Notice that it doesn’t say we won’t be tempted… but God will protect us from falling for the devil’s tricks.
If we humbly admit to God when we fall short, He will forgive us. Through His love and mercy – and by the power of His Holy Spirit – we can, in turn, offer forgiveness to others. I don’t mean to belittle God’s incredible love and care, but the old adage that “what goes around, comes around” seems to apply here. When we respectfully bow before God and ask Him to meet our needs, He will do exactly that! And when God blesses and cares for us… and forgives us of our sins and misdeeds… we must do the same for others. I was truly humbled to think that my measly purchase might have been the answer to a mother’s prayer for money to purchase food. I am incredibly blessed and grateful to all who have answered the ad and given my nephew work. God reveals himself to us when we ask… and lately, He has given me abundant evidence of His love and care.
One other thing… the God who blesses and forgives us so mightily deserves our service. He also deserves our praise and honor. When God meets your needs as you have asked, remember to thank Him. Share the GOOD NEWS with others. Tell everyone you can how God has blessed your life… and how He can – and will – bless theirs, as well. When you ask God to show up in your life - and you give Him the glory and credit for doing so – amazing things happen. Are you getting in on all of them? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 1, 2012
Matthew 7:21-23
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
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.
There are a lot of people who try to toss out the name of someone in order to gain special favors… admission to a venue that is closely guarded, preferential treatment of some kind, “freebies,” or even a pardon – as in, “They will let it slide this time, since I’m related to Joe.” Some people go through life trading on the names of others… never fully making it on their own or accepting responsibility for their own actions. To the contrary, they attempt to skate by on others’ merits and live by the motto, “It’s all in who you know or who you are.” When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, things do not work this way.
Far too many people try to trade on God’s name with little to no substance in their personal relationship with Him for collateral. We all know those who are front and center to make a big show of what good, faithful Christians they are… yet fall apart at the first sign of trouble. Can’t you think of people who are the first in line to report for “duty” when there is a mission or ministry… and also the first to wring their hands and say, “Now, what do I do?” when a crisis occurs?
What about those who stand ready to judge others who are “different”…those who are not the same race, creed, color, political party, sexual orientation, or of equal or better economic standing, for instance? You know the ones who stand ready to serve God and others… as long as everyone believes the same as they believe! We all are familiar with plenty of people who are first in line to get their pat on the back for being such good Christians… then turn and sneer all the way home at the poor misguided souls who disagree with them or are different in some way.
This passage is speaking directly to hypocrites… in other words, ALL of us on any given day! Jesus is warning us that God will not tolerate these attitudes and behaviors. Before we stand behind His name and make our claims, we better check what we are saying and doing… and make sure it is scriptural. We better be sure our talk and actions line up with the teachings of Christ and His will! You cannot slap the name of Jesus on anything and everything and expect it to “pass muster!” I’m going to be honest with you, there have been times when “Christians” have done more harm to the Kingdom of Heaven by misrepresenting God than if they had done nothing at all. And Satan has danced with delight!
There is no time like the present for us to take stock of our thoughts and actions… our Christian faith and service… and to evaluate where we need to make some changes. Where are we attaching the name of Jesus to something that disgraces Him? Where have we missed the boat? Spend some time with God and ask Him to show you where you may be “name dropping” – even just a little. Commit yourself to fully rid this type of behavior from your daily Discipleship. Call on the Holy Spirit to help you keep your thoughts and actions in check… and to be fully in – the “real deal” for Jesus.
If you really, truly want to impress God, ask Him for a steady dose of obedience, humility, grace and mercy – and exercise these daily as you share His Good News with others. Don’t miss the mark on this… the stakes are too high! In this season of campaign ads, we have heard over and over, “I’m Tom/Mary Candidate… and I approve this message.” The endorsement of what is being presented in the ad is undeniable. As the voting public, we trust that the candidate agrees with all that is said and done in the ad. Let this be a guideline in your daily living and Discipleship. When you claim the name of Jesus, be sure that He endorses your thoughts and actions!
