Daily Devotional for November 16, 2016

Romans 12:17-18
Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible.

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

Without going into details that might be hurtful to some, I will tell you that I have seen the results of paybacks…and they were not pretty.  Some furthered the hurt and anger…while others were, quite literally, lethal.  Retaliation and revenge do not serve us well.

I will be the first to admit that there are times when I have a hard time holding my tongue…and times when I truly am unsuccessful. I have “set a few people straight”…or tried.  Did it help?  I don’t know.  Sometimes, I think it just widened the divide between us.  In some cases, that might not seem like a big deal.  Who cares of you never speak to that acquaintance again or not?  So what if you go separate ways?

It is one thing to distance yourself from evil…to put space between you and people who cause you angst or disrupt your life.  But when we continue to churn internally over this…or to harbor ill feelings in our heart, this goes against everything Jesus has taught us.

I had an unsettling experience a few years ago with some people who were supposed to be Christian disciples. Ugly things were said that I felt did not represent the love of Christ for all of His people. Sadly, things got pretty heated.  I have had a hard time forgiving some of those involved in this situation. However, I realized that if I wanted to be like Jesus, I had to try to forgive and treat them as I wished to be treated. So, when I see one of the people involved, I smile and speak to them. More than once, the person has adopted the “duck and run” response.

This is okay…I’ve done my part.  Perhaps they feel guilty over how they behaved…or ashamed to receive grace and mercy after acting so unkindly. The best part for me is the peace that I feel because of MY reaction and response.  I know that God does not sanction holding grudges…and I try to let go of these as quickly as possible.

There is so much discourse in our country right now. People on both sides of many issues want to make “the other side” pay…to inflict pain and retribution…to prove that this one or that is right – and the others are wrong.  Please take time to prayerfully consider this message from Romans 12 today.  Be at peace with everyone, as much as possible.  Smile and walk away with confidence that you operated as Jesus commands…and offered His grace and mercy – even when you didn’t feel like doing so!

Let others see you as someone who operates in the love of Jesus Christ…not a person who says one thing and does another. Treat others as you wish to be treated…even those who appear to operate in evil talk and action.  Live in a way that brings no regrets or shame.  Learn to make a difference rather than a point.  Let go…and let God have control!  These are often difficult results to achieve…but we CAN do this! This is my goal…is it yours?

©2016 Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for October 27, 2016

Matthew 5:38-42    
“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

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.

One day a few months ago, Nathan yelled at me when I told him “No!” and I sent him to “time out.”  He refused to go…I calmly, but firmly insisted!  This four-year-old boy turned and looked at me and said, “You don’t wuv me anymore.  I am not your fwiend ANY MORE!”  He went to sit in the “time out” chair anyway!

On some level, those words hurt.  I realize that he didn’t mean them…but when Nathan is 15 and mad at me over something, they might be offered with more sincerity.  And it will crush my heart to hear someone I love so dearly speak so harshly.  But I hope and pray that I will “turn the other cheek.”  I will probably have plenty of “ammo” that I could lob right back at him by then.  But it would not serve any purpose other than to deepen the divide and possibly damage our relationship forever.  And…it would disobey and disrespect Jesus.

In this season of such discourse, every fiber of our being wants to scream insults and offer retaliations to someone nearly every day.  We are hurt, angry, bewildered, and ready to “make them pay.”  But we must not do this.  We must stand quietly and be still…and trust God.  We must demonstrate that He is in charge…and we will not be dragged into the mud.

Stop and think about it.  You can name plenty of people with short fuses who are quick to get angry and eager to retaliate.  But think about the person you know who remains steadfast and calm…the one who rises above the fray.  In the words of First Lady, Michelle Obama, think of the person who “goes high when the other guy goes low.”  THIS person has heard Jesus’ words – and taken them to heart.  And so must we!

This is the day that the Lord has made.  We must rejoice in it, and live generously.  We must stand up straight and “go high.”  God can – and will – fight our battles. Trust Him to always have our back. Let GOD be in charge of sending others to “time out”…and discover how He blesses your restraint.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 27, 2016

Luke 6:30-35    
Give to everyone who asks and don’t ask people to return what they have taken from you. Treat others just as you want to be treated.

If you love only someone who loves you, will God praise you for that? Even sinners love people who love them. If you are kind only to someone who is kind to you, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners are kind to people who are kind to them. If you lend money only to someone you think will pay you back, will God be pleased with you for that? Even sinners lend to sinners because they think they will get it all back.

But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.

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

It’s happened more than once.  A person I thought was a friend did something hurtful toward me – or toward another friend or loved one.  And then this person acted as if nothing had happened. There are also a few people who never respond to my kindnesses…who never say “Thank You” when I wish them well or do something nice for them. And I continue to do it anyway. Why? Because decades ago, someone gave me some excellent (and scriptural) advice when another person had treated me poorly…”Kill ‘em with kindness.”

Here’s the thing…think of all that you have done that broke Jesus’ heart.  Did He turn His back on you? Did Jesus say, “You mistreated Me, so I am not doing another thing for you!”…or “You are dead to Me!” No, Jesus continues to love us and bless us even as we disappoint Him on a daily basis.  We are offered unmerited favor, also known as GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.  And we are called to extend this same gift to others.

At every turn, we must ask ourselves, “How do we wish to be treated?”  We must consider how Jesus treats us – even when we falter…how He reacts when we “borrow” and don’t repay…how He loves us even when we break His heart.  We have to ask ourselves whether we think we are better than Jesus…or whether we should be implementing His model of compassion, grace, mercy and forgiveness in our daily interaction with others.

The answer is clear to me.  I won’t say that I don’t have to sometimes grit my teeth and bite my tongue while I smile and say or do nice things for someone else.  But because of God’s grace, I try to treat others as I wish to be treated…whether they reciprocate or not. At some point, your efforts may be noticed. The “borrower” or “offender” may acknowledge that you treated him/her better than he/she deserved.  But either way, you will be able to say to yourself – and most importantly, to Jesus – “I did my best to honor what You commanded. I treated others as YOU treat me…and as I wish to be treated.”

