Luke 21:1-4
Just then he looked up and
saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he
saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that
this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others
made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she
couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”
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 am reading a book written by one of my favorite authors, Sophie Hudson. It’s called Giddy Up, Eunice!* –
and it is basically about how women can support and encourage one
another. “Eunice” is a biblical reference to the mother of Timothy (the
one in the Bible…not my nephew!). Sophie Hudson has a knack for
relating to me in a meaningful way. Perhaps it is the fact that we are
both southern girls…or that we both have a deep affection for our
mother-in-law. Regardless of the reason, she makes a lot of points
about the importance of encouraging relationships…in this case in
particular, among women.
Now you may be wondering what this has
to do with today’s scripture passage…and I’m about to tell you. When I
think of the “widow’s mite,” three women automatically come to mind for
me…my Mam-ma Polly, Mrs. Peggy, and a dear lady named Cora Mae. My
grandmother and Mrs. Peggy have left us for heaven, but at age 93, Cora
Mae is still teaching me (and others) how to give your all.
None
of these ladies was ever wealthy, by any monetary standard. All three
worked hard and suffered many hardships in life. All three were like the
“Energizer Bunny” when it came to serving others…and Cora Mae still
puts many people half her age to shame. It’s not about money per se…what
these women have given to countless people is priceless. They have
visited, cooked meals, served in their churches in a zillion capacities,
prayed, encouraged, shown up, and given all they could – whatever that
might entail at the moment.
The message for us in the example of these three women – and in this scripture passage – is that we all have something
to give. And there is a very good chance that it is more than we are
currently offering. If for no other reason than to demonstrate our
gratitude to God for HIS gift of Jesus, we should be digging deeply and
giving our all. This is about more than writing a check to a charitable
organization – or tithing to the church. You may need to write a note of
encouragement – or pick up the phone and talk to someone. You may need
to stop in the store and listen to someone who really needs your ear.
Or you may need to sit quietly in a chair with your children and read
them a story…or really stop and listen to your spouse or child when
he/she is talking.
My point is that some of the biggest lessons –
and greatest gifts – that I have received have not been tangible,
hold-in-your-hand gifts…or money. They have been the selfless gestures
and expenditures of time, attention, encouragement – and examples of how
to serve others. Some of the greatest gifts I have received came from
these three ladies who mentored me…and others who have demonstrated
generosity of spirit. They have shown me how to give my all…and now the
rest is up to me.
I pray that you have been blessed with
examples of those who gave their all…and that it has resonated with you.
Examine your life and see where you are holding out – and holding
back. Learn from those who have mastered giving their all…and become
one of them.
©2016 Debbie Robus
*Giddy Up, Eunice! ~ https://www.amazon.com/Giddy-Up-Eunice-Because-Women/dp/1433643111
Luke 10:38-42
The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!”
The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, a friend posted a video on Facebook from former NFL wide receiver (and Little Rock, Arkansas native) Trent Shelton, who founded a Christian, non-profit organization called Rehab Time. Shelton travels the country as an author and motivational speaker, and he conducts seminars on how to “rehab” your life. The theme of this video by Shelton was “Evaluating Your Circle.” Using references to athletic teamwork, Shelton explained how we must evaluate those in our “circle” and ask if they are “playing for the team… or playing for themselves”. He asks, “Do they use ‘me’ instead of ‘we’… ‘I’ instead of ‘us’?”
Shelton notes that “Successful teams have loyal, committed people who are willing to do whatever it takes to make sure the team succeeds. Everybody is a role player.” He asks, “Who’s sitting at your table with a personal agenda… who is sitting at your table that refuses to sacrifice? Who’s sitting at your table and bringing more problems to it than solutions? Make sure that everyone at your table is more concerned about what they can do for each other than what they can do for themselves.”
In this familiar scripture passage that tells the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha, we find two friends of Jesus’ - both of whom He loved dearly…and they loved Him in return. Both were “on His team”. And while neither would totally fit Shelton’s description of someone who was playing for herself rather than the team, it’s safe to say that one of them was a tad misguided. Martha was so concerned with all of the little details… whether the meal was just right… whether the table was set correctly…had she forgotten anything – and would Jesus be disappointed. Mary plopped down at Jesus’ feet and simply absorbed His presence. She listened and learned His ways… she internalized the “team mission” and made mental note of what Jesus was saying – and what He was calling her to do. There would be plenty of time to fret and stress over details like table settings and meal planning. Jesus was here… the need for her full attention was now! Her personal agenda could wait.
