Matthew 10:17-23
“Don’t be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation—just because you believe in me. Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you—and me—a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words.
“When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
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 can remember times when I was growing up that certain friends and acquaintances did not include me in an activity or conversation because they thought I would not approve, based on my church affiliation. Whether their assumption was correct or not, they must have assumed that I would judge them… so they judged me first! I wasn’t invited to certain parties… I was excluded from a few “cliques”. Honestly, I wasn’t all that popular. It wasn’t that I was judgmental – or even that I was especially vocal about my faith. It was more that since I attended a certain church with a reputation for believing particular things, others assumed that I felt the same way and would probably condemn those who attended elsewhere – or nowhere at all!
Like many, I was stung by these judgments… so much so that I distanced myself from church in my early adulthood. I never turned my back on God, but I tried to be more “regular”… to fit in and avoid situations where others might label me a “Jesus freak” – or even “religious” or “spiritual”. Maybe you have done this, too. It’s an easy trap to fall into…and there is a certain comfort level in hanging out “under the radar,” so to speak. Nobody expects very much of you there… and most never think to judge you one way or the other.
As God began to help me through some difficult and challenging situations, I realized that being bold in my faith was not an option… it was an obligation. But there is a caveat… we Christians walk a fine line between being effective examples of faith in Jesus Christ – and being obnoxious fools. There will always be those who label us as “the token Christian of the family”… a “Jesus freak”… “the Church lady”…”religious fanatics”…or some other tag meant to demean and offend us. The temptation will be there to close our mouths, lay low, and try to fit in with the rest of the world. But we must listen to Jesus’ words in this passage… “Don’t quit! Don’t cave in! It is all well worth it in the end.”
How do we do this? I don’t have a solid answer for you. But I can give you a couple of working examples. I have two very dear lifelong friends, JR and John, who have always been loved and accepted by others as kind, hardworking men… good husbands, fathers, and in one case – an adoring grandfather. You will see them at outings from school sporting events to civic gatherings. They take their wives to the movies – as one of them put it…“to see a chick flick with my chick!” And you will see them at church on Sundays, where one serves as a pastor – the other (also an ordained minister) serves as a minister of music.
These men are not “preachy” or pushy about their faith, but their quiet, wise demeanor speaks volumes about their Christian faith. Both have a way of offering a welcoming smile and calming, sage advice… of praying over a friend with wisdom and confidence… of saying just what needs to be said and showing up at exactly the right time. And I have seen both of them criticized for their stance…and judged unfairly.
In my book, these men have mastered the “dance” of proclaiming love in the midst of hate. They have figured out how to “win friends and influence people” by simply living for Jesus. Yes, they are pastors… but they do not “preach” outside of the pulpit. On the street on an ordinary weekday, they are just JR and John… men who love God and care deeply about His people… and it shows. They do more to win over the naysayers with their quiet strength than a dozen sidewalk evangelists! And we would do well to take a good long look at their “Christian business model” and copy it in our own daily living.
If you are persecuted or judged for your faith, I’m sorry… it’s often part of Discipleship. But there are things we can do to temper this. We don’t have to stop proclaiming the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ… or sharing what great things He has done in our own lives with those around us. But we can ask God to grant us the wisdom and good sense to know when to simply BE… to love others unconditionally and SHOW them how we have been blessed rather than by telling them… to quietly distance ourselves from activities and conversations that we know are wrong, rather than making a big noise about it… to show others that living for Jesus doesn’t make us weird or superior – or even dull and boring!
We can show others that a life in Christ is filled with peace, joy, and abiding comfort in all situations. Maybe then, others will want what we have for themselves. Isn’t it worth a shot?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label operating in peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label operating in peace. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 24, 2013
John 20:19
That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said.
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.