There are people who will hurt us...people who will borrow and never repay…people who will disappoint us – or even break our hearts – and then act as if nothing ever happened.  Bad things will happen to “good” people…at the hands of other people we thought were inherently “good.” How we react and respond speaks volumes about where we are as a Christian disciple.  What  - and WHO - are you showing to others these days?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 19, 2016

James 1:19-21
Dear brothers, don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.

So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
The last time Nathan visited, he did not like how I corrected him for being bossy, and he screamed at me in anger and frustration.  Remember…he is only four!  I quickly picked him up and carried him to our “Time Out/Naughty” chair.  He screamed the entire way…”I’m sorry!  I’m sorry! I’m SORRY!”  I sat him in the chair and held him there as he wriggled to free himself and get up. After a few seconds, he relaxed into the chair and began to sob. I calmly and quietly told him that he could get up when he could apologize and speak to me nicely…and after a couple of minutes, he did just that.

As we walked away from the “naughty chair,” Nathan said, “Debbie…you hurt my feelings!”  I told Nathan that he hurt MY feelings by screaming at me.  After hugs and kisses, we moved on with our day…both assured that we still love each other…and hopeful that a lesson had been learned!

One of the hardest things to do when a “child” (of any age) is throwing a tantrum is not to get caught up in it and retaliate in the same manner.  Raised voices, and screaming do not solve anything.  In my opinion, physical discipline doesn’t help, either.  I have found a “time out” to be the most effective remedy…especially when the adult can remain calm and objective and give the other person a chance to recognize his/her mistake and make a correction.

Isn’t this what God does for us all the time?  I don’t know about you, but I never feel that God is yelling and screaming at me!  I know there are times when I make mistakes – sometimes BIG ones – and I feel His disappointment.  But I never detect His anger. God never shames me or berates me.  Instead, He lovingly gives me a “Time Out” to consider my sins and shortcomings.

Because of the blood of Jesus, God allows us the opportunity to recognize my mistakes and make necessary corrections.  And then He showers us with the “hugs and kisses” of forgiveness and undeserved blessings. And this is how we are called to operate with each other.  Ugly retorts, yelling and screaming never solve anything.  Physical attacks do not prove a single point. Sometimes, the best response is none at all.  A lot of “learning” and reconciliation can occur in the silence.

I cannot imagine how awful it would feel to think that God was angry with me…to “feel” Him yelling and screaming, demeaning, or shaming me – much less physically attacking me to drive home His point.  And I would assume that He is pretty disappointed in us when we treat others this way.  Jesus took all of the anger, insults and physical punishment resulting from our sins, so that we can operate with humility, grace, mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation toward each other.  How are you honoring His great sacrifice?

Is God calling you to take a “Time Out” and consider how and where you could do better?  Will this be the day that you squelch your anger and start demonstrating His patience and goodness in your daily living?  Don’t you think it should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 10, 2016

Exodus 21:23-25
But if any harm comes to the woman and she dies, he shall be executed.

“If her eye is injured, injure his; if her tooth is knocked out, knock out his; and so on—hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, lash for lash.

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

Children are notorious for “hitting back”…and ours are no different.  We will hear, “He/she hit me first!”  Timothy will sometimes say of his younger siblings, “I needed to teach him/her a lesson!”  We are definitely a work in progress!

The sad fact is that adults do this very same thing.  The retaliation may not be physical…but words and actions can have a damaging effect, as well.  Someone will ask, “What about me?  Don’t MY feelings matter?  What he/she said or did hurt me!  Don’t I have rights, too?”  The short answer is “Yes…and NO.”

The first thing we have to look at is the location of this scripture passage…in the Old Testament.  Laws were very different before the time of Jesus.  His birth, death and resurrection changed EVERYTHING…and thankfully so!  We don’t have to sacrifice baby animals or present burnt offerings to atone for our sins…and we don’t have to handle offenses on our own!  We have a Savior who does all of this for us!  Lashing out at others and retaliation tactics are not only childish…they are sinful!  They suggest that we do not trust Jesus to handle these situations and circumstances for us…that we do not fully understand and believe that He can – and will - meet our every need.

There will be times in our lives when we would love to exchange an eye for an eye…when we would like nothing more than to teach someone a lesson – to make him/her suffer just a little and feel our pain.  But we have to stop and ask ourselves, “What if Jesus had done this?”  He is our Savior…our Ultimate Example of how to treat others and share God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness with them.

The “lesson” we need to be teaching is tolerance and understanding…not revenge.  We need to be paying it forward…not doling out paybacks.  Yes, the Bible does say “an eye for an eye”…but it also notes that Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.”  The former serves as a reminder that we have been freed from the shackles of operating under a system of oppressive parameters, punishments and penance.

Because of Jesus, we can now live in the freedom of His deliverance.  Our liberation from sin and the old laws provides us with the opportunity to serve in hope, faith, and forgiveness…to take the high road and let Jesus handle any discipline and retribution.

Philippians 4:13 tells us that…”I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”  Are you demonstrating this in your daily living?  Or do you still have the mistaken idea that it is your job to help God show others a thing or two?  When others look at you, do they see an Old Testament believer…or a disciple of Christ’s Good News?  There IS a difference!  Have you chosen Salvation and freedom in the power of Jesus Christ?  Will this be the day that you do?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 11, 2016

1 Peter 3:9
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.
   
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

When I was little, I’m pretty sure that adults sugar-coated the story of the crucifixion for me.  I knew that Jesus loved me, but I had no idea how greatly He suffered for my sins.  Today, our children are subjected to so much violence in movies - and the media in general -  that they are (sadly) accustomed to seeing horrific scenes of people being maimed and mutilated. So when Timothy and Nathan asked me about the crucifixion and “What happened to Jesus?” I told them, “Soldiers nailed his hands and feet to the cross.” 

Seven-year-old Timothy asked, “Did they stab Him?”  Well…yes.  “Did they beat Him up?”  “Yes, they did that, too.”  This is when the boys began their dialog about how they would beat up those horrible people who did this to their Jesus.  And as I noted in yesterday’s devotional message, we had to have a talk about forgiveness and how Jesus would not want us to retaliate for Him.