I will be the first to tell you that I have been a “Martha” far too often. I’m a details person… I like to make sure that things are done correctly and nicely. I love to make memories for others. So when I share baked goods or a casserole, I like to send it in a nice dish with a pretty card. When I prepare a family dinner, I like for the table to be decorated… and I want the food to be special. Would a loaf of banana bread wrapped in tin foil taste just as good to a grieving family or someone who is ill? Certainly! Would my family be any less gathered together to enjoy one another’s company if I served bologna sandwiches on paper plates? Not in the least! Would the “spirit” of the gestures be lessened if I paid more attention to their intention and less on “looking good”? Absolutely!
Fifteen years ago this morning, angels carried my 37-year-old brother, Tim, to heaven. It was a beautiful, sunny morning… much like this one, although not as cool and crisp. Time has lessened the grief of his passing, but not the ache I often feel in my heart for his earthly presence. There’s a good chance that you have a similar ache in your heart for someone who was special and dear to you. In the days leading to and surrounding his death, I learned that the most important thing I could do was spend time with Him and my family. This was a lesson I have never forgotten.
I saw how countless friends and members of my parents’ church dropped everything to come and stay from dusk to dawn, preparing and organizing meals, cleaning the house, running errands, and more. Casseroles, desserts and full meals appeared off and on in the days before Tim passed. When he died, people came to prepare coffee and pastries for breakfast… and someone mopped the kitchen floor at bedtime each night before leaving - for almost a week. It might sound like we were never granted a private moment, but you would be amazed at the stealth with which these servants operated. They were in the background, completing the “teamwork”, and focusing completely on meeting our needs.
I never cease to be amazed at how God uses even the most heart-wrenching circumstances to teach us more about His love, grace and mercy. I have tried to take to heart the lessons I learned in observing those who came to our aid at this sad time… and again 13 months later when my dad followed Tim to heaven. I have tried to set aside personal agendas to serve others in Jesus’ name, as I felt Him leading me. And when another “Tim” came into our lives four years ago, followed by his sister Zola and brother Nathan, I vowed to instill in them a spirit of “teamwork” and service above self. It’s not always easy… there are plenty of days when I would rather do what I had in mind than to do something for someone else. We are still human, after all!
We all make choices. It is so easy to become self-centered… to focus on just making it through the day and meeting your own personal needs. But Jesus has told us that… “only one thing is necessary” - that we focus on Him and His agenda. And He has promised that the “sacrifice” of this choice will not be taken from us. In other words… this is where the real joy and blessings lie!
Trent Shelton’s reminder to evaluate our “circle” is timely. We do need to take a look at who is on our “team”, as well as our own role there. How are we functioning… who are we serving? Is it time to reposition ourselves… or could we possibly be playing for the wrong team? Do we need to choose more wisely… and isn’t this a good time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
http://trentshelton.com
Luke 6:27-38
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
“Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Timothy and I sing this little song from “Jack’s Big Music Show” about being a grump. It says in part…
If you wanna be a grump, that’s okay…
But could you be a grump a little further away?
It’s not that I don’t love you, cause you know I do
Sometimes I’m grumpy, too!
The sad truth is that many of us really don’t love grumps very much… or those who fail to meet our standards in a number of areas. We don’t have time to help someone else because we’re too busy asking “When is it MY turn?” We analyze everything in terms of what’s in it for us? And if somebody offends us? They are “on the list!” My cousin used to talk about some people who had a mental “list” of people who had offended them. As he put it…“Once you’re on ‘the list,’ there is no eraser!” Does this sound like Christian love in action?
I get it… we don’t like everybody. There are people who have irritated us or gotten on our last nerve. There are those we have decided are not in our league. We have been offended… and yes, some of us have truly been treated very badly by others. People do dumb things or make mistakes. It’s true that some simply can’t seem to “get it together.” But we are not their judge and jury. And honestly, if we took a good hard look in the mirror, we might find that there was plenty for others to criticize and pick on about us!
We need to stop playing the “either or” game… “Either you do this for me, or I won’t love you… either you treat me better, or I’m done caring about you… either you kick it up a notch, or I don’t have time for you and your shortcomings.” We need to start loving as Christ taught us… graciously, generously, unconditionally…not merely when people are at their best – but more importantly, when they are at their worst!
