Daily Devotional for January 2, 2017

1 John 2:3-6
Here’s how we can be sure that we know God in the right way: Keep his commandments.

If someone claims, “I know him well!” but doesn’t keep his commandments, he’s obviously a liar. His life doesn’t match his words. But the one who keeps God’s word is the person in whom we see God’s mature love. This is the only way to be sure we’re in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived.

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

My 7-year-old cousin, Owen, LOVES the color orange.  Do you know how I know this?  He wears orange all the time!  Other colors that run a close second in Owen’s wardrobe are royal blue and red. Owen shares a lot of clothes that he has outgrown with Timothy and Nathan…so our boys wear a lot of these colors, too.  Thankfully, they are glad to have the barely-worn clothes and like these hues, also.

If Owen claimed his favorite color was orange…but he wore fluorescent pink all the time, we would wonder about him!  We surely wouldn’t believe that orange was his color of choice!  His life would not match his words.

This is how a lot of people who claim to be Christians operate.  They essentially say, “The brilliant white of Jesus’ bright light is my favorite ‘color’.”  Then they consistently “wear” the dark colors of Satan’s black and red.  They treat others unkindly…use critical and foul language…lie, cheat and steal…gossip…judge and discriminate…and commit sins of all kinds.  And still, they show up at worship services, prayer walks, “Christian protests,” and Bible studies…cover themselves in clothing and jewelry that proclaims Jesus is their Lord and King…and never miss an opportunity to make a public showing of how “good” and faithful they are.

I have to tell you, this kind of Christian sullies the name of Jesus.  For the outside observer – especially those who are not yet believers or are young in their faith walk – these folks are nothing short of a phony!  How can their lives demonstrate what it means to surrender your heart to Jesus and strive to be like Him?  Honestly, people who act like this are some of the devil’s favorites, because they do his dirty work better than even his own agents can!

A friend told me one time that she felt like she knew a lot of people who claimed to be Christians – but very few who she believed truly were.  She was not passing judgment, per se…but she said that she could name about three people that she felt were “the real deal.”  I sure hope I was in that group!

I hope that my favorite color is the bright white of Jesus' love and grace – and that it shows. I may wear a lot of black and red in my physical clothing…but I pray that the darkness of the devil never dominates my heart and soul – or my Christian discipleship.  What about you?

©2017 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 24, 2016

1 Peter 3:16-17
Give a kind and respectful answer and keep your conscience clear. This way you will make people ashamed for saying bad things about your good conduct as a follower of Christ. You are better off to obey God and suffer for doing right than to suffer for doing wrong.

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

A brilliant young friend of mine posted questions on Facebook about how people who claim to be Christians could support the political campaign of someone who touts hateful ideas.  She asked what happened to the tenet that “They will know we are Christians by our love,” as stated in John 13:35, which says…”If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.”  This astute woman asked, “Did you think that [scripture verse] meant love for only people just like you? What kind of cognitive dissonance is this?!”

I completely agree with her…it IS hard to see people behave disrespectfully toward one another – or to champion name calling, back-biting, bigotry, and disparagement of others - particularly when they claim to serve Jesus.  It is disturbing to see fellow believers yell at referees during sporting events…or to witness Christian friends disrespecting each other on Facebook over political issues.  It is upsetting to hear a Christian put down the classmate or teacher of their child, grandchild, niece or nephew over what they deem to be some sort of personal “injustice.”  I could go on, but you get the picture!

I don’t understand how we can claim to love and serve Jesus…and then very clearly draw lines in the sand about who is included and/or welcome at our church services – or in our schools and communities.  Quite frankly, many of us have drawn so many parameters around our faith…how we will serve - and with whom we will associate…that our form of “Christian Discipleship” doesn’t in any way, shape or form reflect the servitude that Jesus speaks of in scripture!

Before you polish my tiara, understand that I have my “moments.”  I can’t say that I am always kind and loving toward every single person I meet.  I am sometimes critical and judgmental, and I probably don’t always offer a thoughtful and respectful answer. I have turned and walked the other way in Walmart to avoid speaking to someone. But I have also caught myself, turned around and spoken to a person who rubs me the wrong way.

I am trying to do better.  I want to have a clear conscience…even when my thoughts, words and actions are unpopular. I want to live in such a way that I can hold my head high before God and say, “I did my best to honor you.”  I probably say things in this space that offend some of you from time to time.  I am certain that there are a few who read these devotionals and disagree with my stance on many issues.  But I cannot look the other way when I feel God showing me an injustice.  I must stay true to what I hear Him telling me.  I must listen when God commands me to serve…wherever that may be.

