Proverbs 21:2-3
We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts. Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than an offering.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I am continually in awe of how God uses His word to feed us – to give us exactly what we need when we need it. And I really needed this scripture passage now. At a recent funeral, the pastor shared a memory of “offerings and collections” that occurred when we were children. He talked about this lovingly… and about the genuine servitude of those who collected and gave. But for me, this memory spurred something far less heartwarming.
My parents worked hard when I was a child… both often holding down more than one job at a time. While my sister, brother and I had all of our basic needs met plus a few extras, there wasn’t a lot of spare change. So when the March of Dimes volunteer handed out the cards for us to fill with our dimes, we didn’t have very much to contribute. When our church had an annual “Lottie Moon” Mission drive, we put our change in little boxes to turn in on the designated day. But some church members gave large amounts of money and got to light up a bulb on a giant map that hung in our church sanctuary. I know it sounds silly, but when I was a kid, I so wanted to be able to light up one of those bulbs… to be one of those people who could afford to give that much money to missions.
So recollections of giving to missions and fundraisers are not happy ones for me, because I never felt my “gift” was enough. Now I know differently. Now I get that God was more interested in my heart than my handout. He was more concerned that I do the right thing… more concerned that I love Him and serve Him to the best of my ability than He was that I fill a card with dimes or light up a bulb on a silly map.
I know that those who were in charge of the drives had no intention of making anyone feel badly… especially a little kid. I know that there are those who can readily afford to give a lot of money to missions and other projects that serve the LORD… and we should all give to the best of our ability. But tossing money at God without the right heart and attitude does not please Him nearly as much as those who have little to give, but serve with a loving, willing heart in whatever manner they can.
We should get two things from this passage today… 1) we must never pressure others to give a certain amount – or to serve God in a particular way, and 2) God doesn’t expect us to give what we don’t have… time, service or money. He only asks that we serve Him with a loving, willing heart – to the best of our ability. If we do the right thing and keep our motives pure, God will honor and bless whatever we are able to do in His name. I know He has done this for me over and again. And now I know for certain that serving in whatever way I can from a sincere, humble heart is the best, most pleasing offering He could ever desire.
What is in your heart? Are you doing the right thing and pleasing God with your offerings? How are you serving Him today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 5, 2011
1 Samuel 15:16-23
"Enough!" interrupted Samuel. "Let me tell you what GOD told me last night."
Saul said, "Go ahead. Tell me." And Samuel told him. "When you started out in this, you were nothing— and you knew it. Then GOD put you at the head of Israel—made you king over Israel. Then GOD sent you off to do a job for him, ordering you, 'Go and put those sinners, the Amalekites, under a holy ban. Go to war against them until you have totally wiped them out.' So why did you not obey GOD? Why did you grab all this loot? Why, with GOD's eyes on you all the time, did you brazenly carry out this evil?"
Saul defended himself. "What are you talking about? I did obey GOD. I did the job GOD set for me. I brought in King Agag and destroyed the Amalekites under the terms of the holy ban. So the soldiers saved back a few choice sheep and cattle from the holy ban for sacrifice to GOD at Gilgal—what's wrong with that?"
Then Samuel said, “Do you think all GOD wants are sacrifices— empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what GOD tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around GOD is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to GOD's command, he says No to your kingship.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I have to laugh at some of the people in the public eye these days who claim that they are “not in it for the publicity.” Clearly some of the stories we are hearing over and over again in our news are nothing more than publicity stunts… attempts to get people to “look at me!” Many of the “candidates” for public office who made us think they were going to run have already withdrawn… but they left us talking about them! Others are still at it… milking the media for every last ounce of attention.
A lot of these people grabbing the headlines are multi-millionaires. They could afford to send thousands of dollars – if not a million or more – to devastated areas like Joplin, Missouri, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They could build orphanages and create clean water supplies in Third World countries. And some of them do this. But many of them spend their money on lavish homes and cars, mega-parties, and gargantuan empires of “toys” and “stuff” – and more media buzz!
At the same time, I know people who barely get buy each month on a fixed income… yet they find a way to visit the sick and the needy… to cook food for those who are hungry… to rescue a stray dog or cat that doesn’t have a home… and much more. They spend their time and energy lifting others in the name of Jesus… and yes, they probably sent drinking water, toothpaste, soap and more in the truckload of goods that our church or another local group delivered to one of the tornado-ravaged areas.
A lot of the media seekers will stand at the microphone and thank God for blessing them and guiding their steps and decisions. But talk is cheap. God would rather they do something with the blessings He has given them and listen to Him when He says, “Use what I have given you to bless and care for others in my name.” He would rather they be obedient servants than celebrity seekers who are filled with hot air.
What about you? Do you “talk a good game?” Do you tell others how much God has done for you, show up on Sunday at church… and maybe even during the week for a youth service, prayer meeting or Bible study… and then return to your cushy life of focusing on yourself? Or do you ask God, “Where do you want me to serve today? How do You want me to use the blessings You have given me? What is YOUR plan for me this day?”
Selfishness and failure to listen to God cost Saul the kingship… what might it be costing you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
"Enough!" interrupted Samuel. "Let me tell you what GOD told me last night."
Saul said, "Go ahead. Tell me." And Samuel told him. "When you started out in this, you were nothing— and you knew it. Then GOD put you at the head of Israel—made you king over Israel. Then GOD sent you off to do a job for him, ordering you, 'Go and put those sinners, the Amalekites, under a holy ban. Go to war against them until you have totally wiped them out.' So why did you not obey GOD? Why did you grab all this loot? Why, with GOD's eyes on you all the time, did you brazenly carry out this evil?"
Saul defended himself. "What are you talking about? I did obey GOD. I did the job GOD set for me. I brought in King Agag and destroyed the Amalekites under the terms of the holy ban. So the soldiers saved back a few choice sheep and cattle from the holy ban for sacrifice to GOD at Gilgal—what's wrong with that?"
Then Samuel said, “Do you think all GOD wants are sacrifices— empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what GOD tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around GOD is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to GOD's command, he says No to your kingship.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I have to laugh at some of the people in the public eye these days who claim that they are “not in it for the publicity.” Clearly some of the stories we are hearing over and over again in our news are nothing more than publicity stunts… attempts to get people to “look at me!” Many of the “candidates” for public office who made us think they were going to run have already withdrawn… but they left us talking about them! Others are still at it… milking the media for every last ounce of attention.
A lot of these people grabbing the headlines are multi-millionaires. They could afford to send thousands of dollars – if not a million or more – to devastated areas like Joplin, Missouri, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. They could build orphanages and create clean water supplies in Third World countries. And some of them do this. But many of them spend their money on lavish homes and cars, mega-parties, and gargantuan empires of “toys” and “stuff” – and more media buzz!
At the same time, I know people who barely get buy each month on a fixed income… yet they find a way to visit the sick and the needy… to cook food for those who are hungry… to rescue a stray dog or cat that doesn’t have a home… and much more. They spend their time and energy lifting others in the name of Jesus… and yes, they probably sent drinking water, toothpaste, soap and more in the truckload of goods that our church or another local group delivered to one of the tornado-ravaged areas.
A lot of the media seekers will stand at the microphone and thank God for blessing them and guiding their steps and decisions. But talk is cheap. God would rather they do something with the blessings He has given them and listen to Him when He says, “Use what I have given you to bless and care for others in my name.” He would rather they be obedient servants than celebrity seekers who are filled with hot air.
