Luke 14:33
“Simply put, if you’re not willing to take
what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye,
you can’t be my disciple.”
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.
“God has other plans.” This
is the phrase my mother uttered over and again, particularly in her last
days. I’ll be honest…as I have gone through things at my Mother’s
house - and even sorted and “purged” my own closets and drawers – I’ve
wondered…”What was the significance of this item? Why was it saved
and/or treasured?” Over the years, I have wondered what brings certain
people together. The old saying that “opposites attract” seems to apply
to many friendships and relationships where people on the fringe scratch
their heads and wonder, “What does this person see in that one?” And
yet, the relationships are strong – and important to those involved.
So
when it comes time to part with some of our prized possessions…or a
“breakup” or “death” of some sort occurs between people or relationships
(even a job or a move of some kind)…we are often left devastated. We
have attached so much personal significance to these things or people
that we cannot imagine a life in which we could function without them.
And yet…this is exactly what Jesus calls us to do.
Understand that Jesus says you must be willing to give up what is dearest to you. He doesn’t say you will be required
to do so. You may never be asked to sacrifice belongings or people in
order to serve Jesus. But you must be ready and willing to do so, all
the same. This is what separates us and signifies that we are Christ’s
disciples…our willingness to forego everything and trust Him to make everything alright.
So
if I am truly a disciple of Christ, I have to be able to say, “It’s
okay that my parents and other loved ones are no longer alive on this
earth. I trust Jesus to fill in the gaps and comfort me.” When God
tells me that an association or relationship is toxic and I need to
detach from the other parties, I have to trust that He will deal with
these persons according to His will…and bring new relationships to fill
my life and give me joy. When I hear God saying, “You don’t need
another pair of shoes…but a foster child in your town needs clothes,” I
know that I must give up satisfying my selfish desire (and cluttering my
closet) in favor of meeting someone else’s true need.
My mother
had plans to travel…spend time with her children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, friends and family members…write books and visit
her beloved Branson “family”…nurture others, and more. She had stacks
of books she was reading or planned to read. She planted tulip bulbs in
the fall and anticipated their blooms in the spring. She wrote of
picking up her apron next Thanksgiving Day and cooking a family dinner
once again. And God had other plans.
In this case, my mother
could do little to change the fact that God was calling her to
heaven…but she had a choice about how to react. She could have gone
kicking, screaming and complaining. She could have told everyone how
bitter and angry she was and encouraged us to be mad at God. Instead,
she smiled over and over and said, “God has other plans.” She
encouraged us to stay faithful…to trust that God’s will is perfect…to
accept that everything on this earth is temporary – both physical
possessions and the people we know and love.
This is a daunting
question…”Who and what would you be willing to sacrifice for Jesus?”
When we think about what Jesus sacrificed for us, this seems like a
rather silly query. When we consider what Jesus offers us in exchange
for our “surrender,” it seems even more absurd. So today, I suggest
that we all spend some time thinking about our discipleship…our
relationship to the One who has given us everything, including the
promise of Eternal Life…and ask, “what – and who – are we willing to
give up for Jesus?” If/when God has other plans, are we ready to smile
and accept them? Isn’t it time we were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label self-sacrifice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self-sacrifice. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 12, 2014
1 John 3:16-17
This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I confess. I have watched a few episodes of the reality cable TV show “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills”. I don’t think any television show in recent memory has disgusted me more than this one. The lives of young adults who literally have more money than sense are glorified for their spending sprees, drunken escapades, and incredible selfishness. Their foremost thought is how to spend money…and how to make themselves look and feel better (if only in their own over-inflated opinions) in the process!
If you read information from organizations like Compassion International (http://compassion.com) and the World Food Programme (http://wfp.org), you will learn that helping others really costs very little in the scheme of things. On the World Food Programme website, a statement reads…”It takes only $0.25 for the World Food Programme to give a hungry schoolchild a cup of nutritious food. $50 will feed a child at school for an entire year.” Many of us spend $50 on a single meal… or in less than 2 weeks’ worth of morning coffee on the way to work! But this issue goes deeper than just feeding the hungry or buying clothing and school supplies for a sponsored child in a foreign country. There are opportunities all around us to give to others…to share out of our abundance. And we are either ignoring them – or missing them completely.
When was the last time you passed up an opportunity to do something “fun” – or at least more self-satisfying - in order to spend some time with a person who was lonely, sick or injured? How often do you take time to hold a door open for someone else…allow the guy ahead of you to have the prime parking space…or invite someone to go ahead of you in the check-out line at the grocery store? Have you ever said, “I can buy myself XYZ…or I can make an anonymous donation to the elementary school to help children who don’t have adequate school supplies, a warm coat, or decent shoes. I can make a contribution to a reputable charity…or even the pastor’s emergency fund at my church. I can send a check to an organization like Hospice, to ensure that someone who is in the last stages of life has companionship and comfort. I can forego my morning cup of coffee for a month and buy food for the local animal shelter instead.
In truth, most of us might not have to “give up” anything in order to help. If we did have to skip a purchase or two, we would scarcely miss it. But still, this is not just about money. None of us can put a monetary value on what Jesus did for us. His sacrifice was far bigger than a measure in dollars and cents. And yet, in many ways, He demonstrated simple, everyday ways that we can help a brother in need. One of the greatest gifts we can give to others is our time…quite literally a second set of hands…an ear to listen to someone else’s burdens for a few minutes…or a hug. We can say to the stressed-out parents, “Let me sit with your kids while you take in a movie – or buy groceries in peace.” We can offer to run errands for an elderly person or someone who is sick or injured. We can leave a casserole on the doorstep of a busy working mother, a grieving widow or widower, or the kids who live down the street whose parents never seem to be around. We can invite someone to church – and offer to give them a ride (and maybe even feed them lunch afterward). We could knock on the door of a classmate and invite him/her to study with us. We could smile more and complain less!
Every day…in ways great and small…we have opportunities to live sacrificially for others. Sadly, many of us “turn a cold shoulder and do nothing”. And this scripture passage reminds us that doing this essentially makes God’s love disappear – at least in the minds and hearts of those in need. This is not who we are…or who we should be. We have been given the greatest gift of all in salvation through Jesus Christ. We are covered in His love, grace, mercy, and abundant blessings. Our responsibility is to “pay it forward” to others…to multiply the love of God through Jesus Christ as we meet the needs of His creatures.
How well are you doing? Are you offering compassion to others in Jesus’ name? Do you live generously – even sacrificially? Or are you a “When-is-it-my-turn-what’s-in-it-for-me?” kind of Christian? Your answer matters. How will you respond?
©2014 Debbie Robus
This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I confess. I have watched a few episodes of the reality cable TV show “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills”. I don’t think any television show in recent memory has disgusted me more than this one. The lives of young adults who literally have more money than sense are glorified for their spending sprees, drunken escapades, and incredible selfishness. Their foremost thought is how to spend money…and how to make themselves look and feel better (if only in their own over-inflated opinions) in the process!
If you read information from organizations like Compassion International (http://compassion.com) and the World Food Programme (http://wfp.org), you will learn that helping others really costs very little in the scheme of things. On the World Food Programme website, a statement reads…”It takes only $0.25 for the World Food Programme to give a hungry schoolchild a cup of nutritious food. $50 will feed a child at school for an entire year.” Many of us spend $50 on a single meal… or in less than 2 weeks’ worth of morning coffee on the way to work! But this issue goes deeper than just feeding the hungry or buying clothing and school supplies for a sponsored child in a foreign country. There are opportunities all around us to give to others…to share out of our abundance. And we are either ignoring them – or missing them completely.
When was the last time you passed up an opportunity to do something “fun” – or at least more self-satisfying - in order to spend some time with a person who was lonely, sick or injured? How often do you take time to hold a door open for someone else…allow the guy ahead of you to have the prime parking space…or invite someone to go ahead of you in the check-out line at the grocery store? Have you ever said, “I can buy myself XYZ…or I can make an anonymous donation to the elementary school to help children who don’t have adequate school supplies, a warm coat, or decent shoes. I can make a contribution to a reputable charity…or even the pastor’s emergency fund at my church. I can send a check to an organization like Hospice, to ensure that someone who is in the last stages of life has companionship and comfort. I can forego my morning cup of coffee for a month and buy food for the local animal shelter instead.
In truth, most of us might not have to “give up” anything in order to help. If we did have to skip a purchase or two, we would scarcely miss it. But still, this is not just about money. None of us can put a monetary value on what Jesus did for us. His sacrifice was far bigger than a measure in dollars and cents. And yet, in many ways, He demonstrated simple, everyday ways that we can help a brother in need. One of the greatest gifts we can give to others is our time…quite literally a second set of hands…an ear to listen to someone else’s burdens for a few minutes…or a hug. We can say to the stressed-out parents, “Let me sit with your kids while you take in a movie – or buy groceries in peace.” We can offer to run errands for an elderly person or someone who is sick or injured. We can leave a casserole on the doorstep of a busy working mother, a grieving widow or widower, or the kids who live down the street whose parents never seem to be around. We can invite someone to church – and offer to give them a ride (and maybe even feed them lunch afterward). We could knock on the door of a classmate and invite him/her to study with us. We could smile more and complain less!
