Proverbs 18:12
Pride ends in destruction; humility ends in honor.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
I was working a little
jigsaw puzzle with Nathan and Zola, and they were having trouble putting
the pieces together. Four-year-old Zola was more patient. She would
even accept my suggestions about how to turn a puzzle piece…or the
gentle reminder that “I don’t think that piece fits there.” Nathan, who
is not quite three, threw up his hands and walked away. This was
actually Nathan’s puzzle…a picture of one of his favorite
characters – Spiderman! He missed out on most of the fun of watching
this superhero come together as we worked in tandem to finish the
puzzle.
Frequently, children get frustrated as they try to figure
out how to manipulate their toys or games. And when an adult offers to
help, they often protest…”I can do it myself! I don’t need any help.”
Generally, the child ends up coming to the adult at some point and
asking, “Can you help me?” or “Will you fix this?”
Man! Are we
ever like these little kids sometimes! It’s “our way or the highway!”
We know what we are doing…and our opinion is the only one that counts –
until we discover that there was more to the story - or that another
point of view actually does make more sense. Or we decide that we can NOT handle
whatever issue/challenge is before us…and the person who so gently and
kindly offered to help might actually want to assist and have no “hidden
agenda.” Rather than suspect an ulterior motive, maybe we should humbly
accept their offer!
Some of us will remain steadfast and
stubborn…and “let the chips fall where they may” – which is often
nothing short of a train wreck. Others figure out that a little “humble
pie” is a good thing from time to time…and maybe we are not always
right. It might just be possible that we don’t have all of the answers –
or know how to do everything under the sun.
I don’t know where
you fall on this spectrum…but I do know Someone who can help you figure
this out…and His name is Jesus. Call on Him today, and ask Him to show
you where your pride has gotten in the way. Ask Jesus to help you see
where you have a hardened and stubborn heart…and where you could use a
little assistance from a friend or loved one.
Don’t hesitate to
ask for help from anyone – especially Jesus. It’s time to end the
wallowing in pride, destruction and self-service. Make this the day
that you humble yourself and start to really enjoy all of God’s
blessings. Will you have a dollop of ice cream with that slice of
“pie?”
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label pride. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pride. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 30, 2015
Proverbs 16:5
Pride disgusts the Lord. Take my word for it - proud men shall be punished.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy was terribly restless yesterday. He had a huge week and weekend, which included a trip on Thursday with his great-grandparents to Blanchard Caverns …and a “guys trip” Saturday night to the stock car races with his Uncle Greg, his Paw-paw, and his dad. I think there were other special activities, too…and by Monday morning, he was one tired little boy. Like a lot of kids, Timothy does NOT like to nap. So we had a lot of discussions yesterday that went like this…”But I don’t WANT to take a nap! Don’t rock me…you’re trying to make me go to sleep! I’m hungry! But I CAN’T calm down! I’m really NOT tired!”
When Timothy’s mom came to pick up the children after work, he told her, “Mother, I was HORRIBLE today.” She said, “Oh, I bet you weren’t that bad!” He replied, “Oh, yes I was! I was HORRIBLE!” Now a lot of children would have totally tried to cover up their “horrible” day…but as Timothy’s mother pointed out – “at least he’s honest!”
Thankfully, this six-year-old boy has not developed a truly prideful heart…and I wish that I could believe that he never will. Time will tell…but a lot of children have learned to “cover their tracks” by the time they are 8 or 9. They know how to spin things to their advantage and make themselves look good – or at least innocent. And when they ARE discovered, the first question (whether voiced or implied) is generally, “Do you still love me?”
As adults, a lot of people want to “spin things,” or force their opinion and ideas on others…then excuse this with, “We can disagree and still love each other!” The trouble is, more often than not, these people shove their agendas down the throats of others in a judgmental, condescending, and anything-but-loving manner.
Read this passage from Mark 12:28-31…”One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, ‘What is the most important commandment?’
Jesus answered, ‘The most important one says: “People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” The second most important commandment says: “Love others as much as you love yourself.” No other commandment is more important than these.’