What about you? Do you “talk a good game?” Do you tell others how much God has done for you, show up on Sunday at church… and maybe even during the week for a youth service, prayer meeting or Bible study… and then return to your cushy life of focusing on yourself? Or do you ask God, “Where do you want me to serve today? How do You want me to use the blessings You have given me? What is YOUR plan for me this day?”
Selfishness and failure to listen to God cost Saul the kingship… what might it be costing you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 15, 2011
Luke 18:9-14
Jesus told a story to some people who thought they were better than others and who looked down on everyone else: Two men went into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn."
The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, "God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner."
Then Jesus said, "When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have heard the recent news report about a woman who injects her 8-year-old daughter with Botox, because – in her words… “a lot of the moms were giving their kids Botox… and I’m not the only one doing it. I think a lot of the kids making the lines on the face a big deal made her want to do it more.” The San Francisco mother contends that she is doing this to keep up with the “beauty-take-all world” of the pageant circuit.
Sadly, this little girl will apparently not get a chance to genuinely be herself. And I have to wonder if this incessant concern over physical appearance (I mean… c’mon… wrinkles on an 8-year-old’s face?!) won’t spill over into arrogance as this little girl grows into a young woman. “Normal” people will never be in her league… and those with physical deformities and more will most certainly be viewed as less than acceptable. At least the potential is there for some pretty scary attitudes and behaviors.
I am so done with phony people, aren’t you?! I’m worn out with people who say one thing to your face and act another way when you aren’t looking. I’m tired of the people who view those with poor hygiene and shabby clothing – or the “wrong” color or lifestyle choice – as beneath them. Give me good ole humble Christians who are striving to live in God’s will and focus on serving Him rather than serving themselves! Sometimes, I think God is thinking the same thing. Don’t you figure He gets tired of all of the grandstanding and arrogance… particularly when it comes from people who profess to be His Disciples?
Let’s look at what we are doing… in every aspect of our lives. Where are we setting ourselves – or those around us – up for the potential to operate in arrogance and piety? Where are we behaving as if we are better than others… or trying to be something – or someone – we are not? Do you see how this grieves God? Isn’t it time we became humble, genuine servants who say, “Here I am LORD… warts and all. If You can use me in some manner, I’m ready and willing to serve. Just point me in the right direction.”?
God may not ask you to take a “tax collector” (or a homeless person or someone whose beliefs don’t match your own) home with you for a meal. But whatever He asks of us, we must be ready – and willing – to do. If you were one of the people in Jesus’ story, who would you most resemble today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus told a story to some people who thought they were better than others and who looked down on everyone else: Two men went into the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn."
The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, "God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner."
Then Jesus said, "When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have heard the recent news report about a woman who injects her 8-year-old daughter with Botox, because – in her words… “a lot of the moms were giving their kids Botox… and I’m not the only one doing it. I think a lot of the kids making the lines on the face a big deal made her want to do it more.” The San Francisco mother contends that she is doing this to keep up with the “beauty-take-all world” of the pageant circuit.
Sadly, this little girl will apparently not get a chance to genuinely be herself. And I have to wonder if this incessant concern over physical appearance (I mean… c’mon… wrinkles on an 8-year-old’s face?!) won’t spill over into arrogance as this little girl grows into a young woman. “Normal” people will never be in her league… and those with physical deformities and more will most certainly be viewed as less than acceptable. At least the potential is there for some pretty scary attitudes and behaviors.
I am so done with phony people, aren’t you?! I’m worn out with people who say one thing to your face and act another way when you aren’t looking. I’m tired of the people who view those with poor hygiene and shabby clothing – or the “wrong” color or lifestyle choice – as beneath them. Give me good ole humble Christians who are striving to live in God’s will and focus on serving Him rather than serving themselves! Sometimes, I think God is thinking the same thing. Don’t you figure He gets tired of all of the grandstanding and arrogance… particularly when it comes from people who profess to be His Disciples?
Let’s look at what we are doing… in every aspect of our lives. Where are we setting ourselves – or those around us – up for the potential to operate in arrogance and piety? Where are we behaving as if we are better than others… or trying to be something – or someone – we are not? Do you see how this grieves God? Isn’t it time we became humble, genuine servants who say, “Here I am LORD… warts and all. If You can use me in some manner, I’m ready and willing to serve. Just point me in the right direction.”?
God may not ask you to take a “tax collector” (or a homeless person or someone whose beliefs don’t match your own) home with you for a meal. But whatever He asks of us, we must be ready – and willing – to do. If you were one of the people in Jesus’ story, who would you most resemble today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 25, 2010
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
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
Daily Devotional for November 20, 2010
Luke 9:61-62
Then someone said to Jesus, "I want to go with you, Lord, but first let me go back and take care of things at home." Jesus answered, "Anyone who starts plowing and keeps looking back isn't worth a thing to God's kingdom!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For several years, a dear friend of mine gently nudged me to attend a Walk to Emmaus. “You don’t need to go,” he would tell me… “you deserve it.” He would continue by explaining that the Walk to Emmaus was an exercise in being completely served and loved unconditionally. “Your every need will be met for the entire 3 days,” he said. “Think of it as Spiritual pampering.”
My problem – and it was MY problem – was that I thought I had to fix myself before I went. I thought that there were areas of my life I needed to work on first before I was “worthy” to attend the Walk to Emmaus. I truly didn’t understand. I guess I somehow felt like I would get there and someone would stand up, point a finger and say, “Oh, look… she doesn’t deserve to be here!”
The fact is, God doesn’t want us to try to fix ourselves… HE will do that. I didn’t have to do a thing except show up… Jesus did the rest, just like He did on the cross when He paid for our sins. But we have this mindset that we have to fix everything before we can serve… or be blessed… and that is just incredibly stinkin’ thinkin’!
This is just another in a long line of excuses we create to keep from serving or answering God’s call. We’ll do it tomorrow, when all the stars align! We’ll help out when we aren’t so young, old, tired, busy, stressed, sick, or needy. The truth is… God wants us to “come as you are” and answer His call. If we have to keep working on other projects – or trying to do His job for Him with regard to our own lives – we just as well stay home.
The end of the story is that I finally decided that I wanted to go to Emmaus worse than I wanted to fix myself first. And the result was life changing. I found a peace and a love in Jesus there that I never had even realized was possible before. I found the courage to give Him everything – warts and all – and let Him sort it out and see what He could use… and what needed to be resolved.
I realized what it means to truly serve, because I saw people give 1000% of themselves to serve me and the other “pilgrims” on the Walk for 72 straight hours. This public, personal example of the service and sacrifice for Christ showed me what Jesus is explaining in Luke 9. We don’t need to waste time and energy trying to get our house in order before we serve Jesus… we just need to get up and get busy. Are you ready to do this? Isn’t it time you stopped looking back and started moving forward with Christ? Isn’t this a great day to begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Then someone said to Jesus, "I want to go with you, Lord, but first let me go back and take care of things at home." Jesus answered, "Anyone who starts plowing and keeps looking back isn't worth a thing to God's kingdom!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For several years, a dear friend of mine gently nudged me to attend a Walk to Emmaus. “You don’t need to go,” he would tell me… “you deserve it.” He would continue by explaining that the Walk to Emmaus was an exercise in being completely served and loved unconditionally. “Your every need will be met for the entire 3 days,” he said. “Think of it as Spiritual pampering.”
My problem – and it was MY problem – was that I thought I had to fix myself before I went. I thought that there were areas of my life I needed to work on first before I was “worthy” to attend the Walk to Emmaus. I truly didn’t understand. I guess I somehow felt like I would get there and someone would stand up, point a finger and say, “Oh, look… she doesn’t deserve to be here!”