Every day…in ways great and small…we have opportunities to live sacrificially for others. Sadly, many of us “turn a cold shoulder and do nothing”. And this scripture passage reminds us that doing this essentially makes God’s love disappear – at least in the minds and hearts of those in need. This is not who we are…or who we should be. We have been given the greatest gift of all in salvation through Jesus Christ. We are covered in His love, grace, mercy, and abundant blessings. Our responsibility is to “pay it forward” to others…to multiply the love of God through Jesus Christ as we meet the needs of His creatures.
How well are you doing? Are you offering compassion to others in Jesus’ name? Do you live generously – even sacrificially? Or are you a “When-is-it-my-turn-what’s-in-it-for-me?” kind of Christian? Your answer matters. How will you respond?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 10, 2013
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Thursday morning (March 8th) at 7:00, our phone rang. The nurse at my grandmother’s Assisted Living Facility told my husband that the aides went in to wake Mam-ma Polly for breakfast and found her unresponsive. We quickly dressed and rush to the facility, where she lay with her eyes shut…breathing heavily. I had suspected for a few days she might be developing pneumonia, but upon examination, the Hospice nurse felt certain that she had suffered a stroke. It did not look good.
We sat all day Thursday and through the night… into Friday morning. Many came and went, and all told her how much she was loved. Some told her “Good-bye” … that her heavenly home would be ready soon. Indeed, a group of men and women came to play gospel music for the residents, and they dedicated “Heaven Is My Home” to Mrs. Polly… then followed it with “I’ll Fly Away.”
The Hospice nurses encouraged me to talk to Mam-ma, to gently encourage her to let go and “fly away” to Jesus. During the day on Thursday, I read scripture passages to her from her own Bible… many she had marked in some way, underlined, or noted in the margins. One of the passages I read to her from the King James Version – her personal favorite – was John 14:1-4…
- Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
I told Mam-ma over and again, “We’ll be along after you soon. We’ll see you again. We’re coming, too… just not yet.” I believe that completely. I look forward to the day when my mansion is ready and I can truly see the face of Jesus. Meanwhile, I know I have work to do here. My grandmother gave me an incredible example in 100 years, 123 days of how it’s done…how to live for Jesus and put Him first… how to serve others and love them with grace, mercy and forgiveness… and how to never stop living and fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. As I have prepared for her funeral and read countless messages and memories from those who knew and loved her, I am sure that she found God’s will and purpose for her life and fulfilled it. I pray that I can be a good servant and model her faith. I pray that you are working on your mansion, as well.
I know it’s been a couple of days since I posted a devotional… and now you know why. I pray that God will bless and keep you… and that He will give me strength, courage and wisdom as I resume these writings in the next few days. Love others more than yourself… figure out God’s purpose for your life – and fulfill it… and live well on this earth in preparation for your Heavenly mansion. God bless and keep you…until you fly away Home.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 18, 2012
Romans 5:6-8
Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to 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.
Today, a college student from our community named Olivia received a healthy kidney from another local woman named Kathy - who felt God calling her to be the donor. Olivia suffered for three years with a kidney disease. Now, her “new” kidney is in place – and working beautifully, according to Olivia’s mom. I really don’t know Olivia or Kathy... but I’ve been reading their Facebook posts and have gleaned enough to know that Kathy has made a selfless sacrifice for Olivia.
Eleven days ago, Kathy posted on Facebook that “I will definitely be praying as I have been from the beginning!!!! God is so great to allow me to be a part of this...I still can't believe what a blessing this is to me! Can't wait to see Olivia feeling great!!!! I love you, Olivia! Meet you there!” Now THIS is obedience! This is sacrifice – one I’m not sure I could ever make. But I’m certain that Olivia and her family will forever be grateful that Kathy came forward to help.
We can’t all donate a kidney – nor are we expected to do this. But every day, God calls on us to be selfless – to think more of others than we do of our own desires and well-being. This may mean doing something as simple as taking a few minutes to move away from our computer or smart phone and write a note of encouragement to someone. We may be asked to forego our morning cup of coffee and apply that money toward a local charity or mission fundraiser. We might be led to volunteer in the church or community… to serve those who have far greater needs than our own. Or God could instruct us to stop what we are doing and pray for others. Then again, He might show you someone who needs a place to live… money for food and transportation… or one of your kidneys.
Whatever God is calling us to do, it pales in comparison to what Jesus has already done for each of us. He didn’t wait until it was convenient – or until we were deserving of such redemption. Jesus didn’t say, “Just one more game of Solitaire,” or “Let me finish this text or e-mail message.” He didn’t say, “I’m still a young man. Let me live a little first!” And God didn’t say, “I can’t sacrifice My Only Son… I’ll send Peter or James or John.”
I imagine that the waiting today was agony for Olivia’s parents… even though they were trusting God for a good outcome. But picture the anguish of sending your only child to die for the sins of undeserving – and often ungrateful – people who seem to do nothing but rebel and misbehave. We can never out-give God. Our “sacrifices” can never compare to those of Jesus on our behalf. And yet, we whine and complain when God asks us to do even the least little thing for Him.
This is a good day to stop and spend some time with God. Ask Him to show you His will for your life… where and when to “sacrifice” on His behalf. Humbly and obediently pursue His plans. Don’t ask “Why me?” or “Do I really have to?” Instead, ask, “What’s next?” God will probably never call on you to donate a kidney. But if He did… what would you say?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to 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.
Today, a college student from our community named Olivia received a healthy kidney from another local woman named Kathy - who felt God calling her to be the donor. Olivia suffered for three years with a kidney disease. Now, her “new” kidney is in place – and working beautifully, according to Olivia’s mom. I really don’t know Olivia or Kathy... but I’ve been reading their Facebook posts and have gleaned enough to know that Kathy has made a selfless sacrifice for Olivia.
Eleven days ago, Kathy posted on Facebook that “I will definitely be praying as I have been from the beginning!!!! God is so great to allow me to be a part of this...I still can't believe what a blessing this is to me! Can't wait to see Olivia feeling great!!!! I love you, Olivia! Meet you there!” Now THIS is obedience! This is sacrifice – one I’m not sure I could ever make. But I’m certain that Olivia and her family will forever be grateful that Kathy came forward to help.
We can’t all donate a kidney – nor are we expected to do this. But every day, God calls on us to be selfless – to think more of others than we do of our own desires and well-being. This may mean doing something as simple as taking a few minutes to move away from our computer or smart phone and write a note of encouragement to someone. We may be asked to forego our morning cup of coffee and apply that money toward a local charity or mission fundraiser. We might be led to volunteer in the church or community… to serve those who have far greater needs than our own. Or God could instruct us to stop what we are doing and pray for others. Then again, He might show you someone who needs a place to live… money for food and transportation… or one of your kidneys.
Whatever God is calling us to do, it pales in comparison to what Jesus has already done for each of us. He didn’t wait until it was convenient – or until we were deserving of such redemption. Jesus didn’t say, “Just one more game of Solitaire,” or “Let me finish this text or e-mail message.” He didn’t say, “I’m still a young man. Let me live a little first!” And God didn’t say, “I can’t sacrifice My Only Son… I’ll send Peter or James or John.”
I imagine that the waiting today was agony for Olivia’s parents… even though they were trusting God for a good outcome. But picture the anguish of sending your only child to die for the sins of undeserving – and often ungrateful – people who seem to do nothing but rebel and misbehave. We can never out-give God. Our “sacrifices” can never compare to those of Jesus on our behalf. And yet, we whine and complain when God asks us to do even the least little thing for Him.
This is a good day to stop and spend some time with God. Ask Him to show you His will for your life… where and when to “sacrifice” on His behalf. Humbly and obediently pursue His plans. Don’t ask “Why me?” or “Do I really have to?” Instead, ask, “What’s next?” God will probably never call on you to donate a kidney. But if He did… what would you say?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 7, 2012
Philippians 2:1-4
If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
July 3, 2012, was not a good day in Pope County, Arkansas. Wildfires raged through the Ozark National Forest near Appleton, north of Atkins, and surrounding areas. Several area fire departments were called upon to help fight the fires, which raged for most of the day and into the night. In fact, there have been fires in this area of Arkansas virtually every day this week. My friend Missy Ellis and her husband, Randy, own a well-known family restaurant in nearby Russellville, Arkansas, called Whatta-Burger… located across the highway from the campus of Arkansas Tech University. Missy and Randy are still involved in the daily operation of this establishment… known for its made-to-order hamburgers and more-than-ample servings of everything!