If Jesus’ love for us depended on the criteria we outline for others, we would never, ever receive it. If Jesus held us to the same standards to which we hold others, we would not feel His loving presence in our lives even once. If Jesus used the same yardstick with which we quantify others, we would not measure up under any circumstances.
Do you see the disconnect here? Do you get it? Loving others is not always easy or pretty, convenient, fun, or fair. But I can assure you, loving us is none of these things for Jesus much of the time, either! Yet He loves us anyway! How can we call ourselves true disciples of Christ and love with any less grace, mercy and forgiveness than He offers us? How can we label others as grumps, beneath us, or so offensive and repulsive that we cannot bring ourselves to love them… and then expect Jesus to love us?
When will we learn that the love of Christ has nothing to do with what we can gain personally in the “here and now”… and everything to do with what we gain for all eternity? Do you really understand what it means to live – and love – generously? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Romans 15:1-2
If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord’s followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My grandmother was a great dancer in her day. She and her sisters grew up dancing while their dad and uncle played the fiddle and other musical instruments and sang. I find this funny – and ironic – because we grew up in a denomination that did not approve of dancing. Yet my grandmother and her dancing sisters were some of the Godliest women I have ever known! Still, we were taught that dancing was wrong – if we danced in public, something bad was bound to happen! We feared for the souls of our Methodist friends up the street who held dances… and enjoyed themselves!
I’m joking just a little… but not totally. Dancing was serious – and sinful -business when I was a teenager! I’m happy to say that attitudes seem to have relaxed a bit… although there will probably not be any dances held at the church of my childhood anytime soon! But my point is this… when people get an idea in their heads, it takes time – and often tenderness and patience – to try and persuade them to change. When someone tells you that all churches are filled with hypocrites who don’t practice what they preach, you will have to lovingly – and patiently – show him/her that you are different… that not all church members fit this description.
When a person is convinced that a loving God can’t exist, or bad things would never happen, you will not change their mind overnight. It will take time… and strong examples of living in faith. You will have to show this person how God uses bad situations for positive outcomes…how the people who go through them can experience His presence and blessings - even in the midst of some pretty nasty conditions.
Bad habits, long-held beliefs, and a history of skepticism cannot be changed overnight. We must exercise tolerance, endurance, and complete unflappability as we share the love of Christ – and His grace, mercy, peace and forgiveness – with others. We may never see a visible change. Evidence of making any inroad may elude us. But when we walk in faith and perseverance – operate in serenity and confidence that God can make a difference – He will do just that. And isn’t this the very essence of Christian faith?
We must learn to be the picture of kindness and sensitivity toward others. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus and reflect His love, grace and mercy to others. We must patiently trust God to change what we cannot… and rely on His perfect timing in these matters. We exhibit faith in God by exercising our own. Are you living by example? How strong is your faith?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Romans 12:9-11
Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good. Love each other as brothers and sisters and honor others more than you do yourself. Never give up. Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit and serve the Lord. Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying. Take care of God’s needy people and welcome strangers into your home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read an article in a recent issue of Good Housekeeping magazine about “other mothers” – women who “mothered” children of friends and neighbors – and how significant their roles were to the author. With all due respect to my own mother, I have one or two “other mothers” myself… women who love me with patience and prayer and offer me guidance and encouragement, even though they have their own children and families - and challenges aplenty to keep them busy! While I think this is more prevalent among women, I am sure there are “other fathers” and “other children,” too. In fact, I know that my grandmother has something of a mother/son relationship with her deacon. His mother is in heaven, as is my dad)… so they have bonded and shared many things that you would think of as “mother-son” experiences.
In this manner, “other mothers/fathers/children” are taking care of “needy” people and welcoming strangers into their home. They are inviting others into their lives and treating them like family. And this is what Paul is calling us to do in this passage. We are to look beyond ourselves and find those who need our time and attention. These people may not be “needy” in the sense we would normally consider… their needs may be more emotional or spiritual. Nonetheless, we are called to embrace others and welcome them into our circle.
“But when is it MY turn?” you may ask. Hear me well… it may feel like you never get a “turn” - and that’s okay! If you are doing what God has called you to do as His servant, it won’t matter. You will not even think about what is being done for you – or to you. You will be too busy sharing the love of God with others. And I think you will find that in doing this, you get more “turns” (in the form of blessings) than you may recognize!
