1 John 3:16-17
This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.
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 confess. I have watched a few episodes of the reality cable TV show “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills”. I don’t think any television show in recent memory has disgusted me more than this one. The lives of young adults who literally have more money than sense are glorified for their spending sprees, drunken escapades, and incredible selfishness. Their foremost thought is how to spend money…and how to make themselves look and feel better (if only in their own over-inflated opinions) in the process!
If you read information from organizations like Compassion International (http://compassion.com) and the World Food Programme (http://wfp.org), you will learn that helping others really costs very little in the scheme of things. On the World Food Programme website, a statement reads…”It takes only $0.25 for the World Food Programme to give a hungry schoolchild a cup of nutritious food. $50 will feed a child at school for an entire year.” Many of us spend $50 on a single meal… or in less than 2 weeks’ worth of morning coffee on the way to work! But this issue goes deeper than just feeding the hungry or buying clothing and school supplies for a sponsored child in a foreign country. There are opportunities all around us to give to others…to share out of our abundance. And we are either ignoring them – or missing them completely.
When was the last time you passed up an opportunity to do something “fun” – or at least more self-satisfying - in order to spend some time with a person who was lonely, sick or injured? How often do you take time to hold a door open for someone else…allow the guy ahead of you to have the prime parking space…or invite someone to go ahead of you in the check-out line at the grocery store? Have you ever said, “I can buy myself XYZ…or I can make an anonymous donation to the elementary school to help children who don’t have adequate school supplies, a warm coat, or decent shoes. I can make a contribution to a reputable charity…or even the pastor’s emergency fund at my church. I can send a check to an organization like Hospice, to ensure that someone who is in the last stages of life has companionship and comfort. I can forego my morning cup of coffee for a month and buy food for the local animal shelter instead.
In truth, most of us might not have to “give up” anything in order to help. If we did have to skip a purchase or two, we would scarcely miss it. But still, this is not just about money. None of us can put a monetary value on what Jesus did for us. His sacrifice was far bigger than a measure in dollars and cents. And yet, in many ways, He demonstrated simple, everyday ways that we can help a brother in need. One of the greatest gifts we can give to others is our time…quite literally a second set of hands…an ear to listen to someone else’s burdens for a few minutes…or a hug. We can say to the stressed-out parents, “Let me sit with your kids while you take in a movie – or buy groceries in peace.” We can offer to run errands for an elderly person or someone who is sick or injured. We can leave a casserole on the doorstep of a busy working mother, a grieving widow or widower, or the kids who live down the street whose parents never seem to be around. We can invite someone to church – and offer to give them a ride (and maybe even feed them lunch afterward). We could knock on the door of a classmate and invite him/her to study with us. We could smile more and complain less!
Every day…in ways great and small…we have opportunities to live sacrificially for others. Sadly, many of us “turn a cold shoulder and do nothing”. And this scripture passage reminds us that doing this essentially makes God’s love disappear – at least in the minds and hearts of those in need. This is not who we are…or who we should be. We have been given the greatest gift of all in salvation through Jesus Christ. We are covered in His love, grace, mercy, and abundant blessings. Our responsibility is to “pay it forward” to others…to multiply the love of God through Jesus Christ as we meet the needs of His creatures.
How well are you doing? Are you offering compassion to others in Jesus’ name? Do you live generously – even sacrificially? Or are you a “When-is-it-my-turn-what’s-in-it-for-me?” kind of Christian? Your answer matters. How will you respond?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label pay it forward. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pay it forward. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for January 24, 2014
John 6:35-37
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go.
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 is presently a Facebook challenge circulating where “friends” are posting: “To start this year off in a loving way I'm participating in the Pay-it-Forward initiative...The first FIVE people who comment on this status with ‘I'm in’ will receive a surprise from me at some point in this calendar year…anything from a book, something homemade, a postcard, absolutely any surprise! There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood comes over me and I find something that I believe would suit you and make you happy. These five people must make the same offer in their FB status and distribute their own joy.”
This idea sounds great…five people do something nice for five people who do something nice for five more people…you get the idea. But why stop there? Why only do something nice for the first five people who comment? Are they truly the ones who need a “nice surprise” in their life? Why not look around your everyday situations and find people who could use a lift…a note of encouragement…a phone call “buddy check”…a meal…help with an errand or chore…or another gesture that says, “I care about you!”…and put Christian love and compassion into action?
In this scripture passage, Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever.” Jesus adds that once that person is with Him, He will hold on and never let go. I keep hearing Jesus say, “I am for EVERYONE! What I offer one, I offer ALL! I will never EVER let you go…you can always count on me to love you and care about your every need! I know you don’t seem to always believe this, but I am telling you…take this to the BANK!”
Are we like Jesus? Are we modeling His discipleship and compassion? Are we offering His “Bread of Life” to others in the form of conscious efforts to make their day better introduce them to His love and care in action? Or are we waiting for people to come to us and say, “I could use a hug…a handout…support in some manner…”? Have we made a convincing demonstration of love and compassion to others? Do they believe that we really care…or do we only meet the needs of those select few who raise their hands and voices and say, “I’m in!”?
Suppose Jesus said, “I will meet the needs of the first five people who come to Me and say, “I’m in”…and His efforts to “feed the sheep” stopped there? Suppose He never expended any energy to pursue those “on the fringes”…those with great needs who never asked for help – for whatever reasons. Suppose His salvation, love and care were not all-encompassing…or eternal! Because we have been so blessed…because of the heritage we are given in Christ Jesus…we should be eager to share our gifts with others. In doing so, we essentially say, “I love you and care for you with the love of Christ, which is fully and equally available to you!”
If you want to participate in this Facebook challenge, by all means… go for it! I do not mean to criticize this concept. But I dare you to go even further… to embrace the love of Christ that has been extended to you… and to “pay it forward” to those who may least suspect that someone else cares - but are the ones who need to know this the most! In doing so, you will truly extend Jesus’ offering of the “Bread of Life”. In return, you will “hunger and thirst no more” for His love and blessings. Whaddya say…are you “in”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don’t really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go.
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 is presently a Facebook challenge circulating where “friends” are posting: “To start this year off in a loving way I'm participating in the Pay-it-Forward initiative...The first FIVE people who comment on this status with ‘I'm in’ will receive a surprise from me at some point in this calendar year…anything from a book, something homemade, a postcard, absolutely any surprise! There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood comes over me and I find something that I believe would suit you and make you happy. These five people must make the same offer in their FB status and distribute their own joy.”
This idea sounds great…five people do something nice for five people who do something nice for five more people…you get the idea. But why stop there? Why only do something nice for the first five people who comment? Are they truly the ones who need a “nice surprise” in their life? Why not look around your everyday situations and find people who could use a lift…a note of encouragement…a phone call “buddy check”…a meal…help with an errand or chore…or another gesture that says, “I care about you!”…and put Christian love and compassion into action?
In this scripture passage, Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever.” Jesus adds that once that person is with Him, He will hold on and never let go. I keep hearing Jesus say, “I am for EVERYONE! What I offer one, I offer ALL! I will never EVER let you go…you can always count on me to love you and care about your every need! I know you don’t seem to always believe this, but I am telling you…take this to the BANK!”
Are we like Jesus? Are we modeling His discipleship and compassion? Are we offering His “Bread of Life” to others in the form of conscious efforts to make their day better introduce them to His love and care in action? Or are we waiting for people to come to us and say, “I could use a hug…a handout…support in some manner…”? Have we made a convincing demonstration of love and compassion to others? Do they believe that we really care…or do we only meet the needs of those select few who raise their hands and voices and say, “I’m in!”?
Suppose Jesus said, “I will meet the needs of the first five people who come to Me and say, “I’m in”…and His efforts to “feed the sheep” stopped there? Suppose He never expended any energy to pursue those “on the fringes”…those with great needs who never asked for help – for whatever reasons. Suppose His salvation, love and care were not all-encompassing…or eternal! Because we have been so blessed…because of the heritage we are given in Christ Jesus…we should be eager to share our gifts with others. In doing so, we essentially say, “I love you and care for you with the love of Christ, which is fully and equally available to you!”
If you want to participate in this Facebook challenge, by all means… go for it! I do not mean to criticize this concept. But I dare you to go even further… to embrace the love of Christ that has been extended to you… and to “pay it forward” to those who may least suspect that someone else cares - but are the ones who need to know this the most! In doing so, you will truly extend Jesus’ offering of the “Bread of Life”. In return, you will “hunger and thirst no more” for His love and blessings. Whaddya say…are you “in”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 22, 2014
Romans 8:1-2
With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.
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.
Greg and I have been blessed with the good fortune to live on a bluff with a panoramic view to the east and northeast… across the river valley – and on a good day, into the next county. So as the weather fronts pass through our area, we are sometimes treated to a stark - and literal - visual image of low-lying black clouds that are cleared away by strong winds. I have stood at the windows and watched a dark cloud band literally be blown farther and farther east until it disappeared over the horizon. When I read this passage, I immediately could picture this in my mind, and it gave me pause to consider my new life in Christ in this context.
If you backtrack to Romans 7 and read the last few verses, you see where Paul is wrestling with his human dilemma of wanting to be sinless and do what God desires…yet doing the opposite much of the time. The sinful mind and the Christian heart seem to be locked in some sort of battle. Paul says in Romans 7:21-23: “It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.” In verse 24, he says, “I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?” And in verse 25, we find the response…”The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.”
So in the first two verses of Romans 8, we are presented with the incredible compassion of God through Jesus Christ…so much love and empathy for us that he sacrificed Jesus and allowed Him to suffer “brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death” so that the “low-lying black cloud” of our sins could be blown away by the strong wind of Christ’s Holy Spirit! If you really stop and think of it… if you truly form that mental image of the black storm cloud being forcefully blown away and completely out of view…this is almost overwhelming. We are not truly capable of imagining a love such as this! And yet…this is what Jesus offers to each of us.
Now here’s the thing…we are not Jesus. We cannot possibly love like He does…nor are we as individuals capable of the powerful things that Christ accomplishes. But with His power and through His Holy Spirit, we are able to offer grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion… and love…even when our sinful head says “That is the last thing you want to do!” So the question becomes…are you operating in the strong wind of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit? Or are you allowing the sinful rationale of the devil’s dark cloud to control you? Are you sharing the tremendous gift of compassion that Christ extends to you with others in your midst…and honoring your commitment and gratitude to Him in the process?