If you can figure out where in this passage Jesus tells us that it’s okay to be prideful or arrogant in our “loving”…then show me! Too many of us want to push our own agendas with criticism – and even an atmosphere of fear and hatred – and then excuse it all with, “But we still love you!” as if those on the receiving end should somehow be grateful.
I cannot stress enough how disheartened I am by the attitudes, words and actions of many people in recent days. The attacks have been prideful…and vicious. And far too many people are trying to hide behind the name of Jesus as they toss daggers and stones. I implore each of us to search our hearts and look for places where we are spinning things to suit our own whims. Where have we “acted horrible” and then hoped that people would love us anyway? If we find even a snippet of this malice and manipulation, I pray that we would ask God to remove it from us…for good.
Proud men will indeed be punished. Let’s do everything we can to make sure that we are not among them! If we make a concerted effort to operate in love, there will be no room for pride and judgment. Are you ready to do some heart “search and rescue?” Don’t you think this is a good time to start?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Pride disgusts the Lord. Take my word for it - proud men shall be punished.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy was terribly restless yesterday. He had a huge week and weekend, which included a trip on Thursday with his great-grandparents to Blanchard Caverns …and a “guys trip” Saturday night to the stock car races with his Uncle Greg, his Paw-paw, and his dad. I think there were other special activities, too…and by Monday morning, he was one tired little boy. Like a lot of kids, Timothy does NOT like to nap. So we had a lot of discussions yesterday that went like this…”But I don’t WANT to take a nap! Don’t rock me…you’re trying to make me go to sleep! I’m hungry! But I CAN’T calm down! I’m really NOT tired!”
When Timothy’s mom came to pick up the children after work, he told her, “Mother, I was HORRIBLE today.” She said, “Oh, I bet you weren’t that bad!” He replied, “Oh, yes I was! I was HORRIBLE!” Now a lot of children would have totally tried to cover up their “horrible” day…but as Timothy’s mother pointed out – “at least he’s honest!”
Thankfully, this six-year-old boy has not developed a truly prideful heart…and I wish that I could believe that he never will. Time will tell…but a lot of children have learned to “cover their tracks” by the time they are 8 or 9. They know how to spin things to their advantage and make themselves look good – or at least innocent. And when they ARE discovered, the first question (whether voiced or implied) is generally, “Do you still love me?”
As adults, a lot of people want to “spin things,” or force their opinion and ideas on others…then excuse this with, “We can disagree and still love each other!” The trouble is, more often than not, these people shove their agendas down the throats of others in a judgmental, condescending, and anything-but-loving manner.
Read this passage from Mark 12:28-31…”One of the teachers of the Law of Moses came up while Jesus and the Sadducees were arguing. When he heard Jesus give a good answer, he asked him, ‘What is the most important commandment?’
Jesus answered, ‘The most important one says: “People of Israel, you have only one Lord and God. You must love him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” The second most important commandment says: “Love others as much as you love yourself.” No other commandment is more important than these.’
If you can figure out where in this passage Jesus tells us that it’s okay to be prideful or arrogant in our “loving”…then show me! Too many of us want to push our own agendas with criticism – and even an atmosphere of fear and hatred – and then excuse it all with, “But we still love you!” as if those on the receiving end should somehow be grateful.
I cannot stress enough how disheartened I am by the attitudes, words and actions of many people in recent days. The attacks have been prideful…and vicious. And far too many people are trying to hide behind the name of Jesus as they toss daggers and stones. I implore each of us to search our hearts and look for places where we are spinning things to suit our own whims. Where have we “acted horrible” and then hoped that people would love us anyway? If we find even a snippet of this malice and manipulation, I pray that we would ask God to remove it from us…for good.