©2012 Debbie Robus
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
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.
There are a lot of people who try to toss out the name of someone in order to gain special favors… admission to a venue that is closely guarded, preferential treatment of some kind, “freebies,” or even a pardon – as in, “They will let it slide this time, since I’m related to Joe.” Some people go through life trading on the names of others… never fully making it on their own or accepting responsibility for their own actions. To the contrary, they attempt to skate by on others’ merits and live by the motto, “It’s all in who you know or who you are.” When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, things do not work this way.
Far too many people try to trade on God’s name with little to no substance in their personal relationship with Him for collateral. We all know those who are front and center to make a big show of what good, faithful Christians they are… yet fall apart at the first sign of trouble. Can’t you think of people who are the first in line to report for “duty” when there is a mission or ministry… and also the first to wring their hands and say, “Now, what do I do?” when a crisis occurs?
What about those who stand ready to judge others who are “different”…those who are not the same race, creed, color, political party, sexual orientation, or of equal or better economic standing, for instance? You know the ones who stand ready to serve God and others… as long as everyone believes the same as they believe! We all are familiar with plenty of people who are first in line to get their pat on the back for being such good Christians… then turn and sneer all the way home at the poor misguided souls who disagree with them or are different in some way.
This passage is speaking directly to hypocrites… in other words, ALL of us on any given day! Jesus is warning us that God will not tolerate these attitudes and behaviors. Before we stand behind His name and make our claims, we better check what we are saying and doing… and make sure it is scriptural. We better be sure our talk and actions line up with the teachings of Christ and His will! You cannot slap the name of Jesus on anything and everything and expect it to “pass muster!” I’m going to be honest with you, there have been times when “Christians” have done more harm to the Kingdom of Heaven by misrepresenting God than if they had done nothing at all. And Satan has danced with delight!
There is no time like the present for us to take stock of our thoughts and actions… our Christian faith and service… and to evaluate where we need to make some changes. Where are we attaching the name of Jesus to something that disgraces Him? Where have we missed the boat? Spend some time with God and ask Him to show you where you may be “name dropping” – even just a little. Commit yourself to fully rid this type of behavior from your daily Discipleship. Call on the Holy Spirit to help you keep your thoughts and actions in check… and to be fully in – the “real deal” for Jesus.
If you really, truly want to impress God, ask Him for a steady dose of obedience, humility, grace and mercy – and exercise these daily as you share His Good News with others. Don’t miss the mark on this… the stakes are too high! In this season of campaign ads, we have heard over and over, “I’m Tom/Mary Candidate… and I approve this message.” The endorsement of what is being presented in the ad is undeniable. As the voting public, we trust that the candidate agrees with all that is said and done in the ad. Let this be a guideline in your daily living and Discipleship. When you claim the name of Jesus, be sure that He endorses your thoughts and actions!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 27, 2012
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever tried to help someone who would not tell you what he/she needed? You would ask, “What can I do for you?” and get a response like, “Oh… I don’t know,” or “Nothing… it’s okay.” Then later you find out this person needed food, money, a ride somewhere that you happened to already be going, or just a good friend to talk to about a problem. You would gladly have done whatever you could to help this person… if only he/she had asked.
We are not mind readers. And honestly, there are times when maybe we can figure out what a person needs or wants… but it’s just nice to hear that person say it. We’re not trying to be mean by withholding whatever assistance we can offer… we’re just not into playing guessing games. And it’s the same with God.
Believe me, God knows what we want and need before we ask. But He wants us to be honest with him… to come clean – maybe even with our hat in our hand – and humbly say, “LORD, I need you. I’ve got a problem here… I’m in trouble… I would really like for this or that to work out for me… I am asking YOU to help me!” But there is more… we can’t expect God to always give us exactly what we ask for, because this may not be right for us. God not only knows what we want and need before we ask… He knows what is best for us – what we really need!