Timothy, Zola, and Nathan see very little television news.  And I am honestly glad of that.  I don’t want them hearing how people talk to one another…the horrible name calling that is going on publicly between people running for the highest offices of our nation.  It is very hard to tell children not to say unkind things about each other when all they have to do is turn on the TV and hear adults doing this ad nauseam.  And maybe someone has said something unkind toward you – or about you…and you have a personal experience (if not actual familiarity) with the desire to retaliate and “set him/her straight.”

I am glad that God gave me this scripture passage today.  Now I have a good “solution” for the boys.  I will suggest that they pray for those who hurt others…especially those who hurt Jesus.  We cannot turn back the clock and change what happened on Calvary that day (and we wouldn’t want to do this!)…but we can pray for those who offend or insult us – and Jesus – today.  We can be kind to those who are unkind to us.  We don’t have to be “doormats” and let others walk all over us…but we don’t have to lower ourselves to that level, either.

I’ll be honest…there are a few people who have insulted or offended me, and my solution has been to pretty well ignore them.  This isn’t right, either.  I don’t have to make them my new best friends…but I need to make an effort to be kind to them.  To do otherwise indicates that when we offend or insult Jesus, He turns His back on us…and that is simply NOT the case!

It is time to treat others as Jesus taught us…and as He treats us.  If we are going to be His disciples and represent Him on this earth, we have to emulate Him.  And that means operating in forgiveness, grace and mercy…to all people at all times.  How are you doing these days?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 24, 2015

James 1:19-24
Dear brothers, don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.

So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.

And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don’t fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn’t obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can’t see himself anymore or remember what he looks like.

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

“When your mouth is open, your ears are closed.”  This was the “pearl of wisdom” our football coach, Isaac Witt, gave my 7th grade science class in 1970. Believe it or not, I never forgot those words.  I can’t say I always practice them…but I do remember them! 

While listening is terribly important…obedience is even more vital.  So when God tells us to do something – or not to do it – and we go right ahead with our plans, we can’t expect things to go smoothly.  This is where we often set ourselves up for unnecessary worries.  Who among us wants to be constantly looking over his/her shoulder…endlessly replaying what was said and done - and wondering what the ramifications will be?  That is no way to live!  Yet this is how many of us go through life…we speak now and worry later about how it our words and actions are received/interpreted.

Here’s the thing…every single one of us has wanted to lash out at someone else at one time or another.  We have wanted to offer the “snappy comeback”…to get even or seek revenge.  We’ve wanted to give at least one person “a good piece of our mind!”  But remember the words of Jesus…”love others as much as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:29CEV)  Remember how it feels to be on the receiving end of such delivery…and consider your words and actions in light of your Christian discipleship.

At the heart of our Christian faith, each one of us wants God’s approval…we want to do what is right and good. We want to trust Him completely - and to leave the heavy lifting to Him.  But there are days when life (and the devil) gets the best of us…and we retaliate.  Our mouths open and our ears close…to those around us – and to God Himself. 

Today is the day to open our ears…our hearts…our minds…and to listen to God’s word and will for our lives.  This is truly the time to “let go and let God” – in every situation and circumstance…to remember Whose we are, and what we look like as new creatures in Christ.  Take a good long look in the mirror and imprint on your heart the image that God has of you as His redeemed, beloved child.  The time has come to get busy living up to His expectations!  Are you ready to begin?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 23, 2015

Proverbs 20:22
Don’t try to get even.
    Trust the Lord,
    and he will help you.

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

“He started it!” 
“She hit me first!” 
“I’ll make them pay!”

We humans learn early to retaliate!  And I’ll tell you something…it’s not just us!  I observed our two cats “go at it” back in the day. What would start out as an innocent mutual face washing could turn into WWIII!  I saw a video on Facebook of two male deer who had sparred with each other until their antlers were entangled, and neither could pull away.  A brave man stepped in and worked to separate them…ultimately breaking one point of a buck’s antler in order to free the pair.

Do we really want to act like animals?  Because when you boil it down, a lot of our actions and reactions to the comments and jabs of others are no less rational than those of two sibling cats – or a couple of bucks jockeying for position with the herd!  And sometimes, God has to step in and “break an antler or two” in order to get us back on track!

We would do well to start with God…to go to Him before things escalate into a brawl – or as quickly thereafter as possible.  At the first sign of insult or division, we should stop and ask God to handle things for us…and for wisdom to know how to move forward.  Not all conflicts are readily avoidable…but our goal should be to keep them to the barest minimum.  With God at the helm of our ship, this will be so much easier.

So the next time a thought of revenge or a “snappy comeback” enters your brain, stop and take a deep breath.  Speak a quick silent prayer and ask God to guide your words and actions.  Let go…and let God handle these situations.  You’ll likely avoid getting “stuck in a rut”…and everyone will be better for your faithful obedience!

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 18, 2015

Proverbs 12:16
A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man stays cool when insulted.

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

Recently, a 2016 Presidential candidate commented to the media that another candidate could not be elected…because of her face.  He quickly began to backpedal and say that he wasn’t actually referring to her physical appearance…but rather, he was referencing her persona. It’s hard to imagine that anybody bought his excuses.  But rather than throw stones in his direction, this woman did something that was rather extraordinary – especially in an age when mud-slinging has risen to an all-time high!  This candidate put out an ad that features dozens of women who represent the “face” of America today. 

In a televised political debate, the woman was asked how she felt about the comments made against her, and she firmly stated…”I think women very clearly heard what [he] said.”

I have deliberately not named either candidate.  This is not really about either of them.  And I will say that I have heard this woman hurl insults at other candidates…though not to the degree of the one delivered in her direction.  But we would do well to look at her very public reaction to what had to be a hurtful affront.  It is human nature to want to retort…to strike back and wound the person who has offended us.  And the question we have to ask ourselves is, “Would Jesus do this?  Would He approve of such a response?”