The fact is, God doesn’t want us to try to fix ourselves… HE will do that. I didn’t have to do a thing except show up… Jesus did the rest, just like He did on the cross when He paid for our sins. But we have this mindset that we have to fix everything before we can serve… or be blessed… and that is just incredibly stinkin’ thinkin’!
This is just another in a long line of excuses we create to keep from serving or answering God’s call. We’ll do it tomorrow, when all the stars align! We’ll help out when we aren’t so young, old, tired, busy, stressed, sick, or needy. The truth is… God wants us to “come as you are” and answer His call. If we have to keep working on other projects – or trying to do His job for Him with regard to our own lives – we just as well stay home.
The end of the story is that I finally decided that I wanted to go to Emmaus worse than I wanted to fix myself first. And the result was life changing. I found a peace and a love in Jesus there that I never had even realized was possible before. I found the courage to give Him everything – warts and all – and let Him sort it out and see what He could use… and what needed to be resolved.
I realized what it means to truly serve, because I saw people give 1000% of themselves to serve me and the other “pilgrims” on the Walk for 72 straight hours. This public, personal example of the service and sacrifice for Christ showed me what Jesus is explaining in Luke 9. We don’t need to waste time and energy trying to get our house in order before we serve Jesus… we just need to get up and get busy. Are you ready to do this? Isn’t it time you stopped looking back and started moving forward with Christ? Isn’t this a great day to begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 17, 2010
1 Peter 4:11
If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had some sort of virus for a few days that left me with acute laryngitis. I know some of you will find this incredibly amusing – or even “poetic justice” – so go ahead and laugh. The truth is, being unable to make a sound above a whisper for more than five days has given me time to reflect in depth on speech and communication … how and why we communicate – and what we are really saying.
I’ve considered my inability to talk – and the ramifications. What if my voice didn’t return … how would I manage? Thankfully, I can write notes by hand, send texts and e-mails, post on Facebook, and even use charades and sign language to get a message to my husband. But there are things that I cannot do … like respond to my cats when they call. I can’t read or sing to Timothy – and he isn’t old enough to understand laryngitis. I can’t telephone people who don’t have e-mail, like my grandmother and my sister. I can’t console a little friend I saw in Wal-Mart who had scraped her knee.
Satan may be having the biggest laugh over my inability to speak … but he has not won. I can still write devos. I can still mail notes of encouragement, sympathy, get well wishes, and congratulations. I can still work with my hands to do everything from housekeeping to meal prep to hugging husbands, kitties and babies. I can still give a grieving friend a hug and a smile in Wal-Mart. I can still pray.
I can still honor God in a number of ways, because we are none of us limited to one method. If God takes your hands, feet, speech, eyesight, hearing … whatever, ask Him to show you another way to serve Him. Because I assure you, with God there is always a way.
I know that in a few days my speech will return. But I won’t forget the lesson of my laryngitis. I won’t forget the blessing of being able to open your mouth and answer the telephone … or read/sing to a baby. I won’t underestimate the spoken words, “I love you.” I also won’t underestimate the power of God to use us in a variety of ways … and to bless us immensely. I will thank Him for good health and strong bodies … and a few days to learn more about Him in the peace and quiet of a raspy whisper.
How will God use you today? What will be your “tools” and gifts? Will you recognize them and ask God to give you strength and power to honor Him by their use?
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had some sort of virus for a few days that left me with acute laryngitis. I know some of you will find this incredibly amusing – or even “poetic justice” – so go ahead and laugh. The truth is, being unable to make a sound above a whisper for more than five days has given me time to reflect in depth on speech and communication … how and why we communicate – and what we are really saying.
I’ve considered my inability to talk – and the ramifications. What if my voice didn’t return … how would I manage? Thankfully, I can write notes by hand, send texts and e-mails, post on Facebook, and even use charades and sign language to get a message to my husband. But there are things that I cannot do … like respond to my cats when they call. I can’t read or sing to Timothy – and he isn’t old enough to understand laryngitis. I can’t telephone people who don’t have e-mail, like my grandmother and my sister. I can’t console a little friend I saw in Wal-Mart who had scraped her knee.
Satan may be having the biggest laugh over my inability to speak … but he has not won. I can still write devos. I can still mail notes of encouragement, sympathy, get well wishes, and congratulations. I can still work with my hands to do everything from housekeeping to meal prep to hugging husbands, kitties and babies. I can still give a grieving friend a hug and a smile in Wal-Mart. I can still pray.
I can still honor God in a number of ways, because we are none of us limited to one method. If God takes your hands, feet, speech, eyesight, hearing … whatever, ask Him to show you another way to serve Him. Because I assure you, with God there is always a way.
I know that in a few days my speech will return. But I won’t forget the lesson of my laryngitis. I won’t forget the blessing of being able to open your mouth and answer the telephone … or read/sing to a baby. I won’t underestimate the spoken words, “I love you.” I also won’t underestimate the power of God to use us in a variety of ways … and to bless us immensely. I will thank Him for good health and strong bodies … and a few days to learn more about Him in the peace and quiet of a raspy whisper.
How will God use you today? What will be your “tools” and gifts? Will you recognize them and ask God to give you strength and power to honor Him by their use?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 13, 2010
Acts 2:44
All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have never prepared food for a potluck meal, but I bet you’ve eaten one! The beauty of a potluck is that no one person has to prepare every single dish. Time, money, and culinary talents are combined to create something delicious and enjoyable for all.
Imagine if your church held a potluck dinner, and everyone showed up to eat, but nobody brought a covered dish! Or suppose there were dishes provided – a couple of pies, a salad, and one casserole – and dozens of hungry people were standing in line with plates and utensils.
Sadly, this is a pretty good analogy for how Christian service looks. Needy people who are hungry for God’s word and His love are standing in line with their “plates” in their hands, but nobody is showing up to serve them … and what is provided is merely a drop in the bucket.
Christian service should resemble a potluck. Each Christian should share his/her time, talents, money and abilities for the benefit of the entire group. No one person should have to do everything – no one person can! But each person can do what God calls him/her to do, and the effects will be multiplied exponentially.
It’s a funny thing … we’re all eager to get in line with our “plate and fork” and be served by God. We all understand the “getting” end of Christian nurture. But we have all sorts of handy excuses for why we can’t – or won’t – give in return. We can change this. We can start now to make a difference. We can ask ourselves – or our fellow Christians – where our services would fit the best, and then we can get busy contributing as much as possible. In the Kingdom of God, there is always a “potluck” somewhere. The question is … what will you take to the table?
©2010 Debbie Robus
All the Lord's followers often met together, and they shared everything they had.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have never prepared food for a potluck meal, but I bet you’ve eaten one! The beauty of a potluck is that no one person has to prepare every single dish. Time, money, and culinary talents are combined to create something delicious and enjoyable for all.
Imagine if your church held a potluck dinner, and everyone showed up to eat, but nobody brought a covered dish! Or suppose there were dishes provided – a couple of pies, a salad, and one casserole – and dozens of hungry people were standing in line with plates and utensils.
Sadly, this is a pretty good analogy for how Christian service looks. Needy people who are hungry for God’s word and His love are standing in line with their “plates” in their hands, but nobody is showing up to serve them … and what is provided is merely a drop in the bucket.
Christian service should resemble a potluck. Each Christian should share his/her time, talents, money and abilities for the benefit of the entire group. No one person should have to do everything – no one person can! But each person can do what God calls him/her to do, and the effects will be multiplied exponentially.