We all find it so easy to turn inward… to ask “what is in it for me?”… and focus on our “bucket list,” our plans, our desires. But this is not God’s plan for us. He wants us to be busy looking for ways to serve in His name… people to “mother” or support as necessary…prayers to offer on the behalf of others. Take a look at your own life today. Find the areas where you may have acted selfishly, and ask God to help you do to better.
NEVER GIVE UP on yourself or others… keep striving to be sincere in your love and concern for others – and to always have an open-door policy. And if you have an “other mother” or significant person in your life who is always there for you, take a few minutes today to let them know how grateful you are for their love and care. Thank God for sending these people to nurture you… and ask Him to show you how to pay it forward in His name to the “needy” people in your own life.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Matthew 16:23
Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive. Peter took him in hand, protesting, "Impossible, Master! That can never be!"
But Jesus didn't swerve. "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works."
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 know about you, but I probably struggle with offense as much – or more – than anything else the devil throws at me. I am an easy mark, I guess. And maybe you are, too! When we are offended, Satan claps and laughs. I know that offense is one of the most frequently discussed topics in the New Testament. Jesus reminds us over and again not to be offended. But that doesn’t stop the devil from trying to ruffle our feathers… and he has a pretty hefty success rate – at least with me!
Recently I read a devotional that spoke of offense as a self-centered behavior. When we are offended, we think of ourselves. When we begin to focus more on God and less on ourselves, we cannot be offended. The offense means nothing to us. I really want that… don’t you? I want to be so focused on God and serving Him… living a full life in Christ and His teachings… that I have no time or energy for dwelling on offenses.
Does this mean that people will no longer offend me or insult me? Does this mean that Satan will stop trying to use offense to trip me up and make me a little neurotic? Absolutely not! But I can lean on God and ask Him to strengthen my resolve to ignore these ploys. I can ask Him to deepen my focus on Jesus and fill my heart and mind with thoughts of Him… until there is absolutely NO room for thoughts of the offense.
I’m with Peter… I would have been offended at the thought of the Romans abusing Jesus. And you may feel your feelings of offense are justified. You may feel, “I was wronged”… and maybe you were. But dwelling on the offense gets us nowhere. It makes us miserable and really doesn’t hurt the offender in the least. Truly the only offense you should acknowledge is that of Satan… and only long enough to tell him to “beat it!” and to turn to Jesus for strength and courage.
Don’t let the devil win – even if only momentarily. Kick him to the curb… along with all of his attempts to drag you down in offense. When you feel wronged or offended, stop and pray for deliverance. Ask God to strengthen you… to take the offense… to give you confidence and courage. Then move on and get busy doing the work you have been called to as Jesus’ disciple. Hold your head high and say, “I will not let the devil have the last laugh.” Focus on Christ… fill your head and heart with thoughts of Him… and leave no room for any of the devil’s tools. Be able to truly say, “No offense taken… and mean it!”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Romans 8:22-25
We know that all creation is still groaning and is in pain, like a woman about to give birth. The Spirit makes us sure about what we will be in the future. But now we groan silently, while we wait for God to show that we are his children. This means that our bodies will also be set free. And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping. However, we hope for something we have not yet seen, and we patiently wait for it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I begin to wonder why it is taking God so long to answer many of my prayers. I mentioned a few weeks ago that some of the names and concerns in my prayer journal are the same ones that have been on “the list” for decades! I keep hoping that things will change… that I will see evidence of God’s hand in these lives and circumstances. But I admit… sometimes it is hard to remain patient.
This passage reminds me that God’s answers sometimes involve pain and struggle. If God answered all of my prayers immediately, according to my desires, would I keep asking? If I saw His big picture clearly all at once and everything was easy as pie, would I be able to handle it? If I no longer had the promise of blessings and abundance yet to come, would I lose interest and focus? Without goals and hopes in the LORD, would I drift away from Him and become too comfortable in my own abilities?
I am no longer so much surprised by God as I am impressed! He continues to amaze and bless me in abundance every day. And the more I hope for in Him, the bigger my faith grows. Ultimately, God will answer many of my prayers, according to His will - not mine. And in the end, my hope in Him will be fulfilled when He calls me to heaven for all eternity.