Proud men will indeed be punished. Let’s do everything we can to make sure that we are not among them! If we make a concerted effort to operate in love, there will be no room for pride and judgment. Are you ready to do some heart “search and rescue?” Don’t you think this is a good time to start?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 15, 2012
James 4:16-17
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 23, 2012
Romans 12:3
I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The final two contestants on American Idol were 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, from San Diego, California… and 21-year-old Phillip Phillips, from Leesburg, Georgia. Both have amazing talent. Sanchez sings like someone almost twice her age. Phillips has a knack for sounding like a lot of musical artists… and creating his own “sound” as well. Neither of these young people were taught how to do these things… their talent is a God-given gift. For either of them to take personal credit for their abilities – or the ultimate title of American Idol – would be ludicrous. With coaching and instruction, each would probably be a good singer/entertainer. But what sets them apart from the average singer in any town in America is an extraordinary talent – a gift from God.
There are things we can accomplish on our own, perhaps. We can study and learn… we can exercise and build muscle mass and strength… we can practice playing a musical instrument and become fairly adept at creating a pretty sound. But for everything we can do “on our own,” there are countless things that we would never be able to accomplish without God’s help… His grace, mercy, love and blessings. And honestly, our ability to learn anything is in itself a gift from God. If God had not blessed us with the capability to absorb knowledge… or to move physically… we would never be able to learn or move! Everything we have and are is a gift from God!
Knowing this… why on earth would we ever take credit for things? Why would we ever think we are better than we really are? We are only as good as the gifts God gives us – and what we do with them. Does that mean that some of us could not do a whole lot better? Do many of us squander what God has given us? Absolutely! Do most of us fail to fully recognize and acknowledge God’s presence in our lives? Most certainly! So what are we doing about this? Shouldn’t our aim become to do better at giving credit where credit is due? Isn’t it time we focused on praising God for all He has done for us… all He has given us… and putting our own ego in the back seat?
God may not be calling us to be the next American Idol, rocket scientist, or CEO of a major corporation. He may be calling us to be the best “ordinary” servant we can be. Our job is to pay attention… to be ready to serve however and wherever God desires… and to give Him all the glory for what He accomplishes in and through us. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The final two contestants on American Idol were 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, from San Diego, California… and 21-year-old Phillip Phillips, from Leesburg, Georgia. Both have amazing talent. Sanchez sings like someone almost twice her age. Phillips has a knack for sounding like a lot of musical artists… and creating his own “sound” as well. Neither of these young people were taught how to do these things… their talent is a God-given gift. For either of them to take personal credit for their abilities – or the ultimate title of American Idol – would be ludicrous. With coaching and instruction, each would probably be a good singer/entertainer. But what sets them apart from the average singer in any town in America is an extraordinary talent – a gift from God.
There are things we can accomplish on our own, perhaps. We can study and learn… we can exercise and build muscle mass and strength… we can practice playing a musical instrument and become fairly adept at creating a pretty sound. But for everything we can do “on our own,” there are countless things that we would never be able to accomplish without God’s help… His grace, mercy, love and blessings. And honestly, our ability to learn anything is in itself a gift from God. If God had not blessed us with the capability to absorb knowledge… or to move physically… we would never be able to learn or move! Everything we have and are is a gift from God!
Knowing this… why on earth would we ever take credit for things? Why would we ever think we are better than we really are? We are only as good as the gifts God gives us – and what we do with them. Does that mean that some of us could not do a whole lot better? Do many of us squander what God has given us? Absolutely! Do most of us fail to fully recognize and acknowledge God’s presence in our lives? Most certainly! So what are we doing about this? Shouldn’t our aim become to do better at giving credit where credit is due? Isn’t it time we focused on praising God for all He has done for us… all He has given us… and putting our own ego in the back seat?
God may not be calling us to be the next American Idol, rocket scientist, or CEO of a major corporation. He may be calling us to be the best “ordinary” servant we can be. Our job is to pay attention… to be ready to serve however and wherever God desires… and to give Him all the glory for what He accomplishes in and through us. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 22, 2012
Psalm 128:1
The Lord will bless you if you respect him and obey his laws.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version ©1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I saw a news report on a documentary film that has been made about drug dealers in Mexico… except the actors were all children instead of adults. The four-minute film is a commentary on the upcoming presidential elections in our neighboring country to the south. Deemed a “wake-up” call, this “mocumentary” has gone viral on YouTube and ends with a little girl saying, “If this is the future that awaits me, I don't want it. Enough of working for your political parties instead of for us. Enough of cosmetic changes.”