It’s a funny thing … we’re all eager to get in line with our “plate and fork” and be served by God. We all understand the “getting” end of Christian nurture. But we have all sorts of handy excuses for why we can’t – or won’t – give in return. We can change this. We can start now to make a difference. We can ask ourselves – or our fellow Christians – where our services would fit the best, and then we can get busy contributing as much as possible. In the Kingdom of God, there is always a “potluck” somewhere. The question is … what will you take to the table?
©2010 Debbie Robus
August 12 ~ Luke 3:11
Luke 3:11
John told them, "If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn't have any. If you have food, share it with someone else."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I am reminded of the Andy Griffith episode where Opie is asked to contribute to charity, and he gives a measly three cents. His dad is very upset with him, and Opie finally admits that he saved up his allowance to buy a winter coat for a needy friend. There is also an episode where Opie gives up a job delivering groceries so that another friend who needs the money can work.
This passage is about so much more than clothes and food. And as “Opie Taylor” shows us, putting the needs of the other guy ahead of our own isn’t always easy or popular. But this doesn’t negate the fact that it’s the right thing to do. It seems like Opie had a knack for seeing needs and meeting them. Sadly, if some of us see a need, we turn and look away.
We talk a lot about nurture these days. But what does “nurture” really mean? I believe it means following Luke 3:11. I believe that real nurture means turning off your favorite television program and spending that hour talking to someone who could use a friend or writing get-well cards and notes of encouragement to people you know who are struggling. Real nurture means picking up an extra package of diapers at the store and giving them to your co-worker who has a new baby and two other kids and can barely pay the bills. True nurture means dropping everything when someone you know gets sick or dies … and rushing to the side of that person and/or family and friends to offer comfort and support.
Christian nurture requires us to lift our heads, open our eyes and ears, and look outside of ourselves to see the needs of others … and then meet them! If we don’t perform some act of Christian nurture almost every day, we probably aren’t serving very well. I didn’t say we have to cook a meal or give away clothing or do something on a grand scale. I am talking about something as simple as sacrificing five or ten minutes to really ask a friend, “How are you doing?” - and stick around for their answer. I’m talking about sending an e-mail to someone to let them know that God cares about them – and so do you. I’m talking about going out of your way to be polite to someone at the grocery store or in the school cafeteria.
There are countless ways to offer Christian nurture, if we will notice them. The question is … are we paying attention?
©2010 Debbie Robus
John told them, "If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn't have any. If you have food, share it with someone else."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I am reminded of the Andy Griffith episode where Opie is asked to contribute to charity, and he gives a measly three cents. His dad is very upset with him, and Opie finally admits that he saved up his allowance to buy a winter coat for a needy friend. There is also an episode where Opie gives up a job delivering groceries so that another friend who needs the money can work.
This passage is about so much more than clothes and food. And as “Opie Taylor” shows us, putting the needs of the other guy ahead of our own isn’t always easy or popular. But this doesn’t negate the fact that it’s the right thing to do. It seems like Opie had a knack for seeing needs and meeting them. Sadly, if some of us see a need, we turn and look away.
We talk a lot about nurture these days. But what does “nurture” really mean? I believe it means following Luke 3:11. I believe that real nurture means turning off your favorite television program and spending that hour talking to someone who could use a friend or writing get-well cards and notes of encouragement to people you know who are struggling. Real nurture means picking up an extra package of diapers at the store and giving them to your co-worker who has a new baby and two other kids and can barely pay the bills. True nurture means dropping everything when someone you know gets sick or dies … and rushing to the side of that person and/or family and friends to offer comfort and support.
Christian nurture requires us to lift our heads, open our eyes and ears, and look outside of ourselves to see the needs of others … and then meet them! If we don’t perform some act of Christian nurture almost every day, we probably aren’t serving very well. I didn’t say we have to cook a meal or give away clothing or do something on a grand scale. I am talking about something as simple as sacrificing five or ten minutes to really ask a friend, “How are you doing?” - and stick around for their answer. I’m talking about sending an e-mail to someone to let them know that God cares about them – and so do you. I’m talking about going out of your way to be polite to someone at the grocery store or in the school cafeteria.
There are countless ways to offer Christian nurture, if we will notice them. The question is … are we paying attention?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2010
Matthew 25:21
"Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a kid, I assumed my paternal grandparents were rich. They grew their own food on their farm – including Black Angus beef. My grandmother made beautiful clothes for herself, my sister and me - and our Barbies! We had a horse to ride, and twenty acres to explore. My grandparents always seemed to live in abundance.
What I could not see as a child was how hard they worked for the things they had. I knew they went to bed right after supper and rose early each morning. I knew my grandmother drove a school bus each day and then worked as a chairside assistant for a local dentist. I knew that each afternoon after she made the return trip in the school bus, she worked in her garden, quilted or sewed, and cooked wonderful meals … often alongside a big vat of dentures she was “setting” for a patient at work! I knew my grandfather got up early each day to feed his cattle … then operated heavy equipment - like road graders and bulldozers - for the county. After work, he came home and tended to his cattle and his crops.
With all of this work, my grandparents still managed to do for others. They were active members of their church. They shared their food with those who were hungry and ministered to sick and needy family members and friends. They always had time for their three grandchildren. And when their home of more than 25 years burned to the ground one December 20th, others came to their side and returned the favor.
Fellow church members who were traveling south for the winter offered their home to my grandparents. A local contractor agreed to put a “rush” on building a new house for them. The church members, family and friends opened their closets, wallets and hearts and “pounded” them with everything from staples for the kitchen to furniture, household items and more. People rallied around my grandmother when my grandfather died in 1984. Since that time, she has lived in the abundance of blessings from friends and family who “see after” her in ways great and small. And at almost 98 years of age, she still returns the blessings by doing for others as much as she can.
Early in their adult lives, God called my grandparents to serve Him … and they answered. God saw how well they did with so little, and He continued to heap blessings upon them. I’m not talking money, cars, lavish homes and opulent wealth. I’m talking about blessings that matter. Because I can tell you with confidence that I’ve been to enough estate sales to know it’s true that “you cannot take it with you!”
What is God asking you to do? Is He starting with something seemingly small? If so, are you stepping up and answering? I promise you, the “assignments” get bigger … but so do the blessings. Living in the abundance of a life spent serving God - in whatever manner He asks – will result in wealth you can’t even imagine … the kind that matters for all eternity. Don’t you want to hear God say, “I’m proud of you … you are a good and faithful servant!”? Don’t you want to share in His happiness? What are you doing today to make that happen?
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a kid, I assumed my paternal grandparents were rich. They grew their own food on their farm – including Black Angus beef. My grandmother made beautiful clothes for herself, my sister and me - and our Barbies! We had a horse to ride, and twenty acres to explore. My grandparents always seemed to live in abundance.
What I could not see as a child was how hard they worked for the things they had. I knew they went to bed right after supper and rose early each morning. I knew my grandmother drove a school bus each day and then worked as a chairside assistant for a local dentist. I knew that each afternoon after she made the return trip in the school bus, she worked in her garden, quilted or sewed, and cooked wonderful meals … often alongside a big vat of dentures she was “setting” for a patient at work! I knew my grandfather got up early each day to feed his cattle … then operated heavy equipment - like road graders and bulldozers - for the county. After work, he came home and tended to his cattle and his crops.
With all of this work, my grandparents still managed to do for others. They were active members of their church. They shared their food with those who were hungry and ministered to sick and needy family members and friends. They always had time for their three grandchildren. And when their home of more than 25 years burned to the ground one December 20th, others came to their side and returned the favor.