Are you patiently anticipating God’s next move in your life? Do you hope for things not seen… and trust that God is always at work, even when we cannot see direct results? The waiting is hard… but it’s not killing me. In fact, waiting on God… staying hopeful and faithful… is making me stronger. I am growing and expanding in my faith every day, and someday God will give birth to great things as a result. How big are your hopes and dreams in the LORD these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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
John 5:41-44
I'm not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring 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.
Turn on the television, and you will find countless programs where people are clamoring to “be Somebody!” From the winner of Survivor to The Biggest Loser to the writer of the next Platinum Hit or HGTV’s Design Star and more… people want to be on top. Turn on a sports channel, and you will find athletes hoping to be a first-round draft pick or the winner of this award or that… or a whole team wanting to come out on top in the championship. Clearly, we are wired for crowd approval.
The sad thing is that we are so hungry for human approval… yet the approval that matters gets kicked to the curb. And I believe this is why so many human beings are discontent at best… and downright miserable in many cases. A few years ago, I wrote a song that I titled “I Am a Child of God.” In one of the verses, I said, “I used to care what others thought of me… it mattered that they liked me and approved. I wanted the assurance that in me, they could see something that was acceptable… something that was good.” Later, a verse says, “I tried to do the things that I thought would please others. But in the end, no one was pleased, and everything went wrong.” Do you relate to these phrases?
When I learned to focus on pleasing only God, everything else started to fall into place. When I realized that the most important Being in the room was my Heavenly Father, and He was the only One who truly mattered…a huge weight was lifted. As long as we recognize – and welcome – God into our day, He will take care of the rest. If you have focused on giving God top priority… First Place… you can rest assured that He will meet your every need.
Doors will open… “championships” (of God’s choosing) will come. You will find a “position” in life – the one God chooses for you… and it will be exactly right. Will you win a sweepstakes or be elected to high office? Will people be rushing to your side and vying for your friendship and affection? Only if this is what fits into God’s grand plan. Will it matter if it doesn’t happen? Not one bit! What will matter is what God thinks… and He thinks you are the most important thing ever! What God brings to you is what counts… not the approval and accolades of the world.
So what will you do with the rest of your life? Will you spend it wandering aimlessly, so to speak… seeking the recognition and approval of mere mortals… the fleeting rewards and temporary thrills of feeling important to other human beings who are seeking the same sort of recognition and acceptance? Or will you focus on pleasing God… welcome Him with open arms and place your fate and your future in His hands? Will you bask in the glory of being His precious child? Will you make God most important in your life and focus on His love? He can make you a true champion… God can give you what you’ve been looking for all along. Are you ready to turn around and greet Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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
Matthew 19:16-26
A man came to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments." "Which ones?" the man asked.
Jesus answered, "Do not murder. Be faithful in marriage. Do not steal. Do not tell lies about others. Respect your father and mother. And love others as much as you love yourself." The young man said, "I have obeyed all of these. What else must I do?"
Jesus replied, "If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and be my follower." When the young man heard this, he was sad, because he was very rich.
Jesus said to his disciples, "It's terribly hard for rich people to get into the kingdom of heaven! In fact, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God's kingdom." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly surprised and asked, "How can anyone ever be saved?" Jesus looked straight at them and said, "There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of The Biggest Loser, the contestants had to decide which member of a married couple to send home. The couple pleaded with the contestants to send the wife home and keep the husband on the ranch. Their rationale was that the wife knew what she needed to do to continue losing weight at home, while the husband had not come to that place in his mind and heart yet. He told the contestants that he knew if he went home now, he would not do the work he needed to lose weight and live longer to rear his young son.
One of the hardest things for us humans to grasp is complete surrender to God. We are crippled by fear (imposed by Satan, of course!), and we hesitate. Quite often, we really like our sins… they feel good to us, and we are comfortable with them. The life in Christ seems like a huge sacrifice. The truth is that there is absolutely no “sacrifice” we can ever make to come close to what Jesus has already done for each of us. When we realize this, even talking about our own “sacrifices” seems a little ridiculous, doesn’t it?!