As I watched the video, I was struck by the thought that every adult is someone’s child. And in that context, I would hope we find it a little more difficult to be so harsh and judgmental toward others. At the very least, when we think about the person who commits a heinous crime and see his/her grieving parents on the news, we should have compassion… for them AND – to some degree - for the culprit. Somewhere along the line, this person lost his/her respect for – and obedience to – God’s laws. And in many ways, we have all done the same thing as we choose to follow our own desires – or the will of man – rather than God’s.
We are all familiar with the “Ten Commandments” as given to Moses by God. We probably all know them pretty well by heart. But in the New Testament, Jesus gave us two basic “laws”… “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, mind and soul,” and “Love one another as He has loved us.” If/when we do these things, everything else falls into place. All you have to do is stop and ask yourself if your words and actions reflect a love for God with all your heart, mind and soul… and whether they show a love for others. It’s truly that simple… and that complicated all at once!
If we consider Jesus’ commands, we cannot be judgmental, immoral, unkind, indecent, or perverse. We cannot be arrogant, pious, or proud. We cannot murder, steal, lie or cheat. To love God on this level means we must fully surrender our “program” for God’s… and walk in respect and reverence of Him at all times.
I don’t know what man-made “laws” - or interpretations of God’s law - are governing (and/or burdening) you today. But I do know that the only laws that matter are God’s… and it’s up to us to determine which are which! If we operate in the fear (respect and reverence) of the LORD and walk in His ways… obey His laws… our choices and decisions become fairly simple – and the blessings are sure to be evident. Ask yourself simply and prayerfully, “Does this line up with the word and will of God?” Your answer will determine how you proceed… and inevitably control the outcome.
To paraphrase the little girl in the movie…“Enough of living according to man’s law and his interpretation of the word of God. Enough of pretending to serve God while serving our own interests.” It’s time to make sure we are in step with God’s will at all times. Are you asking the right questions? Whose laws are you following these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
The Lord will bless you if you respect him and obey his laws.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version ©1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I saw a news report on a documentary film that has been made about drug dealers in Mexico… except the actors were all children instead of adults. The four-minute film is a commentary on the upcoming presidential elections in our neighboring country to the south. Deemed a “wake-up” call, this “mocumentary” has gone viral on YouTube and ends with a little girl saying, “If this is the future that awaits me, I don't want it. Enough of working for your political parties instead of for us. Enough of cosmetic changes.”
As I watched the video, I was struck by the thought that every adult is someone’s child. And in that context, I would hope we find it a little more difficult to be so harsh and judgmental toward others. At the very least, when we think about the person who commits a heinous crime and see his/her grieving parents on the news, we should have compassion… for them AND – to some degree - for the culprit. Somewhere along the line, this person lost his/her respect for – and obedience to – God’s laws. And in many ways, we have all done the same thing as we choose to follow our own desires – or the will of man – rather than God’s.
We are all familiar with the “Ten Commandments” as given to Moses by God. We probably all know them pretty well by heart. But in the New Testament, Jesus gave us two basic “laws”… “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, mind and soul,” and “Love one another as He has loved us.” If/when we do these things, everything else falls into place. All you have to do is stop and ask yourself if your words and actions reflect a love for God with all your heart, mind and soul… and whether they show a love for others. It’s truly that simple… and that complicated all at once!
If we consider Jesus’ commands, we cannot be judgmental, immoral, unkind, indecent, or perverse. We cannot be arrogant, pious, or proud. We cannot murder, steal, lie or cheat. To love God on this level means we must fully surrender our “program” for God’s… and walk in respect and reverence of Him at all times.
I don’t know what man-made “laws” - or interpretations of God’s law - are governing (and/or burdening) you today. But I do know that the only laws that matter are God’s… and it’s up to us to determine which are which! If we operate in the fear (respect and reverence) of the LORD and walk in His ways… obey His laws… our choices and decisions become fairly simple – and the blessings are sure to be evident. Ask yourself simply and prayerfully, “Does this line up with the word and will of God?” Your answer will determine how you proceed… and inevitably control the outcome.