So when we ask God for help, we must understand that He will not give us a “snake” when we need a “fish”… even if we ask for it! He won’t give you a sports car when what you need is a good, dependable minivan! He may not bring us the person we selected for ourselves as a life partner… the job we think we want… or the accolades we feel we deserve. God will not let us go hungry – physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally – if we sincerely ask Him to help us. But He may not “feed” us in the way we expect – or desire.
Aren’t you ready to begin genuinely asking God to meet your needs? Isn’t it time you stopped dancing around the truth and hesitating? When we come to the point in our life where we can ask God to meet our needs and accept His response, we have truly begun to live as one of His followers. When we trust God to give us good and perfect gifts - and to know what these are, He will shower us with His goodness. And it will be more than enough. What are you waiting for?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever tried to help someone who would not tell you what he/she needed? You would ask, “What can I do for you?” and get a response like, “Oh… I don’t know,” or “Nothing… it’s okay.” Then later you find out this person needed food, money, a ride somewhere that you happened to already be going, or just a good friend to talk to about a problem. You would gladly have done whatever you could to help this person… if only he/she had asked.
We are not mind readers. And honestly, there are times when maybe we can figure out what a person needs or wants… but it’s just nice to hear that person say it. We’re not trying to be mean by withholding whatever assistance we can offer… we’re just not into playing guessing games. And it’s the same with God.
Believe me, God knows what we want and need before we ask. But He wants us to be honest with him… to come clean – maybe even with our hat in our hand – and humbly say, “LORD, I need you. I’ve got a problem here… I’m in trouble… I would really like for this or that to work out for me… I am asking YOU to help me!” But there is more… we can’t expect God to always give us exactly what we ask for, because this may not be right for us. God not only knows what we want and need before we ask… He knows what is best for us – what we really need!
So when we ask God for help, we must understand that He will not give us a “snake” when we need a “fish”… even if we ask for it! He won’t give you a sports car when what you need is a good, dependable minivan! He may not bring us the person we selected for ourselves as a life partner… the job we think we want… or the accolades we feel we deserve. God will not let us go hungry – physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally – if we sincerely ask Him to help us. But He may not “feed” us in the way we expect – or desire.
Aren’t you ready to begin genuinely asking God to meet your needs? Isn’t it time you stopped dancing around the truth and hesitating? When we come to the point in our life where we can ask God to meet our needs and accept His response, we have truly begun to live as one of His followers. When we trust God to give us good and perfect gifts - and to know what these are, He will shower us with His goodness. And it will be more than enough. What are you waiting for?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 26, 2012
Matthew 7:1-5
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was watching a show on HGTV the other night where a couple was shopping for a new house, and the husband complained about virtually everything. He was one grumpy house hunter! At one point, he and his wife were sitting at a table talking about the houses they had seen, and the man said, “I don’t like to complain, but…” and his wife laughed and sarcastically interjected, “Oh, noooooooooo… you would NEVER complain!” Then she began to laugh. This man apparently had no clue that he griped and complained all the time… but he found fault with everything and everyone else!
Have you ever known someone who criticized others for the very things he/she did all the time? Maybe someone who is a picky eater might say, “Can you believe that Jack won’t let ANY food touch on his plate? What a picky eater!” At the same time, this person won’t taste pretty much anything except meat and potatoes! Or it’s possible you know someone who complains about every call the referees make at a ballgame… unless the “bad calls” are against the other team!
Then there are those who say, “I wonder why So-and-so is not helping with this ministry or that one…” when these critics have no clue what is “on the plate” of the other person? Or maybe you judge someone who doesn’t go to church regularly… supports a different political candidate than you… or wears his/her hair a certain way. I sat at the courthouse this week to cast my early vote, and an older man covered almost from head to toe in tattoos and piercings came in… and you should have heard the whispers that rustled through the crowd waiting in line. Someone even said aloud, “I’m not sure I want him to vote!” Really? So, if one of your family members or dear friends gets tattoos and piercings – or does something else appearance-wise that you find odd, you will criticize them and show disrespect – or giggle and snicker under your breath about them?
