Daily Devotional for October 28, 2016

Matthew 5:43-47    
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

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 had to “unfollow” a few Facebook friends this week, because their posts became so vile and disgusting that I could no longer read them. And while I am not as faithful and obedient about this as I should be, I do pray for people who are spouting rhetoric that is confusing at best…and downright appalling and demeaning in many cases. I ask God to bring truth to the forefront, to rebuke those who are spreading hateful rumors and ideologies, and to heal the hearts of those who have made such toxic thoughts their stock in trade.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been on the receiving end of untruths and unkind treatment. I know how much that hurts. I also know how difficult it can be to receive undeserved grace from someone I have offended or insulted in some way – even if unintentionally. If you are honest, you probably will agree that when we receive grace and kindness from someone we know we have mistreated or disrespected, we usually feel at least a tad embarrassed.  You’ve heard people say, “I wish you would just hit me and get it over with”…meaning that a physical punishment would be easier to stomach than having to accept the other person’s leniency and mercy.

What does this mean for us as Christians?  I think Jesus is pretty clear.  When someone insults us or offends us in some way, we are to swallow our pride, anger, and indignation…and “take the high road.”  We are to genuinely and sincerely pray for that person with a real desire for God to speak to this individual and heal his/her heart – but not in the sense of “LORD, You need to FIX him/her!” - or even out of a desire to make the other person feel badly.

We need to be gracious, tender, and “kill ‘em with kindness!”  And here’s why…this is exactly what God does for us, each and every day.  You and I continually insult and demean God.  We trample on Him in ways we can’t even count.  And He lovingly and graciously continues to care for us and meet our every need. This humbles me…because I know that most of the time, I don’t deserve such compassionate treatment.

If we want to be true servants, we have to do this for others.  If we want to be real disciples of Christ, we have to obey His commands – including this one!  As Jesus put it…we are either all in with Him…or we are just one more run-of-the-mill sinner.  I know which “camp” I want to be in…what about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 18, 2016

Matthew 5:44-47
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.”

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.

Let’s be honest…there is at least one person in our lives who rubs us the wrong way.  Whether or not we consider him/her an “enemy” may be debatable…but this individual makes us bristle with anxiety – or maybe even anger – every time we hear his/her name mentioned. Perhaps you are bullied at school or in the workplace.  Maybe there is a politician or public official who makes your blood boil.  There may be people in your church or community who get on your last nerve.  You may have a few family members who you avoid at all costs.  And maybe other people feel this same way about YOU!

As I read this passage today, I was hit between the eyes with the thought that I seldom pray for my “enemies.”  I don’t pray often – or fervently – enough for that person who posts hate-filled political rants on social media.  I don’t pray for the terrorists around the world…the gang leaders who are sending members to infiltrate our cities and introduce our children to drugs…the busybody who makes it his/her mission to stir up trouble in the church, school, social circles and the community…the individual who abuses people or pets…and more. I don’t pray for children who may not be nice to my kids…bosses who bully their employees…and people who think they are better than everyone else.

As this passage points out, it’s easy to love those who love us and agree with us.  It’s a no-brainer to pray for them and ask God to bless them and meet their every need.  But it’s HARD to pray for those who are our “enemies” or upset us in some manner. It’s a real struggle to be nice to the bully…or at the very least, refrain from saying unkind things about hateful and hate-filled people…or to ask God to guard and guide the person who hurt your child or another loved one.  But this is exactly what Jesus tells us to do in this passage.

If we want to truly follow Jesus, we have to really follow Him.  This means we must obey ALL of His commands…including the one to love those who bring out the worst in us.  I can think of a few people that I need to add to my prayer list today.  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 24, 2015

August 24 ~ Luke 6:32-36
“Do you think you deserve credit for merely loving those who love you? Even the godless do that! And if you do good only to those who do you good—is that so wonderful? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, what good is that? Even the most wicked will lend to their own kind for full return!

“Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don’t be concerned about the fact that they won’t repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as sons of God: for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are very wicked.

“Try to show as much compassion as your Father does."

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

Early in my adult life, I worked for a supervisor who had actually stated that one of his goals was to “make or break” first-year employees.  He deliberately made things difficult for them, stirred up conflict, and created situations that tested one’s fortitude and courage.  After one particularly ugly incident with this man, a co-worker offered me words of kindness and compassion…and some advice I’ve never forgotten.  She said, “Kill him with kindness.” 

Are you kidding me?  This person had just treated me horribly…made things incredibly tough for me…acted in a manner that was reprehensible.  And now I was supposed to be extra kind to him?  I was also reminded by some well-meaning, loving friends and family members that it was hard to feel unkindly toward those for whom we pray.  I was already praying – for my own courage and strength in the face of this person’s unkindness.  But now I was challenged to pray for him!  It almost seemed like too much.