Many in your midst are operating under a dark cloud of some sort. If Christ found you worth the sacrifice…worth the “redeeming wind” of His love and compassion…don’t you think you should pay this forward to others in His name? Isn’t this a good day to stir up the breeze?
©2014 Debbie Robus
With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.
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.
Greg and I have been blessed with the good fortune to live on a bluff with a panoramic view to the east and northeast… across the river valley – and on a good day, into the next county. So as the weather fronts pass through our area, we are sometimes treated to a stark - and literal - visual image of low-lying black clouds that are cleared away by strong winds. I have stood at the windows and watched a dark cloud band literally be blown farther and farther east until it disappeared over the horizon. When I read this passage, I immediately could picture this in my mind, and it gave me pause to consider my new life in Christ in this context.
If you backtrack to Romans 7 and read the last few verses, you see where Paul is wrestling with his human dilemma of wanting to be sinless and do what God desires…yet doing the opposite much of the time. The sinful mind and the Christian heart seem to be locked in some sort of battle. Paul says in Romans 7:21-23: “It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.” In verse 24, he says, “I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?” And in verse 25, we find the response…”The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.”
So in the first two verses of Romans 8, we are presented with the incredible compassion of God through Jesus Christ…so much love and empathy for us that he sacrificed Jesus and allowed Him to suffer “brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death” so that the “low-lying black cloud” of our sins could be blown away by the strong wind of Christ’s Holy Spirit! If you really stop and think of it… if you truly form that mental image of the black storm cloud being forcefully blown away and completely out of view…this is almost overwhelming. We are not truly capable of imagining a love such as this! And yet…this is what Jesus offers to each of us.
Now here’s the thing…we are not Jesus. We cannot possibly love like He does…nor are we as individuals capable of the powerful things that Christ accomplishes. But with His power and through His Holy Spirit, we are able to offer grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion… and love…even when our sinful head says “That is the last thing you want to do!” So the question becomes…are you operating in the strong wind of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit? Or are you allowing the sinful rationale of the devil’s dark cloud to control you? Are you sharing the tremendous gift of compassion that Christ extends to you with others in your midst…and honoring your commitment and gratitude to Him in the process?
Many in your midst are operating under a dark cloud of some sort. If Christ found you worth the sacrifice…worth the “redeeming wind” of His love and compassion…don’t you think you should pay this forward to others in His name? Isn’t this a good day to stir up the breeze?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 28, 2013
2 Corinthians 2:6-7
Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement.
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.
One evening this week, Timothy did not want to eat dinner. After a few bites, he declared that he was done and ready to play. I told him we would set a timer for 5 minutes, and he could play…but when he heard the “beeps” that five minutes had passed, he would return to the table. He agreed to this. Of course, three-year-olds agree to a lot of things! When the timer sounded, Timothy was not ready to return to the table. I told him that we had an agreement… and he could either return to the table or sit in the “naughty chair.” He chose the chair. I could see that he thought he would sit and watch television there, but I changed the channel from NickJr to the local news station. He burst into tears.
We sat for a few seconds… probably not even a full minute, and then I scooped him up and hugged him. He said, “I’m mad!” I told him I understood, and he added… “I’m mad at myself for sitting in the naughty chair.” I reminded him that he could choose behaviors that would avoid the chair in the future. Then I held Timmy in my lap and fed him the rest of his dinner… and he nearly cleaned his plate. We did not have another problem the rest of the night.
Mealtime is a learning experience. We are all working together to teach the children that we sit at the table as a family and eat at the appointed times. We do not nibble here and there and then run off to play. We also don’t carry food into other rooms and eat it there. And so far, the results have been mixed… although I would say we are making progress. I believe this is because when we do have to chide and chastise - or mete out consequences - we are quick to offer forgiveness and comfort.
I’ll admit… it’s very hard to stay upset with these precious children. All they have to do is look at me with their innocent, sweet faces, and I’m a goner! But I wonder…are we as loving and forgiving with others as we are our little ones? Shouldn’t we be? “But they are old enough to know better!” you’re probably saying. And you are right! But how many times have you done something you knew you shouldn’t… and as much as you regretted it afterward, there was no way to turn back the clock… maybe even as recently as today?
The point that the Apostle Paul is making in this passage is that we must have consequences when people misbehave or sin…but we must also be willing to forgive and help the person move forward, if he/she is truly repentant. If we don’t offer compassion and empathy, we are setting others up to ask, “What’s the use? I’ll never get it right. I may as well quit trying.” Two things happen here… 1) Satan dances with delight; and 2) we fail to extend to others what God grants to us each and every day through the blood of Jesus Christ.
How do you love others? How are you loved? Ask God to give you the wisdom, strength, courage and compassion to lovingly forgive others… then hearten them to do better and overcome their weaknesses once and for all. Consider how God loves and forgives you… how Jesus suffered and died on the cross for this… and pay it forward in His name. Be the person who stood by someone when perhaps nobody else would… and helped to make the difference in his/her life. Thank God for offering you a second chance – and be ready to do the same for others. On any given day, each one of us deserves to spend time in “the naughty chair”… but none of us should be deserted there!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement.
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.
One evening this week, Timothy did not want to eat dinner. After a few bites, he declared that he was done and ready to play. I told him we would set a timer for 5 minutes, and he could play…but when he heard the “beeps” that five minutes had passed, he would return to the table. He agreed to this. Of course, three-year-olds agree to a lot of things! When the timer sounded, Timothy was not ready to return to the table. I told him that we had an agreement… and he could either return to the table or sit in the “naughty chair.” He chose the chair. I could see that he thought he would sit and watch television there, but I changed the channel from NickJr to the local news station. He burst into tears.
We sat for a few seconds… probably not even a full minute, and then I scooped him up and hugged him. He said, “I’m mad!” I told him I understood, and he added… “I’m mad at myself for sitting in the naughty chair.” I reminded him that he could choose behaviors that would avoid the chair in the future. Then I held Timmy in my lap and fed him the rest of his dinner… and he nearly cleaned his plate. We did not have another problem the rest of the night.
Mealtime is a learning experience. We are all working together to teach the children that we sit at the table as a family and eat at the appointed times. We do not nibble here and there and then run off to play. We also don’t carry food into other rooms and eat it there. And so far, the results have been mixed… although I would say we are making progress. I believe this is because when we do have to chide and chastise - or mete out consequences - we are quick to offer forgiveness and comfort.
I’ll admit… it’s very hard to stay upset with these precious children. All they have to do is look at me with their innocent, sweet faces, and I’m a goner! But I wonder…are we as loving and forgiving with others as we are our little ones? Shouldn’t we be? “But they are old enough to know better!” you’re probably saying. And you are right! But how many times have you done something you knew you shouldn’t… and as much as you regretted it afterward, there was no way to turn back the clock… maybe even as recently as today?
The point that the Apostle Paul is making in this passage is that we must have consequences when people misbehave or sin…but we must also be willing to forgive and help the person move forward, if he/she is truly repentant. If we don’t offer compassion and empathy, we are setting others up to ask, “What’s the use? I’ll never get it right. I may as well quit trying.” Two things happen here… 1) Satan dances with delight; and 2) we fail to extend to others what God grants to us each and every day through the blood of Jesus Christ.
How do you love others? How are you loved? Ask God to give you the wisdom, strength, courage and compassion to lovingly forgive others… then hearten them to do better and overcome their weaknesses once and for all. Consider how God loves and forgives you… how Jesus suffered and died on the cross for this… and pay it forward in His name. Be the person who stood by someone when perhaps nobody else would… and helped to make the difference in his/her life. Thank God for offering you a second chance – and be ready to do the same for others. On any given day, each one of us deserves to spend time in “the naughty chair”… but none of us should be deserted there!
©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 September 27, 2012
Ephesians 1:7-10
Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
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.
Bill paying is a big deal with me. I have pop-up reminders and schedules to help me remember to pay each bill well before the due date. I am thankful that I have the funds to pay my bills, and I often check the balance in my accounts before making a purchase… just to be sure the money is there to cover my debts! I’ll be honest… a couple of times I thought an online payment “sent” and my connection apparently dropped. The bill became past due, penalties were incurred… and I was miserable at the thought of spending more money than necessary because of a failure to be even more diligent than I assumed was necessary! So I can imagine how this must be compounded for someone who gets caught in a vicious cycle of spending more than he/she has. The hopelessness and futility that must ensue as a person slides further down a spiraling tunnel of trouble simply boggles my mind.
Imagine for one minute how it would feel for someone to say, “I’m paying every one of your bills… you are debt free. You don’t have to pay back the money. Just “clean up your act” and do the right thing moving forward. Don’t buy more than you can afford. Live in a way that says, ‘I was worth rescuing!’ Pay the favor and blessings forward to others because of what I did for you.” As I read this passage today, I was struck by the hope and good news it brings to each of us. Because this is exactly what Jesus has done on our behalf.
We were drowning in the debt of sin. We had “bills” we could never pay, and they were growing exponentially every single day. Then Jesus stepped in and said, “I’m paying every single debt. You don’t owe a dime… you are completely free… totally released… no interest or penalties are incurred. Now go and share my Good News with others.” Can you feel the release of this burden? Are you somewhat overwhelmed by its impact? Does the gravity of what Jesus did for each of us shake you to your very core… humble you and fill you with a desire to be better for it? It should!
Thousands, if not millions of people in this country are drowning in debt they cannot repay. Because of a downturn in the economy, catastrophic events beyond their control, or even downright carelessness, many cannot ever begin think about paying down the debts they have incurred. We see lawyers, financial advisors and others advertising every day that they can help consolidate and reduce our debt... for a fee, of course! Aren’t you glad that there is ONE who can totally erase the biggest debt of all… our sins? The one debt that each of us has is totally reparable.
You may need help with your finances, but help for your soul is already here! Freedom in Jesus is the most important component… a critical first step toward becoming debt-free in all areas of life. Have you accepted Jesus’ offer of help today? Have you allowed Him to take control of your life, your liabilities, and your future? Are you operating in the abundant freedom from sin that He offers? This is a great day to allow Jesus to wipe the slate clean and give you a fresh start. Pray with me that this will be the first day of your true freedom. Make the commitment to clean up your debts and move forward in the abundant freedom a life in Christ offers. Are you abundantly free in Christ and living in His plan for your life? Isn’t it time you were?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.
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.