Timothy likes to pretend that something is after him… a lion, a hyena, or even a bear. He will cower or hide and say, “We have to get away from the scary animal!” He’s only pretending, but let’s face it… in life, there are a lot of times when we would like to “lock the door” – and lock out the “scary animals!” Maybe it’s concern about a class … or a final exam. Maybe we are starting a new job and we are nervous. Perhaps we are meeting someone for the first time, and we have anxiety. Or maybe a doctor is giving us the results of tests or x-rays… and we are worried.
No matter how daunting life situations become, we must remember that we are never alone. Jesus is standing there with us. He offers us His peace and the promise that He will guide us through any and all circumstances. He will calm our fears… He will give us comfort and courage to face whatever lies before us… no matter how large or small our challenge seems.
We are fortunate that we live in a country where we don’t have to lock our doors in order to worship God. Until a few years ago, most church buildings in America were never locked. You could slip into a sanctuary on any street corner and spend a few quiet minutes communicating with God and feeling His presence in a holy setting. Most of these buildings are no longer open 24/7… because of possible vandalism - not the prospect of persecution. Unlike Jesus’ disciples, we are free to worship God on any street corner… anywhere and anytime we choose. And Jesus is standing there with us.
As Christians, we have acknowledged that we believe in Jesus as our Savior… that we trust Him to cover our sins – and to give us hope and peace in this life and for all eternity. Now it is time for us to act upon what we have declared. Whenever we feel nervous, afraid, worried, concerned, or disturbed in any manner, we need to remember that Jesus is standing right beside us, saying, “Peace be with you.” With Jesus by our side, we can face any challenge with hope and confidence… and complete calm.
Do you feel His presence today? Have you unlocked the door and allowed Jesus to come in? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said.
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.
Timothy likes to pretend that something is after him… a lion, a hyena, or even a bear. He will cower or hide and say, “We have to get away from the scary animal!” He’s only pretending, but let’s face it… in life, there are a lot of times when we would like to “lock the door” – and lock out the “scary animals!” Maybe it’s concern about a class … or a final exam. Maybe we are starting a new job and we are nervous. Perhaps we are meeting someone for the first time, and we have anxiety. Or maybe a doctor is giving us the results of tests or x-rays… and we are worried.
No matter how daunting life situations become, we must remember that we are never alone. Jesus is standing there with us. He offers us His peace and the promise that He will guide us through any and all circumstances. He will calm our fears… He will give us comfort and courage to face whatever lies before us… no matter how large or small our challenge seems.
We are fortunate that we live in a country where we don’t have to lock our doors in order to worship God. Until a few years ago, most church buildings in America were never locked. You could slip into a sanctuary on any street corner and spend a few quiet minutes communicating with God and feeling His presence in a holy setting. Most of these buildings are no longer open 24/7… because of possible vandalism - not the prospect of persecution. Unlike Jesus’ disciples, we are free to worship God on any street corner… anywhere and anytime we choose. And Jesus is standing there with us.
As Christians, we have acknowledged that we believe in Jesus as our Savior… that we trust Him to cover our sins – and to give us hope and peace in this life and for all eternity. Now it is time for us to act upon what we have declared. Whenever we feel nervous, afraid, worried, concerned, or disturbed in any manner, we need to remember that Jesus is standing right beside us, saying, “Peace be with you.” With Jesus by our side, we can face any challenge with hope and confidence… and complete calm.
Do you feel His presence today? Have you unlocked the door and allowed Jesus to come in? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 29, 2013
Hebrews 2:11
So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.
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.
Today would be my brother Tim’s 52nd birthday. It would also be the 50th birthday of a childhood friend who has passed…Dr. J. Aaron Little – the older son of my piano teacher. And today is the 49th birthday of my cousin, Darin, who grew up in Texas. We didn’t know each other well growing up… but our families have somewhat reconnected in the past year. While the bond with my brother was unimaginably strong, these other two men were/are “brothers” of sorts, as well. I spent countless hours in the Little home as a teenager, where I grew to love Aaron, his sister Lee Ann and brother Adam like family. We attended the same church growing up… the roots of our relationship run deep.