I wish I could say that this was the only time in my life that I worked for a “tyrant” or with co-workers who were unpleasant or had an axe to grind.  Sadly, this appears to be more commonplace than we would like to think!  But I am grateful that I learned early on to follow Jesus’ words in this scripture passage from Luke 6.  My parents taught me as a youngster that retaliation was not the answer…that being who God designed me to be and "taking the high road" would bring far better results.  I learned that “killing with kindness” and praying for my “enemies” might not always make the other person nicer…that the path I traveled might not instantly be easier.  But in the end, I would have the satisfaction of knowing that I honored my commitment to God…that I demonstrated the love of Christ even to those who were unlovely.

This is not an easy choice.  There are days when we all want to fight back and “let ‘em have it!”  I can assure you that even in recent months, I have found it very hard to love and tolerate some people who have been incredibly unkind and divisive.  When you are hurting, it’s hard to show love and compassion for those who have committed the offenses.  But I remind myself of times when both Greg and I were told by someone, “I’ve watched you from afar…I’ve observed how kind and decent you were to XYZ.  I’ve seen how you treated them far better than they deserved and held your tongue, even when you could have said plenty.”  I know that people are watching...that what we say and do matters…and often what we DON’T say or do is just as significant.

If we want to please God, we have to emulate Jesus.  And He gave us the perfect example of how to treat those who mistreat us. Let’s be honest, to do any less puts us in the same category as those who are “wicked.”  Take the high road…kill ‘em with kindness…pray for your enemies and those who have hurt or disappointed you in some way.  Let them see Jesus in you and your every action and reaction.  The satisfaction of knowing that you honored Him with your obedient spirit will be better than any momentary pleasure over an impulsive retaliation. 

Don’t let these people steal your joy in Christ. Love others – ALL of them – as Jesus loves you…and find your peace in knowing that you have honored your commitment to love and serve Him in all things.

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 24, 2012

Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”

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.

The other day, I tried to open a utensil drawer in my kitchen, and I couldn’t get it to budge. Something inside was sticking up and blocking the drawer from opening fully. Until I removed whatever was in the way, I was not going to be able to get to the tool I ultimately needed.

As Christians, we do this a lot… we block God’s blessings by refusing to forgive others. We fail to recognize that God loves the person with whom we have a beef of some sort just as much as He loves us. God has commanded us to “love one another” – and even to “love your enemies.” So when we fail to be obedient… when we harbor feelings of anger, resentment, disappointment, disgust, jealousy, frustration – or even rage… we effectively “block the drawer” of God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness and blessings from opening.

I understand… I get it. There are times when we get so upset with someone else that we cannot even utter their name to pray for them – much less offer forgiveness. And the devil absolutely goes ape with delight over this! But God is not amused. He understands… He really does… because He sees us in our human form (warts and all!). And He loves us and is willing to forgive us for these emotions – when we humbly ask for pardon. But God also expects us to turn around and share that same mercy with the person for whom we expressed such disdain.

This is a hard, hard lesson… one that takes many of us years to learn. We are bullied as children, and we harbor grudges. We may have teachers who are hard on us… parents who frustrate us… bosses who make going to work every day downright miserable…and friends, family and church family members who never seem to give us a break. So of course, we go to God and ask, “Can you please help me here?” And God will gladly do this. But we have to do our part, too.

You know that stuck drawer I mentioned? Have you ever been able to reach in and grab something – maybe even what you wanted or needed – but the drawer stayed stuck and you couldn’t get to everything? This is what I’m talking about. God may allow you a few things. But He has so much more “in the drawer” that He wants to share with you. Why on earth would you want to miss out on a single blessing or opportunity that God has for you?

Stop what you are doing for a few minutes today and examine your heart. Ask God to reveal to you the areas where you are blocking a blessing and/or a pardon because of your unwillingness to offer the same to others. Figure out how to get unstuck, so that you can free yourself from the burdens of an unforgiving heart… and bask in the joy of receiving all of God’s grace, mercy and abundance.

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 30, 2012

Matthew 5:43-47
"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

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.

Lately, we’ve had a lot of spotty rain showers. Just last week, my husband and I watched out our back windows as sheets of rain blew across the river valley below us – and barely a drop touched our yard for the longest time. How could the refreshing rain be so close… and yet so far away?

We have commented to each other that “Somebody who needs rain is getting it,” and we have been thankful for this. As our drought conditions continue, it would be easy to be resentful when our neighbors across town receive an inch of rain, and we get only a few drops. If that neighbor happened to be someone we really didn’t like, we could build up a pretty good head of steam over his/her soggy blessing. “That lousy fellow got water for his lawn, and we didn’t get any! How could God bless HIM?! What’s He doing letting THAT guy have rain and not us?!”