Bill paying is a big deal with me. I have pop-up reminders and schedules to help me remember to pay each bill well before the due date. I am thankful that I have the funds to pay my bills, and I often check the balance in my accounts before making a purchase… just to be sure the money is there to cover my debts! I’ll be honest… a couple of times I thought an online payment “sent” and my connection apparently dropped. The bill became past due, penalties were incurred… and I was miserable at the thought of spending more money than necessary because of a failure to be even more diligent than I assumed was necessary! So I can imagine how this must be compounded for someone who gets caught in a vicious cycle of spending more than he/she has. The hopelessness and futility that must ensue as a person slides further down a spiraling tunnel of trouble simply boggles my mind.
Imagine for one minute how it would feel for someone to say, “I’m paying every one of your bills… you are debt free. You don’t have to pay back the money. Just “clean up your act” and do the right thing moving forward. Don’t buy more than you can afford. Live in a way that says, ‘I was worth rescuing!’ Pay the favor and blessings forward to others because of what I did for you.” As I read this passage today, I was struck by the hope and good news it brings to each of us. Because this is exactly what Jesus has done on our behalf.
We were drowning in the debt of sin. We had “bills” we could never pay, and they were growing exponentially every single day. Then Jesus stepped in and said, “I’m paying every single debt. You don’t owe a dime… you are completely free… totally released… no interest or penalties are incurred. Now go and share my Good News with others.” Can you feel the release of this burden? Are you somewhat overwhelmed by its impact? Does the gravity of what Jesus did for each of us shake you to your very core… humble you and fill you with a desire to be better for it? It should!
Thousands, if not millions of people in this country are drowning in debt they cannot repay. Because of a downturn in the economy, catastrophic events beyond their control, or even downright carelessness, many cannot ever begin think about paying down the debts they have incurred. We see lawyers, financial advisors and others advertising every day that they can help consolidate and reduce our debt... for a fee, of course! Aren’t you glad that there is ONE who can totally erase the biggest debt of all… our sins? The one debt that each of us has is totally reparable.
You may need help with your finances, but help for your soul is already here! Freedom in Jesus is the most important component… a critical first step toward becoming debt-free in all areas of life. Have you accepted Jesus’ offer of help today? Have you allowed Him to take control of your life, your liabilities, and your future? Are you operating in the abundant freedom from sin that He offers? This is a great day to allow Jesus to wipe the slate clean and give you a fresh start. Pray with me that this will be the first day of your true freedom. Make the commitment to clean up your debts and move forward in the abundant freedom a life in Christ offers. Are you abundantly free in Christ and living in His plan for your life? Isn’t it time you were?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 17, 2011
Proverbs 21:21, 23
Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
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.
Each October, an event is held in our community called “Early Decades.” It is basically a giant class reunion for all students of Heber Springs High School who graduated at least 30 years ago – or longer. The class who graduated 50 years ago hosts a banquet on Saturday night and presents the program. I did not attend last year, but I’ve read a transcript of the program, presented by Class of 1960 president, Gary Thomas. His program was about the “Dam Kids”… children whose families moved to our area to help with the construction of Greers Ferry Dam. Some were not treated so kindly… in large part because of resentments by local landowners over the government’s claim on their land to create Greers Ferry Lake.
However, Gary had a different experience. He spoke of many people in this area who befriended him… and he specifically named several who showed him great kindnesses. By the same token, on a Facebook page that recalls people and events in and around our community, many have cited teachers and leaders who were especially kind to them… who made a difference… people whom they have never forgotten. Some gave them wise advice… others gave them a hand or a hug when they needed it… but all did what was right and kind.
Perhaps you have known such people already in your own life. Or maybe, like the “Dam Kids”, you haven’t been treated so well. Either way, the Bible is clear on how we are supposed to behave… and that means hunting for what is right and kind… and watching what we say and how we say it.
In my work with elderly adults – and in talking with others who are caring for their elders – I hear often that “Mom treats me terribly,” or “Dad is so mean to me” – or even, “Grandma/Grandpa was really ugly to me/the nurse or caregiver/the neighbor/a dear friend.” The old adage about “biting the hand that feeds you” often plays out in eldercare. And while I know the sting of hurting words and actions in this situation is real – and deep – I also know that these are often very loving people who are acting out of a deep frustration… or dementia and illness. So we have to somewhat give them a “free pass”… show them grace and mercy, just as God shows us.
On the other hand, we do not have such a license to misbehave. For the most part, every person reading this message is able-bodied and of reasonably sound mind. We cannot ask others to excuse our thoughtless words or unkind gestures… much less expect God to look the other way. We must humbly and sincerely ask God to guide our thoughts and our deeds – every single day. We must ask Him to check our impulses to lash out at another… or to “speak our mind” in a brash, insensitive way. We have to ask God to help us conduct our daily lives in a way that honors Him and enables others to see His love in action.
If we “take the high road” and prayerfully walk in love and kindness… carefully choosing our words and our actions… others will see our restraint. They will know that there are times when our composure could have only come from God, and they will be inspired to pay it forward. And better than this, God will be pleased that we listened and trusted Him to work in and through us for a glorious life.
I’m glad that there have been others in my life who showed me kindness and bit their tongue. I’m thankful for teachers and leaders who have shown kindness to “kids” for countless generations. But I’m even more thankful for a God who teaches us to operate in restraint and love… and to reap the innumerable blessings that come as a result.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
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.
Each October, an event is held in our community called “Early Decades.” It is basically a giant class reunion for all students of Heber Springs High School who graduated at least 30 years ago – or longer. The class who graduated 50 years ago hosts a banquet on Saturday night and presents the program. I did not attend last year, but I’ve read a transcript of the program, presented by Class of 1960 president, Gary Thomas. His program was about the “Dam Kids”… children whose families moved to our area to help with the construction of Greers Ferry Dam. Some were not treated so kindly… in large part because of resentments by local landowners over the government’s claim on their land to create Greers Ferry Lake.
However, Gary had a different experience. He spoke of many people in this area who befriended him… and he specifically named several who showed him great kindnesses. By the same token, on a Facebook page that recalls people and events in and around our community, many have cited teachers and leaders who were especially kind to them… who made a difference… people whom they have never forgotten. Some gave them wise advice… others gave them a hand or a hug when they needed it… but all did what was right and kind.
Perhaps you have known such people already in your own life. Or maybe, like the “Dam Kids”, you haven’t been treated so well. Either way, the Bible is clear on how we are supposed to behave… and that means hunting for what is right and kind… and watching what we say and how we say it.
In my work with elderly adults – and in talking with others who are caring for their elders – I hear often that “Mom treats me terribly,” or “Dad is so mean to me” – or even, “Grandma/Grandpa was really ugly to me/the nurse or caregiver/the neighbor/a dear friend.” The old adage about “biting the hand that feeds you” often plays out in eldercare. And while I know the sting of hurting words and actions in this situation is real – and deep – I also know that these are often very loving people who are acting out of a deep frustration… or dementia and illness. So we have to somewhat give them a “free pass”… show them grace and mercy, just as God shows us.
On the other hand, we do not have such a license to misbehave. For the most part, every person reading this message is able-bodied and of reasonably sound mind. We cannot ask others to excuse our thoughtless words or unkind gestures… much less expect God to look the other way. We must humbly and sincerely ask God to guide our thoughts and our deeds – every single day. We must ask Him to check our impulses to lash out at another… or to “speak our mind” in a brash, insensitive way. We have to ask God to help us conduct our daily lives in a way that honors Him and enables others to see His love in action.
If we “take the high road” and prayerfully walk in love and kindness… carefully choosing our words and our actions… others will see our restraint. They will know that there are times when our composure could have only come from God, and they will be inspired to pay it forward. And better than this, God will be pleased that we listened and trusted Him to work in and through us for a glorious life.
I’m glad that there have been others in my life who showed me kindness and bit their tongue. I’m thankful for teachers and leaders who have shown kindness to “kids” for countless generations. But I’m even more thankful for a God who teaches us to operate in restraint and love… and to reap the innumerable blessings that come as a result.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 31, 2011
Proverbs 20:29
Young people take pride in their strength, but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone paid me a compliment recently, and in thanking them, I said, “I have had some great role models.” From my grandmother and her peers, to my mother and mother-in-law and many of their friends, to dear ladies (and gentlemen) I know who attend our church and the church in which I grew up… I am surrounded by Godly influences. Many, like my grandmother, have aged to a point where the tables have turned in terms of strength. I am now more able bodied and help her with things that are no longer easily accomplished… from driving, to paying bills and balancing the checkbook, to shopping and more.
By keeping Timothy so often – and caring for my grandmother – I recognize that many of the things I do for him are things she and my mother did for me not so long ago. Now I am repaying them, somewhat, by paying it forward. And this is where you come in... it is your turn to start sharing your blessings and wisdom with others in your own path.
As you go about your day, I assure you that people are watching… from the little kid down the street who sees you in the driveway and observes your demeanor to the older folks who meet you in the grocery store or the aisle at church. They notice when you are polite… and when you are not. They see your body language and your overall appearance… they hear the language that comes out of your mouth… they determine what sort of person you are by how you conduct yourself – even in the privacy of your own yard! For those of us who are older and (supposedly) wiser, we can easily become discouraged when we see that the kindness and “sage wisdom” we impart to younger people seems to be ignored. We can get upset and feel like those we tried to nurture have failed to live up to our expectations – or even brought us major disappointment.
This is rotten thinking on our part. Our job is not to love others with any expectations or desired outcomes. That’s why it’s called unconditional love. We are to nurture others… to live as an example of the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ… and leave the outcomes to God Almighty. While I occasionally may think to myself, “What would So-and-so think if he/she saw me now?”… for the most part, I never give a second thought to the opinions of my role models. I know that they love me me no matter what. They might disapprove of my methods or actions once in awhile… and yes, a few have voiced their opinions from time to time in that regard… but mostly, they just go about the business of living a life that reflects their love and devotion to Jesus.
I told you about my hero, Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry, and how she influenced me so much. What I didn’t tell you was that MawMac had a set of “internal rules” by which she lived. I can’t tell you what all of them were, but I know there were certain things that she felt simply were not done. For instance, after one of her falls, she was unable to wear her high-heeled pumps and a dress to church – and for awhile, she had to wear slacks and sandals (which meant she could not wear stockings). She considered this terribly inappropriate for church attendance. I have to tell you, as I sat at a funeral in her church’s sanctuary lately on a 100+ degree day, wearing sandals and bear legs with my dress, I thought, “MawMac would not approve!” In her honor, I will wear stockings with my dress to her funeral… even if the temperatures are scorching!