Fellow church members who were traveling south for the winter offered their home to my grandparents. A local contractor agreed to put a “rush” on building a new house for them. The church members, family and friends opened their closets, wallets and hearts and “pounded” them with everything from staples for the kitchen to furniture, household items and more. People rallied around my grandmother when my grandfather died in 1984. Since that time, she has lived in the abundance of blessings from friends and family who “see after” her in ways great and small. And at almost 98 years of age, she still returns the blessings by doing for others as much as she can.
Early in their adult lives, God called my grandparents to serve Him … and they answered. God saw how well they did with so little, and He continued to heap blessings upon them. I’m not talking money, cars, lavish homes and opulent wealth. I’m talking about blessings that matter. Because I can tell you with confidence that I’ve been to enough estate sales to know it’s true that “you cannot take it with you!”
What is God asking you to do? Is He starting with something seemingly small? If so, are you stepping up and answering? I promise you, the “assignments” get bigger … but so do the blessings. Living in the abundance of a life spent serving God - in whatever manner He asks – will result in wealth you can’t even imagine … the kind that matters for all eternity. Don’t you want to hear God say, “I’m proud of you … you are a good and faithful servant!”? Don’t you want to share in His happiness? What are you doing today to make that happen?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 9, 2010
Proverbs 17:17
A friend is always a friend, and relatives are born to share our troubles.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This devo begins a group that relate to “Sharing the Good News – and God’s Love,” and it’s probably where you may think I’ve gone to meddling! But I am convinced that many of us have fallen short in this area. I have to believe that when I hear of children who have not spoken to their parents in months, or even years. I know we have grown insensitive and self-absorbed when I hear in the news of someone who died alone in their home from heat exhaustion and malnutrition, because not even their next-door neighbors bothered to check on them. I am convinced of this when I hear in the news of a child who committed suicide because he/she was bullied relentlessly and nobody did anything to stop it.
You can call it what you want … busyness, your own set of troubles, “work got in the way,” or just plain not wanting to get involved. The fact is, we are called as Christians to love one another … and that means we’re going to have to become involved at some point. If you are to love your neighbor as you love yourself, you will have to check on him/her. If you are going to honor your father and mother, you will have to call and visit them once in a while. We’re going to have to look up from our own lives and see those around us – and get busy meeting the needs of others.
Imagine if Jesus had said, “I’m too busy,” or “It’s not my problem… I need to stay out of this.” What if Jesus had held a grudge against His Father and refused to communicate! I know … pretty preposterous, isn’t it?! But that’s what many of us do. We claim to have dozens of “close friends,” but we couldn’t tell you much about the thoughts, dreams, desires and needs of a single one of them. We’re so busy collecting acquaintances, possessions and whatever satisfies our every whim that we often fail to stop and ask, “Lord, who do I need to call today?” or “Father, do I need to reach out to a friend or family member?”
My prayer today is that we would become more genuinely concerned about the welfare of our family and friends. I pray that we would ask God to open our hearts, eyes and ears … that we would see the needs of others – and meet them! If you need help getting started, pick up the church bulletin and read the prayer concerns. I bet there is someone on there you could call, visit, or mail a card of encouragement. Or … read through the birthday list and send someone good wishes to brighten their day. Or here’s a good one … I have a card on my desk that says, “Have you prayed for your pastor today?” Well, have you?
Being a Christian is more than accepting Jesus – or even receiving the Holy Spirit. If you keep everything to yourself, you really have not fulfilled Jesus’ gift. Think of it like a credit card that doesn’t work until you call the headquarters and activate it. It’s time we activated our “Christian card” and got busy using it. Where will you “spend” some of God’s love today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
A friend is always a friend, and relatives are born to share our troubles.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This devo begins a group that relate to “Sharing the Good News – and God’s Love,” and it’s probably where you may think I’ve gone to meddling! But I am convinced that many of us have fallen short in this area. I have to believe that when I hear of children who have not spoken to their parents in months, or even years. I know we have grown insensitive and self-absorbed when I hear in the news of someone who died alone in their home from heat exhaustion and malnutrition, because not even their next-door neighbors bothered to check on them. I am convinced of this when I hear in the news of a child who committed suicide because he/she was bullied relentlessly and nobody did anything to stop it.
You can call it what you want … busyness, your own set of troubles, “work got in the way,” or just plain not wanting to get involved. The fact is, we are called as Christians to love one another … and that means we’re going to have to become involved at some point. If you are to love your neighbor as you love yourself, you will have to check on him/her. If you are going to honor your father and mother, you will have to call and visit them once in a while. We’re going to have to look up from our own lives and see those around us – and get busy meeting the needs of others.
Imagine if Jesus had said, “I’m too busy,” or “It’s not my problem… I need to stay out of this.” What if Jesus had held a grudge against His Father and refused to communicate! I know … pretty preposterous, isn’t it?! But that’s what many of us do. We claim to have dozens of “close friends,” but we couldn’t tell you much about the thoughts, dreams, desires and needs of a single one of them. We’re so busy collecting acquaintances, possessions and whatever satisfies our every whim that we often fail to stop and ask, “Lord, who do I need to call today?” or “Father, do I need to reach out to a friend or family member?”
My prayer today is that we would become more genuinely concerned about the welfare of our family and friends. I pray that we would ask God to open our hearts, eyes and ears … that we would see the needs of others – and meet them! If you need help getting started, pick up the church bulletin and read the prayer concerns. I bet there is someone on there you could call, visit, or mail a card of encouragement. Or … read through the birthday list and send someone good wishes to brighten their day. Or here’s a good one … I have a card on my desk that says, “Have you prayed for your pastor today?” Well, have you?
Being a Christian is more than accepting Jesus – or even receiving the Holy Spirit. If you keep everything to yourself, you really have not fulfilled Jesus’ gift. Think of it like a credit card that doesn’t work until you call the headquarters and activate it. It’s time we activated our “Christian card” and got busy using it. Where will you “spend” some of God’s love today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 8, 2010
Acts 8:18-24
Simon noticed that the Spirit was given only when the apostles placed their hands on the people. So he brought money and said to Peter and John, "Let me have this power too! Then anyone I place my hands on will also be given the Holy Spirit.
Peter said to him, “You and your money will both end up in hell if you think you can buy God’s gift! You don’t have any part in this, and God sees that your heart isn’t right. Get rid of these evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you. I can see that you are jealous and bound by your evil ways.
Simon said, “Please pray to the Lord, so that what you said won’t happen to me.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The first thought I had when I read this scripture passage was of the old Beatles song, “Can’t Buy Me Love.” There are probably very few of us who don’t think about money at some point in the day … from whether we have enough to pay bills, to how much more we need to save to buy something new, to how we will survive in retirement and more. But for some, money (or something in lieu of money) has become the answer to everything.
The truth of the matter is that God cannot be bought! I’m not saying we shouldn’t fund missions and think about money. I’m not saying that the system of exchanging payment for services rendered and items purchased doesn’t work. But when it comes to God, the only “payment” He will accept is raw faith. And really, this is great news, because it means that everyone is equal with God. Nobody can plunk down money and gain favor. We can’t give money to the church, family and friends, and never give any of our time and energy. Your possessions and wealth don’t make you better than your friends, classmates or co-workers, and God does not play favorites based on income level.