Suppose someone doesn’t like YOUR hairstyle, the way you talk, the color of your skin… or some quirky personality trait you have. Won’t their criticisms sting? Would people be judging you unfairly to base their opinion of you on these things? What if others make assumptions about you… or point out your shortcomings? How does this make you feel?
This is such an important scripture passage. When we really begin to stop and think about what we are about to say – or even think – about another person… or to another person, we can make two choices. We can decide to err on the side of caution, recognizing that we have our own sets of flaws, quirks and shortcomings. Or we can be that person who (incorrectly) acts better than the other guy – gripes, complains, judges, and basically acts foolishly. Before you can genuinely and fairly criticize others, you have to be sure your own life is completely impeccable… and I challenge you to find such a human!
We need to learn to leave the criticisms and complaining out of our lives. There is no place for such behavior in the life of a true servant of Jesus Christ. Take a good look at how YOU are looking at others, and see where you need to wash your own face for a change…instead of always offering the cloth to someone else!
©2012 Debbie Robus
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was watching a show on HGTV the other night where a couple was shopping for a new house, and the husband complained about virtually everything. He was one grumpy house hunter! At one point, he and his wife were sitting at a table talking about the houses they had seen, and the man said, “I don’t like to complain, but…” and his wife laughed and sarcastically interjected, “Oh, noooooooooo… you would NEVER complain!” Then she began to laugh. This man apparently had no clue that he griped and complained all the time… but he found fault with everything and everyone else!
Have you ever known someone who criticized others for the very things he/she did all the time? Maybe someone who is a picky eater might say, “Can you believe that Jack won’t let ANY food touch on his plate? What a picky eater!” At the same time, this person won’t taste pretty much anything except meat and potatoes! Or it’s possible you know someone who complains about every call the referees make at a ballgame… unless the “bad calls” are against the other team!
Then there are those who say, “I wonder why So-and-so is not helping with this ministry or that one…” when these critics have no clue what is “on the plate” of the other person? Or maybe you judge someone who doesn’t go to church regularly… supports a different political candidate than you… or wears his/her hair a certain way. I sat at the courthouse this week to cast my early vote, and an older man covered almost from head to toe in tattoos and piercings came in… and you should have heard the whispers that rustled through the crowd waiting in line. Someone even said aloud, “I’m not sure I want him to vote!” Really? So, if one of your family members or dear friends gets tattoos and piercings – or does something else appearance-wise that you find odd, you will criticize them and show disrespect – or giggle and snicker under your breath about them?
Suppose someone doesn’t like YOUR hairstyle, the way you talk, the color of your skin… or some quirky personality trait you have. Won’t their criticisms sting? Would people be judging you unfairly to base their opinion of you on these things? What if others make assumptions about you… or point out your shortcomings? How does this make you feel?
This is such an important scripture passage. When we really begin to stop and think about what we are about to say – or even think – about another person… or to another person, we can make two choices. We can decide to err on the side of caution, recognizing that we have our own sets of flaws, quirks and shortcomings. Or we can be that person who (incorrectly) acts better than the other guy – gripes, complains, judges, and basically acts foolishly. Before you can genuinely and fairly criticize others, you have to be sure your own life is completely impeccable… and I challenge you to find such a human!
We need to learn to leave the criticisms and complaining out of our lives. There is no place for such behavior in the life of a true servant of Jesus Christ. Take a good look at how YOU are looking at others, and see where you need to wash your own face for a change…instead of always offering the cloth to someone else!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 23, 2012
Matthew 6:5-8
When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you.