Now this may seem like a minor, silly thing… but it is only one small example of how we are influenced by our elders – and how what we do matters to those around us. We may never see the “fruits of our labor”… it may seem like we are not making a difference at all. But in truth, our wisdom and influence matters greatly. I have 40-year-old first graders who still talk about their “guitar-playing first grade teacher” on a regular basis. I had no clue that singing songs in a crowded classroom would make such an impact… and you have no clue what you are saying and doing that is influencing others, too!
Check your attitudes… your behaviors… your appearance and demeanor. Make sure that you are exhibiting the traits of a Disciple of Christ. Share wisdom and Christian behavior for others on a daily basis… and be a good role model – even if those gray hairs are still years away.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Young people take pride in their strength, but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone paid me a compliment recently, and in thanking them, I said, “I have had some great role models.” From my grandmother and her peers, to my mother and mother-in-law and many of their friends, to dear ladies (and gentlemen) I know who attend our church and the church in which I grew up… I am surrounded by Godly influences. Many, like my grandmother, have aged to a point where the tables have turned in terms of strength. I am now more able bodied and help her with things that are no longer easily accomplished… from driving, to paying bills and balancing the checkbook, to shopping and more.
By keeping Timothy so often – and caring for my grandmother – I recognize that many of the things I do for him are things she and my mother did for me not so long ago. Now I am repaying them, somewhat, by paying it forward. And this is where you come in... it is your turn to start sharing your blessings and wisdom with others in your own path.
As you go about your day, I assure you that people are watching… from the little kid down the street who sees you in the driveway and observes your demeanor to the older folks who meet you in the grocery store or the aisle at church. They notice when you are polite… and when you are not. They see your body language and your overall appearance… they hear the language that comes out of your mouth… they determine what sort of person you are by how you conduct yourself – even in the privacy of your own yard! For those of us who are older and (supposedly) wiser, we can easily become discouraged when we see that the kindness and “sage wisdom” we impart to younger people seems to be ignored. We can get upset and feel like those we tried to nurture have failed to live up to our expectations – or even brought us major disappointment.
This is rotten thinking on our part. Our job is not to love others with any expectations or desired outcomes. That’s why it’s called unconditional love. We are to nurture others… to live as an example of the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ… and leave the outcomes to God Almighty. While I occasionally may think to myself, “What would So-and-so think if he/she saw me now?”… for the most part, I never give a second thought to the opinions of my role models. I know that they love me me no matter what. They might disapprove of my methods or actions once in awhile… and yes, a few have voiced their opinions from time to time in that regard… but mostly, they just go about the business of living a life that reflects their love and devotion to Jesus.
I told you about my hero, Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry, and how she influenced me so much. What I didn’t tell you was that MawMac had a set of “internal rules” by which she lived. I can’t tell you what all of them were, but I know there were certain things that she felt simply were not done. For instance, after one of her falls, she was unable to wear her high-heeled pumps and a dress to church – and for awhile, she had to wear slacks and sandals (which meant she could not wear stockings). She considered this terribly inappropriate for church attendance. I have to tell you, as I sat at a funeral in her church’s sanctuary lately on a 100+ degree day, wearing sandals and bear legs with my dress, I thought, “MawMac would not approve!” In her honor, I will wear stockings with my dress to her funeral… even if the temperatures are scorching!
Now this may seem like a minor, silly thing… but it is only one small example of how we are influenced by our elders – and how what we do matters to those around us. We may never see the “fruits of our labor”… it may seem like we are not making a difference at all. But in truth, our wisdom and influence matters greatly. I have 40-year-old first graders who still talk about their “guitar-playing first grade teacher” on a regular basis. I had no clue that singing songs in a crowded classroom would make such an impact… and you have no clue what you are saying and doing that is influencing others, too!
Check your attitudes… your behaviors… your appearance and demeanor. Make sure that you are exhibiting the traits of a Disciple of Christ. Share wisdom and Christian behavior for others on a daily basis… and be a good role model – even if those gray hairs are still years away.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 1, 2010
Psalm 32:8
You said to me, "I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have had great instructors in my life … my mom and mother-in-law, my grandmothers, my piano teacher, a wonderful creative writing teacher in college, childhood Sunday School teachers and more than one pastor who have mentored me along the way. I can still hear their words of advice and direction as I go through daily activities. And many of these wonderful people still watch over me today.
Just last week I received a note from a lady who was my Sunday School teacher … when I was in second grade! While at the beauty shop with my grandmother recently, I shared a visit with another lady who has loved me and watched over me since childhood. I am truly blessed to have had so many mentors and caring people who surround me. A few days ago, I visited with a dear friend who has known me forever – taught my high school English class – and now we enjoy conversations about religion, politics, our families, good books and movies, local history, and more.
What is most important about all of these mentors and “instructors” in my life is that they have something in common … a love for Jesus and a faith in His promises. And they have conveyed this love to me over and over again. So ultimately, my Chief Instructor is God Almighty. He has pointed out which road I should follow – and sent agents to make sure I “get it!” He has given me His Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart, be my teacher and watch over me each and every day.
Let’s face it… none of us would make it in this world without good instruction … and great teachers. I’m betting you have been blessed with several of your own, and I know that God can guide you … if you will listen and pay attention. Who are your instructors these days? I ask, because there are good and bad teachers and role models/mentors, and we must choose those we will follow wisely.
Be sure that you listen first and foremost to the guidance given by God. Read your Bible and communicate openly with Him. Then ask God to give you anointed, holy, earthly mentors and instructors to help you navigate the challenges of everyday life … and to watch over you.
As you grow in wisdom and confidence in the Lord, look for opportunities He is providing for you to pay it forward and be a holy instructor for someone else. Open yourself to God’s instruction … and the chance to share what you have learned with others. Thank God for giving us wisdom and discernment – and good earthly mentors and role models. And the next time you see someone He chose to watch over you, give them a hug and say “Thanks!”
©2010 Debbie Robus
You said to me, "I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have had great instructors in my life … my mom and mother-in-law, my grandmothers, my piano teacher, a wonderful creative writing teacher in college, childhood Sunday School teachers and more than one pastor who have mentored me along the way. I can still hear their words of advice and direction as I go through daily activities. And many of these wonderful people still watch over me today.
Just last week I received a note from a lady who was my Sunday School teacher … when I was in second grade! While at the beauty shop with my grandmother recently, I shared a visit with another lady who has loved me and watched over me since childhood. I am truly blessed to have had so many mentors and caring people who surround me. A few days ago, I visited with a dear friend who has known me forever – taught my high school English class – and now we enjoy conversations about religion, politics, our families, good books and movies, local history, and more.
What is most important about all of these mentors and “instructors” in my life is that they have something in common … a love for Jesus and a faith in His promises. And they have conveyed this love to me over and over again. So ultimately, my Chief Instructor is God Almighty. He has pointed out which road I should follow – and sent agents to make sure I “get it!” He has given me His Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart, be my teacher and watch over me each and every day.
Let’s face it… none of us would make it in this world without good instruction … and great teachers. I’m betting you have been blessed with several of your own, and I know that God can guide you … if you will listen and pay attention. Who are your instructors these days? I ask, because there are good and bad teachers and role models/mentors, and we must choose those we will follow wisely.
Be sure that you listen first and foremost to the guidance given by God. Read your Bible and communicate openly with Him. Then ask God to give you anointed, holy, earthly mentors and instructors to help you navigate the challenges of everyday life … and to watch over you.
As you grow in wisdom and confidence in the Lord, look for opportunities He is providing for you to pay it forward and be a holy instructor for someone else. Open yourself to God’s instruction … and the chance to share what you have learned with others. Thank God for giving us wisdom and discernment – and good earthly mentors and role models. And the next time you see someone He chose to watch over you, give them a hug and say “Thanks!”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 1, 2010
Luke 6:38
If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In most kitchens, flour, sugar, and other “staples” like rice, beans, pasta, and coffee are kept in glass or plastic containers. We bring these products home from the store and empty them out of their paper sack or plastic bag into our canisters and storage compartments. Often, as we pour in these dry ingredients, we shake the container to settle everything and make room for more. And more than once, I have still overfilled my containers to the point that sugar, flour, rice or some other dry ingredient spilled onto the kitchen counter … or maybe onto the floor, if I wasn’t paying close enough attention!
Imagine receiving the blessings of God in this way. Your heart and soul are the “canister,” and God is heaping love, grace, mercy, joy, and more upon you. Sometimes, it pours so fast that you can’t contain it all, and it spills out all around you. Think of the “glow” you sometimes feel from a full and joyful heart as this abundance radiates outward. Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? We all would like to operate in overflow, right? We would all like God to pour His blessings into us … shake down … and make room for more.
In 1980, my husband’s grandfather died in Iowa. He was buried on Christmas Eve. This was my first Christmas away from my family, but we were where we needed to be. Christmas Day, my husband’s grandmother greeted us with a cheery “Merry Christmas!” She talked of her blessings and what a wonderful day it was to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Pour in … shake down … make room for more.
In 1981, my paternal grandparents’ house burned to the ground three days before Christmas. They lost virtually everything. People came from far and wide to help them recover and get re-established. Pour in … shake down … make room for more.
In 1986, I had major surgery one week before Thanksgiving. We lived in Russellville then – ninety miles from our families. Friends and neighbors rallied around us and brought food and support. On Thanksgiving Day, our next-door neighbors delivered not one, but TWO Thanksgiving “dinners” – enough food to feed a small army. Pour in … shake down … make room for more.
Throughout the “nineties,” we experienced many challenging events, including the loss of both our fathers, grandparents and beloved cousins and friends, precious pets, and my younger brother. Each time, people showed up in untold numbers to do amazing things for us … to share God’s love and comfort and to encourage us and do what we were emotionally and physically unable to accomplish. Pour in … shake down … make room for more.
We are no different from anyone else. Everyone has troubles and sadness and times of need. But we took notice early on of the love and kindness shown to us by others … and we learned from it. We learned to look around and give back to others in need. We recognized that we had potential to turn inward, become self-absorbed, and concentrate on our own careers and acquiring the “stuff” of “The American Dream” … missing out on the incredible abundance of God’s blessings in the bargain. I believe that the reason we were so blessed by others during our times of need is because our parents and grandparents had been busy giving to others, and it came back exponentially. Pour in, shake down, make room for more. Pour in … shake down … make room for more.