Missy kept people updated on the fire locations, area evacuations and the firefighter’s progress via Facebook. At one point she noted that she had driven to one fire site to deliver 14 cases of water and 16 bundles of Gatorade to the firefighters… and she was waiting on 150 Whatta-Burgers to be prepared for delivery to the crew. Randy is a volunteer firefighter, and Missy posted photos of him manning a pumper truck. This is not an isolated incident. Missy and Randy do things like this all the time. I’ve known them over 30 years, and they’ve always stepped up and out whenever and wherever needed to help others.
You can’t mention the names of Missy and Randy - or their children - in the Pope County area without eliciting a smile – and probably a story or two. They are known far and wide for their generosity, moral character, and loving spirit. Because of part-time jobs at Whatta-Burger, thousands of kids have been able to attend college. Missy has taught a children’s Sunday School at her church for nearly 40 years. If I told you how much she prepares at Christmas time – cookies and candy – and delivers to area policemen, fire departments, doctor’s offices and more, you would probably faint just reading the list! I honestly believe they get up every morning and ask, “Okay, LORD… what’s on tap for today?”
I honestly have never known of these two friends to think of themselves first… in any situation. They truly are amazing. Most of us could not hold up to their level of commitment… nor do we have the energy to accomplish what they do in any given day. But we can all do our share. We can make an attempt to think less of ourselves and more of the other guy. We can make a concerted effort to get along… and we can look around for ways to make life a little easier or better for someone else rather than always asking, “When is it MY turn?” or “What’s in this for me?”
There is no greater joy or blessing than to be able to lighten another person’s load. To know that you operated in the love of Christ and did something for another person - with no thought of what you might gain in the process - is to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus. I didn’t mention that Missy had a total knee replacement a few months ago… and Randy had a surgery, as well. Yet they were both up and out this week, making life better for others and doing what they could… with no regard for the heat or the toll this would take on their own lives. I’m sure they are both exhausted. I’ve seen the comments on Facebook…the recipients of this kindness are regarding my friends as heroes of a sort… though they refuse to take any credit.
God is not calling us to be heroes… He is just asking us to do all we can without putting ourselves first – from being kind and agreeable to offering a hand up or a handout when needed. My question to you is… “Which end of this deal are you on most days?” Are you getting more than you are giving? Has the love of Christ made a difference in your life… and is this evident to others by how you are living? Shouldn’t it be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
July 3, 2012, was not a good day in Pope County, Arkansas. Wildfires raged through the Ozark National Forest near Appleton, north of Atkins, and surrounding areas. Several area fire departments were called upon to help fight the fires, which raged for most of the day and into the night. In fact, there have been fires in this area of Arkansas virtually every day this week. My friend Missy Ellis and her husband, Randy, own a well-known family restaurant in nearby Russellville, Arkansas, called Whatta-Burger… located across the highway from the campus of Arkansas Tech University. Missy and Randy are still involved in the daily operation of this establishment… known for its made-to-order hamburgers and more-than-ample servings of everything!
Missy kept people updated on the fire locations, area evacuations and the firefighter’s progress via Facebook. At one point she noted that she had driven to one fire site to deliver 14 cases of water and 16 bundles of Gatorade to the firefighters… and she was waiting on 150 Whatta-Burgers to be prepared for delivery to the crew. Randy is a volunteer firefighter, and Missy posted photos of him manning a pumper truck. This is not an isolated incident. Missy and Randy do things like this all the time. I’ve known them over 30 years, and they’ve always stepped up and out whenever and wherever needed to help others.
You can’t mention the names of Missy and Randy - or their children - in the Pope County area without eliciting a smile – and probably a story or two. They are known far and wide for their generosity, moral character, and loving spirit. Because of part-time jobs at Whatta-Burger, thousands of kids have been able to attend college. Missy has taught a children’s Sunday School at her church for nearly 40 years. If I told you how much she prepares at Christmas time – cookies and candy – and delivers to area policemen, fire departments, doctor’s offices and more, you would probably faint just reading the list! I honestly believe they get up every morning and ask, “Okay, LORD… what’s on tap for today?”
I honestly have never known of these two friends to think of themselves first… in any situation. They truly are amazing. Most of us could not hold up to their level of commitment… nor do we have the energy to accomplish what they do in any given day. But we can all do our share. We can make an attempt to think less of ourselves and more of the other guy. We can make a concerted effort to get along… and we can look around for ways to make life a little easier or better for someone else rather than always asking, “When is it MY turn?” or “What’s in this for me?”
There is no greater joy or blessing than to be able to lighten another person’s load. To know that you operated in the love of Christ and did something for another person - with no thought of what you might gain in the process - is to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus. I didn’t mention that Missy had a total knee replacement a few months ago… and Randy had a surgery, as well. Yet they were both up and out this week, making life better for others and doing what they could… with no regard for the heat or the toll this would take on their own lives. I’m sure they are both exhausted. I’ve seen the comments on Facebook…the recipients of this kindness are regarding my friends as heroes of a sort… though they refuse to take any credit.
God is not calling us to be heroes… He is just asking us to do all we can without putting ourselves first – from being kind and agreeable to offering a hand up or a handout when needed. My question to you is… “Which end of this deal are you on most days?” Are you getting more than you are giving? Has the love of Christ made a difference in your life… and is this evident to others by how you are living? Shouldn’t it be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 10, 2011
John 12:24-26
I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honor you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was cleaning my desk this morning (those of you who know me can start laughing now), and I came across a note I had made that said, “Sidewalk Prophets – The Words I Would Say.” I Googled the phrase and found the YouTube video for this song. I had heard it on Christian radio one day and noted the names of the song and artist. This morning, I listened to it again and bookmarked it for future listening.
I had already found my scripture passage for today… the words practically leapt off the page at me. The message I received loud and clear is that life will not be easy or pleasant for us every single day just because we invite Jesus to be LORD of our life. If everything were hunky-dory every day, most of us would decide we really didn’t need a Savior, wouldn’t we?!
In order to truly prove to God that we are with Him 100%, we have to endure some bumps in the road… set our own personal agendas aside… and follow Him completely. We may have to work at a job we don’t particularly enjoy. We may have to get up at 3:00 a.m. with a sick baby or miss a party because our mom or grandma needs our help. We may have to tell our friends, “I’m sorry, but I can’t come with you,” as they get in a car and head for the liquor store and an all-nighter. We may have to speak up and share our disapproval to the person who makes unkind comments toward someone of another ethnicity, religious belief or lifestyle choice that differs from his/hers.
Recently I made the comment that I have had to do things in the past that did not make me happy… but they were the right thing to do – and I know God was guiding my steps. We don’t always get to have things our way, particularly if we are genuine Disciples of Christ. But the rewards and blessings far outweigh any momentary unhappiness we might encounter.
I encourage you to click on the video at the end of this post and listen to “The Words I Would Say.” If you don’t care to listen, take a look at the lyrics I’ve provided. Let Jesus speak to you through them today. Hear Him tell you to be strong in Him… never give up hope… don’t live life in fear and don’t forget why you are here! God’s got His hand on you… come find peace in the Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honor you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was cleaning my desk this morning (those of you who know me can start laughing now), and I came across a note I had made that said, “Sidewalk Prophets – The Words I Would Say.” I Googled the phrase and found the YouTube video for this song. I had heard it on Christian radio one day and noted the names of the song and artist. This morning, I listened to it again and bookmarked it for future listening.
I had already found my scripture passage for today… the words practically leapt off the page at me. The message I received loud and clear is that life will not be easy or pleasant for us every single day just because we invite Jesus to be LORD of our life. If everything were hunky-dory every day, most of us would decide we really didn’t need a Savior, wouldn’t we?!
In order to truly prove to God that we are with Him 100%, we have to endure some bumps in the road… set our own personal agendas aside… and follow Him completely. We may have to work at a job we don’t particularly enjoy. We may have to get up at 3:00 a.m. with a sick baby or miss a party because our mom or grandma needs our help. We may have to tell our friends, “I’m sorry, but I can’t come with you,” as they get in a car and head for the liquor store and an all-nighter. We may have to speak up and share our disapproval to the person who makes unkind comments toward someone of another ethnicity, religious belief or lifestyle choice that differs from his/hers.
Recently I made the comment that I have had to do things in the past that did not make me happy… but they were the right thing to do – and I know God was guiding my steps. We don’t always get to have things our way, particularly if we are genuine Disciples of Christ. But the rewards and blessings far outweigh any momentary unhappiness we might encounter.