We have the perfect example in Jesus of someone who did not retaliate…and let me remind you that He had more than enough reasons to do so!  There are times to speak up…to stand up for your convictions and set the record straight.  But there are ways to do this…to prayerfully and carefully respond with dignity befitting a Disciple of Christ.  And honestly, there are times when it’s best to simply back away and let the insult lie.  As in the case I have shared…the ugliness of the comments spoke for itself.  No retort was really necessary – certainly not a negative or hateful one.

I’ll be the first to say that this is challenging territory.  Our human instinct is to repay “an eye for an eye.”  But we are also told in this scripture passage to hold our tongue.  In Matthew 5:28-30, we are reminded to “turn the other cheek”…and this is exactly what Jesus did.  So how can we justify any other response?

©2015 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 August 20, 2015

Leviticus 19:18
Stop being angry and don’t try to take revenge. I am the Lord, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.

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

Do you know someone who is so angry with another person that he/she cannot be in the same room with them?  I am sad to say that I do. I know people who can barely be civil to each other and speak a few words - much less share space.  I also know people who are so bitter and angry that they have sought ways to harm another person – mentally and emotionally, if not physically.  The energy and emotion expended by these folks is exhausting – and sad.  And I believe that this breaks God’s heart.

I count myself blessed to say that I have never been one to hold a grudge – at least not for very long.  I have people with whom I have established mental and physical boundaries.  There are a few folks with whom I have little contact, because it’s just better that way for both of us.  There are certain situations and events that I avoid, because I know that they will either offer the opportunity for conflict – or there is a potential for discussions and actions that might upset me.  But I do not avoid such people or situations out of judgment or disdain - and certainly not out of anger.

God has shown me how to handle potentially upsetting and unpleasant people and situations.  Once in a while, such an encounter will be inevitable.  But I have asked Him to guide me…to keep me calm and collected…and to shield me from any lasting feelings of ill will or displeasure.  I have asked God to give me a heart for forgiveness and compassion toward others…even those who “rub me the wrong way” in some manner.  And while I am a work in progress, I can say that He has generously granted me great peace in this area.

Conflicts and difficult folks are an inevitable part of life.  But God wants us to allow Him to handle these people and situations.  He wants us to focus on loving all people – at all times.  He wants us to offer others kindness…to share a smile and a loving attitude - even when we feel that the person doesn’t deserve it!  I get that this is sometimes hard to accomplish…I truly do.  But I can assure you that when you surrender these feelings to God and allow Him to handle things, you will experience inexplicable peace and calm.  This may not happen instantly, but God will soothe and settle you.

Don’t try to take matters into your own hands…and don’t let anger and resentments fester.  Spend some time in prayer and meditation, and ask God to show you how to control your feelings…and to surround you with peace and calm as you surrender these people and situations to Him.  Ask God to fill your heart with love and compassion…and let Him handle the rest.  He will do this…are you ready to let Him?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 23, 2015

1 Peter 3:9
Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.

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

Politics is like a magnet for me these days…no matter how much I try to refrain from the pull of the “banter” and “he said/she said” – or stories about the latest big “hoopie-do” – I have trouble resisting. I really don’t want to get sucked in and spend my time watching and listening – but I find that sometimes I cannot tear myself away.  And it is good to be informed…but only to a point.

Lately, a lot of what has been reported is simply a back-and-forth exchange of ugly attacks.  Last Saturday, one candidate stated a very ugly opinion about a U.S. Senator who was captured in Vietnam and held for five years as a prisoner of war.  To this senator’s credit, he did not retaliate.  Oh, don’t worry – plenty of other people came to his “rescue” and let this candidate have it for the horrible thing that he said.  But the “victim” merely asked that this person apologize to other veterans who were collectively disrespected by the comments.

From an early age, we are given mixed signals…”Don’t hit back!” ...”Take the high road!”…”Treat others as you wish to be treated.”  And then when a child bites another, some adults will bite that child.  Or children hit each other – and get a spanking!  So we often grow up picking and choosing when to follow “the Golden Rule” – and when to repay evil for evil.  Often, we lash out when we are hurt or vulnerable.  Someone betrays us in some manner, so we make an ugly comment about him/her…or post something unkind on social media – even if only a thinly veiled cartoon or quote that everyone knows references the person who hurt us.

We lash out…and beg forgiveness later.  In the heat of the moment, we lose our temper and tell someone “how we really feel.”  We strike out in moments of profound frustration and disappointment.  I get it!  This is human nature…and we are humans!

But God has told us that He will handle all of these things for us. If we really, truly believe Him…we have to let Him do this.  We have to demonstrate to others – and to God – that we are fully confident that He will take care of those who wrong us…that vengeance really will belong to Him.  More importantly, we have to demonstrate that God will get us through tough situations…that He is bigger than any betrayal, evil act, ugly comment or unkind gesture – and that in and through Him, we are bigger, too.

This is one of the toughest characteristics of a Christian disciple that we are called to demonstrate.  But it is also one of the most important.  When we hold our tongue, carry on with our head and shoulders held high, and walk in the love of Jesus Christ where most would have fallen apart and shown out, people notice – and God is glorified. 

Let’s spend some time in prayer and meditation today and ask God to strengthen us in this area.  Let’s learn to bask in the blessings and satisfaction of knowing that we “let go and let God.”  Instead of biting back, let’s bite our tongue…and walk away with our head held high.  And let’s pray that our political candidates and others learn to do the same!

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 17, 2015

Luke 9:51-56
When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead. They came to a Samaritan village to make arrangements for his hospitality. But when the Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, they refused hospitality. When the disciples James and John learned of it, they said, “Master, do you want us to call a bolt of lightning down out of the sky and incinerate them?”

Jesus turned on them: “Of  course not!” And they traveled on to another village.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
This passage reminds me of the classic “Want me to beat him/her up for you?” scenario of a zealous friend or big brother/sister from our childhood!  The notes surrounding these verses indicate that the Jews had referred to the Samaritans as “half-breeds”, which obviously did not go over well. 