I don’t know where you are today … whether you are on the “giving” end or if you are finding yourself in need of love and care from others. But I do know this … none of us is too young to start giving back to others … pouring in out of the abundance of God’s blessings in our own lives. Even if you are still a high school or college student, a young parent, or someone just starting a career, you have something to offer to others. If you are a senior citizen living in a retirement facility, you have something to offer. Be a prayer warrior if you can’t physically get out and help. Make a phone call … send an e-mail message of love and encouragement. These things matter to God’s kingdom.
I cannot predict what lies ahead for me or my family. I am quite certain that there will be challenges, sadness and times of need. And I know that God will send people to bless us. The biggest lesson I have learned is that giving back to others is its own reward. If I ever operated under the motive of being a blessing in order to receive a blessing, I don’t any more. It’s not about what God will give me in return, but more about what I can give back to God. All the same, He continues to pour in, shake down, and make room for more, even when it seems my heart is full to overflowing.
How full is your “container” today? Have you allowed God to use you to pour out, shake down, and make room for more in others? Is He doing this in your life? I pray you will ask God to help you find at least one way each day to give to others. And may you always operate in the abundance of His overflow.
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In most kitchens, flour, sugar, and other “staples” like rice, beans, pasta, and coffee are kept in glass or plastic containers. We bring these products home from the store and empty them out of their paper sack or plastic bag into our canisters and storage compartments. Often, as we pour in these dry ingredients, we shake the container to settle everything and make room for more. And more than once, I have still overfilled my containers to the point that sugar, flour, rice or some other dry ingredient spilled onto the kitchen counter … or maybe onto the floor, if I wasn’t paying close enough attention!
Imagine receiving the blessings of God in this way. Your heart and soul are the “canister,” and God is heaping love, grace, mercy, joy, and more upon you. Sometimes, it pours so fast that you can’t contain it all, and it spills out all around you. Think of the “glow” you sometimes feel from a full and joyful heart as this abundance radiates outward. Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? We all would like to operate in overflow, right? We would all like God to pour His blessings into us … shake down … and make room for more.
In 1980, my husband’s grandfather died in Iowa. He was buried on Christmas Eve. This was my first Christmas away from my family, but we were where we needed to be. Christmas Day, my husband’s grandmother greeted us with a cheery “Merry Christmas!” She talked of her blessings and what a wonderful day it was to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Pour in … shake down … make room for more.
In 1981, my paternal grandparents’ house burned to the ground three days before Christmas. They lost virtually everything. People came from far and wide to help them recover and get re-established. Pour in … shake down … make room for more.
In 1986, I had major surgery one week before Thanksgiving. We lived in Russellville then – ninety miles from our families. Friends and neighbors rallied around us and brought food and support. On Thanksgiving Day, our next-door neighbors delivered not one, but TWO Thanksgiving “dinners” – enough food to feed a small army. Pour in … shake down … make room for more.
Throughout the “nineties,” we experienced many challenging events, including the loss of both our fathers, grandparents and beloved cousins and friends, precious pets, and my younger brother. Each time, people showed up in untold numbers to do amazing things for us … to share God’s love and comfort and to encourage us and do what we were emotionally and physically unable to accomplish. Pour in … shake down … make room for more.
We are no different from anyone else. Everyone has troubles and sadness and times of need. But we took notice early on of the love and kindness shown to us by others … and we learned from it. We learned to look around and give back to others in need. We recognized that we had potential to turn inward, become self-absorbed, and concentrate on our own careers and acquiring the “stuff” of “The American Dream” … missing out on the incredible abundance of God’s blessings in the bargain. I believe that the reason we were so blessed by others during our times of need is because our parents and grandparents had been busy giving to others, and it came back exponentially. Pour in, shake down, make room for more. Pour in … shake down … make room for more.
I don’t know where you are today … whether you are on the “giving” end or if you are finding yourself in need of love and care from others. But I do know this … none of us is too young to start giving back to others … pouring in out of the abundance of God’s blessings in our own lives. Even if you are still a high school or college student, a young parent, or someone just starting a career, you have something to offer to others. If you are a senior citizen living in a retirement facility, you have something to offer. Be a prayer warrior if you can’t physically get out and help. Make a phone call … send an e-mail message of love and encouragement. These things matter to God’s kingdom.
I cannot predict what lies ahead for me or my family. I am quite certain that there will be challenges, sadness and times of need. And I know that God will send people to bless us. The biggest lesson I have learned is that giving back to others is its own reward. If I ever operated under the motive of being a blessing in order to receive a blessing, I don’t any more. It’s not about what God will give me in return, but more about what I can give back to God. All the same, He continues to pour in, shake down, and make room for more, even when it seems my heart is full to overflowing.
How full is your “container” today? Have you allowed God to use you to pour out, shake down, and make room for more in others? Is He doing this in your life? I pray you will ask God to help you find at least one way each day to give to others. And may you always operate in the abundance of His overflow.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 9, 2010
Proverbs 17:17
A friend is always a friend, and relatives are born to share our troubles.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This devo begins a group that relate to “Sharing the Good News – and God’s Love,” and it’s probably where you may think I’ve gone to meddling! But I am convinced that many of us have fallen short in this area. I have to believe that when I hear of children who have not spoken to their parents in months, or even years. I know we have grown insensitive and self-absorbed when I hear in the news of someone who died alone in their home from heat exhaustion and malnutrition, because not even their next-door neighbors bothered to check on them. I am convinced of this when I hear in the news of a child who committed suicide because he/she was bullied relentlessly and nobody did anything to stop it.
You can call it what you want … busyness, your own set of troubles, “work got in the way,” or just plain not wanting to get involved. The fact is, we are called as Christians to love one another … and that means we’re going to have to become involved at some point. If you are to love your neighbor as you love yourself, you will have to check on him/her. If you are going to honor your father and mother, you will have to call and visit them once in a while. We’re going to have to look up from our own lives and see those around us – and get busy meeting the needs of others.
Imagine if Jesus had said, “I’m too busy,” or “It’s not my problem… I need to stay out of this.” What if Jesus had held a grudge against His Father and refused to communicate! I know … pretty preposterous, isn’t it?! But that’s what many of us do. We claim to have dozens of “close friends,” but we couldn’t tell you much about the thoughts, dreams, desires and needs of a single one of them. We’re so busy collecting acquaintances, possessions and whatever satisfies our every whim that we often fail to stop and ask, “Lord, who do I need to call today?” or “Father, do I need to reach out to a friend or family member?”
My prayer today is that we would become more genuinely concerned about the welfare of our family and friends. I pray that we would ask God to open our hearts, eyes and ears … that we would see the needs of others – and meet them! If you need help getting started, pick up the church bulletin and read the prayer concerns. I bet there is someone on there you could call, visit, or mail a card of encouragement. Or … read through the birthday list and send someone good wishes to brighten their day. Or here’s a good one … I have a card on my desk that says, “Have you prayed for your pastor today?” Well, have you?
Being a Christian is more than accepting Jesus – or even receiving the Holy Spirit. If you keep everything to yourself, you really have not fulfilled Jesus’ gift. Think of it like a credit card that doesn’t work until you call the headquarters and activate it. It’s time we activated our “Christian card” and got busy using it. Where will you “spend” some of God’s love today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
A friend is always a friend, and relatives are born to share our troubles.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This devo begins a group that relate to “Sharing the Good News – and God’s Love,” and it’s probably where you may think I’ve gone to meddling! But I am convinced that many of us have fallen short in this area. I have to believe that when I hear of children who have not spoken to their parents in months, or even years. I know we have grown insensitive and self-absorbed when I hear in the news of someone who died alone in their home from heat exhaustion and malnutrition, because not even their next-door neighbors bothered to check on them. I am convinced of this when I hear in the news of a child who committed suicide because he/she was bullied relentlessly and nobody did anything to stop it.
You can call it what you want … busyness, your own set of troubles, “work got in the way,” or just plain not wanting to get involved. The fact is, we are called as Christians to love one another … and that means we’re going to have to become involved at some point. If you are to love your neighbor as you love yourself, you will have to check on him/her. If you are going to honor your father and mother, you will have to call and visit them once in a while. We’re going to have to look up from our own lives and see those around us – and get busy meeting the needs of others.
Imagine if Jesus had said, “I’m too busy,” or “It’s not my problem… I need to stay out of this.” What if Jesus had held a grudge against His Father and refused to communicate! I know … pretty preposterous, isn’t it?! But that’s what many of us do. We claim to have dozens of “close friends,” but we couldn’t tell you much about the thoughts, dreams, desires and needs of a single one of them. We’re so busy collecting acquaintances, possessions and whatever satisfies our every whim that we often fail to stop and ask, “Lord, who do I need to call today?” or “Father, do I need to reach out to a friend or family member?”
My prayer today is that we would become more genuinely concerned about the welfare of our family and friends. I pray that we would ask God to open our hearts, eyes and ears … that we would see the needs of others – and meet them! If you need help getting started, pick up the church bulletin and read the prayer concerns. I bet there is someone on there you could call, visit, or mail a card of encouragement. Or … read through the birthday list and send someone good wishes to brighten their day. Or here’s a good one … I have a card on my desk that says, “Have you prayed for your pastor today?” Well, have you?
Being a Christian is more than accepting Jesus – or even receiving the Holy Spirit. If you keep everything to yourself, you really have not fulfilled Jesus’ gift. Think of it like a credit card that doesn’t work until you call the headquarters and activate it. It’s time we activated our “Christian card” and got busy using it. Where will you “spend” some of God’s love today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 15, 2010
June 15 ~ Isaiah 51:7
If you want to do right and to obey my teaching with all your heart, then pay close attention. Don't be discouraged when others insult you and say hurtful things.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I was channel surfing, and I stopped to listen to a message from a televangelist who was talking about “seed, time, and harvest,” a common teaching of “prosperity ministers.” I listened long enough to hear him call for 1000 people to rush to their telephones and pledge a “seed gift” of $1000 for his organization… and they were going to receive “immeasurable favor” from God in the form of great financial wealth in 2010. I had to laugh, because I don’t believe for one second that God requires specific dollar donations like this in order to answer prayers and bless His children.
We have to be careful, because Satan can use this sort of message to get us off course and focused on the wrong things. And he cleverly does this by interspersing some pearls of wisdom and solid teaching. Many cannot sift through the junk and discern the truths of God from Satan’s lies and his distractions of things like promises of immeasurable wealth. And honestly, this sort of teaching and preaching is insulting to me, because I believe God does want us to plant seeds, give Him time to work, and then expect a “harvest.” But I am not necessarily talking about money, much less “immeasurable wealth.”