When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have said before that I am not necessarily in favor of public prayers at mealtime. There are times when we come together as a family – Thanksgiving, Christmas, or perhaps a family potluck – and I feel that a short group prayer of thankfulness is appropriate. But how many times have you been enjoying a meal in your favorite restaurant… talking and laughing with friends… when you notice that the people next to you are praying over their food? Don’t you feel a little uncomfortable? Doesn’t this give you a sense that you should stop your own meal and bow your head, also? Have you ever started to “bless” your food as a server approached? How uncomfortable do you suppose this makes him/her… not to mention how it slows them down as they do their job?
Now that you have decided I must be a terrible, horrible person, let me explain. Just as there is no reason you cannot bow your head and pray silently in any school, court house, or at any public event or restaurant – there is no reason you have to make an exhibition that all can see and hear. Do you think that God can’t hear your silent prayers? “Oh, but this is a demonstration to others of our Christian faith!” you may say. Is it really? Or are you saying to others, “I’m such a strong Christian that before each meal (or at every event, before school starts – you fill in the blank) I offer an auditory prayer to God. I’m publicly expressing my faith!”
Now, if you do this, and you feel strongly about it, do not feel that I am condemning you…I am not. How you communicate with God is deeply personal and none of my business. But I have to wonder sometimes how intimate and heartfelt our public prayers are.
I have already bought Timothy a little book of prayers, and we read them together. But I did not do this to teach him how to pray, because I believe this would do him a disservice. I thought this would be a good way to begin to introduce a toddler to God… to help Timmy learn about offering gratitude… and to show him how to ask God for guidance and protection. Hopefully, as he grows, he will learn more about God and how amazing it is to be able to share your thoughts and feelings with Him – anytime, anywhere.
If you continue reading Matthew 6, Jesus gives us a model for how to pray… and the Apostle Paul tells us to talk to God throughout the day and make this our prayer. But Jesus did not intend for “The Lord’s Prayer” itself to become our mainstay as a means to communicate with our Heavenly Father. I hope that everyone will truly get this!
Prayer is a deeply personal – and critical – component of our Christian walk. I have to admit that my prayer life was pretty shallow for a good many years… filled with rote recitations and generally based in desperation – as in, “LORD… I need you… NOW!” Much of the rest of the time, I didn’t have a whole lot to say to God. I didn’t understand the importance of talking to Him and expressing my gratitude on the days when things were going pretty well. When we come to the point in our discipleship where prayer is as familiar to us as breathing, we have turned a corner.
Praying aloud over someone who has asked for your intercession can be a blessing for the recipient – and a privilege for you. Reciting The Lord’s Prayer as a group in a worship setting can be a profoundly intimate experience… all of God’s children coming together to speak to Him as one body. But we need to develop a strong, private, running conversation with God… communication that is honest, at times raw, and deeply personal between the two of you.
There is a fine line between talking to God in public as a show of unity… and merely putting on a show. Be sure that you know – and exercise - the difference!
©2012 Debbie Robus
When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you.
When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have said before that I am not necessarily in favor of public prayers at mealtime. There are times when we come together as a family – Thanksgiving, Christmas, or perhaps a family potluck – and I feel that a short group prayer of thankfulness is appropriate. But how many times have you been enjoying a meal in your favorite restaurant… talking and laughing with friends… when you notice that the people next to you are praying over their food? Don’t you feel a little uncomfortable? Doesn’t this give you a sense that you should stop your own meal and bow your head, also? Have you ever started to “bless” your food as a server approached? How uncomfortable do you suppose this makes him/her… not to mention how it slows them down as they do their job?
Now that you have decided I must be a terrible, horrible person, let me explain. Just as there is no reason you cannot bow your head and pray silently in any school, court house, or at any public event or restaurant – there is no reason you have to make an exhibition that all can see and hear. Do you think that God can’t hear your silent prayers? “Oh, but this is a demonstration to others of our Christian faith!” you may say. Is it really? Or are you saying to others, “I’m such a strong Christian that before each meal (or at every event, before school starts – you fill in the blank) I offer an auditory prayer to God. I’m publicly expressing my faith!”