Information found at Catholic Answers* explains…“Because of their imperfect adherence to Judaism and their partly pagan ancestry, the Samaritans were despised by ordinary Jews. Rather than contaminate themselves by passing through Samaritan territory, Jews who were traveling from Judea to Galilee or vice versa would cross over the river Jordan, bypass Samaria by going through Transjordan, and cross over the river again as they neared their destination.”

Everyone is entitled to their opinion…even the Samaritans who didn’t approve of Jesus visiting Jerusalem.  But this doesn’t give us reason to make a scene…and actually, to do so tarnishes our Christian witness.  We saw a good example of this recently in Ferguson, Missouri.  People felt strongly on both sides of this issue…and there were proper channels for expressing disapproval and outrage.  But the rioting and burning of buildings and businesses…some of which were in no way involved in this whole debacle…was just plain wrong.  And anyone who participated in these acts while claiming to be a Christian dishonored their faith and discipleship.

Like the reactions of our childhood, sometimes we want to lash out.  It’s a natural, human tendency.  But we are called to be better than this…and we have the Perfect Example of how and why it’s a bad idea.  If anyone ever had reason for retaliation, it was Jesus…and yet, He never lost His cool.  So what makes us think this should ever be okay for us?

©2015 Debbie Robus

 *http://www.catholic.com/quickquestions/who-were-the-samaritans-and-why-were-they-important

Daily Devotional for August 25, 2014

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.

A friend recently shared with me that someone was spreading untruths about her.  These were intended to smear her character and sully her reputation.  And I am sure that people who don’t truly know this person might actually be taken in by such lies.  My friend related how she was so angry...how her “gut reaction” was to conjure up thoughts of retaliation.  I get that...I really do.  I told her that I have a tendency to launch right into name calling – if only in the secrecy of my own home!

In her book, The Best Yes*, author Lysa TerKeurst shares an incident where she was so angry with her husband that “...I may or may not have called him a name, one that you can actually find in the Bible that starts with an A and ends in an S. Three letters. Only I didn’t mean it in the biblical sense. If you know what I mean.”

Haven’t we all been there?  And honestly, didn’t this feeling drain you of a lot of energy?  My friend said that when she opened her e-mail messages, she found one of my devotionals that spoke of forgiveness and mercy, and she was challenged to channel her “angry energy” in a different direction.  That’s a big challenge! And I’ll admit...there are moments when I am right there with you - and Lysa TerKeurst - and a whole lot of other people!

Here’s the thing. Satan is the only winner in this. Your efforts to operate in forgiveness and mercy do not breed more lies and abuses or mistreatment from others...although it may seem that this is the case. You are not giving these people license to run unchecked over you and others. Instead, you are saying, “With God, all things are possible...including this.”  You are declaring (if only to yourself) that God has instilled in you the power and courage to be your best self...to reflect Him at all times and in all ways.  You are demonstrating your faith and honoring your Christian discipleship.

Is this easy?  No way...especially not at first.  There will be times when we are so beaten down by a circumstance or another human being that we feel like there is no love left in us.  There have even been a couple of times in my life where I was so completely drained and devastated that I couldn’t even pray for a while...I didn’t know what to say or how to even begin.  So you know what I did?  I just sat and opened my heart to God and let Him fill me.  And that is exactly what He did! 

When you are at a point where you don’t know what to do...where to turn...how to even begin to call on God for help...stop and simply say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”  Let Him handle the details.  Allow the balm of His healing touch to wash over you and fill the nooks and crannies...and remove all traces of animosity, anger, hatred, and frustration.  When you begin to get your bearings again, start to pray for the person(s) or situation that has you so unsettled.  It is very hard to operate in anything but love for something or someone for whom you are praying!

Today, my challenge for each of us is to pick out one “enemy”...one person or situation toward which we have animosity, unsettled feelings, anger, and/or a desire for revenge or retaliation – or maybe just a tiny bit of ill will. Maybe you have at least had the thought that “I’d like for him/her to suffer just a little for this.”  Now...start to pray. Ask God to fill you with love and mercy...compassion, kindness and forgiveness. Call on God to channel your energy in a positive direction and to enable you to rise above these feelings...to make you the honorable representative of Jesus that He has called you to be.

We in no way excuse others’ sins...or condone their abusive and dishonest behaviors or their mistreatment of us – or anyone else.  But let’s take ourselves out of the equation.  Let’s “let go and let God” when we begin to pray over these circumstances and to allow Him to handle things. And in doing this, we will open ourselves to God’s best...for all parties.  Won’t you whisper, “Come, Lord Jesus”?  How – and where – will you allow Him to give you His best today? 

©2014 Debbie Robus

*The Best Yes - ©2014 by TerKeurst Foundation – published by Nelson Books.  Available at Walmart and other major retailers.  www.thebestyes.com #TheBestYes

Daily Devotional for August 4, 2014

1 Peter 3:8-12
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

Whoever wants to embrace life
    and see the day fill up with good,
Here’s what you do:
    Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good;
    run after peace for all you’re worth.
God looks on all this with approval,
    listening and responding well to what he’s asked;
But he turns his back
    on those who do evil things.

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.

Lots of nights, Greg and I settle in to watch the 10:00 p.m. news broadcast, and we ask each other, “What is your day like tomorrow?”  Sometimes, we have no concrete plans...other days are chock-full of activities and a mile-long “to-do” list.  Mondays are often busy for Greg...he delivers Meals on Wheels and has lunch with his mom...and sometimes he runs errands for her or helps her with a project – or he works in her yard.  Mondays are often cleaning days for me...both household chores and laundry duty! But sometimes, we have no clue what the day will bring...or who we will encounter or what activities will present themselves.  And we know that “life” is subject to change, so we try to always be flexible.

I will tell you, I don’t know anyone who is more appreciative of my efforts than my husband.  He always thanks me for clean laundry, hot meals, and the things I do around the house.  And I try to express my appreciation for HIS efforts too...how well he manages our bills and finances, takes care of the maintenance and upkeep of our house, yard and vehicles - and all of the countless things he does for our nieces and nephews and me!  We are blessed by his efforts, and I know it!  I will also be the first to say that Greg does a better job of “living agreeably” than I do.  He is more thoughtful and careful about his words...and rarely - if ever - offers sarcasm or a retaliatory comment to anyone.  He operates so fully in grace and mercy...and others notice!