When my cousin Darin lost his dad last fall, the family gathered for his burial in a local family cemetery, where our shared ancestors are laid to rest. When my grandmother died in March, and many of these same cousins returned for her funeral and burial. In June, another cousin organized a family reunion. We got together to share photographs and memories of good times from the past, family history, and to “pick the brains” of the older relatives who can still remember Grandma and Grandpa and what things were like in this area decades ago.
There are several people in my life with whom I share no blood relation… but they could not be any more like a sister or brother to me if that were the case. I bet you can say the same. We share a bond… a mutual love and respect… and in most cases, a deep and abiding love for God. Ultimately, we are “blood related”… by the blood of Christ! This is why I think many of my most profound friendships and relationships can be traced back to childhood…and the church in which I was reared. We learned to love God together at an early age. I just made a mental list of more than half a dozen families from that era with whom I feel this “brotherly” and “sisterly” connection to this day.
In the world at large, we must acknowledge that millions are our brothers and sisters in Christ… and we must warmly embrace them – in our hearts, if not literally. We cannot judge… we must not exclude… we have to look for their good qualities and operate in peace and calm rather than discord and chaos. Just as in any “sibling relationship,” there are times when we will argue… when someone will cause us embarrassment or disappointment… when the other guy will say or do something that irritates (if not disgusts) us…when we will all experience a “less-than-proud” moment. But as “brothers and sisters in Christ,” we all share the same Heavenly Father. At the end of the day, we must not be ashamed of any of our family members.
There is great peace and comfort in “family” relationships. When someone is claiming to be a Christian and acting in an ungodly manner…saying things that are rude or crude…treating others unkindly or in a discriminatory fashion…operating with arrogance and an air of superiority and judgment… it’s hard to say, “That person is my brother/sister in Christ.” There is a temptation to act out toward this person… to feel hurt and disappointment…or to impose distance and/or a separation. But God is calling us to extend brotherly/sisterly love in Christ to these persons… to make every effort to live in harmony… to do whatever is necessary to get along. The old adage that “you can pick your friends… but not your family” is true - even in the body of Christ!
So today, I celebrate three men… all of whom probably got on my last nerve more than once as we grew up… and I celebrate the larger family of believers in Jesus Christ. I take great joy in knowing that I belong to such a big… and growing… family. The bond I feel with others who love Jesus so deeply gives me a tremendous peace and satisfaction… and in Jesus’ name, I long to encourage others to join the circle. Just imagine how glorious our “family reunion” will be when we get to Heaven!
What about you? Are you at peace with your Christian brothers and sisters? Do you feel the bond that comes from a shared love and acceptance in Jesus? Are there “siblings” who rub you the wrong way… both those you know personally and others you “know of”? Isn’t it time to start loving all of them with the love of Jesus… to drop the judgments and the feelings of irritation and/or ego – and to allow them the same latitude and grace you would hope they afford you?
Will this be the day you reconnect with some of your “family” members and embrace them… warts and all? Don’t you think it should be?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.
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.
Today would be my brother Tim’s 52nd birthday. It would also be the 50th birthday of a childhood friend who has passed…Dr. J. Aaron Little – the older son of my piano teacher. And today is the 49th birthday of my cousin, Darin, who grew up in Texas. We didn’t know each other well growing up… but our families have somewhat reconnected in the past year. While the bond with my brother was unimaginably strong, these other two men were/are “brothers” of sorts, as well. I spent countless hours in the Little home as a teenager, where I grew to love Aaron, his sister Lee Ann and brother Adam like family. We attended the same church growing up… the roots of our relationship run deep.