Now, if you do this, and you feel strongly about it, do not feel that I am condemning you…I am not. How you communicate with God is deeply personal and none of my business. But I have to wonder sometimes how intimate and heartfelt our public prayers are.
I have already bought Timothy a little book of prayers, and we read them together. But I did not do this to teach him how to pray, because I believe this would do him a disservice. I thought this would be a good way to begin to introduce a toddler to God… to help Timmy learn about offering gratitude… and to show him how to ask God for guidance and protection. Hopefully, as he grows, he will learn more about God and how amazing it is to be able to share your thoughts and feelings with Him – anytime, anywhere.
If you continue reading Matthew 6, Jesus gives us a model for how to pray… and the Apostle Paul tells us to talk to God throughout the day and make this our prayer. But Jesus did not intend for “The Lord’s Prayer” itself to become our mainstay as a means to communicate with our Heavenly Father. I hope that everyone will truly get this!
Prayer is a deeply personal – and critical – component of our Christian walk. I have to admit that my prayer life was pretty shallow for a good many years… filled with rote recitations and generally based in desperation – as in, “LORD… I need you… NOW!” Much of the rest of the time, I didn’t have a whole lot to say to God. I didn’t understand the importance of talking to Him and expressing my gratitude on the days when things were going pretty well. When we come to the point in our discipleship where prayer is as familiar to us as breathing, we have turned a corner.
Praying aloud over someone who has asked for your intercession can be a blessing for the recipient – and a privilege for you. Reciting The Lord’s Prayer as a group in a worship setting can be a profoundly intimate experience… all of God’s children coming together to speak to Him as one body. But we need to develop a strong, private, running conversation with God… communication that is honest, at times raw, and deeply personal between the two of you.
There is a fine line between talking to God in public as a show of unity… and merely putting on a show. Be sure that you know – and exercise - the difference!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 16, 2012
James 5:1-6
You rich people should cry and weep! Terrible things are going to happen to you. Your treasures have already rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your money has rusted, and the rust will be evidence against you, as it burns your body like fire. Yet you keep on storing up wealth in these last days. You refused to pay the people who worked in your fields, and now their unpaid wages are shouting out against you. The Lord All-Powerful has surely heard the cries of the workers who harvested your crops.
While here on earth, you have thought only of filling your own stomachs and having a good time. But now you are like fat cattle on their way to be butchered. You have condemned and murdered innocent people, who couldn’t even fight back.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I read an article in the newspaper about 87-year-old Dr. Russell Dohner, who practices medicine in Rushville, Illinois. Dr. Dohner charges $5 per visit, regardless of who you are or how much money you have. If you can’t afford to pay $5, he treats you anyway. A “stash” is kept in the drawer – supplemented by the doctor and his staff – to cover these “non-payments.” Click here to read the entire article.
In my opinion, Dr. Dohner understands fully what James is telling us in this passage. His focus was not on becoming rich. He didn’t think about filling his own stomach. He was motivated by the people he served… and he did not discriminate. As a result, all of his needs have been steadily met. His life has not been free of challenges. His marriage failed… he never had a family of his own. But he has had an entire community that embraces him and sees that he is well loved. People invite him to dinner, mow his yard, help with repairs and upkeep around his house, and more.
Dr. Dohner says he never entered the field of medicine to get rich… he only wanted to help others. He knows that without his clinic, many would not get the health care they require. The doctor has a family farm and some investments that provide income to help pay his expenses. But in my book, he is immeasurably rich… and in the best way possible.
My point in sharing this story is that James may have literally meant this passage for the rich, but I believe God is speaking a reminder to us in these words to keep our motives in check. God wants us to have goals and aspirations… He does not object to any of us succeeding – or even becoming rich. But our success… our possessions, our accomplishments – our “stuff” – is not what should define our lives. If we do not focus on serving God by serving others – with everything we have - all of our acquisitions are worthless… rotten, moth-eaten, rusted, and filled with the potential to do great harm to us – and to others.