So the question becomes… how can we ever be saved and surrender completely to God? The answer is clear…we cannot do anything, but God can do everything! Maybe the guy on The Biggest Loser needs the support of his fellow contestants and the trainers to continue on his journey. Maybe he needs to ask God for more strength and courage. I’m not judging… I’m just sayin’! But the bottom line is, we are no different in our own situations. We all pull up short every day and say, “Whoa! That’s more than I can handle!” We often get almost all the way to the Finish Line, so to speak, and then turn and step to the curb and call it quits.
It’s time to cross on over the line. It’s time we realized the power of God to do what we cannot. It’s time we understood that nothing we have or enjoy could possibly compare to what God is waiting to give us. All we have to do is to surrender to Him… to be willing to completely put Him first above everything and everyone else… to fully serve as His disciple. The results can be amazing… are you willing to see them firsthand?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Romans 1:11
I want to see you and share with you the same blessings that God's Spirit has given me. Then you will grow stronger in your faith.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This time of year, we often stop to reflect on all that has happened… and what lies ahead of us. For many, this is a time to count our blessings. We seem to have gotten pretty good at counting our blessings... but do we really appreciate how blessed we are?
When we get on the treadmill, do we really appreciate how blessed we are to have two good feet and strong legs to hold us up and propel us forward? When we open the refrigerator and look at that dish of leftover goulash, are we thankful we have food for our belly, unlike millions around the world who will go hungry another day? When we look in the closet and say, “I have nothing to wear,” have we considered those in Haiti and Pakistan and other locations where natural disasters have taken literally everything but the ragged clothes on their backs?
When we thank God for giving us His only Son to die for our sins on the cross, do we stop to truly contemplate what this means? Do we look at our own children and try to imagine letting them be beaten, tortured, and crucified to save people who don’t deserve it and won’t even be born for thousands of years?
This year, as we “ring out the old and ring in the new,” let’s stop for a few minutes, at least, and really count our blessings. Give some serious time to thinking about what God has done for you already – and what is yet to come. Evaluate how you are behaving in return… and where you can make improvements. Don’t just give lip service to counting your blessings this time… really acknowledge them. Then commit yourself to truly living well… to reflecting a blessed life to others and sharing the blessings that God’s Holy Spirit has given you. Grow stronger in your faith this year, and give God all the glory for His every blessing!
©2010 Debbie Robus
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
He did this to make all parts of the body work together smoothly, with each part caring about the others. If one part of our body hurts, we hurt all over. If one part of our body is honored, the whole body will be happy.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last year, my niece and our great-nephew Timothy got sick a couple of weeks before Christmas with stomach flu. This “bug” was running rampant through our community, and by the week of Christmas, my sister and her husband had succumbed. On December 22nd, my sister called me and weakly asked, “Can you come and get Timothy? His mother is working, and we [meaning she and her husband] are too sick to care for him.” I went right away and collected Timothy, who was still fairly sick himself.
Over the course of the next few days, Timothy got better and began to drink his bottles again and keep down liquid Jello and a drink designed to restore the electrolytes in infants. By Christmas Eve, my sister and my niece seemed to be feeling better, too. Everyone gather at our home for a Christmas Eve lunch and an afternoon of opening gifts and visiting.
I noticed that my husband distanced himself from the group, but since not everyone could fit at the dining table anyway, I didn’t think much about it. But when he told me he had a headache and disappeared to an upstairs bedroom, I knew all was not well. By the end of the evening, he was too sick to move… and sometime after midnight, I woke up feeling just as badly. When the weekend was over, everyone in the family had gotten some version of this “bug” except my mother. My husband and I felt so badly that we postponed opening our Christmas gifts to each other.
While this was not funny at the time, we later laughed about “Timothy’s first Christmas” and how we all were so sick. We took the admonition of Paul to share one another’s hurts to a whole new level – and not by choice! I knew when I picked up the baby and brought him to our house that we would most likely catch his virus. But on that day, a tiny sick baby needed someone to care for him… and we were the only ones available to do so. There was no way we would have refused.
But here’s the deal… so often, we focus so much on ourselves that we don’t consider the other person’s feelings. We say, “I cannot get involved in that… I have my own problems.” Or we decide that “This is really none of my concern.” We look at the person who is hurting in some way… someone with great need… and we either pass judgment and determine that they got into this mess on their own and should get out of it the same way – or we declare that “this is simply not my problem.”