I was struck by a couple of sentences in this scripture passage...particularly the one that talked about no retaliation or sarcasm...and especially when Peter says, “...bless...that’s your job, to bless”!  So whether I am folding our laundry or responding to e-mail messages, I am to bless.  Whether Greg is mowing the yard, washing our car, or delivering a hot meal to a homebound elderly person, he is to bless.  Whether you are sitting in a classroom amongst your peers or working at a summer job, staying at home all day with babies and toddlers, working at a job you don’t particularly enjoy, or living alone as a single senior, your job is to bless – however, wherever, and whenever you can.

If we focused on just this one phrase, imagine how our lives could change.  If we reminded ourselves that we were to bless others and be a blessing to them in every situation, our language, thought process and actions would surely change in many instances.  If we responded to others totally in the context of how we could bless them, rather than raise our hackles over their demeanor, words or actions, we might see amazing, unexpected changes.  And truthfully, it doesn’t matter how they respond, as long as we are obediently serving God by blessing them in His name.  I’m not talking about becoming doormats for others’ abuse...I’m talking about showing them grace, mercy, humility and compassion in the name of Jesus.

So let’s see where this takes us.  Let’s start here...now...today...and make our primary focus – our main job – to bless.  Let’s embrace life and see the day fill up with good.  Let’s avoid hurtful talk and actions, snub evil, and run after peace for all we are worth...and let’s let God handle the rest!  If we start looking at every day, ordinary activities as opportunities to bless others in Jesus’ name, the possibilities are absolutely endless...and so are the potential rewards – for everyone involved.  Whaddya say?  Are you with me?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 15, 2014

1 Peter 3:8-12
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you. The Scriptures say,
 
“Do you really love life? Do you want to be happy? Then stop saying cruel things and quit telling lies. Give up your evil ways and do right, as you find and follow the road that leads to peace.
 
The Lord watches over everyone who obeys him, and he listens to their prayers. But he opposes everyone who does evil."
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
On a recent issue of ABC’s 20/20*, the story San Antonio kindergarten teacher, Cynthia Ambrose, was shared.  The title given the story was “Did This Teacher Cross the Line?”.  Ambrose had a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian.  So when a fellow teacher came to her in May 2012 with 6-year-old Aiden Neely, who school officials at Salinas Elementary described as a playground bully, Ambrose decided to teach the child a lesson.  She stood him before the class and asked her students if they would like to show Aiden what it felt like when he mistreated them.
 
Ambrose maintains that before she could even blink, a child approached Aiden and hit him, and then the others started taking their turn.  Aiden and his mother claim that Ambrose asked all of her students to line up and take a turn at bullying him.  And Aiden’s own teacher, Barbara Ramirez, substantiated this claim in court, saying that Ambrose told the children…"Come on boys and girls, let's line up and let's bully Aiden. Come on, let's hit him harder.”  The court convicted Ambrose of “Official Oppression” – a Class-A misdemeanor in Texas.  Ambrose was sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years of probation, which means that she won't be able to teach again in Texas until at least after this time frame.  Aiden’s mother moved him to another elementary school, where he says the teachers and students are nicer.
 
As a former kindergarten teacher, I have so many problems with this story. It bothers me that a teacher was proudly recognized in her school for her “tough love”.  It bothers me that another teacher took a student to this woman for disciplinary action.  But more importantly, if Barbara Ramirez did indeed stand aside and let Ambrose line up the students to take a turn at bullying this child, she should be in just as much trouble as Cynthia Ambrose.  The other thing that disturbs me is the child’s testimony in court, which was aired in part on the ABC broadcast.  Ambrose insists that the children did not line up and taunt or bully this child.  But this little boy testified that they did. When asked by the prosecutor how many kids hit him in the back, he promptly stated, “I think, like 21.”  That sounds like a “coached” answer to me.  I have seen this happen in my own teaching experience, where a parent was so eager for his/her child to be right that the “correct” answers were given to the child to be repeated when questioned.
 
The bottom line is that a lot of people were wrong in this sequence of events.  Many of them were hateful and insulting.  More than one person in this story acted without kindness and humility.  This situation truly was wrong on countless levels.  But this is not an isolated incident.  We are all guilty to some degree of these behaviors on any given day.  Hopefully we don’t bully others.  Surely we do not stand someone before a group of their peers and suggest that they retaliate.  But we may strike back in some way as an individual.
 
We may set about to “put someone in their place”.  This can be as blatant and direct as a verbal insult…or as subtle as a quiet manipulation or “cold shoulder”.  At least once in our lives, I bet we have all muttered the sentence, “I’ll show him a thing or two!”  We all practice our own version of “tough love”… but our tactics are not necessarily pleasing to God.
 
This story left me feeling very sad for all involved.  Perhaps Cynthia Ambrose really didn’t mean for this to escalate.  Maybe she did think that the worst that would happen to little Aiden was that he would be shamed into behaving more kindly.  Maybe Aiden’s teacher, Barbara Ramirez, was at her rope’s end and truly thought a colleague could help.  Maybe Aiden is something of an innocent victim who was targeted and/or mistreated by his teachers and his peers.  In the end, nobody “won”.  And this is the case so often when we operate out of anything but love, concern, and a big dose of humility.
 
When we take matters into our own hands and fail to stop, breathe, and ask God to guide us, some pretty awful things can happen.  When we find ourselves in a pit, the only way out often appears to be lies and deception.  When our backs are against the wall, we frequently come out clawing and retaliating.  And God is heartbroken by the messes we often make.
 
Most young children are taught to “Stop, look and listen.”  Somehow, we seem to forget these instructions as we grow into adulthood!  This is a good time to study this scripture passage and think about our own lives…to ask ourselves where we need to do a better job of operating in patience, kindness, humility…and turning the other cheek. Talk to God about the situations in your life that trouble you…ask Him to show you how to react and respond to them.  Prayerfully consider your actions, and don’t get caught up in the heat of the moment.  Follow the road to peace…and let God handle the “discipline”.
 