When my cousin Darin lost his dad last fall, the family gathered for his burial in a local family cemetery, where our shared ancestors are laid to rest. When my grandmother died in March, and many of these same cousins returned for her funeral and burial. In June, another cousin organized a family reunion. We got together to share photographs and memories of good times from the past, family history, and to “pick the brains” of the older relatives who can still remember Grandma and Grandpa and what things were like in this area decades ago.
 |
| My sister Suzanne, me, my brother Tim, and my grandmother Polly, less than three weeks before Tim went to be with Jesus... September 1998. |
In the world at large, we must acknowledge that millions are our brothers and sisters in Christ… and we must warmly embrace them – in our hearts, if not literally. We cannot judge… we must not exclude… we have to look for their good qualities and operate in peace and calm rather than discord and chaos. Just as in any “sibling relationship,” there are times when we will argue… when someone will cause us embarrassment or disappointment… when the other guy will say or do something that irritates (if not disgusts) us…when we will all experience a “less-than-proud” moment. But as “brothers and sisters in Christ,” we all share the same Heavenly Father. At the end of the day, we must not be ashamed of any of our family members.
There is great peace and comfort in “family” relationships. When someone is claiming to be a Christian and acting in an ungodly manner…saying things that are rude or crude…treating others unkindly or in a discriminatory fashion…operating with arrogance and an air of superiority and judgment… it’s hard to say, “That person is my brother/sister in Christ.” There is a temptation to act out toward this person… to feel hurt and disappointment…or to impose distance and/or a separation. But God is calling us to extend brotherly/sisterly love in Christ to these persons… to make every effort to live in harmony… to do whatever is necessary to get along. The old adage that “you can pick your friends… but not your family” is true - even in the body of Christ!
So today, I celebrate three men… all of whom probably got on my last nerve more than once as we grew up… and I celebrate the larger family of believers in Jesus Christ. I take great joy in knowing that I belong to such a big… and growing… family. The bond I feel with others who love Jesus so deeply gives me a tremendous peace and satisfaction… and in Jesus’ name, I long to encourage others to join the circle. Just imagine how glorious our “family reunion” will be when we get to Heaven!
What about you? Are you at peace with your Christian brothers and sisters? Do you feel the bond that comes from a shared love and acceptance in Jesus? Are there “siblings” who rub you the wrong way… both those you know personally and others you “know of”? Isn’t it time to start loving all of them with the love of Jesus… to drop the judgments and the feelings of irritation and/or ego – and to allow them the same latitude and grace you would hope they afford you?
Will this be the day you reconnect with some of your “family” members and embrace them… warts and all? Don’t you think it should be?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 24, 2013
Galatians 3:28-29
In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning I worked on some baby bibs for my little nephew, Nathan. I thought about all of the cute clothes I make for my nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. While clothes shouldn’t matter all that much… they do. In our culture, children are judged by other children – and adults – even at an early age. The child who is dirty and always dressed in stained, tattered or worn-out clothing is not valued (or treated as nicely) by some as much as children who look like they just stepped out of Baby Gap or even Old Navy! This morning I also thought of another child of “ours” – Timothy Kodjo Owusu Frim, who lives in Ghana. My husband and I have sponsored “Kodjo” through Compassion International since May 2006.
Kodjo will be 13 in October. We exchange letters somewhere around once a month, and each year, we receive an updated picture of our guy. I wish I could share the pictures with you. Each time, Kodjo is dressed in clothing that is either undersized, oversized… or simply what many would consider a fashion faux pas. I am pretty sure the jeans he was wearing in the last photo we received were designed for girls. Yet he appears grateful to have this clothing… and I figure in his poor fishing village in Ghana, this is the norm rather than the exception. Still, it breaks my heart… and I sometimes wish I could hop a plane to Africa and scoop this little man up and bring him home to live with us!
I know that this would not solve the world’s problems – or even be the right thing for Kodjo, who has a family (albeit a somewhat disjointed one) in Ghana. But here’s what I know…at the end of the day, this tall, very-dark skinned brown-eyed child is just as precious as our little fair-skinned, blue-eyed Timothy and his brother Nathan. This little boy holds the same importance in God’s eyes as our brown-eyed, curly-headed Zola. The drawings from Kodjo that started out as stick figures and progressed over the years to detailed renderings of race cars and people demonstrate a mind that is growing and developing just like the creative brain of my red-headed, freckled-faced cousin Olivia.