I encourage you to click on the video at the end of this post and listen to “The Words I Would Say.” If you don’t care to listen, take a look at the lyrics I’ve provided. Let Jesus speak to you through them today. Hear Him tell you to be strong in Him… never give up hope… don’t live life in fear and don’t forget why you are here! God’s got His hand on you… come find peace in the Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
- The Words I Would Say
©2009 Sidewalk Prophets – These Simple Truths
http://www.sidewalkprophets.com/
Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say
Daily Devotional for October 4, 2011
Psalm 116:4-7
I prayed and said, "LORD, please don't let me die!" You are kind, LORD, so good and merciful. You protect ordinary people, and when I was helpless, you saved me and treated me so kindly that I don't need to worry anymore.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This week we said goodbye to Louise Hall, a woman my family knew as “Aunt Louise.” She wasn’t really our aunt, but in the words of another friend who grew up alongside us in this community, “she was our ‘Aunt Louise’, too.” Aunt Louise recently celebrated her 90th birthday, only to be hospitalized a few days later… one of her many trips to the hospital in recent years for various ailments and injuries. At her funeral, the pastor spoke of the devotion Aunt Louise had for family and friends… for church members and her community at large.
Louise Hall never married. When her sister suddenly lost her husband – while pregnant and already rearing three small children – Louise and her parents took them in and helped care for the family. When her own mother became ill and frail, Louise took early retirement to care for her. And when her sister developed Alzheimer’s, Louise helped her sister’s children care for her, too.
In between, she managed a 30-year career, taught small children in Sunday School for 25 years, sang in the church choir, and served on numerous church committees… including a stint in her later years on the Condolence Committee, which organized meals for grieving families. And always, Louise helped her own family with whatever they needed. Over and again, the pastor mentioned how Louise was fair and treated everyone so kindly. And she did.
Aunt Louise would have told you she was just an ordinary person doing what God had called her to do. And if we look at this passage in the Psalms and think about how good, fair, merciful, and comforting God is to us, we see that Aunt Louise understood what so many of us do not. She “got it” that we are to do these very things if we want to share the love of God with others. We are to strive to be like Him as much as humanly possible. We will never attain perfection, but the goal is to honor God… not to be perfect… and we must never stop trying to do more.
One more thing… this passage asks God to protect us from death. But I don’t think the Psalmist necessarily meant physical death. Because you see, in death, Aunt Louise and countless other faithful Christians have realized the ultimate reward… a home at the feet of Jesus. Instead, I think the “death” we must ask God to save us from is a sinful life… the emptiness of living without Him… and a “Christian” life that is devoid of service, honor and treating others fairly and mercifully.
The pastor said that preachers do not preach funerals… that people “preach” their own funeral by the way they live their lives… and Aunt Louise “preached a dandy!” What about you? If God called you to heaven tomorrow, would others speak of you as someone who was fair and merciful… always treating others equally and with love and kindness? What sort of funeral would your life preach?
Most of us still have work to do to “polish the edges” of our life sermon. And some of us still need to ask God to save us from the “death” of a life without Him. What sort of work do you still need to do? Where could you use a little “spit and polish” and the mighty hand of God? Isn’t it time you got busy asking Him to help you get on track? When God calls your name and invites you to step into heaven, will your funeral “preach” like Aunt Louise’s? Shouldn’t it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I prayed and said, "LORD, please don't let me die!" You are kind, LORD, so good and merciful. You protect ordinary people, and when I was helpless, you saved me and treated me so kindly that I don't need to worry anymore.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This week we said goodbye to Louise Hall, a woman my family knew as “Aunt Louise.” She wasn’t really our aunt, but in the words of another friend who grew up alongside us in this community, “she was our ‘Aunt Louise’, too.” Aunt Louise recently celebrated her 90th birthday, only to be hospitalized a few days later… one of her many trips to the hospital in recent years for various ailments and injuries. At her funeral, the pastor spoke of the devotion Aunt Louise had for family and friends… for church members and her community at large.
Louise Hall never married. When her sister suddenly lost her husband – while pregnant and already rearing three small children – Louise and her parents took them in and helped care for the family. When her own mother became ill and frail, Louise took early retirement to care for her. And when her sister developed Alzheimer’s, Louise helped her sister’s children care for her, too.
In between, she managed a 30-year career, taught small children in Sunday School for 25 years, sang in the church choir, and served on numerous church committees… including a stint in her later years on the Condolence Committee, which organized meals for grieving families. And always, Louise helped her own family with whatever they needed. Over and again, the pastor mentioned how Louise was fair and treated everyone so kindly. And she did.
Aunt Louise would have told you she was just an ordinary person doing what God had called her to do. And if we look at this passage in the Psalms and think about how good, fair, merciful, and comforting God is to us, we see that Aunt Louise understood what so many of us do not. She “got it” that we are to do these very things if we want to share the love of God with others. We are to strive to be like Him as much as humanly possible. We will never attain perfection, but the goal is to honor God… not to be perfect… and we must never stop trying to do more.
One more thing… this passage asks God to protect us from death. But I don’t think the Psalmist necessarily meant physical death. Because you see, in death, Aunt Louise and countless other faithful Christians have realized the ultimate reward… a home at the feet of Jesus. Instead, I think the “death” we must ask God to save us from is a sinful life… the emptiness of living without Him… and a “Christian” life that is devoid of service, honor and treating others fairly and mercifully.
The pastor said that preachers do not preach funerals… that people “preach” their own funeral by the way they live their lives… and Aunt Louise “preached a dandy!” What about you? If God called you to heaven tomorrow, would others speak of you as someone who was fair and merciful… always treating others equally and with love and kindness? What sort of funeral would your life preach?
Most of us still have work to do to “polish the edges” of our life sermon. And some of us still need to ask God to save us from the “death” of a life without Him. What sort of work do you still need to do? Where could you use a little “spit and polish” and the mighty hand of God? Isn’t it time you got busy asking Him to help you get on track? When God calls your name and invites you to step into heaven, will your funeral “preach” like Aunt Louise’s? Shouldn’t it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 10, 2011
Luke 9:23-27
Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I'm leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn't, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of 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.
Recently, we attended a benefit performance to raise funds for Autism Speaks. Did you know that a child is diagnosed with autism somewhere in the world every 20 minutes? At the performance, several family members spoke about living with someone who has autism. One mother told of moving her family from Florida to Little Rock so that her son could attend a certain school and receive necessary help. A little boy talked about his brother’s obsession with air fresheners… Febreze, Glade, Air Wick… and how sick he is of smelling a few of the “signature scents.” A dad talked about the wonders of hearing his son tell him “I love you.”
All in all, these families embraced their children – and the struggles that they encounter on a daily basis. I’m sure it’s not all a bed of roses for any of them, but you wouldn’t have known it on this day, as the families danced together on stage with a professional modern dance company in the grand finale.
In The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren says our question is not to be “Why me?” but rather “What do you want me to learn?” Truly, God is always teaching us… even in the most difficult moments of our lives. Moments of suffering and sorrow can often be some of the biggest opportunities for us to grow in faith and our trust in God and His promises. These can also be our times to shine for Jesus… as we share His love for each of us with others.
I have no doubt that the families that include an autistic child would like to have a few minutes with God to sit down and tell Him a thing or two. But the fact is, God already knows how difficult the challenges are for these children and the families to whom they belong. And I have no doubt that their struggles and challenges are lessened if/when they really learn to move over and let God “drive the car.”
We have such a hard time with this concept. WE want to be in the driver’s seat… but that is simply not where we Christians belong. We can never get things right like God can… we can never know what is truly best for our situation like He does… and we are foolish to think otherwise. We have to let God lead… we have to accept – even embrace – whatever He allows in our lives… understanding that we have a lot left to learn, no matter what age we may be.
So who is driving your “car” these days? Are you stuck in the “Why me?” mode… wondering “When is it my turn?” to be “footloose and fancy free?” Or have you surrendered your heart and life completely to Jesus, trusting that He has much for you to learn… and He will be with you every step of the way? The choice is really pretty simple… so why not go ahead and hand over the keys?!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat—I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? If any of you is embarrassed with me and the way I'm leading you, know that the Son of Man will be far more embarrassed with you when he arrives in all his splendor in company with the Father and the holy angels. This isn't, you realize, pie in the sky by and by. Some who have taken their stand right here are going to see it happen, see with their own eyes the kingdom of 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.
Recently, we attended a benefit performance to raise funds for Autism Speaks. Did you know that a child is diagnosed with autism somewhere in the world every 20 minutes? At the performance, several family members spoke about living with someone who has autism. One mother told of moving her family from Florida to Little Rock so that her son could attend a certain school and receive necessary help. A little boy talked about his brother’s obsession with air fresheners… Febreze, Glade, Air Wick… and how sick he is of smelling a few of the “signature scents.” A dad talked about the wonders of hearing his son tell him “I love you.”
All in all, these families embraced their children – and the struggles that they encounter on a daily basis. I’m sure it’s not all a bed of roses for any of them, but you wouldn’t have known it on this day, as the families danced together on stage with a professional modern dance company in the grand finale.
In The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren says our question is not to be “Why me?” but rather “What do you want me to learn?” Truly, God is always teaching us… even in the most difficult moments of our lives. Moments of suffering and sorrow can often be some of the biggest opportunities for us to grow in faith and our trust in God and His promises. These can also be our times to shine for Jesus… as we share His love for each of us with others.