To paraphrase the little girl in the movie…“Enough of living according to man’s law and his interpretation of the word of God. Enough of pretending to serve God while serving our own interests.” It’s time to make sure we are in step with God’s will at all times. Are you asking the right questions? Whose laws are you following these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 21, 2012
2 Chronicles 16:7-9
Just after that, Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said, "Because you went for help to the king of Aram and didn't ask God for help, you've lost a victory over the army of the king of Aram. Didn't the Ethiopians and Libyans come against you with superior forces, completely outclassing you with their chariots and cavalry? But you asked God for help and he gave you the victory. God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God's help. Now you're in trouble—one round of war after another."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Timothy has a book that we must have read a thousand times or more, entitled I Can Do It Myself. The book features Sesame Street characters that tie their own shoes, make their own bed, button their own buttons, and much more. Even though Timothy could not do many of these things himself, he loved reading about his friends like Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster, Bettie Lou and Elmo who could do many things for themselves and enjoyed exerting their independence.
Learning to do things for themselves marks monumental milestones in the life of a toddler or small child. We want our children to function independently. But I can tell you firsthand that watching your little ones learn to depend less on you for certain things is bittersweet. I liked that Timmy needed me to read bedtime stories to him. I know the day will come all too quickly when he will outgrow this. I liked pushing him in the stroller… and when he began to balk at riding in it, I was a little sad. Even though I’m glad he can walk and run and is growing in his abilities, the day he learned to crawl – then walk – changed the entire game around our house! And as he gets older and “outgrows” us, he will listen less and less to our advice and try more and more to do things his own way… with mixed results.
Imagine how God must feel as He sits and watches us flounder and try to do things on our own that we are in no way equipped to accomplish. Whether we physically voice it or not, we tell Him all the time that “I can do it myself.” And quite often, nothing could be farther from the truth. Then we have the nerve to question why we’re in such a pickle.
Things don’t have to be this way. Your pride is at stake here… but not in the way you imagine. By asking God for His help, acknowledging His will and listening to His answers, you are assuring victory and success. Trying to do things by yourself will result in a wounded pride at best… and the potential for disaster.
Don’t place yourself in a position to fail. Wouldn’t you rather go to God in the beginning than have to crawl to Him later after you’ve made a royal mess of things? God wants to open up and show His strength on our behalf. In order to do this, we have to operate in His kingdom and do His will. Yes, I can do it myself in many instances… but I must let God show me how and when this applies. Do you respect His decisions and guidance… are you really listening?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Just after that, Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said, "Because you went for help to the king of Aram and didn't ask God for help, you've lost a victory over the army of the king of Aram. Didn't the Ethiopians and Libyans come against you with superior forces, completely outclassing you with their chariots and cavalry? But you asked God for help and he gave you the victory. God is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God's help. Now you're in trouble—one round of war after another."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Timothy has a book that we must have read a thousand times or more, entitled I Can Do It Myself. The book features Sesame Street characters that tie their own shoes, make their own bed, button their own buttons, and much more. Even though Timothy could not do many of these things himself, he loved reading about his friends like Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster, Bettie Lou and Elmo who could do many things for themselves and enjoyed exerting their independence.
Learning to do things for themselves marks monumental milestones in the life of a toddler or small child. We want our children to function independently. But I can tell you firsthand that watching your little ones learn to depend less on you for certain things is bittersweet. I liked that Timmy needed me to read bedtime stories to him. I know the day will come all too quickly when he will outgrow this. I liked pushing him in the stroller… and when he began to balk at riding in it, I was a little sad. Even though I’m glad he can walk and run and is growing in his abilities, the day he learned to crawl – then walk – changed the entire game around our house! And as he gets older and “outgrows” us, he will listen less and less to our advice and try more and more to do things his own way… with mixed results.
Imagine how God must feel as He sits and watches us flounder and try to do things on our own that we are in no way equipped to accomplish. Whether we physically voice it or not, we tell Him all the time that “I can do it myself.” And quite often, nothing could be farther from the truth. Then we have the nerve to question why we’re in such a pickle.