God wants our time, talents, service and faithfulness … and yes, our money. But only in that order, and only if the money is given to further His kingdom, not to buy His approval. The Holy Spirit is free to any and all who wish to receive Him. The woman in Luke 8:43-48 had it right. Sick for over twelve years, she saw Jesus in a crowd of people and barely touched the hem of his clothes, and instantly she was healed. Jesus said in the last part of verse 46, “Someone touched me, and I felt the power going out from me.” The woman didn’t give Jesus as much as one penny, yet she received His power and healing because of her faith. The disciples laid down their jobs, walked away from their homes and families and all of their belongings, and followed Jesus. And when He died and ascended into heaven, He gave them the power of the Holy Spirit to continue ministering and witnessing.
The question becomes, what are we doing to receive the Holy Spirit? Are we like Simon, wanting to throw some money or another form of payment toward God and buy our relationship with Him? Or are we humbly believing in His power and offering our service in whatever manner He desires? Are we pulling out our wallets for a payoff, or are we touching the hem of His clothes and serving faithfully? The difference is huge, and the consequences are eternal. How big is your faith and commitment today? Is your heart right before God?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Simon noticed that the Spirit was given only when the apostles placed their hands on the people. So he brought money and said to Peter and John, "Let me have this power too! Then anyone I place my hands on will also be given the Holy Spirit.
Peter said to him, “You and your money will both end up in hell if you think you can buy God’s gift! You don’t have any part in this, and God sees that your heart isn’t right. Get rid of these evil thoughts and ask God to forgive you. I can see that you are jealous and bound by your evil ways.
Simon said, “Please pray to the Lord, so that what you said won’t happen to me.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The first thought I had when I read this scripture passage was of the old Beatles song, “Can’t Buy Me Love.” There are probably very few of us who don’t think about money at some point in the day … from whether we have enough to pay bills, to how much more we need to save to buy something new, to how we will survive in retirement and more. But for some, money (or something in lieu of money) has become the answer to everything.
The truth of the matter is that God cannot be bought! I’m not saying we shouldn’t fund missions and think about money. I’m not saying that the system of exchanging payment for services rendered and items purchased doesn’t work. But when it comes to God, the only “payment” He will accept is raw faith. And really, this is great news, because it means that everyone is equal with God. Nobody can plunk down money and gain favor. We can’t give money to the church, family and friends, and never give any of our time and energy. Your possessions and wealth don’t make you better than your friends, classmates or co-workers, and God does not play favorites based on income level.
God wants our time, talents, service and faithfulness … and yes, our money. But only in that order, and only if the money is given to further His kingdom, not to buy His approval. The Holy Spirit is free to any and all who wish to receive Him. The woman in Luke 8:43-48 had it right. Sick for over twelve years, she saw Jesus in a crowd of people and barely touched the hem of his clothes, and instantly she was healed. Jesus said in the last part of verse 46, “Someone touched me, and I felt the power going out from me.” The woman didn’t give Jesus as much as one penny, yet she received His power and healing because of her faith. The disciples laid down their jobs, walked away from their homes and families and all of their belongings, and followed Jesus. And when He died and ascended into heaven, He gave them the power of the Holy Spirit to continue ministering and witnessing.
The question becomes, what are we doing to receive the Holy Spirit? Are we like Simon, wanting to throw some money or another form of payment toward God and buy our relationship with Him? Or are we humbly believing in His power and offering our service in whatever manner He desires? Are we pulling out our wallets for a payoff, or are we touching the hem of His clothes and serving faithfully? The difference is huge, and the consequences are eternal. How big is your faith and commitment today? Is your heart right before God?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 24, 2010
April 24 ~ Proverbs 14:14
You harvest what you plant, whether good or bad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us understand the concept that:
• If you overeat – you will probably gain weight.
• If you smoke cigarettes – you are a candidate for lung cancer.
• If you expose your skin to the sun or a tanning bed – you will age your skin and possibly get skin cancer.
• If you have unprotected sex – you could make a baby or get an STD.
• If you don’t go to class – you probably won’t pass.
• If you break the law – you may go to jail.
I could go on, but you get the picture. When things are “black and white,” we have no trouble grasping them. Where we sometimes fail to understand this is in the “grey areas” of life.
• If you cheat – on your taxes, on a significant other, at school, at work, by speeding or drinking and driving… or even in a sport… you might seem to “get by” with it. But somewhere down the road, this type of behavior will catch up with you. You may never get caught actually cheating at something, but your behavior may lead to other dishonesty that is discovered or an activity that harms your relationships with others. And over time, cheating and dishonesty eat away at your character.
• If you are kind and generous with what you have, even if it seems like very little – time, talents, and money – you will benefit in ways you can’t even imagine. You may never be “rich” in money or material things, but you will be wealthy beyond measure in other ways. Blessings will come your way when you least expect them – and from sources you would never have expected.
• If you are faithful and trusting of God – and trustworthy – He will answer your prayers, solve your problems, heal you of diseases, protect you, promote you, and bless you incredibly. And you will operate in confidence that Someone else is helping you handle every situation.
• If you are a “hit-and-miss” Christian who worships, prays and studies when it is convenient – or when there is a crisis – expect “hit-and-miss” results and blessings. It’s not that God is ignoring you – or even punishing you – but God does pour out His abundance on those who are most faithful, and we need to understand and appreciate how this exchange with Him works.
This is the familiar “you reap what you sow” passage. It may be hard for you to see how what you are doing today is going to affect you down the road. But it will. Make sure that everything you do this day lines up with the will and the word of God. Make sure that every choice you make, every word from your mouth, every gesture, facial expression and step you take is approved by God. If you do this, you will sow blessings so abundant you can’t even count them. Don’t worry about what happens if you make poor choices – don’t even go there! Don’t risk missing a single one of the blessings God has in store for you. Sow good things, positive words, faithful service and continual trust. Sow LOVE and the light of Christ… and be amazed by what you reap!
©2010 Debbie Robus
You harvest what you plant, whether good or bad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us understand the concept that:
• If you overeat – you will probably gain weight.
• If you smoke cigarettes – you are a candidate for lung cancer.
• If you expose your skin to the sun or a tanning bed – you will age your skin and possibly get skin cancer.
• If you have unprotected sex – you could make a baby or get an STD.
• If you don’t go to class – you probably won’t pass.
• If you break the law – you may go to jail.
I could go on, but you get the picture. When things are “black and white,” we have no trouble grasping them. Where we sometimes fail to understand this is in the “grey areas” of life.
• If you cheat – on your taxes, on a significant other, at school, at work, by speeding or drinking and driving… or even in a sport… you might seem to “get by” with it. But somewhere down the road, this type of behavior will catch up with you. You may never get caught actually cheating at something, but your behavior may lead to other dishonesty that is discovered or an activity that harms your relationships with others. And over time, cheating and dishonesty eat away at your character.
• If you are kind and generous with what you have, even if it seems like very little – time, talents, and money – you will benefit in ways you can’t even imagine. You may never be “rich” in money or material things, but you will be wealthy beyond measure in other ways. Blessings will come your way when you least expect them – and from sources you would never have expected.
• If you are faithful and trusting of God – and trustworthy – He will answer your prayers, solve your problems, heal you of diseases, protect you, promote you, and bless you incredibly. And you will operate in confidence that Someone else is helping you handle every situation.
• If you are a “hit-and-miss” Christian who worships, prays and studies when it is convenient – or when there is a crisis – expect “hit-and-miss” results and blessings. It’s not that God is ignoring you – or even punishing you – but God does pour out His abundance on those who are most faithful, and we need to understand and appreciate how this exchange with Him works.