I pray that we would all take a long, hard look at how we are serving God.  We should ask ourselves whether we take the popular – and easier – road sometimes, rather than deal with the backlash and criticism of others.  Are we willing to do what is right and the true will of God – even when the results cause us discomfort, if not downright suffering - and maybe cost us a “friend” or two?  Are we more concerned with what others think about us than pleasing God?

Just how far are you willing to go with God?  Will this be the day that you settle this question?  Don’t you think it should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 14, 2015

Matthew 7:15-20
“Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.

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

In the last couple of decades, “rock stars” have emerged in the area of Christian faith.  Everyone knows Billy Graham …but a lot of us also know his son Franklin and daughter Anne Graham Lotz, as well as Beth Moore, Chris Tomlin, Jeremy Camp, Jen Hatmaker, Priscilla Shirer, Joel Osteen, Charles Stanley, and dozens of other evangelists, musicians, and authors who have made a name for themselves because of their Christian faith.  I am in no way suggesting that any of these folks are insincere, exploitive, or only interested in your pocketbook…and some do tremendous things with the proceeds from their sales.

My shelves are filled with books by Max Lucado, Joyce Meyer, Charles Swindoll, Pastor Rick Warren, and others.  I love reading the insights of fellow believers…and discovering how God speaks to them.  I have dozens of Contemporary Christian music CDs, and I appreciate the talents of someone who can produce such artistry and give me a great “background” that (in my mind) makes me sound good when I sing along!  We have plaques and crosses in our house that profess our love of Jesus…and I wear jewelry with crosses and fish that further symbolize my allegiance to God.

Christian music writer/performer Michael W. Smith created a song several years ago called “Cross of Gold*”…and in part, the lyrics say: 

It's confusing to me ~ The message you're sending ~ And I don't know if I can relate ~ What's your line ~ Tell me why you wear your cross of gold ~ State of mind ~ Or does it find a way into your soul ~ Is it a flame ~ Is it a passion ~ A symbol of love living in you ~ Or is it a game ~ Religion in fashion ~ Some kind of phase you're going through

I do not think this passage in Matthew is literally about preachers as much as it is a warning for all Christians to be very clear in our message and our motives.  Are we “playing the game” with our faith?  Are some on board with Jesus merely to make money?  I once was “greeted” at Walmart by an associate who was trying to sell a shopping cartload of potato chips.  He said to me, “You’re wearing crosses on your earrings, so you must be a Christian…surely YOU will buy a package of these chips!”  I smiled and said, “I am a Christian, but I don’t need chips today.”  Are people making certain assumptions about us based on our appearance and demeanor...or what we say and how we say it?

The short answer is, “Yes!”  The lesson is 1) we must understand that not everyone who wears a cross or claims to love Jesus truly has a passion for Him and serving as His disciple.  We must be discerning in our relationships and trust…and rely on God to show us who is the “real deal” – and who is out to rip you off…mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually; and 2) we must make sure that our own motives are pure…that we are genuine in our faith and service…and in what we share with others.

Wear your crosses…read the books that inspire you to love Jesus more (especially God’s word!)…listen to music that uplifts and encourages you in your faith…and pay attention to the “signs” that God gives you with regard to what you see and hear.  Be genuine and real in YOUR discipleship, and live in a way that pleases God rather than others.  If you are sincere in your faith and Christian witness, people will know…and if you’re not, they’ll know that, too!

©2015 Debbie Robus

*https://michaelwsmith.twoseventwoshop.com/product/Change-Your-World

Daily Devotional for February 18, 2013

Romans 12:20-21
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

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 a familiar adage that says “Living well is the best revenge.” This scripture passage seems to be saying … “Loving others well in Jesus name is the best ‘revenge.’” I don’t really like the word revenge… but if we can think of this in terms of “getting the best of evil,” then it would seem that “revenge” has its place in the life of a Christian.

Think about the people you encounter. Hopefully you don’t have any true “enemies,” but there may very well be people in your life who offend you… hurt your feelings… treat you poorly… cause you embarrassment or speak unkindly or untruthfully about you. And your temptation may be to retaliate… or to revel in this person’s misfortunes and shortcomings. This would be like taking delight in learning that your childhood bully grew up to be unsuccessful in life and relationships – or now weighs just shy of 300 pounds! Or you might have studied under a difficult professor who later lost tenure or was dismissed for some transgression he/she committed at the university – or a boss who lost his/her job for wrongdoing… and you and your former classmates or co-workers celebrated this news.