I have no doubt that the families that include an autistic child would like to have a few minutes with God to sit down and tell Him a thing or two. But the fact is, God already knows how difficult the challenges are for these children and the families to whom they belong. And I have no doubt that their struggles and challenges are lessened if/when they really learn to move over and let God “drive the car.”
We have such a hard time with this concept. WE want to be in the driver’s seat… but that is simply not where we Christians belong. We can never get things right like God can… we can never know what is truly best for our situation like He does… and we are foolish to think otherwise. We have to let God lead… we have to accept – even embrace – whatever He allows in our lives… understanding that we have a lot left to learn, no matter what age we may be.
So who is driving your “car” these days? Are you stuck in the “Why me?” mode… wondering “When is it my turn?” to be “footloose and fancy free?” Or have you surrendered your heart and life completely to Jesus, trusting that He has much for you to learn… and He will be with you every step of the way? The choice is really pretty simple… so why not go ahead and hand over the keys?!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 25, 2010
Philippians 2:3
Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
NBC Nightly News recently reported on Tracy Hall, a woman in Silver Spring, Maryland, who came up with an idea called “The Gift Tree,” which provides gifts to the children of soldiers who are stationed at Walter Reed. Hall’s own husband, an Army physician, is now deployed in Afghanistan. She created a gift registry through Target.com and Amazon.com, where people can purchase gifts or gift cards to provide items on the wish lists of the soldiers’ children, who register through a secure online application form.
The Walter Reed Auxiliary goes through the applications and lists the items on The Gift Tree for people to purchase. Each gift is wrapped and placed in a box for that particular child. Then parents stop by Hall’s home and retrieve their child’s gift box in time for Christmas. Hall said donations come largely from people in the metro Washington, DC, area… but they have had purchases by people in Arkansas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania – all over the country.
Aside from the massive scope of this operation… the large number of volunteers who catalog, wrap, and coordinate all of these gifts… I was struck by something else about Tracy Hall. When Christmas is over, she personally writes a thank-you note to everyone who donated. We have to be talking hundreds of people. She said it was the least she could do for those who were so generous.
Here’s the thing… we tend to think we have really outdone ourselves if we write a check to a local charity or bake an extra loaf of banana bread for a neighbor during the holidays. I’ll be the first to tell you that I have been guilty of having good intentions… but not acting on them. So that elderly person who has no family or close friends to visit them at Christmas time sits at home alone… it’s just another day/week/month for them. The young single mother who can barely feed her family and keep the lights and heat on has to explain to her children why their classmates got all these wonderful things on Christmas morning… and they got their same old bowl of cold cereal.
As we buy our Christmas presents and drive to Grandma’s to celebrate the holidays in style, we don’t think about those who worked to check our groceries, clean the motel room in which we will stay or sell us a cup of coffee as we travel… all for little more than minimum wage. We don’t think of their families and how they will manage to provide a merry Christmas for them.
Yet this young mother with a small son, whose husband is deployed to Afghanistan, opened her own home to become “Santa Central” for the children and families of other soldiers. Surely she must be tired. She had decked the halls of her house with holiday décor, and she greeted those who visited warmly. But you know she has plenty to do to care for her own household and young child. Still, she thought of others. She said, “I know how I would feel if I couldn’t do the extra little things for my own son.” She put herself in others’ shoes.
The story of Christmas is not just for today… it is for every day of the year. Whose shoes are you wearing? Do you hunker down and take care of yourself and let others fend for themselves? Do you look around for needs to meet… and then do something about them? We need more “Tracy Halls” in this world who consider others to be more important than themselves. Are you willing to step up and be one?
©2010 Debbie Robus
To learn more about The Gift Tree at Walter Reed, go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40153870/. For more inspiring “Making a Difference” stories, go to http://www.makingadifference.msnbc.com/.
Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
NBC Nightly News recently reported on Tracy Hall, a woman in Silver Spring, Maryland, who came up with an idea called “The Gift Tree,” which provides gifts to the children of soldiers who are stationed at Walter Reed. Hall’s own husband, an Army physician, is now deployed in Afghanistan. She created a gift registry through Target.com and Amazon.com, where people can purchase gifts or gift cards to provide items on the wish lists of the soldiers’ children, who register through a secure online application form.
The Walter Reed Auxiliary goes through the applications and lists the items on The Gift Tree for people to purchase. Each gift is wrapped and placed in a box for that particular child. Then parents stop by Hall’s home and retrieve their child’s gift box in time for Christmas. Hall said donations come largely from people in the metro Washington, DC, area… but they have had purchases by people in Arkansas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania – all over the country.
Aside from the massive scope of this operation… the large number of volunteers who catalog, wrap, and coordinate all of these gifts… I was struck by something else about Tracy Hall. When Christmas is over, she personally writes a thank-you note to everyone who donated. We have to be talking hundreds of people. She said it was the least she could do for those who were so generous.
Here’s the thing… we tend to think we have really outdone ourselves if we write a check to a local charity or bake an extra loaf of banana bread for a neighbor during the holidays. I’ll be the first to tell you that I have been guilty of having good intentions… but not acting on them. So that elderly person who has no family or close friends to visit them at Christmas time sits at home alone… it’s just another day/week/month for them. The young single mother who can barely feed her family and keep the lights and heat on has to explain to her children why their classmates got all these wonderful things on Christmas morning… and they got their same old bowl of cold cereal.
As we buy our Christmas presents and drive to Grandma’s to celebrate the holidays in style, we don’t think about those who worked to check our groceries, clean the motel room in which we will stay or sell us a cup of coffee as we travel… all for little more than minimum wage. We don’t think of their families and how they will manage to provide a merry Christmas for them.
Yet this young mother with a small son, whose husband is deployed to Afghanistan, opened her own home to become “Santa Central” for the children and families of other soldiers. Surely she must be tired. She had decked the halls of her house with holiday décor, and she greeted those who visited warmly. But you know she has plenty to do to care for her own household and young child. Still, she thought of others. She said, “I know how I would feel if I couldn’t do the extra little things for my own son.” She put herself in others’ shoes.
The story of Christmas is not just for today… it is for every day of the year. Whose shoes are you wearing? Do you hunker down and take care of yourself and let others fend for themselves? Do you look around for needs to meet… and then do something about them? We need more “Tracy Halls” in this world who consider others to be more important than themselves. Are you willing to step up and be one?
©2010 Debbie Robus
To learn more about The Gift Tree at Walter Reed, go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40153870/. For more inspiring “Making a Difference” stories, go to http://www.makingadifference.msnbc.com/.
Daily Devotional for December 19, 2010
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.
My brother was born when I was four years old. I actually remember praying for a baby brother. But as anyone who has had a younger sibling can tell you, this was just enough of an age gap that my brother became a pest to me much of the time when were younger. He knew how to push all my buttons… and my sister’s… and one Christmas, he made us both so mad that we plotted our revenge.
My mom has written a darling children’s story about this… “Bartholomew’s Christmas,” in which she substitutes a tiny field mouse and his family for that of my own. But here’s what really happened…
My brother had never had a new bicycle. My family’s household budget was like a lot of others with two parents and three kids – money was tight. So my dad would piece together parts of this bike and another and fashion something for my brother to peddle. What Tim really wanted was a brand spanking new “Stingray” bicycle. And he just knew that this particular Christmas was “it!” This was all we heard for weeks… “I’m getting a bicycle! I’m getting a bicycle.” It really annoyed my sister and me.
I’m guessing that my sister and I were 12 and 13, so Tim was about 9. My sister had asked for a wig for Christmas. I can’t remember what I had asked for, but on Christmas Eve, my grandparents gave my brother a tape recorder. He was so happy with that little machine, and when we got back home, my sister and I asked to borrow it. Of course, he naively said we could. We recorded a message for him, telling him that after our parents purchased my present and my sister’s wig, there just was not enough money to buy a bicycle for him. Better luck next Christmas!
We returned the tape recorder to my little brother and said, “We made a message for you!” The next thing we heard was heavy sobbing from my brother’s bedroom. We went into panic mode. We had not anticipated this reaction. We went to him and tried to convince him that we made it all up… that he WAS getting a bike for Christmas. But he continued to cry and would not believe us.
The next morning, we got up early… eager to see what was under the tree. My brother trudged into the kitchen as if he were headed to the gallows for hanging. My mom suggested he pull the sliding door curtain and take a peek out on the back patio. He was not enthused. Reluctantly, my sister and I began to reveal our dastardly deed… as our parents expressed great disapproval and unhappiness with us. But finally, we were able to coax my brother to the window, and once he saw the bicycle, he was back to dancing around and saying, “I knew it! I knew it!” And no other kid could have loved a bicycle as much as he loved this one.