When thinking of all of these children, the most important thing to remember is that they are all members of Christ’s family. God doesn’t see them as black, white, male, female, poor, rich, intelligent or intellectually challenged, creative or “less-than-average.” God loves each and every one of them equally. I try to remind each of these children as often as possible how much I love them… and that God loves them even more! I know that most of them are still too young to fully comprehend this… but someday, I pray that this concept will give each of them a tremendous sense of peace.
Take a minute to consider just how important you are to God. Reflect upon the incredible sacrifices He made for you through the blood of His only Son – Jesus Christ. Remind yourself that God planned for you from before the time of Abraham and Moses… He thought about you centuries before you were ever a living, breathing soul. Let it soak in just how much God loves you…how deeply He cares about you and your every need. If this doesn’t give you a sense of peace and calm even in the midst of whatever may be happening in your life today… I can’t imagine what will.
At the end of the day, I cannot truly change how I - or anyone I know and love - will be treated by others, based on appearance, race, gender, ethnicity, social or economic status, and more. But I can take comfort in knowing that God sees none of this. All He sees are His precious creations. All He wants is to be loved by each one of us… and to grant us blessings, salvation and peace in return. He wants us to “put on blinders” when we look at others … to only see members of His family and not the “labels” placed on them by man.
Whenever you feel you are being judged unfairly, remind yourself Whose you are. Thank God for such amazing, unconditional love. Find peace and comfort in knowing that you belong to Him. Look past the “outer coverings” of others and uncover the intrinsic value that God sees within them, as well. Offer His grace and peace to each person you encounter…and allow harmony a chance to prosper in all of us.
©2013 Debbie Robus
In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning I worked on some baby bibs for my little nephew, Nathan. I thought about all of the cute clothes I make for my nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. While clothes shouldn’t matter all that much… they do. In our culture, children are judged by other children – and adults – even at an early age. The child who is dirty and always dressed in stained, tattered or worn-out clothing is not valued (or treated as nicely) by some as much as children who look like they just stepped out of Baby Gap or even Old Navy! This morning I also thought of another child of “ours” – Timothy Kodjo Owusu Frim, who lives in Ghana. My husband and I have sponsored “Kodjo” through Compassion International since May 2006.
Kodjo will be 13 in October. We exchange letters somewhere around once a month, and each year, we receive an updated picture of our guy. I wish I could share the pictures with you. Each time, Kodjo is dressed in clothing that is either undersized, oversized… or simply what many would consider a fashion faux pas. I am pretty sure the jeans he was wearing in the last photo we received were designed for girls. Yet he appears grateful to have this clothing… and I figure in his poor fishing village in Ghana, this is the norm rather than the exception. Still, it breaks my heart… and I sometimes wish I could hop a plane to Africa and scoop this little man up and bring him home to live with us!
I know that this would not solve the world’s problems – or even be the right thing for Kodjo, who has a family (albeit a somewhat disjointed one) in Ghana. But here’s what I know…at the end of the day, this tall, very-dark skinned brown-eyed child is just as precious as our little fair-skinned, blue-eyed Timothy and his brother Nathan. This little boy holds the same importance in God’s eyes as our brown-eyed, curly-headed Zola. The drawings from Kodjo that started out as stick figures and progressed over the years to detailed renderings of race cars and people demonstrate a mind that is growing and developing just like the creative brain of my red-headed, freckled-faced cousin Olivia.
When thinking of all of these children, the most important thing to remember is that they are all members of Christ’s family. God doesn’t see them as black, white, male, female, poor, rich, intelligent or intellectually challenged, creative or “less-than-average.” God loves each and every one of them equally. I try to remind each of these children as often as possible how much I love them… and that God loves them even more! I know that most of them are still too young to fully comprehend this… but someday, I pray that this concept will give each of them a tremendous sense of peace.