I hope you can see how ridiculous this is even as you read it. But if we are honest, we behave in exactly this manner about many things – and often! We cheer when our “enemy” is wounded in some way, and we gripe and complain if he/she gets a break. When we are wronged - or this happens to someone we care about - it rarely (if ever) occurs to us to pray for the offender… to ask God to soften his/her heart and to bring about a spirit of remorse and a desire for restitution. Instead, we rant and rave, wring our hands and cry… and we ask God “Why, LORD, WHY?” We treat these “enemies” with disdain – and sometimes disrespect.

What do you suppose would happen if we began to fervently and genuinely pray for our “enemies?” What if we prayed for the shooter who killed and injured more than 70 people recently in Colorado… or those who oppose the political candidates we support? Suppose we were to begin praying for those who mistreat and disrespect the people who do not share their views on everything from universal health care and gun control to abortion, gay rights and what constitutes a “traditional marriage?”

What if we prayed for those who protest at funerals and bomb abortion clinics? Have you ever considered what might happen if we prayed for the monsters that exploit little children, tyrants who are cruel and repressive toward the people under their control, and those who are so sick of mind as to torture innocent animals?

Closer to home, what if you prayed for that neighbor who drives you nuts, the kid in your class who is obnoxious, the teacher who intimidates students, the person who disagrees with your views on anything and everything, or the boss who is never satisfied with your work? What do you suppose would happen if you started to pray passionately for that church member who drives you up the wall or the crazy relative you wished belonged to another family?

I love how this passage explains that it’s easy to love those who agree with you and are so “lovable.” Loving the unlovely – or those who differ with us in some way – is much harder… but far more important! When we start to operate in love and concern for others… ALL others… we open the doors for God to step through and perform miracles. And notice I did NOT say to pray for these people to come around to our way of thinking! We are not asking God to necessarily change the other person… we are merely asking Him to work in this person’s life according to His will. This is very important!

When we take a step backward and look at even our worst “enemy” and say, “This is God’s child, too,” we begin to see this person in a different light. He/she may still be disagreeable, different, messed up, confused… or even evil. But God sees at least the potential for worth and significance – and HE has the final say. Our change in attitude may not have the effect that WE desire… but all concerned will be forever transformed as we place the judgment and outcome in God’s hands and operate totally in His love.

I suggest you start small. Pick out one person today that needs your love and prayers. Tomorrow, select another (you know there is more than one!), and pray for him/her. Notice how God works in and through you as you begin to release your negative feelings and allow Him to have complete control. Surrender to God’s will and operate in His love for ALL of His children. Make every effort to get to a place in your own faith walk where your joy comes from learning to truly celebrate when the other guy gets rain…and you don’t!

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 20, 2012

Luke 17:3-4
"Be alert. If you see your friend going wrong, correct him. If he responds, forgive him. Even if it's personal against you and repeated seven times through the day, and seven times he says, 'I'm sorry, I won't do it again,' forgive him."

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

Once again, our country is deep in the throes of a horrific tragedy, as we learn more details about the senseless shooting that took place in a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, early this morning. We are heartsick for the victims and their families. We shake our heads and ask, “What sort of derelict could do this?” And therein lies part of the answer… this had to be the work of someone who was not of sound mind.

Certainly this person deserves to be punished for his crimes. Surely he must be kept away from society, so that no one else is harmed. But we must also remind ourselves that he has a mom and a dad… maybe siblings, other family members, and friends. He could be your brother… or my son… or a beloved cousin, significant other, or roommate. He is most assuredly a precious child of God. And as such, we must find it in our hearts to forgive him.

We do not diminish what this young man has done… we do not excuse his behavior in any way… we merely release any feelings of hate or unkindness we have toward him and allow God to heal our hearts. As the Aurora, Colorado, police chief said in a press conference, we will all get through this.

I pray that none of us ever has to personally experience anything as dreadful as the events of today. But all of us will be offended, insulted, mistreated or hurt in some way – most likely many times in our lives. How will we handle this? Will we become angry and sullen, hold a grudge and let the bitterness eat us alive? Will we give Satan this satisfaction? Or will we operate in the love of Christ and forgive not only those who ask us to do so… but also those who don’t?

We weren’t there when Jesus died on the cross, but He did it anyway… and asked God to forgive us. We may have asked His forgiveness since that time… and we should… but Jesus offered us love and compassion long beforehand. And we should do the same for others.