In and amongst all of the pleas for a $1000 seed, this speaker did say something that I felt was important enough to repeat… Every single day, you and I are planting seeds. Our “seeds” may be words of kindness and encouragement spoken to someone. Or we may help a buddy move into a new apartment or cook a meal for a grieving neighbor. We may give our old clothes to the thrift store… or we might give money to the church or donate to a fundraiser to send kids to church camp. OR… we may sow seeds of gossip, dissention, disrespect, untruth, and hate. The choice is ours. Just like planting flower or vegetable seeds, time is needed for these seeds to take root and grow. But eventually, there is a harvest. Sometimes it comes quickly, and sometimes, it can take a long time. But we must not be discouraged. And here’s the kicker… we must expect a harvest.
I think where I have often failed is in my expectation. I have sown the seeds and forgotten them. I didn’t consciously believe God for a harvest when I wrote a note of encouragement or taught a junior high Sunday School class. I didn’t consciously recognize that I was sowing seeds in the kindergartners and first graders I taught – or the checker I smiled at in Wal-Mart. I also didn’t give much thought to the repercussions of sowing seeds of unkind words, gossip, or rudeness. If we stopped and thought about the seeds we sow – and the “harvest” – we might sow better seeds! We might also reap a better “harvest” and more fully experience God’s blessings and favor. When we expect God to show up in our lives, He surely will.
So my questions for all of us today are…
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you want to do right and to obey my teaching with all your heart, then pay close attention. Don't be discouraged when others insult you and say hurtful things.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I was channel surfing, and I stopped to listen to a message from a televangelist who was talking about “seed, time, and harvest,” a common teaching of “prosperity ministers.” I listened long enough to hear him call for 1000 people to rush to their telephones and pledge a “seed gift” of $1000 for his organization… and they were going to receive “immeasurable favor” from God in the form of great financial wealth in 2010. I had to laugh, because I don’t believe for one second that God requires specific dollar donations like this in order to answer prayers and bless His children.
We have to be careful, because Satan can use this sort of message to get us off course and focused on the wrong things. And he cleverly does this by interspersing some pearls of wisdom and solid teaching. Many cannot sift through the junk and discern the truths of God from Satan’s lies and his distractions of things like promises of immeasurable wealth. And honestly, this sort of teaching and preaching is insulting to me, because I believe God does want us to plant seeds, give Him time to work, and then expect a “harvest.” But I am not necessarily talking about money, much less “immeasurable wealth.”
In and amongst all of the pleas for a $1000 seed, this speaker did say something that I felt was important enough to repeat… Every single day, you and I are planting seeds. Our “seeds” may be words of kindness and encouragement spoken to someone. Or we may help a buddy move into a new apartment or cook a meal for a grieving neighbor. We may give our old clothes to the thrift store… or we might give money to the church or donate to a fundraiser to send kids to church camp. OR… we may sow seeds of gossip, dissention, disrespect, untruth, and hate. The choice is ours. Just like planting flower or vegetable seeds, time is needed for these seeds to take root and grow. But eventually, there is a harvest. Sometimes it comes quickly, and sometimes, it can take a long time. But we must not be discouraged. And here’s the kicker… we must expect a harvest.
I think where I have often failed is in my expectation. I have sown the seeds and forgotten them. I didn’t consciously believe God for a harvest when I wrote a note of encouragement or taught a junior high Sunday School class. I didn’t consciously recognize that I was sowing seeds in the kindergartners and first graders I taught – or the checker I smiled at in Wal-Mart. I also didn’t give much thought to the repercussions of sowing seeds of unkind words, gossip, or rudeness. If we stopped and thought about the seeds we sow – and the “harvest” – we might sow better seeds! We might also reap a better “harvest” and more fully experience God’s blessings and favor. When we expect God to show up in our lives, He surely will.
So my questions for all of us today are…
- What kind of seed are we sowing?
- Are we expecting a “harvest” and believing God for it?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 30, 2010
May 30 ~ Genesis 26:23-24
Isaac went on to Beersheba, where the LORD appeared to him that night and told him, "Don't be afraid! I am the God who was worshiped by your father Abraham, my servant. I will be with you and bless you, and because of Abraham I will give you many descendants."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Has it ever occurred to you how much other people influence your life? Especially when we are young, we tend to hold many of the same values and opinions as our parents and grandparents. For instance, I know that my apprehension about thunderstorms and tornadoes is a direct result of the countless days and nights I was whisked to the storm cellar with great fanfare and drama. I know that some of the people with whom I grew up have a strong, but misguided, fear of people of other races, because their parents and/or grandparents have told them over and over how inferior these people are. I know many young children who have no real basis for any political leaning and are years away from being able to cast a vote, yet they are squarely in the camp of one candidate or political party.
What does this have to do with Abraham and Isaac? I’ll tell you! Abraham was God’s faithful servant. Even when God told him to take Isaac to the altar and offer him as a living sacrifice, Abraham obeyed. Now, we all know that God did not allow this to happen, but He did bless Abraham’s faithfulness. And all through his life, Isaac witnessed how his father served God. So it’s a pretty fair bet that Isaac was equally faithful, due to his father’s example and influence. And God told Isaac that he would bless him and multiply his family because of Abraham.
So the point is…God will bless you for your faithfulness and your servitude. But more than that… He stands ready to bless those over whom you have influence. The more you trust God and serve Him, the more those who look up to you and follow you will do the same – and enjoy the same blessings. Make sense? I know… the magnitude of the responsibility to live for God is HUGE! But think how worthwhile it is. I know I am blessed because of the Godly influences in my life – even if they did contribute to my fear of storms! And with God’s help, we can overcome negative influences (and I have come a long way in the storm department!) I bet many of you were blessed to have faith-filled servant relatives who influenced you, too. Our job is to “pay it forward”… to live a courageous, fearless life in Christ and pave the way for future generations. It’s a big order… but I know you are up to it! Trust God to show you how to serve Him, and to be with you every step of the way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Isaac went on to Beersheba, where the LORD appeared to him that night and told him, "Don't be afraid! I am the God who was worshiped by your father Abraham, my servant. I will be with you and bless you, and because of Abraham I will give you many descendants."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Has it ever occurred to you how much other people influence your life? Especially when we are young, we tend to hold many of the same values and opinions as our parents and grandparents. For instance, I know that my apprehension about thunderstorms and tornadoes is a direct result of the countless days and nights I was whisked to the storm cellar with great fanfare and drama. I know that some of the people with whom I grew up have a strong, but misguided, fear of people of other races, because their parents and/or grandparents have told them over and over how inferior these people are. I know many young children who have no real basis for any political leaning and are years away from being able to cast a vote, yet they are squarely in the camp of one candidate or political party.
What does this have to do with Abraham and Isaac? I’ll tell you! Abraham was God’s faithful servant. Even when God told him to take Isaac to the altar and offer him as a living sacrifice, Abraham obeyed. Now, we all know that God did not allow this to happen, but He did bless Abraham’s faithfulness. And all through his life, Isaac witnessed how his father served God. So it’s a pretty fair bet that Isaac was equally faithful, due to his father’s example and influence. And God told Isaac that he would bless him and multiply his family because of Abraham.
So the point is…God will bless you for your faithfulness and your servitude. But more than that… He stands ready to bless those over whom you have influence. The more you trust God and serve Him, the more those who look up to you and follow you will do the same – and enjoy the same blessings. Make sense? I know… the magnitude of the responsibility to live for God is HUGE! But think how worthwhile it is. I know I am blessed because of the Godly influences in my life – even if they did contribute to my fear of storms! And with God’s help, we can overcome negative influences (and I have come a long way in the storm department!) I bet many of you were blessed to have faith-filled servant relatives who influenced you, too. Our job is to “pay it forward”… to live a courageous, fearless life in Christ and pave the way for future generations. It’s a big order… but I know you are up to it! Trust God to show you how to serve Him, and to be with you every step of the way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 27, 2010
April 27 ~ Proverbs 16:8
It's better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve always told my husband that “I’d live with you in a pup tent.” He laughs at that… knowing I like the comfort of a warm bed and a good hot shower… but he also understands what I am saying. As long as we are together, it really doesn’t matter where we live or how much “stuff” we have. Many people assume that the “rich” are happier – or that becoming wealthy will equal lifelong contentment. We toss around phrases like “When I win the lottery…” or “When my ship comes in…” or “When I marry a rich man/woman…” The truth is… chasing wealth has been the downfall of many people. This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to have ambition or to desire to be financially secure. If you work hard, with honesty and integrity, and treat people well – and you make a lot of money as a result - good for you! But if you “kick and claw your way to the top” and are willing to do things that are dishonest or illegal – or you mistreat others along the way – your “victory” will be rather hollow. You may not go to jail like Bernie Madoff and others, but Judgment Day will surely come.
God wants us to be happy. And while some think that Jesus’ call for the disciples to leave everything and follow Him means that we are supposed to live meager lives in very simple houses, drive clunkers and wear cheap, plain clothing, they are mistaken. God doesn’t begrudge us having nice homes, clothes, cars and more… as long as we earn them honestly and honor Him in the bargain.
Please hear me… you do not have to apologize for what you have… or what you don’t have… as long as you are serving God according to His will for your life. If God wants you to sell all of your belongings and move to a Third World country to serve him, do it! But God may want you to use your fancy house and car to witness to others in your neighborhood… or to host meals and get-togethers for a group in your church. He may have helped you afford a Suburban so that you can haul the youth group to weekly activities. Or He may have chosen you to work with the less fortunate – and to relate well to them because they readily accept you as “one of them.”
The point is… God isn’t doling out favors and punishments in the form of monetary wealth and possessions. He is calling us to be rich in HIM… not in things. This is not a license to be a slacker and decide that God wants you to goof off and just barely get by in life. Truly find out where God wants you to be… then serve Him honestly and faithfully in that station. Be the best employee, boss, teacher, student, parent, son/daughter, servant that you can become. Always do your “job” honestly and make sure your behavior is beyond question or reproach. Measure your wealth in terms of God’s favor… not man’s. You’ll find your value is far higher in HIS sight than on this earth… and that’s where it really counts!