But Paul says otherwise. He tells us in this passage that when one of our sisters or brothers in Christ is hurting or in need, we should feel this deeply ourselves. “I feel your pain,” should not be a cliché… it should be the way Christians behave toward others. I’m not saying that there are never situations and circumstances that are none of our business. But the Christian servant prayerfully knows how to tell the difference.
Where has God given you opportunities to share in others’ needs, yet you turned and went in another direction? Where have you stepped up and answered the call? Can you do more? Shouldn’t you? Ask God to show you how and where to empathize with others in your daily life… to make a difference when possible… and to operate with wisdom and discernment in choosing when and where to get involved. Start looking for new ways to make the entire body of Christ happy, and see how greatly everyone is blessed by your efforts.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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/.
2 Peter 1:5-8
Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In December 1932, a young man and woman made plans to marry in the community of Hiram, Arkansas. On the appointed wedding day, a heavy snow fell, and it was impossible for the groom and the pastor to get to the bride, so the wedding was postponed. The groom, almost 22, had a new suit. Because he was walking in the heavy snow, he wore his “regular” clothes over to the bride’s home and changed into his [clean and dry] “wedding suit” there. The 20-year-old bride had a new blue dress and new shoes – a luxury for this special occasion. And on December 18, 1932, my paternal grandparents “tied the knot.”
My grandfather died in 1984, culminating a nearly 52-year marriage to my grandmother. My grandparents were by no means perfect, and I have no doubt there were difficult times in their relationship. Like all of us, they both made their fair share of mistakes. I know there were extremely lean times financially and physically, and they both worked very hard from the time they were young children… picking cotton, digging potatoes, working in the fields… whatever they could do to earn a few dollars or some extra food for the table.
For as long as I can remember, my grandparents kept a Bible on their coffee table… and it didn’t just sit there and gather dust. They both were faithful members of their church. The sound of gospel music from the radio and television often resonated through their home, and they were both active, productive citizens in their community. My grandparents exercised the qualities outlined in 2 Peter 1: goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. They were both as generous as the day was long… and my grandmother continues to give all she can – and then some – to as many as she can.
Each year on this date, I think of my grandparents and how they leaned on God for guidance, strength, and courage. I always thought my grandparents were “wealthy ranchers.” In truth, they were regular farmers who struggled to make ends meet. But they always shared whatever they had with anyone who crossed their path. They knew that God blessed those who served Him… and they served well. They continually sought ways to improve their faith - and this was a good thing, because their faith was surely tested over the decades… loss of a baby, financial struggles…failed crops… the illnesses and deaths of family members - including my great-grandmother and my grandfather’s brother within days of each other… their own physical challenges… and a fire that claimed their home of 47 years one December morning.
Each time, my grandparents dusted themselves off and kept going. They never seemed to ask “Why me?” They just looked toward heaven and asked, “What’s next?” I know a lot of folks from their generation and the one that followed who experienced similar trials and challenges, and maybe you or your relatives have endured the same. Let’s take a look at these people and how they handled the challenges of life. Did they work at finding ways to build their faith? Did they follow the tenets outlined in 2 Peter 1?
Can we learn from the examples of our elders? Are we building our faith and exhibiting the characteristics that will guide future generations? Shouldn’t we? Ask God to help you to develop these character traits… to build your faith and grow in His wisdom and grace. If you grab this concept and start to work diligently to increase your faith, this could be the best Christmas present you will ever receive. Are you ready to begin strengthening your faith?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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
Proverbs 24:11-12
Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help. If you say, "Hey, that's none of my business," will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know—Someone not impressed with weak excuses.
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.
When my mother was teaching kindergarten, she had a real telephone for the children to play with sitting in one of her learning centers. Of course, the phone was not connected, but the children could pretend to make calls and practice their dialing skills (yes, I said dialing!). One day, she said a mother came to collect her little boy and he said, “Where have you been? I’ve been calling you all day to come and get me.” – or words to that effect.
Often, under the guise of minding our own business, people in need are “calling” but our “phone” isn’t plugged in, so we are not getting the message. We say we don’t want to intrude or seem judgmental, when actually, we don’t want to be bothered. Granted, there are times when certain situations – and even needs – are none of our business. Sometimes people create a mess that they need to figure out on their own.
But more often than we want to admit, we look the other way and pretend we didn’t see a need. We shake our heads at the ratty clothing of a needy child, but we don’t call a teacher at the school and ask, “Is there someone in your class who needs a warm coat or new shoes?” We see a young mother at the check-out counter, struggling to count pennies and juggle a baby on her hip and two more tugging at her jeans, but we don’t offer a couple of dollars from our own wallet to save her from frustration and embarrassment.