My sister and I learned a valuable lesson that Christmas… one that haunted me for years to come. I apologized many times to my brother until his dying day. And he forgave me. But I saw the power of something as seemingly innocent as a practical joke. How often do we say or do something that we think is funny or harmless without stopping to truly consider the possible ramifications… the effect it could have on someone else? Do we think only of how much we will enjoy this… or how it might make us look “funny” or “interesting” in the eyes of others…failing to consider how the recipient of our “fun” might appear?
Where have we plotted to take matters into our own hands, forgetting that revenge is not our job? Instead of trying to handle these things ourselves, we should be opening our hands upward and saying, “This is yours, Father… do what You will with it.” At the end of the day, my sister and I were two young girls trying to play a joke on their pesky little brother. But even the smallest of acts has the potential for paving the way to larger, more costly situations.
Let’s stop ourselves now… let’s realize that even the tiniest things matter greatly. Let’s open our hands, let go and let GOD handle EVERYTHING… even little brothers and their bicycles.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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.
My brother was born when I was four years old. I actually remember praying for a baby brother. But as anyone who has had a younger sibling can tell you, this was just enough of an age gap that my brother became a pest to me much of the time when were younger. He knew how to push all my buttons… and my sister’s… and one Christmas, he made us both so mad that we plotted our revenge.
My mom has written a darling children’s story about this… “Bartholomew’s Christmas,” in which she substitutes a tiny field mouse and his family for that of my own. But here’s what really happened…
My brother had never had a new bicycle. My family’s household budget was like a lot of others with two parents and three kids – money was tight. So my dad would piece together parts of this bike and another and fashion something for my brother to peddle. What Tim really wanted was a brand spanking new “Stingray” bicycle. And he just knew that this particular Christmas was “it!” This was all we heard for weeks… “I’m getting a bicycle! I’m getting a bicycle.” It really annoyed my sister and me.
I’m guessing that my sister and I were 12 and 13, so Tim was about 9. My sister had asked for a wig for Christmas. I can’t remember what I had asked for, but on Christmas Eve, my grandparents gave my brother a tape recorder. He was so happy with that little machine, and when we got back home, my sister and I asked to borrow it. Of course, he naively said we could. We recorded a message for him, telling him that after our parents purchased my present and my sister’s wig, there just was not enough money to buy a bicycle for him. Better luck next Christmas!
We returned the tape recorder to my little brother and said, “We made a message for you!” The next thing we heard was heavy sobbing from my brother’s bedroom. We went into panic mode. We had not anticipated this reaction. We went to him and tried to convince him that we made it all up… that he WAS getting a bike for Christmas. But he continued to cry and would not believe us.
The next morning, we got up early… eager to see what was under the tree. My brother trudged into the kitchen as if he were headed to the gallows for hanging. My mom suggested he pull the sliding door curtain and take a peek out on the back patio. He was not enthused. Reluctantly, my sister and I began to reveal our dastardly deed… as our parents expressed great disapproval and unhappiness with us. But finally, we were able to coax my brother to the window, and once he saw the bicycle, he was back to dancing around and saying, “I knew it! I knew it!” And no other kid could have loved a bicycle as much as he loved this one.
My sister and I learned a valuable lesson that Christmas… one that haunted me for years to come. I apologized many times to my brother until his dying day. And he forgave me. But I saw the power of something as seemingly innocent as a practical joke. How often do we say or do something that we think is funny or harmless without stopping to truly consider the possible ramifications… the effect it could have on someone else? Do we think only of how much we will enjoy this… or how it might make us look “funny” or “interesting” in the eyes of others…failing to consider how the recipient of our “fun” might appear?
Where have we plotted to take matters into our own hands, forgetting that revenge is not our job? Instead of trying to handle these things ourselves, we should be opening our hands upward and saying, “This is yours, Father… do what You will with it.” At the end of the day, my sister and I were two young girls trying to play a joke on their pesky little brother. But even the smallest of acts has the potential for paving the way to larger, more costly situations.
Let’s stop ourselves now… let’s realize that even the tiniest things matter greatly. Let’s open our hands, let go and let GOD handle EVERYTHING… even little brothers and their bicycles.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 17, 2010
2 Corinthians 3:3-4
You are like a letter written by Christ and delivered by us. But you are not written with pen and ink or on tablets made of stone. You are written in our hearts by the Spirit of the living God. We are sure about all this. Christ makes us sure in the very presence of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1987, my husband and I quit our jobs and moved back to Heber Springs – our hometown – to begin a new business venture. Because we were just getting started and weren’t as busy as we would become in later years – and because we had vowed to find time to volunteer in our community – we delivered Meals on Wheels one day a week. We grew fond of the people on our little route… mostly elderly folks – some of whom were feeble and/or infirm in some manner.
The first winter, we had a major snowstorm. Fourteen inches of snow fell in a little more than a day. Virtually EVERYTHING came to a stop in our community. But as the snow began to pile up the first morning, the people who cooked the meals at the Senior Citizen center scrambled to prepare food for their clients – and even a little extra for the coming days. And they began to search for drivers who were willing to brave the elements to get these meals out to the people who needed them. Our car had front wheel drive, and we gladly offered to help.
It was cold… snow was blowing in a fierce wind… and we trudged through the deepening drifts to knock on the doors of homes where people were hunkered down trying to stay snug and warm. But they were so glad to see us. We made sure they had what they needed and asked if they could use anything extra. I don’t know how we thought we would have gotten back to them with it, but we would have tried.
We carried a lot more than hot food and a couple of cartons of milk to these people. We carried love and a smile… and in doing so, we carried the very presence of God. For the last few years, my husband has once again taken a route delivering Meals on Wheels at least one day a week – and sometimes more days if he is needed to substitute. And I tell him often that he is delivering so much more than food. He visits with his clients and makes sure they are well. He offers them a glimpse into the outside world… and the little ladies on his route love to see a handsome man come through the door!
But truly, his meal delivery is a blessing. The food he carries to these doorsteps feeds the body, but his smile and genuine care and concern carry the love of our Heavenly Father. His deliveries are a letter written on the hearts of these people by the Spirit of the Living God.
We take for granted the blessing of a hot meal, a warm house, and knowing we will have plenty if a major “snowstorm” befalls us. We also take for granted the opportunity to share a blessing with someone else… a “love letter” from God Almighty… in the form of something as simple as a hot meal and a carton of milk… a phone call… a note to say “thinking of you” or “I’m praying for you today”… or even a hug.
Somehow this comes a little easier to us at this time of year. We find it more moving to write the checks to charities, buy toys for needy children, or contribute canned goods to a food drive during the Christmas season. But honestly, we should be doing this all year long, wherever and whenever we can. If every single person bought an extra can of soup or tuna – an extra box of pasta or cereal – another tube of toothpaste or a bar of soap… and gave it to a food drive or an agency like Cleburne County Cares, countless people could have a “love letter from God” – and we would never miss the few pennies or dollars.
There are many ways we can deliver God’s love letter that don’t cost a dime… and a zillion ways that are more than affordable to most of us. All it takes is a prayer… all we have to do is ask God to show us where and how to deliver His love, and He will open doors and windows and flood us with opportunities. The question is… are you willing to be God’s messenger? Will you stand up and accept the challenge to deliver…and be the very presence of God to others? Will someone get a “love letter from God” this week because of you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You are like a letter written by Christ and delivered by us. But you are not written with pen and ink or on tablets made of stone. You are written in our hearts by the Spirit of the living God. We are sure about all this. Christ makes us sure in the very presence of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1987, my husband and I quit our jobs and moved back to Heber Springs – our hometown – to begin a new business venture. Because we were just getting started and weren’t as busy as we would become in later years – and because we had vowed to find time to volunteer in our community – we delivered Meals on Wheels one day a week. We grew fond of the people on our little route… mostly elderly folks – some of whom were feeble and/or infirm in some manner.
The first winter, we had a major snowstorm. Fourteen inches of snow fell in a little more than a day. Virtually EVERYTHING came to a stop in our community. But as the snow began to pile up the first morning, the people who cooked the meals at the Senior Citizen center scrambled to prepare food for their clients – and even a little extra for the coming days. And they began to search for drivers who were willing to brave the elements to get these meals out to the people who needed them. Our car had front wheel drive, and we gladly offered to help.
It was cold… snow was blowing in a fierce wind… and we trudged through the deepening drifts to knock on the doors of homes where people were hunkered down trying to stay snug and warm. But they were so glad to see us. We made sure they had what they needed and asked if they could use anything extra. I don’t know how we thought we would have gotten back to them with it, but we would have tried.
We carried a lot more than hot food and a couple of cartons of milk to these people. We carried love and a smile… and in doing so, we carried the very presence of God. For the last few years, my husband has once again taken a route delivering Meals on Wheels at least one day a week – and sometimes more days if he is needed to substitute. And I tell him often that he is delivering so much more than food. He visits with his clients and makes sure they are well. He offers them a glimpse into the outside world… and the little ladies on his route love to see a handsome man come through the door!