Any time we take pleasure in another person’s misfortune – even if it seems they “got what they had coming” – we have let evil get the best of us. Instead, learn to pray for those who insult or injure you in some fashion. When an opportunity arises to show them kindness, take full advantage of it. Greet the person who has spoken ill of you to others with a smile and a handshake. In other words, “kill ‘em with kindness!” - to quote another good old adage!

More than once, I have heard of someone who was mistreated and chose to repay this unkindness with love, grace and mercy… and the person who was being mean or abusive took notice. In many instances, he/she came back and asked, “Why did you treat me so well after what I did to you? I did not deserve this!” Whether you ever have this experience or not, set yourself in position for it. Be ready to say, “I did this for you because this is what Jesus does for me every single day.” This may not come easily at first, but if you really begin to practice getting the best of evil by doing good, you can get better at it!

Revenge may feel good for the moment, but I guarantee you, loving others – even those whom you feel don’t deserve it – really does feel better for the long haul. Think of Jesus and what He does for you every single day. Remind yourself that the goal is to be more like Him. Don’t let evil get the best of you… learn to love others well in the name of Jesus instead. See for yourself exactly how your generosity can affect others. Celebrate the love of Jesus by sharing it with EVERYONE you encounter… even your “enemies.”

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 7, 2012

James 3:1-2
Not many [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation].

For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)

As a public school teacher who spent several years obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Education degree - and summers, nights and weekends adding my Master of Science in Education credentials - I will tell you that not all people who receive said degrees belong in the classroom. I supervised more than one student teacher who had satisfied all of the requisite requirements to get to the point of “practice teaching.” But this did not mean that he/she was qualified to actually teach small children. Good teachers possess innate qualities that cannot be gleaned from textbooks – many simply have what it takes to be good teachers. Others hone their abilities over time and continually improve as they gain on-the-job experience.

My assessment was based on the observed skills (or lack thereof), as student teachers interacted with the students. I didn’t even consider their personal life or how they might conduct themselves outside the classroom… although this does matter! I don’t want the teachers who are charged with the care and education of our children to be engaged in illicit or illegal behaviors. And sadly, all we have to do to learn about people who have no business being teachers is to pay attention to current news reports.

There are many stations in life where we find that we are called to a higher standard of behavior (or we should be)… as parents, Sunday school teachers and leaders in the church or community, mentors, and yes – writers of daily devotionals! This does not mean we are to place ourselves on a pedestal and lord it over others… but that we must seriously consider the significance of what we say and do. We must always be aware that people are watching and listening… and they are checking to see if our words and actions align.

In this regard, we Christians are all “teachers.” Just because you don’t lead a Sunday school class each week or fill another sort of leadership role does not mean that you are immune to these standards. As a Disciple of Christ, you are very much a “teacher” of sorts. We must stay awake, alert, and on guard that our behavior and our attitudes reflect those of the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. At the same time, we must be very careful not to place our own witness above that of someone else. We must not think more highly of ourselves… or condescend to others who are sharing their witness.

I will be the first to tell you that I don’t always agree with others’ interpretation of what it means to be a Christian. Based on my own prayer and Bible study, there are times when I vehemently disagree with another person’s “take” on things and/or interpretation of scripture. But I try to be very careful in offering a dissenting opinion. Our goal must never be to shame or insult the other person… but rather to lovingly offer our viewpoint… to say, “This is what God has shown me… perhaps this is another way to consider what you are saying,” rather than, “That is NOT what the Bible says… you are so very wrong!”

I don’t know about you, but I have been “called out” for what I have shared from time to time by those who disagree. I have been “reproved” and judged… and I have tried to examine these criticisms and make doubly sure they had no validity… or to make adjustments if I find that I am mistaken. We won’t always get it right. As James points out, to do so would make us perfect…and we all know that this ain’t happenin’! But we can strive to get closer to the mark… to be gentle, accepting, and humble… and to prayerfully and carefully share the love of Jesus Christ with others through our words and actions.

Just as teaching degrees and credentials do not make one a capable, competent teacher… claiming to be a Christian doesn’t make us a Disciple of Christ, either. What about you? What are your credentials? Does your daily living match up with what you speak and demonstrate to others? Don’t you think it should?

©2012 Debbie Robus