This is the familiar “you reap what you sow” passage. It may be hard for you to see how what you are doing today is going to affect you down the road. But it will. Make sure that everything you do this day lines up with the will and the word of God. Make sure that every choice you make, every word from your mouth, every gesture, facial expression and step you take is approved by God. If you do this, you will sow blessings so abundant you can’t even count them. Don’t worry about what happens if you make poor choices – don’t even go there! Don’t risk missing a single one of the blessings God has in store for you. Sow good things, positive words, faithful service and continual trust. Sow LOVE and the light of Christ… and be amazed by what you reap!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 6, 2010
April 6 ~ 1 Corinthians 7:21-24
Are you a slave? Don't let that bother you. But if you can win your freedom, you should. When the Lord chooses slaves, they become his free people. And when he chooses free people, they become slaves of Christ. God paid a great price for you. So don't become slaves of anyone else. Stay what you were when God chose you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Becky dropped out of college to marry and begin a family. She and her husband reared two wonderful boys who both graduated from college and are doing well. Becky was a wonderful, loving mother. More importantly, she was an amazingly faith-filled Christian. And when she was stricken with breast cancer that eventually took her life, she led by example. Many people testified at her funeral to her positive outlook… and every time we talked during her illness, she would say, “I’m going to be okay.”
See, Becky didn’t become a slave to cancer. She belonged to Jesus, and because of that, she despised pity and sadness and the emotions that often consume those who are terminally ill. They betrayed her faith and trust, and she would have none of it! Her own pastor said that when he would try to have a serious conversation with her about how she was really doing, she would touch his arm and say, “I’m doing just fine.” She let the light of Christ shine through her… she was a slave of Christ.
Often we become a slave of something other than Jesus. Some Christians even become “slaves” to the church, thinking that this pleases God. If you are more concerned with what you are doing for the church than how you are serving God, you have become a slave. When you get caught up in trappings such as dressing a certain way or making a big deal about how often you attend church services and activities, Bible studies and more and lose focus on Christ… when you are more interested in hanging crosses from your rear view mirror and sporting bumper stickers that espouse your favorite scripture than ministering to others… when you are more concerned about protesting certain practices in the name of Jesus than sharing the love of Jesus and letting His light shine through each day… you are a slave.
What enslaves you? Have you gotten bogged down and trapped by worry, fear, financial stress, poor health, relationship struggles, loneliness, insecurities, self-pity, “trappings of the church,” and more? Don’t you want to become a “slave of Christ,” and in doing so, gain your freedom? Look at the last verses of this passage again… “God paid a great price for you. So don’t become slaves of anyone else. Stay what you were when God chose you.” Be a slave of Christ. Live for Him… and be faithfully – and joyfully free.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Are you a slave? Don't let that bother you. But if you can win your freedom, you should. When the Lord chooses slaves, they become his free people. And when he chooses free people, they become slaves of Christ. God paid a great price for you. So don't become slaves of anyone else. Stay what you were when God chose you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Becky dropped out of college to marry and begin a family. She and her husband reared two wonderful boys who both graduated from college and are doing well. Becky was a wonderful, loving mother. More importantly, she was an amazingly faith-filled Christian. And when she was stricken with breast cancer that eventually took her life, she led by example. Many people testified at her funeral to her positive outlook… and every time we talked during her illness, she would say, “I’m going to be okay.”
See, Becky didn’t become a slave to cancer. She belonged to Jesus, and because of that, she despised pity and sadness and the emotions that often consume those who are terminally ill. They betrayed her faith and trust, and she would have none of it! Her own pastor said that when he would try to have a serious conversation with her about how she was really doing, she would touch his arm and say, “I’m doing just fine.” She let the light of Christ shine through her… she was a slave of Christ.
Often we become a slave of something other than Jesus. Some Christians even become “slaves” to the church, thinking that this pleases God. If you are more concerned with what you are doing for the church than how you are serving God, you have become a slave. When you get caught up in trappings such as dressing a certain way or making a big deal about how often you attend church services and activities, Bible studies and more and lose focus on Christ… when you are more interested in hanging crosses from your rear view mirror and sporting bumper stickers that espouse your favorite scripture than ministering to others… when you are more concerned about protesting certain practices in the name of Jesus than sharing the love of Jesus and letting His light shine through each day… you are a slave.
What enslaves you? Have you gotten bogged down and trapped by worry, fear, financial stress, poor health, relationship struggles, loneliness, insecurities, self-pity, “trappings of the church,” and more? Don’t you want to become a “slave of Christ,” and in doing so, gain your freedom? Look at the last verses of this passage again… “God paid a great price for you. So don’t become slaves of anyone else. Stay what you were when God chose you.” Be a slave of Christ. Live for Him… and be faithfully – and joyfully free.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 11, 2010
March 11 ~ Psalm 40:4
You bless all of those who trust you, LORD, and refuse to worship idols or follow false gods.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I were driving back from the Gulf South Basketball tournament in Memphis, and he asked me, “If you were handed $1 million, what would you do with it?” Of course, we both agreed that about $300,000 would go to taxes, so let’s say you were handed $700,000 cash… how would you spend it? I had trouble deciding for certain what I would do, but I mentioned investing some and giving some to charity. My husband added, “What if you were only in your twenties… what would you do with it then?” Surely the answers would be different – a house, a car, things would probably top the list!
The point is that as we mature, we hopefully learn what is truly important. We learn the proper order of priority for certain things in our lives. And hopefully, God and His work tops the list! There is a movement afoot today in certain circles to show people how the more we give, the more we are blessed. This runs counter to what many believe, but it is true. And the more we give of ourselves to God… not just physically, but also our heart and our faith in Him – and our service to others… the more He blesses us.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss a single blessing of God. His blessings have become top shelf with me. Serving Him and trusting Him are not always easy, but to do otherwise is no longer an option. Am I selling everything I have and moving to an under-developed country? No! Am I looking for more ways to serve in my own back yard? Absolutely! Am I playing the lottery to get funds for my projects? No way! I’m trusting God to show me where to serve, how to afford and accomplish this… and to bless the outcome. Everything else is just gravy. What would YOU do with $1 million windfall? Who or what would be at the top of YOUR list?
©2009 Debbie Robus
You bless all of those who trust you, LORD, and refuse to worship idols or follow false gods.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I were driving back from the Gulf South Basketball tournament in Memphis, and he asked me, “If you were handed $1 million, what would you do with it?” Of course, we both agreed that about $300,000 would go to taxes, so let’s say you were handed $700,000 cash… how would you spend it? I had trouble deciding for certain what I would do, but I mentioned investing some and giving some to charity. My husband added, “What if you were only in your twenties… what would you do with it then?” Surely the answers would be different – a house, a car, things would probably top the list!
The point is that as we mature, we hopefully learn what is truly important. We learn the proper order of priority for certain things in our lives. And hopefully, God and His work tops the list! There is a movement afoot today in certain circles to show people how the more we give, the more we are blessed. This runs counter to what many believe, but it is true. And the more we give of ourselves to God… not just physically, but also our heart and our faith in Him – and our service to others… the more He blesses us.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss a single blessing of God. His blessings have become top shelf with me. Serving Him and trusting Him are not always easy, but to do otherwise is no longer an option. Am I selling everything I have and moving to an under-developed country? No! Am I looking for more ways to serve in my own back yard? Absolutely! Am I playing the lottery to get funds for my projects? No way! I’m trusting God to show me where to serve, how to afford and accomplish this… and to bless the outcome. Everything else is just gravy. What would YOU do with $1 million windfall? Who or what would be at the top of YOUR list?