Everywhere we turn, people are saying, “Pray for the people of Colorado.” I would offer that we should also pray for the shooter… his family and friends… and anyone who has wronged us in any way – whether he/she has asked for our forgiveness or not. If we want Jesus to forgive us and love us unconditionally, we must be prepared to do no less than this for others. Who do you need to forgive today?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Psalm 118:5-7
When I was really hurting, I prayed to the LORD. He answered my prayer, and took my worries away. The LORD is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me. With the LORD on my side, I will defeat all of my hateful enemies.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

A few weeks ago, I was very worried about a specific situation. I prayed… hard… and asked God to take this burden… to give me peace. But the devil was having such a good time making me miserable… and he kept bringing up troubling thoughts. “What if this...? What if that happens? Did you think about such-and such?” I begged God for a specific outcome… MY will, I knew - but I asked that it be His, also.

In the end, I humbled myself – quite literally on my knees – and tearfully told God, “Okay. If your will is not mine, then You have to make this okay. You have to protect those involved and fix this situation… because I cannot!” And I got up and walked away, leaving my burdens and the devil for God to wrestle. I continued to pray… and I won’t say I didn’t grieve over the situation at times in the days that followed. But I was done worrying and being afraid.

I have to tell you, this was huge for me… a lesson I have had to experience many times in recent years. This either makes me a slow learner or human – or both! But each time, I feel I grow a little in my faith and my walk with God… and the pain and worry don’t consume me like they once did. And they don’t stick around nearly as long now, either. I’m not “there” yet… but I’m on my way.

What about you? Is God dealing with your enemies and defeating them for you? Is he answering your prayers and taking your worries… and are you truly praying with confidence that He can and will do this? Whose side are you on… and who is on your side? Choose God. Let Him fight your battles. Trust Him for the outcome… and let the worries go. I know it isn’t easy… but He will make it all okay. Don’t trust me on this… trust GOD… and allow Him to do exactly what He has promised.

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 4, 2011

Psalm 109:1-20
I praise you, God! Don't keep silent. Destructive and deceitful lies are told about me, and hateful things are said for no reason. I had pity and prayed [a] for my enemies, but their words to me were harsh and cruel. For being friendly and kind, they paid me back with meanness and hatred.

My enemies said, "Find some worthless fools to accuse him of a crime. Try him and find him guilty! Consider his prayers a lie. Cut his life short and let someone else have his job. Make orphans of his children and a widow of his wife; make his children beg for food and live in the slums. "Let the people he owes take everything he owns. Give it all to strangers. Don't let anyone be kind to him or have pity on the children he leaves behind. Bring an end to his family, and from now on let him be a forgotten man.

"Don't let the LORD forgive the sins of his parents and his ancestors. Don't let the LORD forget the sins of his family, or let anyone remember his family ever lived. He was so cruel to the poor, homeless, and discouraged that they died young. "He cursed others. Now place a curse on him! He never wished others well. Wish only trouble for him! He cursed others more often than he dressed himself.

Let his curses strike him deep, just as water and olive oil soak through to our bones. Let his curses surround him, just like the clothes he wears each day." Those are the cruel things my enemies wish for me. Let it all happen to them!

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

If you want to truly find out what your Christian faith is made of, pray for your enemy. Pray for your opponent, the other candidates, the bully, the overbearing boss, the abusive spouse, the church members who don’t seem to care, and the wayward child. Pray for those we fight against in faraway countries… and the next-door neighbor with home you have an ongoing spat.

In this passage, David is telling God all of the mean things that have been done to him… and yes, they are all pretty rotten. And I’m betting some mean, rotten things have been said and done to each of us over time. But in the end, David asks God to give it all back to his enemies… “Let it all happen to them!”

My question to you is this… “How does this make David any better than those who are mistreating him?” The answer is that it doesn’t. God will mete out consequences and punishment to those who disobey and mistreat others… in His own way. He doesn’t need us to tell Him what to do. At the same time, I don’t want us to be afraid to bare our souls to God and tell Him how we really feel. First of all, He knows already… and secondly, this may have been what David was doing – venting, without really expecting God to be so cruel to the enemies. God wants us to be honest with Him about how we feel… to give Him a chance to show us His power and love – and to possibly temper our feelings and show us a better way. Then we must trust Him to decide how to handle things.

At the end of the day, we are all God’s children… even those who seem evil and cruel and deal us grief on a continual basis. We must learn to love even those who are so hard to love… to pour our hearts out to God and give Him our concerns and our pain… and allow Him to have final judgment.

Lastly, we must not take consolation when others suffer. Reveling in the feeling that someone got what they deserved is not Christ-like thinking. We must not take joy in someone else’s misfortune, no matter how awful that person may have been to us and/or others. If we are to truly mature into strong, effective, faithful servants of Jesus Christ, we must become more like Him in every way. Look at how He forgave on the cross. Are we ready – and able – to do the same in our everyday lives? Shouldn’t we be?

Give God your troubles… tell Him how you really feel. Then trust Him to handle the outcome perfectly, according to His will. Pray for your enemies, and let God have the last word. He will see that perfect justice is done.

©2011 Debbie Robus