©2014 Debbie Robus
 
* http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/teacher-cross-line-22530010

Daily Devotional for January 12, 2014

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.
 
Forty-something years ago, when I was in junior high and high school, we didn’t talk about bullies as much as people do today…but I had one.  And it turns out that this person bullied a lot of my friends, also.  Maybe it was just as bad for them as it was for me, but I felt like I was one of her favorite targets.  I didn’t say much about it to my mom, so she probably had no clue just how miserable it was for me at times.  When I did mention something, she would remind me to be kind to others and say things like, “People only tease you because they like you.”  Today, we all know better about many instances of bullying.  We’ve all read and heard the stories of children who were taunted and badgered horrifically…often with tragic consequences.  Thankfully, my situation – and that of my friends – was never this severe, and we all appear to have survived our teenage years fairly unscathed.
 
As adults, most of my friends and I have been incredibly blessed.  But the person who bullied us has not fared as well.  Her life has had a series of ups and downs…and included some pretty significant struggles.  When I learned of one instance, I sent word to her that I was praying for her… that I was sorry for her troubles and hoped things improved quickly.  A few months later, I saw her in person, and she was incredibly kind and complimentary.
 
I will admit… there was a part of me that wanted to scream, “Do you know how you tormented me when we were growing up?  Do you know how miserable you made life for me and many of my friends on an almost-daily basis?”  (There was also a part that wanted to thumb my nose and say, “Nyah, nyah, nyah-nyah, nyah!”  But something told me that either: 1) she doesn’t have a clue what she did; or 2) she knows full well how badly she treated us, and she is incredibly remorseful.  I went with option #2.
 
In our brief encounter that day, it seemed as if this woman was almost relieved – even grateful – that I did not bring up the past.  I got a real sense that she may have expected me to either snub her as she approached me - and refuse to speak to her - or to rebuke her vehemently for what she had done.  I could almost feel the appreciativeness in her voice and demeanor when I did neither.
 
In the end, we both came away with a positive impression. Another school friend once said to me, “I guess it must be satisfying in some way to know that her life didn’t turn out all that well.”  I told her that nothing could be farther from the truth.  We are not supposed to delight in revenge or another person’s misfortune, regardless of what they might have done or whether we feel they “got what they had coming.” I could have even excused this person by saying, “You treated me so terribly when we were growing up…and I have forgiven you for every bit of that.”  But I didn’t have to say anything…my actions and my lack of retaliation spoke volumes.  I don’t know if she felt better afterward…but I surely did!
 
Throughout the Bible, there are verses that support the adage that we are to “Kill ‘em with kindness.”  Every single one of us will be insulted, mistreated in some way, knocked down or betrayed.  Hateful words will fly…unkind actions and injustices will be inflicted upon us.  And the Bible is very clear that we are to continue to treat others with compassion and generosity.
 
Regardless of how much or how little you have…whether your life has been a “bed of roses” or littered with “thorns”, share love and compassion with others. Operate out of the blessings and abundance of God’s grace and mercy in your own life.  Income and status do not determine needs of the heart.  Give freely to all who are in need, and “kill ‘em with kindness”.  Never operate in evil or retaliation.  Surprise others with goodness…and you might just surprise yourself in the process!
 
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 14, 2013

Proverbs 3:21-26
Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life;
    don’t for a minute lose sight of them.
They’ll keep your soul alive and well,
    they’ll keep you fit and attractive.
You’ll travel safely,
    you’ll neither tire nor trip.
You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry,
    you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.
No need to panic over alarms or surprises,
    or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner,
Because God will be right there with you;
    he’ll keep you safe and sound.
 
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.
 
Over the weekend, an 89-year-old woman in our county named Annie Jewell Brooks was awakened in the middle of the night by five young men who had broken into her home.  The burglars threatened her at gunpoint, tied her up, stole her television, cash, and other items…and tore through her house looking for drugs.  They told Mrs. Brooks to wait ten minutes before calling for help, or they would return and harm her.  She waited twenty minutes before freeing herself and telephoning her daughter.  Understandably shaken, Mrs. Brooks was not physically harmed.  As promised in this scripture passage, I like to think that God was right there with Annie Jewell - keeping her safe and sound.  I watched television interviews with this woman, and she strikes me as being gritty, determined – and faith-filled.  It may be hard for her to get a good night’s sleep for a while, but I have a feeling she will bounce back from this and rest peacefully in the LORD.
 
On the other hand, several people seem to have totally lost their heads over this situation.  The five young people who did this have been apprehended.  Three of them are 19 years old… the other two are juveniles.  All are charged as adults with Aggravated Residential Burglary, Kidnapping, and two counts of Felony Theft of Property.  These young people were apprehended less than 48 hours after the incident occurred, and press releases and news reports alerted the public that they were off the streets.  I am thankful that the culprits have been apprehended.  They did a terrible thing, and they should be punished for this, according to the law.
 
Here’s where things take a wrong turn for me… the comments by fellow citizens to online posts from our Sheriff’s Department and local news media are disgusting.  They range from suggestions that these young people be choked and smothered or drowned… to public hangings… to proposals that they be tied up and beaten with a baseball bat – and there was more than one volunteer.  This truly sickened me. For the life of me, I cannot understand why any human being believes that the beating and/or torture of another living thing would be appropriate… regardless of what he/she did.
 
When I look at our own nieces, nephews and young friends, I think… “Soon enough, they will be teenagers or young adults.  Someday they very well might make mistakes, as we all do.”  It breaks my heart to think that someone would wish to beat them or physically harm them in some way as a consequence for their behavior.  Surely there can be no peace in such retaliation.  Certainly this does not “square” with letting God have control in our lives… and in all circumstances.
 
I thought about this a lot in the last several hours… and truly, I’ve stopped reading news accounts of this incident and the accompanying comments.  But I did consider how God must feel about this.  He watched His only Son be beaten and tortured… and ultimately crucified… for something He didn’t even do!  And yet, had Jesus been guilty of the most heinous crime imaginable, I cannot imagine His abuse at the hands of those who apprehended Him could have grieved God any more than it did.  When will we truly get it that God loves us and does not want us to be harmed in any way?!
 