Things don’t have to be this way. Your pride is at stake here… but not in the way you imagine. By asking God for His help, acknowledging His will and listening to His answers, you are assuring victory and success. Trying to do things by yourself will result in a wounded pride at best… and the potential for disaster.
Don’t place yourself in a position to fail. Wouldn’t you rather go to God in the beginning than have to crawl to Him later after you’ve made a royal mess of things? God wants to open up and show His strength on our behalf. In order to do this, we have to operate in His kingdom and do His will. Yes, I can do it myself in many instances… but I must let God show me how and when this applies. Do you respect His decisions and guidance… are you really listening?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 17, 2012
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
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.
You know me… I was watching a reality TV show… “Celebrity Apprentice”… and one of the “celebrities” was arguing her point before Donald Trump. As a fellow contestant passionately interjected, “Every sentence out of her mouth begins with ‘I’.” She is not a team player in the least. In fact, there are quite a few contestants on this season of “Celebrity Apprentice” who begin their sentences with “I” and want to take control – and credit – for everything their team accomplishes. The strange thing is that these “celebrities” are playing to earn money for charities throughout the world. And they will say, “This is for my charity” or “I’m fighting for my charity.” What they say and how they behave make two entirely different statements.
As Christians, we are “playing for a cause,” too… furthering God’s kingdom. Or at least, we are supposed to be working on God’s behalf. In truth, many “Christians” are doing little more than tooting their own horn… saying to the world, “Look at me! Look at me! I’m so wonderful! I’m so smart and talented! Don’t you love how I sing, speak or play an instrument – or perform on the field or the court (for God, of course!)? Didn’t you like what I had to say? Aren’t you impressed with how hard I work and all the things I’ve bought and how much of my earnings I’ve given away to the needy? Do you see all of the wonderful things I do for so many?”
Some of us act as if people are blessed merely to be in our presence! But nothing could be further from the truth! God doesn’t want “horn tooters.” He would rather use the humble homeless bum than the “Celebrity Apprentice” with an attitude. Where do you fit into this group? Are you one of God’s “nobodies” – and proud of it? Or are you constantly trying to be a “somebody”… to be recognized for your service and devotion and what a “good Christian” you are?
God is calling us to be HIS “nobodies” and humble ourselves before Him. We must recognize that He has made us who and what we are – we did not get here on our own merits. By the blood of Jesus, we are saved… and by God’s grace, we live another day to share the Good News with those in our path. It is by God’s hand that we “nobodies” become “somebodies”… and He alone deserves the recognition. Where does this leave you today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
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.
You know me… I was watching a reality TV show… “Celebrity Apprentice”… and one of the “celebrities” was arguing her point before Donald Trump. As a fellow contestant passionately interjected, “Every sentence out of her mouth begins with ‘I’.” She is not a team player in the least. In fact, there are quite a few contestants on this season of “Celebrity Apprentice” who begin their sentences with “I” and want to take control – and credit – for everything their team accomplishes. The strange thing is that these “celebrities” are playing to earn money for charities throughout the world. And they will say, “This is for my charity” or “I’m fighting for my charity.” What they say and how they behave make two entirely different statements.
As Christians, we are “playing for a cause,” too… furthering God’s kingdom. Or at least, we are supposed to be working on God’s behalf. In truth, many “Christians” are doing little more than tooting their own horn… saying to the world, “Look at me! Look at me! I’m so wonderful! I’m so smart and talented! Don’t you love how I sing, speak or play an instrument – or perform on the field or the court (for God, of course!)? Didn’t you like what I had to say? Aren’t you impressed with how hard I work and all the things I’ve bought and how much of my earnings I’ve given away to the needy? Do you see all of the wonderful things I do for so many?”
Some of us act as if people are blessed merely to be in our presence! But nothing could be further from the truth! God doesn’t want “horn tooters.” He would rather use the humble homeless bum than the “Celebrity Apprentice” with an attitude. Where do you fit into this group? Are you one of God’s “nobodies” – and proud of it? Or are you constantly trying to be a “somebody”… to be recognized for your service and devotion and what a “good Christian” you are?