Take a minute to consider just how important you are to God. Reflect upon the incredible sacrifices He made for you through the blood of His only Son – Jesus Christ. Remind yourself that God planned for you from before the time of Abraham and Moses… He thought about you centuries before you were ever a living, breathing soul. Let it soak in just how much God loves you…how deeply He cares about you and your every need. If this doesn’t give you a sense of peace and calm even in the midst of whatever may be happening in your life today… I can’t imagine what will.
At the end of the day, I cannot truly change how I - or anyone I know and love - will be treated by others, based on appearance, race, gender, ethnicity, social or economic status, and more. But I can take comfort in knowing that God sees none of this. All He sees are His precious creations. All He wants is to be loved by each one of us… and to grant us blessings, salvation and peace in return. He wants us to “put on blinders” when we look at others … to only see members of His family and not the “labels” placed on them by man.
Whenever you feel you are being judged unfairly, remind yourself Whose you are. Thank God for such amazing, unconditional love. Find peace and comfort in knowing that you belong to Him. Look past the “outer coverings” of others and uncover the intrinsic value that God sees within them, as well. Offer His grace and peace to each person you encounter…and allow harmony a chance to prosper in all of us.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 22, 2013
Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
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 book, A Simple Act of Gratitude: How Learning to Say Thank You Changed My Life, author John Kralik describes how his life was tumbling in a free-fall of despair and destitution. He was losing clients in his law practice – and those he had were not paying their bills. His relationships were falling apart. He had unhealthy habits – and poor physical health as a result. While walking one evening, Kralik was struck by the thought, “What if I focused on the things in my life for which I am thankful… and grateful? What if I concentrated on the things I have instead of what I lack?”
To say this was a “game changer” for Kralik would be putting it mildly. He began to find at least one person per day to thank. Some days, it was easy…a friend did something nice for him, and he wrote a little note of thanks. Other days, finding something – or someone – to whom he could express gratitude was a little harder. He began to really stretch… to thank clients for their business- even when they had not paid their bill. He began to leave notes with the barrista at the coffee house and the cashiers at stores where he shopped. He thanked old college professors for that extra little bit of encouragement offered to him… and his doctor for suggesting he stop smoking and drop a few pounds! After several weeks of writing thank-you notes, Kralik vowed to continue this for an entire year. He actually wrote notes of gratitude every day for the next two years or better!
John Kralik discovered something amazing. His life turned around in countless ways. His health and physical well-being improved… his relationships with family, friends, and business associates got better… he got back on his feet financially. But more importantly, Kralik found a peace like he had never experienced.
I am not saying that we should start writing a thank-you note to someone every day…although I believe such a project could be life-changing. I am suggesting that we look at Colossians 3:15-17 and integrate some of Paul’s admonitions into our daily living. We could all cultivate a little more thankfulness. We could give the message of Jesus Christ more room in our lives… we could do a better job of loving Christ with our whole heart and loving others as He loves us. We could concentrate more on being grateful for God’s gifts and less on complaining about what we lack or what troubles or irritates us.
I know more than one person who keeps a “gratitude journal.” Each day, they write down at least one thing for which they are grateful. I have noticed that these people seem to be a little more positive and cheerful than most folks. For many of us, practicing gratitude and a positive outlook are habits that we have let lapse. The exercise of writing down things for which we are thankful could help us get back on track. If you want to take it a step further and send someone a note every day to express thanks or gratitude… go for it!
I happen to like hand-written notes. They show an added effort to take pen to paper, find a stamp, and deliver (or mail) the message. But you don’t have to hand-write a note for this to work. I know one person who messages one “friend” per day on Facebook to tell him/her why she is glad this person is in her life. Wouldn’t you like to get an e-mail message or a text from someone who says, “I’m grateful for you. Thank you for XYZ”?
The point is that by making a concerted effort to be more thankful or grateful… to share the message of Christ in our daily living and “sing your heart out for God” - your own heart changes. You lose the garbage and the baggage…and gain peace and joy. You live more fully in Jesus. Isn’t that what we’re after?