©2010 Debbie Robus
It's better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve always told my husband that “I’d live with you in a pup tent.” He laughs at that… knowing I like the comfort of a warm bed and a good hot shower… but he also understands what I am saying. As long as we are together, it really doesn’t matter where we live or how much “stuff” we have. Many people assume that the “rich” are happier – or that becoming wealthy will equal lifelong contentment. We toss around phrases like “When I win the lottery…” or “When my ship comes in…” or “When I marry a rich man/woman…” The truth is… chasing wealth has been the downfall of many people. This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to have ambition or to desire to be financially secure. If you work hard, with honesty and integrity, and treat people well – and you make a lot of money as a result - good for you! But if you “kick and claw your way to the top” and are willing to do things that are dishonest or illegal – or you mistreat others along the way – your “victory” will be rather hollow. You may not go to jail like Bernie Madoff and others, but Judgment Day will surely come.
God wants us to be happy. And while some think that Jesus’ call for the disciples to leave everything and follow Him means that we are supposed to live meager lives in very simple houses, drive clunkers and wear cheap, plain clothing, they are mistaken. God doesn’t begrudge us having nice homes, clothes, cars and more… as long as we earn them honestly and honor Him in the bargain.
Please hear me… you do not have to apologize for what you have… or what you don’t have… as long as you are serving God according to His will for your life. If God wants you to sell all of your belongings and move to a Third World country to serve him, do it! But God may want you to use your fancy house and car to witness to others in your neighborhood… or to host meals and get-togethers for a group in your church. He may have helped you afford a Suburban so that you can haul the youth group to weekly activities. Or He may have chosen you to work with the less fortunate – and to relate well to them because they readily accept you as “one of them.”
The point is… God isn’t doling out favors and punishments in the form of monetary wealth and possessions. He is calling us to be rich in HIM… not in things. This is not a license to be a slacker and decide that God wants you to goof off and just barely get by in life. Truly find out where God wants you to be… then serve Him honestly and faithfully in that station. Be the best employee, boss, teacher, student, parent, son/daughter, servant that you can become. Always do your “job” honestly and make sure your behavior is beyond question or reproach. Measure your wealth in terms of God’s favor… not man’s. You’ll find your value is far higher in HIS sight than on this earth… and that’s where it really counts!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 14, 2010
April 14 ~ Ephesians 2:8-10
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine was telling recently about being in an airport restaurant early one morning. His flight was delayed three hours, and he was hungry, so he ducked into this restaurant as soon as it opened, just after 6:00 a.m., and ordered breakfast. He was watching the people around him, and one lady in particular seemed in a rush and rather frazzled. He noticed that she ordered a coffee, but before she could pay for it, someone from the baggage counter stepped in and said, “I’ve got a spot for you, but you have to come right now.” She asked the server to take her money for the coffee, but the server was busy. My friend said, “Go ahead… I’ll get your coffee.”
This lady did nothing to earn a cup of coffee from my friend. He freely offered to pay for it. She may or may not have been a nice person who deserved a break. We will never know. She might brag about the nice man who bought her coffee, but she cannot claim to have done anything significant to merit such a gesture. About the best she can do is to “pay it forward” and do something nice for another person down the line.
I’ve oversimplified this analogy just a bit, but I think you’ll see where I’m going. My friend didn’t know anything about this woman. He helped her because he is a kind, generous man. But GOD knows everything about us, and the amazing thing is… He gives abundantly to us anyway! Like the woman who can’t repay my friend, we can’t repay God. But like her, we can “pay it forward” – if only in small measure by comparison. God sent Christ to make us loving, caring, giving people who do for others out of a desire to serve and obedience to His commands. We can’t brag about anything we have done… not even giving a stranger a cup of coffee (and for the record, my friend was not bragging!)… but we can surely brag about what God does for us each and every day!
We can never earn God’s love and blessings… but the good news is, we don’t have to. All He asks is that we trust Him to care for us… and that we share His message with others. God has a spot for you, and you should claim it right now… He’ll make sure you get whatever you need for the journey… how will you respond?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine was telling recently about being in an airport restaurant early one morning. His flight was delayed three hours, and he was hungry, so he ducked into this restaurant as soon as it opened, just after 6:00 a.m., and ordered breakfast. He was watching the people around him, and one lady in particular seemed in a rush and rather frazzled. He noticed that she ordered a coffee, but before she could pay for it, someone from the baggage counter stepped in and said, “I’ve got a spot for you, but you have to come right now.” She asked the server to take her money for the coffee, but the server was busy. My friend said, “Go ahead… I’ll get your coffee.”
This lady did nothing to earn a cup of coffee from my friend. He freely offered to pay for it. She may or may not have been a nice person who deserved a break. We will never know. She might brag about the nice man who bought her coffee, but she cannot claim to have done anything significant to merit such a gesture. About the best she can do is to “pay it forward” and do something nice for another person down the line.
I’ve oversimplified this analogy just a bit, but I think you’ll see where I’m going. My friend didn’t know anything about this woman. He helped her because he is a kind, generous man. But GOD knows everything about us, and the amazing thing is… He gives abundantly to us anyway! Like the woman who can’t repay my friend, we can’t repay God. But like her, we can “pay it forward” – if only in small measure by comparison. God sent Christ to make us loving, caring, giving people who do for others out of a desire to serve and obedience to His commands. We can’t brag about anything we have done… not even giving a stranger a cup of coffee (and for the record, my friend was not bragging!)… but we can surely brag about what God does for us each and every day!
We can never earn God’s love and blessings… but the good news is, we don’t have to. All He asks is that we trust Him to care for us… and that we share His message with others. God has a spot for you, and you should claim it right now… He’ll make sure you get whatever you need for the journey… how will you respond?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 10, 2010
April 10 ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well. God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. Don't be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Facebook is such an interesting Internet resource. I am amazed at what people are ready and willing to post for the world to read. Some are eager to gripe and complain about every up and down of their day (and believe me, with some it’s minute-to-minute!), while others use this social network to share good news and the latest accomplishments of their children. Some use it for professional networking and reconnecting with long-lost friends. Still others use it for political commentary – both positive and venomous. Somehow, it is as if we feel a little “safe” in hiding behind the facade of Facebook. We are a little more bold than we would be face-to-face with someone. We will “name it and claim it” for John Q. Public to see – because he/she can’t actually see us!
I’m not sure this is always good. For one thing, a lot of inflection and intention gets lost in translation via the Internet, e-mail, instant messaging, and social network posts. But I do find it interesting that we are so ready to “air our dirty laundry,” take every poll known to man, and build a virtual farm… but we can’t post a message about how God is working in our life. We can talk about the weather, the Razorbacks, and the latest concert we’ve attended, but we can’t ask our hairdresser or barber, “Where do you go to church?” We send virtual smiles, hearts and gifts to everyone on our “friends list,” but we can’t smile at the checker at Wal-Mart who might be having a bad day… and we are snarky to the waitperson who is too busy to keep our water glass full. We can text our friends with lightning speed - and we wouldn’t be caught dead outside the house without our cell phone, but we seldom remember to carry our Bible with us to church – much less open it at home and read it!
I wonder what would happen if we truly unleashed the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? What if, for even one day, we all operated fully under God’s power, served as vehicles for His love, and maintained self-control? What if we threw caution to the wind and were full-out servants of the Most High God, filled with faith and trust that He could really, truly move mountains (literally and figuratively), and that we were going to share that news with the world?! I’m convinced that most of us don’t have a clue about the Holy Spirit and His work in and through us… and certainly we have not unleashed His power!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s operate in confidence and contentment for a change and see where it takes us. Let’s be bold and even a little bit daring and tell somebody, “I’m praying for you” – and then DO IT! Let’s live like the redeemed princes and princesses of the King of Kings – and invite others to join us! Make full use of the gift that God has given you… and use it well… even on social networking sites and across the Internet. Let’s see how we can use these God-given tools to spread the gospel and carry the Light of Christ to the world. May the real Power Surge begin today – and may it begin with us!
©2010 Debbie Robus
So I ask you to make full use of the gift that God gave you when I placed my hands on you. Use it well. God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control. Don't be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Facebook is such an interesting Internet resource. I am amazed at what people are ready and willing to post for the world to read. Some are eager to gripe and complain about every up and down of their day (and believe me, with some it’s minute-to-minute!), while others use this social network to share good news and the latest accomplishments of their children. Some use it for professional networking and reconnecting with long-lost friends. Still others use it for political commentary – both positive and venomous. Somehow, it is as if we feel a little “safe” in hiding behind the facade of Facebook. We are a little more bold than we would be face-to-face with someone. We will “name it and claim it” for John Q. Public to see – because he/she can’t actually see us!
I’m not sure this is always good. For one thing, a lot of inflection and intention gets lost in translation via the Internet, e-mail, instant messaging, and social network posts. But I do find it interesting that we are so ready to “air our dirty laundry,” take every poll known to man, and build a virtual farm… but we can’t post a message about how God is working in our life. We can talk about the weather, the Razorbacks, and the latest concert we’ve attended, but we can’t ask our hairdresser or barber, “Where do you go to church?” We send virtual smiles, hearts and gifts to everyone on our “friends list,” but we can’t smile at the checker at Wal-Mart who might be having a bad day… and we are snarky to the waitperson who is too busy to keep our water glass full. We can text our friends with lightning speed - and we wouldn’t be caught dead outside the house without our cell phone, but we seldom remember to carry our Bible with us to church – much less open it at home and read it!
I wonder what would happen if we truly unleashed the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? What if, for even one day, we all operated fully under God’s power, served as vehicles for His love, and maintained self-control? What if we threw caution to the wind and were full-out servants of the Most High God, filled with faith and trust that He could really, truly move mountains (literally and figuratively), and that we were going to share that news with the world?! I’m convinced that most of us don’t have a clue about the Holy Spirit and His work in and through us… and certainly we have not unleashed His power!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s operate in confidence and contentment for a change and see where it takes us. Let’s be bold and even a little bit daring and tell somebody, “I’m praying for you” – and then DO IT! Let’s live like the redeemed princes and princesses of the King of Kings – and invite others to join us! Make full use of the gift that God has given you… and use it well… even on social networking sites and across the Internet. Let’s see how we can use these God-given tools to spread the gospel and carry the Light of Christ to the world. May the real Power Surge begin today – and may it begin with us!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 5, 2010
April 5 ~ 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20
In every church I tell the people to stay as they were when the Lord Jesus chose them and God called them to be his own. Now I say the same thing to you. So don't try to change what you were when God chose you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 2003, the lunch ladies of Holdingford, Minnesota, pooled their money to buy a lottery ticket. The ticket won, and each of the 16 school cafeteria workers walked away with approximately $2 million. Two of them subsequently retired, but the other ladies continued to come to work each day and perform the same duties as they had done before the winning ticket was confirmed… cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, and more. Just because they were transformed into millionaires overnight didn’t mean they changed into different people. They just had a little extra money for sharing with family and friends, paying off debts, sending their children to college, and taking an elderly grandma to Las Vegas on a trip!