Regardless of your age or station in life, stop and examine where you are headed… and what you are doing with what you have. Are you hogging every penny and stuffing yourself silly while others around you go hungry and homeless? Are you treating others – even a single person – as if they are beneath you? Do you operate in all things with fairness, kindness, generosity and love? Do you think of others… or is it all about you and those you deem important in your circle?
Few among us will leave a legacy akin to that of Dr. Russell Dohner… and that’s okay. But God expects us to do our best with His blessings… and nothing less. He calls us to treat others fairly… and to be good stewards of all He has given us. How well are you handling what He gives you? What sort of wealth are you building?
©2012 Debbie Robus
You rich people should cry and weep! Terrible things are going to happen to you. Your treasures have already rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your money has rusted, and the rust will be evidence against you, as it burns your body like fire. Yet you keep on storing up wealth in these last days. You refused to pay the people who worked in your fields, and now their unpaid wages are shouting out against you. The Lord All-Powerful has surely heard the cries of the workers who harvested your crops.
While here on earth, you have thought only of filling your own stomachs and having a good time. But now you are like fat cattle on their way to be butchered. You have condemned and murdered innocent people, who couldn’t even fight back.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I read an article in the newspaper about 87-year-old Dr. Russell Dohner, who practices medicine in Rushville, Illinois. Dr. Dohner charges $5 per visit, regardless of who you are or how much money you have. If you can’t afford to pay $5, he treats you anyway. A “stash” is kept in the drawer – supplemented by the doctor and his staff – to cover these “non-payments.” Click here to read the entire article.
In my opinion, Dr. Dohner understands fully what James is telling us in this passage. His focus was not on becoming rich. He didn’t think about filling his own stomach. He was motivated by the people he served… and he did not discriminate. As a result, all of his needs have been steadily met. His life has not been free of challenges. His marriage failed… he never had a family of his own. But he has had an entire community that embraces him and sees that he is well loved. People invite him to dinner, mow his yard, help with repairs and upkeep around his house, and more.
Dr. Dohner says he never entered the field of medicine to get rich… he only wanted to help others. He knows that without his clinic, many would not get the health care they require. The doctor has a family farm and some investments that provide income to help pay his expenses. But in my book, he is immeasurably rich… and in the best way possible.
My point in sharing this story is that James may have literally meant this passage for the rich, but I believe God is speaking a reminder to us in these words to keep our motives in check. God wants us to have goals and aspirations… He does not object to any of us succeeding – or even becoming rich. But our success… our possessions, our accomplishments – our “stuff” – is not what should define our lives. If we do not focus on serving God by serving others – with everything we have - all of our acquisitions are worthless… rotten, moth-eaten, rusted, and filled with the potential to do great harm to us – and to others.
Regardless of your age or station in life, stop and examine where you are headed… and what you are doing with what you have. Are you hogging every penny and stuffing yourself silly while others around you go hungry and homeless? Are you treating others – even a single person – as if they are beneath you? Do you operate in all things with fairness, kindness, generosity and love? Do you think of others… or is it all about you and those you deem important in your circle?
Few among us will leave a legacy akin to that of Dr. Russell Dohner… and that’s okay. But God expects us to do our best with His blessings… and nothing less. He calls us to treat others fairly… and to be good stewards of all He has given us. How well are you handling what He gives you? What sort of wealth are you building?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 15, 2012
James 4:16-17
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 11, 2012
James 4:1-6
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
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.
Eleven years ago today, a horrific terroristic attack occurred in New York City at the World Trade Center. I can’t imagine there is a person alive over the age of 10 who hasn’t at least heard about “9-11,” as it is commonly known. And yes, evil people who wanted their way took matters into their own hands, using violence and killing innocent people in an attempt to make their point.