But truly, his meal delivery is a blessing. The food he carries to these doorsteps feeds the body, but his smile and genuine care and concern carry the love of our Heavenly Father. His deliveries are a letter written on the hearts of these people by the Spirit of the Living God.
We take for granted the blessing of a hot meal, a warm house, and knowing we will have plenty if a major “snowstorm” befalls us. We also take for granted the opportunity to share a blessing with someone else… a “love letter” from God Almighty… in the form of something as simple as a hot meal and a carton of milk… a phone call… a note to say “thinking of you” or “I’m praying for you today”… or even a hug.
Somehow this comes a little easier to us at this time of year. We find it more moving to write the checks to charities, buy toys for needy children, or contribute canned goods to a food drive during the Christmas season. But honestly, we should be doing this all year long, wherever and whenever we can. If every single person bought an extra can of soup or tuna – an extra box of pasta or cereal – another tube of toothpaste or a bar of soap… and gave it to a food drive or an agency like Cleburne County Cares, countless people could have a “love letter from God” – and we would never miss the few pennies or dollars.
There are many ways we can deliver God’s love letter that don’t cost a dime… and a zillion ways that are more than affordable to most of us. All it takes is a prayer… all we have to do is ask God to show us where and how to deliver His love, and He will open doors and windows and flood us with opportunities. The question is… are you willing to be God’s messenger? Will you stand up and accept the challenge to deliver…and be the very presence of God to others? Will someone get a “love letter from God” this week because of you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 24, 2010
Luke 18:29-30
Jesus answered, "You can be sure that anyone who gives up home or wife or brothers or family or children because of God's kingdom will be given much more in this life. And in the future world they will have eternal life."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As the holidays approach, I have found myself sitting at a recent church service – and then again at a high school basketball game – looking around at the people who were there. Many of them are friends of mine… or certainly acquaintances… and I began to think about these people. This one just lost his father… that child’s family has just been turned upside down by divorce… that person’s parent is in the nursing home… another couple is expecting a new baby any day… two lovebirds are about to tie the knot… this young person is dealing with the desertion of a parent… another just lost his job and his car stopped running… this child just went to a foster home. While some of these people are experiencing joyful occasions, many others are not. And as our pastor said recently, “There is a heartache on every pew.”
I thought of the first Thanksgiving without my father-in-law. The whole family went to Branson for the weekend to “celebrate” a little differently. I thought back to a time a little more than a decade ago when my husband and I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house. We had buried a beloved cousin on November 1st, so his family was in attendance without him. My own parents were absent, because my dad had just suffered renal failure and was in a Little Rock hospital beginning dialysis. My mother ate her Thanksgiving dinner alone in the hospital cafeteria. But my parents insisted we proceed with our celebration, and that those of us who were able spend the day together as a family. And we did.
The holidays are a stressful time for so many. Family and friends are important, and holidays are the time to celebrate with them! But when I think of this scripture, I think about what Jesus is saying... our family is important, but He is even more so. Family members will not always be with us on this earth, but Jesus will. Family dynamics will change on any given day… human relationships are fickle and fluid at best. But Jesus is forever… and focusing on Him leads to blessings and the assurance of Eternal Life.
If you are fortunate enough in the next few days to get to spend some time with family members and friends, enjoy that time. Should you find that your circumstances separate you from others, take heart. If you have truly surrendered your “earthly life” for God’s kingdom, you will be surrounded by His love and blessings, and you will be in His presence. And that is truly something to celebrate.
Turkey legs come and go… but Jesus is forever. Remember to thank Him for the amazing gift of salvation, and the “side dishes” of grace and mercy… none of which we deserve, yet He gives them to us freely. Spend some time at the table of your Heavenly Father this weekend, and fellowship with Him. If a few earthly relatives happen to be seated with you, share with them how God has blessed you. Praise God for the opportunity to serve Him and His kingdom… and thank Him for making you part of His family.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Jesus answered, "You can be sure that anyone who gives up home or wife or brothers or family or children because of God's kingdom will be given much more in this life. And in the future world they will have eternal life."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As the holidays approach, I have found myself sitting at a recent church service – and then again at a high school basketball game – looking around at the people who were there. Many of them are friends of mine… or certainly acquaintances… and I began to think about these people. This one just lost his father… that child’s family has just been turned upside down by divorce… that person’s parent is in the nursing home… another couple is expecting a new baby any day… two lovebirds are about to tie the knot… this young person is dealing with the desertion of a parent… another just lost his job and his car stopped running… this child just went to a foster home. While some of these people are experiencing joyful occasions, many others are not. And as our pastor said recently, “There is a heartache on every pew.”
I thought of the first Thanksgiving without my father-in-law. The whole family went to Branson for the weekend to “celebrate” a little differently. I thought back to a time a little more than a decade ago when my husband and I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house. We had buried a beloved cousin on November 1st, so his family was in attendance without him. My own parents were absent, because my dad had just suffered renal failure and was in a Little Rock hospital beginning dialysis. My mother ate her Thanksgiving dinner alone in the hospital cafeteria. But my parents insisted we proceed with our celebration, and that those of us who were able spend the day together as a family. And we did.
The holidays are a stressful time for so many. Family and friends are important, and holidays are the time to celebrate with them! But when I think of this scripture, I think about what Jesus is saying... our family is important, but He is even more so. Family members will not always be with us on this earth, but Jesus will. Family dynamics will change on any given day… human relationships are fickle and fluid at best. But Jesus is forever… and focusing on Him leads to blessings and the assurance of Eternal Life.
If you are fortunate enough in the next few days to get to spend some time with family members and friends, enjoy that time. Should you find that your circumstances separate you from others, take heart. If you have truly surrendered your “earthly life” for God’s kingdom, you will be surrounded by His love and blessings, and you will be in His presence. And that is truly something to celebrate.
Turkey legs come and go… but Jesus is forever. Remember to thank Him for the amazing gift of salvation, and the “side dishes” of grace and mercy… none of which we deserve, yet He gives them to us freely. Spend some time at the table of your Heavenly Father this weekend, and fellowship with Him. If a few earthly relatives happen to be seated with you, share with them how God has blessed you. Praise God for the opportunity to serve Him and His kingdom… and thank Him for making you part of His family.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 11, 2010
Philippians 2:1-4
If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care — then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I don’t mean to pass judgment, but there seem to be a lot of Christians who need to read this scripture passage. What does it say to others when you talk one way and act another? How do others see Jesus and His ministries when they observe people who attend church and Bible studies, share their own thoughts and opinions “in the name of Christianity – or Jesus Himself” – and then have no heart for others. What does it say about us as disciples of Christ when we have time to do things for others – friends and members of our church family – but not for our own family members?
If you have time to belong to civic and social clubs, but you can’t spare an hour to help someone who is sick, injured, or in need, this message is for you! If you are more willing to help a good friend or acquaintance than you are your own brother, sister, mother, or father, you need to read this passage again. If you can’t turn off the television for 30 minutes to talk to a friend who is hurting or write a note or e-mail message to someone who needs to know how much God cares about them (as well as you), please read these scripture verses again.
Jesus did not come to save us from our sins so that we could pick and choose how and when to serve in His name. He did not offer love, grace, mercy, comfort, healing, and hope to us, so that we could decide who deserves the same from us in return. He did not accept us unconditionally, as we are … warts and all … so that we could decide that this one or that one is beneath us or “not our kind” and choose to ignore their needs – or that the feelings of someone who doesn’t agree with our thoughts and opinions do not matter.
I pray that every single one of us will go back and read this scripture passage again. Write it out and tape it to your mirror, your refrigerator, your car dashboard, your locker … somewhere that you will see it often. Remind yourself frequently what it truly means to be a servant of Jesus Christ … to be a “deep-spirited friend.” To do any less is downright phony and disrespectful, and does not honor your new life in Christ. Search your heart … see where you’ve gotten caught up in self-centered service, and put the spirit of Christ back into your heart and your actions. Make a difference to others by showing them the difference Christ has made for you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care — then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I don’t mean to pass judgment, but there seem to be a lot of Christians who need to read this scripture passage. What does it say to others when you talk one way and act another? How do others see Jesus and His ministries when they observe people who attend church and Bible studies, share their own thoughts and opinions “in the name of Christianity – or Jesus Himself” – and then have no heart for others. What does it say about us as disciples of Christ when we have time to do things for others – friends and members of our church family – but not for our own family members?
If you have time to belong to civic and social clubs, but you can’t spare an hour to help someone who is sick, injured, or in need, this message is for you! If you are more willing to help a good friend or acquaintance than you are your own brother, sister, mother, or father, you need to read this passage again. If you can’t turn off the television for 30 minutes to talk to a friend who is hurting or write a note or e-mail message to someone who needs to know how much God cares about them (as well as you), please read these scripture verses again.