Why do you suppose I used an illustration about the lottery for this scripture passage? I assure you I am not encouraging you to play the lottery! But I want you to notice that winning the lottery may have changed the lives of these ladies in some ways… but it did not change these ladies. And Paul is telling us that when we accept Jesus as our Savior, things will change in our lives… but we don’t have to change careers, spouses, locations and more to serve God in our newfound salvation. Sure, if we are participating in sinful activities, we need to stop. If we are associating with people who act ungodly, we probably need new friends. But quite often, as a Christian, we can stay put and serve God right where we are. We can witness to those in our workplace who may not know Him. We can bring about improvement in our relationships with spouses, family members, and friends, just by showing love, grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. We can accomplish much for God’s kingdom by demonstrating how He has transformed our own lives and attitudes.
Sometimes we all try too hard. We think we have to be something all prim and proper and buttoned-down in order to please God… and we think we have to exhibit radical transformation in order to prove to others (and ourselves?) that we have experienced salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth. God wants us to be ourselves. He wants us to demonstrate how He does extraordinary things with ordinary people. He wants us to relax, rest, and be content with who and what we are… and what He can do with us! God wants to use us to be all we can for Him… but, I repeat - He also wants us to be ourselves. Who are you trying to be these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
In every church I tell the people to stay as they were when the Lord Jesus chose them and God called them to be his own. Now I say the same thing to you. So don't try to change what you were when God chose you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 2003, the lunch ladies of Holdingford, Minnesota, pooled their money to buy a lottery ticket. The ticket won, and each of the 16 school cafeteria workers walked away with approximately $2 million. Two of them subsequently retired, but the other ladies continued to come to work each day and perform the same duties as they had done before the winning ticket was confirmed… cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, and more. Just because they were transformed into millionaires overnight didn’t mean they changed into different people. They just had a little extra money for sharing with family and friends, paying off debts, sending their children to college, and taking an elderly grandma to Las Vegas on a trip!
Why do you suppose I used an illustration about the lottery for this scripture passage? I assure you I am not encouraging you to play the lottery! But I want you to notice that winning the lottery may have changed the lives of these ladies in some ways… but it did not change these ladies. And Paul is telling us that when we accept Jesus as our Savior, things will change in our lives… but we don’t have to change careers, spouses, locations and more to serve God in our newfound salvation. Sure, if we are participating in sinful activities, we need to stop. If we are associating with people who act ungodly, we probably need new friends. But quite often, as a Christian, we can stay put and serve God right where we are. We can witness to those in our workplace who may not know Him. We can bring about improvement in our relationships with spouses, family members, and friends, just by showing love, grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. We can accomplish much for God’s kingdom by demonstrating how He has transformed our own lives and attitudes.
Sometimes we all try too hard. We think we have to be something all prim and proper and buttoned-down in order to please God… and we think we have to exhibit radical transformation in order to prove to others (and ourselves?) that we have experienced salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth. God wants us to be ourselves. He wants us to demonstrate how He does extraordinary things with ordinary people. He wants us to relax, rest, and be content with who and what we are… and what He can do with us! God wants to use us to be all we can for Him… but, I repeat - He also wants us to be ourselves. Who are you trying to be these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 25, 2010
March 25 ~ Luke 24:46-48
He told them: "The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone knew some really great news that would help you tremendously. Let’s say, for instance, that you were sick, and someone knew exactly how to make you feel better – or even cure you – but he/she kept the information from you. Let’s say you desperately needed a job, and family members and friends knew of several companies that were hiring, but they never bothered to let you know… and you did not have access to this information any other way. Or, let’s say that someone let you walk around all day with a hole in your pants or your skirt tucked into your underwear… and nobody told you about this and saved you from further embarrassment. Thankfully, most of these scenarios are unlikely today, especially given the lightning speed with which “news” travels over phone lines and Internet social networks.
Now consider if the disciples had not shared the knowledge of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection with others. Suppose that there was limited firsthand information about the crucifixion from those who observed it. Maybe the word traveled as far as nearby villages as people ventured away and spread the news. But suppose that nobody ever told about the empty grave… the rolled away stone… the resurrection of Jesus on the third day. What would have happened? Wouldn’t this negate the entire sacrifice and effort of Jesus on our behalf? If we didn’t know about Jesus… and about His sacrifices and the fact that He rose on the third day and is ALIVE… how would we ever come to know Him and believe in Him? How would we ever learn of His promises – and our promise of a home with Him for eternity?
The simple fact is that someone had to tell. Jesus commanded His disciples to tell everything that had happened… but only after He empowered them with His Holy Spirit? Why was this important? Because, as humans, we tend to color things a bit… make them fuzzy around the edges… sugarcoat the rough stuff or operate in fear instead of love. Jesus wanted to make sure that His Holy Spirit led us as we shared His story and message. But He definitely wants it to be shared! And honestly, if we can tell half the world on Facebook that someone just saw Miley Cyrus shopping in a department store, can’t we tell others about Jesus Christ and how He bought and paid for our sins on the cross and now LIVES with our Heavenly Father? Can’t we share the message of how Jesus has changed our life and will do the same for others? Can’t we ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in sharing the Good News with every nation?
God has given us everything we need to accomplish this – Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, technology and communication tools galore. Now all we have to do is get up and get going. We have people to tell… Good News to share! We must tell everything that has happened and encourage everyone to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. Who have you told this news today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
He told them: "The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone knew some really great news that would help you tremendously. Let’s say, for instance, that you were sick, and someone knew exactly how to make you feel better – or even cure you – but he/she kept the information from you. Let’s say you desperately needed a job, and family members and friends knew of several companies that were hiring, but they never bothered to let you know… and you did not have access to this information any other way. Or, let’s say that someone let you walk around all day with a hole in your pants or your skirt tucked into your underwear… and nobody told you about this and saved you from further embarrassment. Thankfully, most of these scenarios are unlikely today, especially given the lightning speed with which “news” travels over phone lines and Internet social networks.
Now consider if the disciples had not shared the knowledge of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection with others. Suppose that there was limited firsthand information about the crucifixion from those who observed it. Maybe the word traveled as far as nearby villages as people ventured away and spread the news. But suppose that nobody ever told about the empty grave… the rolled away stone… the resurrection of Jesus on the third day. What would have happened? Wouldn’t this negate the entire sacrifice and effort of Jesus on our behalf? If we didn’t know about Jesus… and about His sacrifices and the fact that He rose on the third day and is ALIVE… how would we ever come to know Him and believe in Him? How would we ever learn of His promises – and our promise of a home with Him for eternity?
The simple fact is that someone had to tell. Jesus commanded His disciples to tell everything that had happened… but only after He empowered them with His Holy Spirit? Why was this important? Because, as humans, we tend to color things a bit… make them fuzzy around the edges… sugarcoat the rough stuff or operate in fear instead of love. Jesus wanted to make sure that His Holy Spirit led us as we shared His story and message. But He definitely wants it to be shared! And honestly, if we can tell half the world on Facebook that someone just saw Miley Cyrus shopping in a department store, can’t we tell others about Jesus Christ and how He bought and paid for our sins on the cross and now LIVES with our Heavenly Father? Can’t we share the message of how Jesus has changed our life and will do the same for others? Can’t we ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in sharing the Good News with every nation?
God has given us everything we need to accomplish this – Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, technology and communication tools galore. Now all we have to do is get up and get going. We have people to tell… Good News to share! We must tell everything that has happened and encourage everyone to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. Who have you told this news today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 6, 2010
February 6 ~ Genesis 17:18-20
Then he asked God, "Why not let Ishmael inherit what you have promised me?" But God answered: No! You and Sarah will have a son. His name will be Isaac, and I will make an everlasting promise to him and his descendants. I have heard what you asked me to do for Ishmael, and so I will also bless him with many descendants. He will be the father of twelve princes, and I will make his family a great nation.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have seen the movie Pay It Forward. The premise is that when someone does
something nice for you, instead of repaying the person who did the good deed, you “pay it forward” and do something nice for another person. Often, this has remarkable results for everyone involved.
Intercessory prayer – praying for someone else – is a lot like “paying it forward.” And when we pray for others from our heart… out of a deep sense of love and concern for that person and not just “lip service,” the blessings multiply. That’s what happened with Abraham. Rather than ask God to do extraordinary things and give him a child with his wife Sarah, Abraham said (paraphrasing here), “Just bless my son Ishmael, and we’ll call it good.” But God saw Abraham’s humility and heart and decided to bless him and his wife, Sarah – AND his son Ishmael.
I’m not saying that every time you pray for someone else, you will get an inheritance or some big prize. But I can tell you from experience that the times I have reached out to someone else, in prayer or in some other gesture, I felt like I got the bigger blessing. God hears our prayers – and he hears the prayers we offer for others. Who have you prayed for lately? Are you “paying it forward?”
©2009 Debbie Robus
Then he asked God, "Why not let Ishmael inherit what you have promised me?" But God answered: No! You and Sarah will have a son. His name will be Isaac, and I will make an everlasting promise to him and his descendants. I have heard what you asked me to do for Ishmael, and so I will also bless him with many descendants. He will be the father of twelve princes, and I will make his family a great nation.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have seen the movie Pay It Forward. The premise is that when someone does
something nice for you, instead of repaying the person who did the good deed, you “pay it forward” and do something nice for another person. Often, this has remarkable results for everyone involved.
Intercessory prayer – praying for someone else – is a lot like “paying it forward.” And when we pray for others from our heart… out of a deep sense of love and concern for that person and not just “lip service,” the blessings multiply. That’s what happened with Abraham. Rather than ask God to do extraordinary things and give him a child with his wife Sarah, Abraham said (paraphrasing here), “Just bless my son Ishmael, and we’ll call it good.” But God saw Abraham’s humility and heart and decided to bless him and his wife, Sarah – AND his son Ishmael.
I’m not saying that every time you pray for someone else, you will get an inheritance or some big prize. But I can tell you from experience that the times I have reached out to someone else, in prayer or in some other gesture, I felt like I got the bigger blessing. God hears our prayers – and he hears the prayers we offer for others. Who have you prayed for lately? Are you “paying it forward?”
©2009 Debbie Robus
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