There were a few comments from those who suggested that these teens need Jesus.  And while I agree with them, I do believe they should also face appropriate consequences for these actions… and I believe they will.  In the meantime, I think we should all take a step back and look at our attitudes… our snap judgment and rash (and often harsh) reactions to such things.  Were my own mother or mother-in-law held at gunpoint by five people, I would be upset and disheartened – possibly outraged.  But I would like to think that I would share my feelings with God and seek His wisdom about how to react… that I would operate with common sense and rational thoughts… and that I would find peace in allowing Him to control the outcome.
 
I am praying for the people involved in this incident.  I am also praying for those who would rush to judgment – and action… that they would find the love of Christ as they process this situation in their own minds and hearts…and that they would ask themselves, “What would Jesus do?”  When we lose sight of the Clear Thinking and Common Sense that God gives us, we grow weary and lose heart… and peace.  Those who trust God and allow Him to work in and through them - in all circumstances - can sleep like babies.  How will you sleep tonight?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 12, 2013

Proverbs 20:3
It makes you look good when you avoid a fight — only fools love to quarrel.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
It seems that everybody has that one family member who likes to pick on kids.  Sometimes it’s an ornery uncle or grandpa… as was my mother’s experience.  Her great-grandfather used a cane, and he liked to “hook” little kids with it.  He thought it was funny… my mother did not!  I had a similar experience that has stuck with me to this day.
 
When I was about nine, I went home one weekend with a classmate to spend time on her family’s farm.  She lived “out in the country”, and we rode the bus to her house. My friend had an older brother and sister.  Her brother was probably thirteen or fourteen, and his cousin who was about the same age was visiting the same weekend as I was.  The two boys decided it would be fun to tie up my friend and me out in the yard with some baling twine.  My friend was laughing and thought it was funny.  I didn’t like it one bit.
 
It might help you to know that I am incredibly claustrophobic… the result of a visit to the hospital when I was two for my stomach to be pumped after I drank rubbing alcohol.  The doctors and nurses wrapped me tightly in a bed sheet and pushed a tube down my nose to pump out any residual liquid.  To this day, I am not a fan of tight clothing, tight places… or even the thought of things that bind.  So being tied up and unable to get free was torture for me.
 
To add insult to injury, these boys produced a pocketknife and threatened us.  They were having such a good time with their taunting… they thought they were so clever.  But my friend did not find this quite as funny, and she gave them “what-for” and began to scream for her mother.  We were quickly released… no worse for the wear.  But to this day, I cannot shake the feeling of fear that I had whenever I think of that incident… and it colored my opinion of those two boys forever.  I don’t remember ever going home with that friend again… over time, we grew apart and developed different circles of acquaintances.
 
In some way or another, a lot of us are like these teenage boys or the ornery grandpa.  We mean well enough… we are just teasing and/or having a little fun…but we are anything but funny!  Here’s a news flash… little kids don’t like to be picked on by adults!  They don’t like it when you poke at them or give them “wet willies”.  They don’t like to be badgered or taunted… and honestly, their moms don’t like it either!  They have to “mop up” and deal with ornery kids afterward… or smooth hurt feelings. And adults feel much the same way about being antagonized.
 
My friend’s brother and cousin were not bad people… and you probably aren’t either.  You just are not thinking about your words and actions.  You may not even realize that you are opening the door for a quarrel or some sort of “unrest”.  You certainly may not understand that your behavior could have long-term ramifications… cause lifelong hard feelings or uneasiness – or even ruin a friendship or other relationship.
 
This is a call for all of us to think before we speak and act.  If you have a strong urge to retaliate for something another has said or done… this might be just the sign that you need to respond in exactly the opposite manner.  If you are unsure what to do, take a breath and step back… ask God to guide your words and your actions… and tread lightly!  I guess there are actually a few people who enjoy a good quarrel… but I’m not one of them.  When you consider the potential consequences, I can’t imagine that it’s really worth the risk… and I’m not sure that God would be very pleased, either.
 
So focus on creating peace… for yourself and for others.  Choose a path that avoids confrontation whenever possible, and do all you can to avoid a quarrel.  And for goodness sake… figure out another way to relate to people besides picking on them!  Everyone involved will be better for it.
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 22, 2013

Ephesians 4:31-32
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

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.

One of the hardest things to do is to forgive someone who has offended us. And let’s be honest, our natural tendency when we have been insulted or wounded in some way is to vent to others. If someone speaks unkindly about us or makes claims that are inaccurate at best – or downright untruthful – we rush to “set the record straight” with the general public… if not directly with the person who upset us. It usually doesn’t do any good… or make that person behave nicely… but at least for a while, we seem to feel better.

But how do we treat the person who has offended us afterward? What do we do when someone who has hurt us or shown us unkindness has a problem of his/her own – or a crisis? Do we sit back and laugh? Do we declare this to be “karma?” Or do we extend the love, grace and mercy of Jesus Christ… and offer a kind word or a helping hand? Are we gentle with these people? Do we forgive as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave us?

This is a terribly hard thing to do sometimes. When we have been insulted… our trust has been violated… someone has attempted to stain our reputation… or we have been treated with incredible disrespect…it is often difficult to feel generous and gentle - much less sensitive toward the person who did this. But nothing about obedience to God involves our feelings. It’s not about us. If we want to fully obey God… to wholeheartedly be His disciple and share the love of Jesus Christ with others, we have to be willing to love them without any strings attached.

I will be the first to tell you that I struggle with this. I am not good at “being the bigger person.” I want to rail to God and ask, “Why, LORD? What did I do to deserve this? How can I make this person understand the damage he/she did to me and/or my reputation? How can I ever be kind toward this person again?” And maybe you feel the same way. The answer is not necessarily one we want to hear… but it’s really quite simple. God says, “I already did this for you. Now…are you still unwilling to do this for someone else?”

©2013 Debbie Robus