God is calling us to be HIS “nobodies” and humble ourselves before Him. We must recognize that He has made us who and what we are – we did not get here on our own merits. By the blood of Jesus, we are saved… and by God’s grace, we live another day to share the Good News with those in our path. It is by God’s hand that we “nobodies” become “somebodies”… and He alone deserves the recognition. Where does this leave you today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 29, 2012
Romans 12:3
I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for 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.
I have written already about my grandmother’s fall on our driveway on Christmas Eve. Even at age 99, she still wants to do things herself… and her way! So she did not wait for help when she got out of my mom’s car, and she fell. Quite literally, Proverbs 16:18… “First pride, then the crash — the bigger the ego, the harder the fall”… came to life that day! And honestly, at age 99, I believe it is more an attempt for my grandmother to maintain her independence and to feel self-sufficient than a matter of ego.
In the same way, small children will say, “I’ll do it myself!” Their pride and desire to be independent often leads to a mishap of some form or another. And in many ways, we all behave this way with everything from daily activities to matters of faith. We try to handle things on our own… and often, we end up making a mess of things. Our pride is a form of doing our own thing instead of GOD’s thing. It is a rebellion rather than compliance… and it demonstrates a lack of faith on our part.
If we want to remain faithful, we have to work diligently to remain engaged with God. We must combat two enemies of our faithfulness… boredom and pride. When we are not constantly seeking God’s will… or we develop an exaggerated opinion of our own ability to handle daily challenges… we can become not only proud – but also bored. Our “faith walk” develops a sameness and becomes somewhat routine and one-dimensional. We read our Bible, say a prayer, and then forge ahead to handle life on our own. We don’t seek God… we never look for Him in unexpected places. In reality, we don’t expect Him to show up in our lives at all… and things get pretty dull and uninteresting. This is when our faith can waiver.
It’s time to remember the promise of Philippians 4:13…”Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” We must learn to not only be content with what God gives us each day… but also with relying on Him to meet all of our needs – and expecting Him to do so! We need to kick pride to the curb – in every area of our life. We need to engage fully in seeking God each and every day… and in so doing, powerfully reconnect to God’s anointing. It’s time to operate in faithfulness… to “let go and let God…and to be completely fulfilled in Him. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for 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.
I have written already about my grandmother’s fall on our driveway on Christmas Eve. Even at age 99, she still wants to do things herself… and her way! So she did not wait for help when she got out of my mom’s car, and she fell. Quite literally, Proverbs 16:18… “First pride, then the crash — the bigger the ego, the harder the fall”… came to life that day! And honestly, at age 99, I believe it is more an attempt for my grandmother to maintain her independence and to feel self-sufficient than a matter of ego.
In the same way, small children will say, “I’ll do it myself!” Their pride and desire to be independent often leads to a mishap of some form or another. And in many ways, we all behave this way with everything from daily activities to matters of faith. We try to handle things on our own… and often, we end up making a mess of things. Our pride is a form of doing our own thing instead of GOD’s thing. It is a rebellion rather than compliance… and it demonstrates a lack of faith on our part.
If we want to remain faithful, we have to work diligently to remain engaged with God. We must combat two enemies of our faithfulness… boredom and pride. When we are not constantly seeking God’s will… or we develop an exaggerated opinion of our own ability to handle daily challenges… we can become not only proud – but also bored. Our “faith walk” develops a sameness and becomes somewhat routine and one-dimensional. We read our Bible, say a prayer, and then forge ahead to handle life on our own. We don’t seek God… we never look for Him in unexpected places. In reality, we don’t expect Him to show up in our lives at all… and things get pretty dull and uninteresting. This is when our faith can waiver.
It’s time to remember the promise of Philippians 4:13…”Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” We must learn to not only be content with what God gives us each day… but also with relying on Him to meet all of our needs – and expecting Him to do so! We need to kick pride to the curb – in every area of our life. We need to engage fully in seeking God each and every day… and in so doing, powerfully reconnect to God’s anointing. It’s time to operate in faithfulness… to “let go and let God…and to be completely fulfilled in Him. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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