We know that our buddy’s dad is beating him when he drinks, but we don’t invite him to stay over at our house – or to call, even in the middle of the night, if things get too crazy. We see someone who is obviously withdrawing and becoming reclusive, and we suspect it’s because he/she can’t pay the bills and doesn’t want others to know… but rather than ask, “Is there some way I could help?” we retreat to our own corner and pretend that everything is fine.
Sometimes, we wait for the other guy to ask for help, knowing full well that pride will prevent this, and we’ll be off the hook. When we see a need we can fill, we have to at least offer… not in a condescending or judgmental way… but lovingly and with the heart of Jesus. We don’t have to say, “I see you can’t make your rent payment… let me do it.” We can say, “I have an extra $100 in my pocket, and I just have a feeling you could use it worse than I can,” or “I made two loaves of banana bread, and there’s now way we can eat all of this, so please take one.”
We can tell someone, “I found this coat on sale, and it was such a bargain… something told me you might be in the market for a new winter coat!” Or even… “I drive right past your house every morning and evening… would you like to ride to school/work with me?”
SOMEONE is indeed watching us closely… and the scripture is correct, He is not the least bit impressed with our excuses. And we have to admit, most of them are more than a little weak. Where can you rescue the perishing? On a day when we are so busy counting our blessings, can you look around for those who have fewer to count? Is there a way you can step in and help… can you find a way to make meeting others’ needs in Jesus’ name at least some of your business?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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
Isaiah 6:8
After this, I heard the LORD ask, "Is there anyone I can send? Will someone go for us?" "I'll go," I answered. "Send me!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Probably all of us are familiar with the children’s story of The Little Red Hen. She asked all of her “friends” to help with the process of growing grain, getting it to the mill and turning it into flour for bread, and nobody was available… until it was time to eat! And if we are perfectly honest, we’ve been right there in the middle of that scene more than once. We want to “eat,” but we don’t want to do any of the work. This is why we often see a handful of people doing the majority of the work in a church or community. We are all willing to enjoy the fruit of salvation… the blessings of Jesus… but we don’t really want to be bothered with doing any work for Him.
If you remember the story from your childhood, those who didn’t work and help the Little Red Hen didn’t eat in the end! While I’m not saying that you won’t be granted salvation, grace and mercy if you don’t serve God on this earth, I do believe that we “reap what we sow” a lot of the time. And don’t think you can leave this to chance or “luck.” When my husband and I were starting a new business many years ago, someone commented to a mutual friend that “they are so lucky.” The friend quickly pointed out that “luck” had very little to do with our success…that we had worked many long, hard hours and devoted time and attention to our business, and this had resulted in blessings and rewards.
I will be the first to tell you that there are lots of times I wish God would send somebody else. There are days when I would rather sleep in or lie around and drink coffee than get up and get to church. There were times when I thought I couldn’t sit through another hour of Sunday School with junior high students who, for the most part, didn’t want to be there… but their parents made them attend. There have been days when I wished somebody else would take my grandmother to run her errands… or the baby would sleep another hour and I could have some “me” time. I sometimes wish someone else would do the household chores and take care of my family so that I could do as I please.
Sometimes I think, “I just don’t want to send a sympathy or get-well card,” or “I’d rather do something else right now besides write this devo,” or “There will be plenty of food for that grieving family… and I really don’t want to go over there and be sad.” But you know what? Every time I put aside my self and do what I feel God asking me to do, I come away blessed and better. I know that I have honored my commitment. God has asked, “Who can I send?” and I have answered… “Send me.”
I don’t know what God is calling you to do. I don’t know where He is sending you these days. Maybe He is simply saying, “Get up and get going… go to school, get a job, take care of your education/family/friends/business.” Or maybe He is saying, “Reorganize your schedule and your priorities and make some time to do a little mission work.” Maybe He is asking you to step out in faith – out of your comfort zone and your easy chair – and give back a little, while “paying it forward” in His name.
Whatever God is asking you to do… be ready and available. Stay so closely attuned that you know that you know that you know when you hear from Him. And when He asks who is available, be the first one to step up and say, “I’ll go… send me!”
©2010 Debbie Robus
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