While we cannot – and must not – forget what happened on September 11, 2001, we must remember that in our own way, we all fight and quarrel and would do anything to get what we want. More than a few of us wage an inner battle with such things as controlling our anger, our tongue or our thoughts… weight loss and/or keeping fit and healthy… addictions from smoking to drinking, drug abuse, gambling, overeating, overspending, and more… and a variety of things we crave to satisfy our ego. We trick ourselves into thinking we are asking God for His will by praying, “LORD, please help me with this,” but our translation is, “LORD… please give me what I want!” And the results wreak havoc in our own life… and the lives of many of those we encounter on a daily basis.
Let’s be honest, a lot of us are willing to go to great lengths to get what we want or to have things our way. Thankfully, very few among us will physically kill another person to accomplish this, but we destroy our health and our relationships, wipe out our bank accounts, and compromise our faith… all because we want what isn’t ours – or we want to do and say whatever we please. And in many ways, these actions are as much a form of murder as if we had pulled the trigger on a gun. We don’t ask God to give us what we want, because we know in our gut that He will say “No” – and with good reason. So we connive, argue and wage battle within our self and with others… and we make a huge mess of things.
Now that you’ve tried “having it your way” and seen how futile this can be… why not give God’s way a chance? Isn’t it time you tried humility and genuinely asked God to meet your daily needs? What if you humbly and honestly asked God to guide your steps… to give you the determination to kick that bad habit or actually engage in a daily workout… to grant you the willpower to resist buying things you don’t need and participating in activities that are wrong for you, at best – or downright immoral at their core… to control your thoughts and your tongue?
What if we started to think about the wide-ranging ramifications of our words and actions and asked God to help us do what is right for us – and for those we encounter? This passage tells us that what God gives in love is better than anything we will find on our own… that He gives His grace to the willing humble. What do you supposed could happen if we dropped pretense and ego… and operated humbly in the will of God? Are you ready to find out? Isn’t today a great day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
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.
Eleven years ago today, a horrific terroristic attack occurred in New York City at the World Trade Center. I can’t imagine there is a person alive over the age of 10 who hasn’t at least heard about “9-11,” as it is commonly known. And yes, evil people who wanted their way took matters into their own hands, using violence and killing innocent people in an attempt to make their point.
While we cannot – and must not – forget what happened on September 11, 2001, we must remember that in our own way, we all fight and quarrel and would do anything to get what we want. More than a few of us wage an inner battle with such things as controlling our anger, our tongue or our thoughts… weight loss and/or keeping fit and healthy… addictions from smoking to drinking, drug abuse, gambling, overeating, overspending, and more… and a variety of things we crave to satisfy our ego. We trick ourselves into thinking we are asking God for His will by praying, “LORD, please help me with this,” but our translation is, “LORD… please give me what I want!” And the results wreak havoc in our own life… and the lives of many of those we encounter on a daily basis.
Let’s be honest, a lot of us are willing to go to great lengths to get what we want or to have things our way. Thankfully, very few among us will physically kill another person to accomplish this, but we destroy our health and our relationships, wipe out our bank accounts, and compromise our faith… all because we want what isn’t ours – or we want to do and say whatever we please. And in many ways, these actions are as much a form of murder as if we had pulled the trigger on a gun. We don’t ask God to give us what we want, because we know in our gut that He will say “No” – and with good reason. So we connive, argue and wage battle within our self and with others… and we make a huge mess of things.
Now that you’ve tried “having it your way” and seen how futile this can be… why not give God’s way a chance? Isn’t it time you tried humility and genuinely asked God to meet your daily needs? What if you humbly and honestly asked God to guide your steps… to give you the determination to kick that bad habit or actually engage in a daily workout… to grant you the willpower to resist buying things you don’t need and participating in activities that are wrong for you, at best – or downright immoral at their core… to control your thoughts and your tongue?
What if we started to think about the wide-ranging ramifications of our words and actions and asked God to help us do what is right for us – and for those we encounter? This passage tells us that what God gives in love is better than anything we will find on our own… that He gives His grace to the willing humble. What do you supposed could happen if we dropped pretense and ego… and operated humbly in the will of God? Are you ready to find out? Isn’t today a great day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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