What are you waiting for? Think about who should receive your first message of gratitude and/or thanks. Start with Jesus! Keep a list of the people you thank… and look at it from time to time to see just how blessed you truly are. And thank YOU for reading these daily devotionals and sharing your love of Christ with me in this manner. I pray that you are truly blessed by His word and the insights I offer… and I am grateful for you and your friendship. Now go thank somebody in Jesus’ name… and bless their socks off (and yours) in the bargain!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
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.
To say this was a “game changer” for Kralik would be putting it mildly. He began to find at least one person per day to thank. Some days, it was easy…a friend did something nice for him, and he wrote a little note of thanks. Other days, finding something – or someone – to whom he could express gratitude was a little harder. He began to really stretch… to thank clients for their business- even when they had not paid their bill. He began to leave notes with the barrista at the coffee house and the cashiers at stores where he shopped. He thanked old college professors for that extra little bit of encouragement offered to him… and his doctor for suggesting he stop smoking and drop a few pounds! After several weeks of writing thank-you notes, Kralik vowed to continue this for an entire year. He actually wrote notes of gratitude every day for the next two years or better!
John Kralik discovered something amazing. His life turned around in countless ways. His health and physical well-being improved… his relationships with family, friends, and business associates got better… he got back on his feet financially. But more importantly, Kralik found a peace like he had never experienced.
I am not saying that we should start writing a thank-you note to someone every day…although I believe such a project could be life-changing. I am suggesting that we look at Colossians 3:15-17 and integrate some of Paul’s admonitions into our daily living. We could all cultivate a little more thankfulness. We could give the message of Jesus Christ more room in our lives… we could do a better job of loving Christ with our whole heart and loving others as He loves us. We could concentrate more on being grateful for God’s gifts and less on complaining about what we lack or what troubles or irritates us.
I know more than one person who keeps a “gratitude journal.” Each day, they write down at least one thing for which they are grateful. I have noticed that these people seem to be a little more positive and cheerful than most folks. For many of us, practicing gratitude and a positive outlook are habits that we have let lapse. The exercise of writing down things for which we are thankful could help us get back on track. If you want to take it a step further and send someone a note every day to express thanks or gratitude… go for it!
I happen to like hand-written notes. They show an added effort to take pen to paper, find a stamp, and deliver (or mail) the message. But you don’t have to hand-write a note for this to work. I know one person who messages one “friend” per day on Facebook to tell him/her why she is glad this person is in her life. Wouldn’t you like to get an e-mail message or a text from someone who says, “I’m grateful for you. Thank you for XYZ”?
The point is that by making a concerted effort to be more thankful or grateful… to share the message of Christ in our daily living and “sing your heart out for God” - your own heart changes. You lose the garbage and the baggage…and gain peace and joy. You live more fully in Jesus. Isn’t that what we’re after?
What are you waiting for? Think about who should receive your first message of gratitude and/or thanks. Start with Jesus! Keep a list of the people you thank… and look at it from time to time to see just how blessed you truly are. And thank YOU for reading these daily devotionals and sharing your love of Christ with me in this manner. I pray that you are truly blessed by His word and the insights I offer… and I am grateful for you and your friendship. Now go thank somebody in Jesus’ name… and bless their socks off (and yours) in the bargain!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 19, 2012
Ephesians 4:1-5
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people. We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I watched an interview that Oprah Winfrey conducted with rap artist 50 Cent… a.k.a. Curtis Jackson. I found it interesting to learn that the cold, harsh, often-profane “50 Cent” is a public persona. The real Curtis Jackson appears to be a tender, intelligent, loving man who was reared by his grandparents after his mother was murdered when Curtis was only eight. While I do not condone the violence and profane message - or the delivery - of 50 Cent’s “music” in general, I may have misjudged him overall. At the very least, I should learn to patiently put up with him.
Stop laughing… I realize that 50 Cent is not often – if ever – on my radar screen. But we do have a number of people who rub us the wrong way all the time, for one reason or another… people we may have judged unfairly… people who are “hard to love.” And the truth is… this may be exactly how quite a few people view us!