Jesus did not come to save us from our sins so that we could pick and choose how and when to serve in His name. He did not offer love, grace, mercy, comfort, healing, and hope to us, so that we could decide who deserves the same from us in return. He did not accept us unconditionally, as we are … warts and all … so that we could decide that this one or that one is beneath us or “not our kind” and choose to ignore their needs – or that the feelings of someone who doesn’t agree with our thoughts and opinions do not matter.
I pray that every single one of us will go back and read this scripture passage again. Write it out and tape it to your mirror, your refrigerator, your car dashboard, your locker … somewhere that you will see it often. Remind yourself frequently what it truly means to be a servant of Jesus Christ … to be a “deep-spirited friend.” To do any less is downright phony and disrespectful, and does not honor your new life in Christ. Search your heart … see where you’ve gotten caught up in self-centered service, and put the spirit of Christ back into your heart and your actions. Make a difference to others by showing them the difference Christ has made for you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 3, 2010
Philippians 1:27
Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I know I sound like a broken record when I repeatedly tell you that people are watching, but it’s the truth. People are watching … and so is God. And I can assure you, they notice what you don’t do as much as what you do.
We are often so self-absorbed that we either don’t see the needs of others all around us … or we don’t care. At the very least, we have an arsenal of excuses for why the needs of others are not our problem. We’re so busy worrying about what we need to get done for ourselves or how things will affect us that we fail to think about the burdens of others. So children move across country (or across town) and don’t call their aging and ailing parents for several months or years. Young people would rather spend time and energy on “fun” friends than elderly relatives who could use a visit or a phone call. Taking care of babies and young children and being responsible parents is a drag compared to hanging out with friends and socializing.
“Friends” are so busy with their own lives that they fail to recognize that someone in their circle is in a downward spiral … until the person hits rock bottom or has some major crisis. Church members drift away and stop coming … or find another church home … because nobody seemed to genuinely care whether they stayed or their needs were met.
A lot of times we get caught up in “who you know” and “who you are,” and we only want to serve God in ways that satisfy our desire to be viewed as someone important or to be a part of the “in crowd.” The true servant is humble … gladly picking up garbage on the side of the road … caring for an elderly person who can no longer take care of basic personal needs … dispensing groceries at a local food pantry to needy, hungry patrons … or cleaning out stalls and kennels at the local animal shelter.
The true servant is willing to give a ride home to that kid in your class who looks like he sleeps in his clothes … the same ones day after day. The true servant is willing to go through his/her closet and find things that are hardly ever worn and share them with someone who has little to wear. The true servant is ready to walk across the aisle on a Sunday morning and sit with a fellow worshiper and ask “How have you been?” … and then stick around to truly hear their response. The true servant looks for ways to help others – to meet their needs in the name of the One who meets all needs.
It’s funny how we worry so much about what people see us do … but we seldom give a thought to what others might notice that we’ve left undone. What have you left undone for others today? How can you better serve others in Jesus’ name … even when nobody seems to notice? How can you make a difference for His kingdom and honor the Good News of Jesus Christ?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I know I sound like a broken record when I repeatedly tell you that people are watching, but it’s the truth. People are watching … and so is God. And I can assure you, they notice what you don’t do as much as what you do.
We are often so self-absorbed that we either don’t see the needs of others all around us … or we don’t care. At the very least, we have an arsenal of excuses for why the needs of others are not our problem. We’re so busy worrying about what we need to get done for ourselves or how things will affect us that we fail to think about the burdens of others. So children move across country (or across town) and don’t call their aging and ailing parents for several months or years. Young people would rather spend time and energy on “fun” friends than elderly relatives who could use a visit or a phone call. Taking care of babies and young children and being responsible parents is a drag compared to hanging out with friends and socializing.
“Friends” are so busy with their own lives that they fail to recognize that someone in their circle is in a downward spiral … until the person hits rock bottom or has some major crisis. Church members drift away and stop coming … or find another church home … because nobody seemed to genuinely care whether they stayed or their needs were met.
A lot of times we get caught up in “who you know” and “who you are,” and we only want to serve God in ways that satisfy our desire to be viewed as someone important or to be a part of the “in crowd.” The true servant is humble … gladly picking up garbage on the side of the road … caring for an elderly person who can no longer take care of basic personal needs … dispensing groceries at a local food pantry to needy, hungry patrons … or cleaning out stalls and kennels at the local animal shelter.
The true servant is willing to give a ride home to that kid in your class who looks like he sleeps in his clothes … the same ones day after day. The true servant is willing to go through his/her closet and find things that are hardly ever worn and share them with someone who has little to wear. The true servant is ready to walk across the aisle on a Sunday morning and sit with a fellow worshiper and ask “How have you been?” … and then stick around to truly hear their response. The true servant looks for ways to help others – to meet their needs in the name of the One who meets all needs.
It’s funny how we worry so much about what people see us do … but we seldom give a thought to what others might notice that we’ve left undone. What have you left undone for others today? How can you better serve others in Jesus’ name … even when nobody seems to notice? How can you make a difference for His kingdom and honor the Good News of Jesus Christ?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 29, 2010
Matthew 5:7
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I believe that mercy is one of the hardest traits for us to cultivate. When someone is in your face, or you feel you have been mistreated or betrayed, it’s hard to feel mercy toward them. When you see someone who is behaving in an inappropriate manner or choosing a lifestyle that you feel is wrong for them, it’s sometimes hard to show unconditional love. When a friend “borrows” something from you and never pays it back – even acts like it never happened – it’s hard to feel generous toward that person again. When your phone calls go unanswered or aren’t returned, and then the person acts like you just spoke the next time he/she sees you, it’s a challenge to be civil sometimes … much less kind.
What we have to realize is that we do these sorts of things to Jesus every single day. We lie, cheat and steal from Him. We are willing to take and take from Jesus, but we have little time and service for His children in return. We choose behaviors and lifestyles that absolutely make Him crazy. We go days/weeks/months without talking to our Heavenly Father … much less listening. Then we expect Him to love us anyway and welcome us back with open arms when we realize our mistakes.
We are more than willing to receive Jesus’ grace and mercy … but are we offering the same to others? The Bible is very clear that God blesses those who are merciful … and He treats them with mercy. I don’t know about you, but I really, really want and need Jesus’ mercy. I am betting a lot of other people do, too. If showing mercy to others is the ticket, then I am there … are you? If calling on Jesus to give me strength and courage to be gracious and merciful toward those who I may not feel deserve it, I am more than happy to do so. If showing mercy to others will draw me closer to Christ, I am so willing to do whatever it takes.
I pray that we will ask God to grant us the strength and courage, kindness and compassion to be merciful toward others … and in the bargain, to gain His favor and mercy. I pray that we will not show mercy merely to receive mercy for ourselves … but because this brings us closer to Jesus and demonstrates that we truly are becoming His disciples. I pray that we will feel the power of the Holy Spirit and truly want to share His mercy with others. Being merciful isn’t always easy – or even popular – but it’s so worth our effort. Where has God granted you mercy today… and where can you show mercy to others?
©2010 Debbie Robus
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I believe that mercy is one of the hardest traits for us to cultivate. When someone is in your face, or you feel you have been mistreated or betrayed, it’s hard to feel mercy toward them. When you see someone who is behaving in an inappropriate manner or choosing a lifestyle that you feel is wrong for them, it’s sometimes hard to show unconditional love. When a friend “borrows” something from you and never pays it back – even acts like it never happened – it’s hard to feel generous toward that person again. When your phone calls go unanswered or aren’t returned, and then the person acts like you just spoke the next time he/she sees you, it’s a challenge to be civil sometimes … much less kind.
What we have to realize is that we do these sorts of things to Jesus every single day. We lie, cheat and steal from Him. We are willing to take and take from Jesus, but we have little time and service for His children in return. We choose behaviors and lifestyles that absolutely make Him crazy. We go days/weeks/months without talking to our Heavenly Father … much less listening. Then we expect Him to love us anyway and welcome us back with open arms when we realize our mistakes.
We are more than willing to receive Jesus’ grace and mercy … but are we offering the same to others? The Bible is very clear that God blesses those who are merciful … and He treats them with mercy. I don’t know about you, but I really, really want and need Jesus’ mercy. I am betting a lot of other people do, too. If showing mercy to others is the ticket, then I am there … are you? If calling on Jesus to give me strength and courage to be gracious and merciful toward those who I may not feel deserve it, I am more than happy to do so. If showing mercy to others will draw me closer to Christ, I am so willing to do whatever it takes.
I pray that we will ask God to grant us the strength and courage, kindness and compassion to be merciful toward others … and in the bargain, to gain His favor and mercy. I pray that we will not show mercy merely to receive mercy for ourselves … but because this brings us closer to Jesus and demonstrates that we truly are becoming His disciples. I pray that we will feel the power of the Holy Spirit and truly want to share His mercy with others. Being merciful isn’t always easy – or even popular – but it’s so worth our effort. Where has God granted you mercy today… and where can you show mercy to others?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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