“Me?” you may be asking. “What’s not to love about me?” For some, there may be plenty… from attitude to personality and more. “But I’m a Christian!” you may shout. And those who don’t particularly care for you may be, too! The point is, we are not called to LIKE everyone else… but we are called to show Christian love and patience - and to make every effort to get along.
Oprah asked 50 Cent, “Who really loves you?” She admitted that this is a daunting question, if you really think about it. For Curtis Jackson, the first person who came to mind was his grandmother. And then he had trouble thinking of others. Who really loves you? Who accepts you unconditionally, treats you gently and respectfully, and always puts up with you? We can probably all name dozens of “acquaintances” who appear to like us well enough… but who do you know for certain loves you, warts and all? Sadly, the lists are probably pretty short for all of us. I believe the devil dances on his head with joy at the thought that we have so much trouble getting along and genuinely loving others.
What if Jesus loved us like this? What if His list of people He truly loved rose and fell with His mood - and our behavior? Thankfully, this is not the case. And the same Jesus who died for you, died for me - and that neighbor you can’t stand, and the woman in your church who drives you crazy, or the classmate or co-worker who gets on your last nerve!
We need to do a better job of getting along – of at least tolerating others and not judging them so quickly. We need to take a long, hard look at each person we meet and remind ourselves that he/she is equally a child of God – and truly loved by Him every bit as much as we are. We need to “give peace a chance,” as the John Lennon song says... and live and love in a way that honors God’s love for us. As the Apostle Paul admonishes us in this passage, we must “live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.” How are you doing so far?
©2012 Debbie Robus
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people. We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I watched an interview that Oprah Winfrey conducted with rap artist 50 Cent… a.k.a. Curtis Jackson. I found it interesting to learn that the cold, harsh, often-profane “50 Cent” is a public persona. The real Curtis Jackson appears to be a tender, intelligent, loving man who was reared by his grandparents after his mother was murdered when Curtis was only eight. While I do not condone the violence and profane message - or the delivery - of 50 Cent’s “music” in general, I may have misjudged him overall. At the very least, I should learn to patiently put up with him.
Stop laughing… I realize that 50 Cent is not often – if ever – on my radar screen. But we do have a number of people who rub us the wrong way all the time, for one reason or another… people we may have judged unfairly… people who are “hard to love.” And the truth is… this may be exactly how quite a few people view us!
“Me?” you may be asking. “What’s not to love about me?” For some, there may be plenty… from attitude to personality and more. “But I’m a Christian!” you may shout. And those who don’t particularly care for you may be, too! The point is, we are not called to LIKE everyone else… but we are called to show Christian love and patience - and to make every effort to get along.
Oprah asked 50 Cent, “Who really loves you?” She admitted that this is a daunting question, if you really think about it. For Curtis Jackson, the first person who came to mind was his grandmother. And then he had trouble thinking of others. Who really loves you? Who accepts you unconditionally, treats you gently and respectfully, and always puts up with you? We can probably all name dozens of “acquaintances” who appear to like us well enough… but who do you know for certain loves you, warts and all? Sadly, the lists are probably pretty short for all of us. I believe the devil dances on his head with joy at the thought that we have so much trouble getting along and genuinely loving others.
What if Jesus loved us like this? What if His list of people He truly loved rose and fell with His mood - and our behavior? Thankfully, this is not the case. And the same Jesus who died for you, died for me - and that neighbor you can’t stand, and the woman in your church who drives you crazy, or the classmate or co-worker who gets on your last nerve!
We need to do a better job of getting along – of at least tolerating others and not judging them so quickly. We need to take a long, hard look at each person we meet and remind ourselves that he/she is equally a child of God – and truly loved by Him every bit as much as we are. We need to “give peace a chance,” as the John Lennon song says... and live and love in a way that honors God’s love for us. As the Apostle Paul admonishes us in this passage, we must “live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.” How are you doing so far?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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