©2009 Debbie Robus
December 2009 Devotionals
December 7 ~ Acts 15:8-9
He knows what is in everyone's heart. And he showed that he had chosen the Gentiles, when he gave them the Holy Spirit, just as he had given his Spirit to us. God treated them in the same way that he treated us. They put their faith in him, and he made their hearts pure.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
We are smack in the middle of the Christmas season. Everyone is whizzing around in the stores and trying to multi-task, stretch the budget, and please everyone on their lists with just the right Christmas gift. All around us, there are underlying stories we don’t see or know, and often they loom much larger for people during the holidays. There are people who are facing a major crisis – the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, a job loss, simply trying to get too much done and feeling stressed, and more.
We truly do not know what is in another’s heart – or on his/her mind. The teacher who seems grumpy and unpleasant may be facing huge problems at home. The store clerk who seems distracted and unaccommodating may have heartaches and burdens we can’t begin to know. The friend who doesn’t return phone calls or e-mails may be dealing with something that is totally overwhelming. Even GOOD news, like the arrival of a new baby or starting a new job or relationship can be stressful and distracting.
The point is, GOD knows everyone’s heart. Our job is not to try to figure out others… or to judge them based on behavior. Because God knows our heart and extends His grace and mercy to us, we must do the same to others. God gave us the Holy Spirit to live within our hearts and walk with us each minute of the day…and He does this for every single person who has committed their life to Christ. The peace, comfort and courage we wish for ourselves, we must wish for others. The kindness we wish the Holy Spirit would bring our way, we must extend outwardly to those around us.
So cut others some slack this season – and beyond. Realize that we don’t know others’ hearts – or their circumstances. Ask God to fill those you encounter with His Holy Spirit and to extend His peace their way. Act – and react – with a pure heart, and trust God to work in you and others. And thank Him for loving you so perfectly.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 6 ~ Acts 14:17
But he showed that he was there by the good things he did. God sends rain from heaven and makes your crops grow. He gives food to you and makes your hearts glad.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
If you back up and read the verses before and after this one, you find that Paul and Barnabas were preaching in Lystra, and they approached the temple of Zeus. The priest and the crowds wanted to offer a sacrifice – to Paul and Barnabas! These men were horrified and told the priests and people, “We are humans just like you.” They went on to add that GOD made the sky, earth, see and all that is in them. They noted that God allows us free will. BUT… they added that even when we turn our backs on God and go a different direction, He never leaves us…He feeds us and fills our hearts.
Do you know that we are often like the people in Lystra? If we could only win the lottery – if we could only get this person to like us – if we were only thinner, richer, smarter, or more talented… everything would be hunky dorey in our life! These things are our idols… and we offer all sorts of sacrifices to them in order to make things happen. The crazy thing is… all the time we are spinning on our heads to get these things, God is meeting our needs. He may not meet them like we want Him to… but He does meet them. Our lives may not seem perfect to us… but God is making sure everything is working together perfectly to accomplish HIS will for us. And if we would only recognize this, our goals and desires would line up more often with His.
When I was a little girl, I had this beautiful spinning top. It was made of metal and plastic, with a rod and knob at one end, and a little metal spike on the other. You stood the top on it’s spike and pumped up and down on the rod and knob handle, and the plastic center portion began to whiz, whir and spin. And a portion of the center section unfolded like flower petals to reveal a beautiful ballerina inside who was dancing and spinning. The toy spun for several seconds, and the ballerina danced and spun, too. Then gravity took over, the top started to spin more slowly, and soon it fell over onto the floor. The ballerina was closed inside again… no longer dancing. For many of us, our lives are like this top. We pump ourselves up and work hard to keep the “top” spinning… and for a short time, our world opens up and everything seems beautiful and humming along well – the “ballerina is dancing!” But since we are human, we can’t keep this up on our own, and soon things have stopped spinning along… the ballerina is gone, and our world has fallen off its axis.
Only GOD can keep things spinning as they should. Only GOD can meet our needs every single day – and He does! Often we fail to recognize His power… and His work in and through us. Listen to the words of Paul and Barnabas… “we are humans” - but God is always there, making things happen for us… meeting our needs. Are you recognizing His presence these days? Is He making YOUR heart glad? Who is spinning your top?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 5 ~ Acts 2:25-26
I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
Sometimes, hope is all we have… and it is enough! I recently saw a high school friend of mine at the store, and I asked about her brother, who is dying of cancer. She knows that I know what it feels like to watch your brother battle a terminal illness. We talked about how hard it is to watch a loved one suffer, and she mentioned a mutual friend of ours who lost her battle with breast cancer three years ago. She said, “That’s been so hard for me… and we weren’t even close. I just don’t understand why this happened to her.” I told her that our friend told me over and over in her last years, “I will be okay.” And I trust in that a LOT! Because I know my friend is in heaven and truly okay, my heart is glad and my words about her can be joyful. I live in hope of seeing her again someday.
These days, there are a lot of things in our world that get us down. You may be struggling in school or having relationship troubles. The economy, the war, and a general sense of negativity in our country about so much is enough to make anyone grumpy! But if we keep our eyes focused on the Lord… if we see Him near us at all times, we have nothing to fear. Our heart can be glad – our words can be joyful. We can live in hope.
Someone said to me recently, “So often we want to just jump in and make things happen, when what we really need to do is wait on God to work everything out like He wants!” This is so true. We often jump the gun and worry and wring our hands and go through all sorts of gyrations, when what we really need to do is see the Lord near us and stay positive and hopeful.
I don’t know what you are going through today, but I do know God is with you. Have you looked up to see Him at your side? Can you at least try to be joyful and have a glad heart – can you at least give hope in the Lord a chance? I’m praying you allow Him to work in your life in all situations - I truly believe you will be blessed if you do. And maybe you can “set the example” for others to look for Him at their side, as well.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 4 ~ John 16:33
I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
I don’t know why we can’t seem to “get this,” but God never promised us an easy life once we become Christians. If you can find a scripture in the Bible that says we’ll have a cozy, cushy life, please send it to me! What we ARE told is that we will have peace in our hearts. So while our children fight the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, we can trust God to meet their needs – and ours – and rest in that. While our aging parents and grandparents struggle with broken bones, dementia, and general decline, we can be thankful for their lives and influences and trust God to give us patience and courage for their latter years.
While we worry about our children and the “evil influences” of this world, we can trust God to keep them safe – and to give us the wisdom to provide them with the right lessons and role models for living for Him and overcoming these temptations. While we face serious – even life-threatening – illnesses and injuries, we can be joyful, knowing that God is healing our bodies and working in and through us.
I know people who never let anything get them down. I know others who are ready to “throw in the towel” at the first sign of trouble or challenge. The difference comes down to a choice… we can CHOOSE to rest in God and let Him fill us with peace, or we can CHOOSE to continue to flail around like we did before we became Christians. The latter is not an option for me… what about you? In the words of John 16:33, “Cheer up!” God has defeated the world and its “hold” on us… “take a chill pill” and relax in Him. Let His peace fill you and see you through every challenge this world offers.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 3 ~ Luke 16:15
But Jesus told them: You are always making yourselves look good, but God sees what is in your heart. The things that most people think are important are worthless as far as God is concerned.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
I once worked for a manufacturer who said, “I don’t care what it costs to make the product – as long as it looks good!” If you think about it, this is a profound statement. I am afraid it is the “mantra” for many of us.
* “I don’t care who gets hurt, as long as I am “happy.”
* “I don’t care how much debt I have as long as I drive a nice car, wear designer clothes and live in a big house”.
* “I don’t care who I have to step over to get ahead.”
* “I’m not trying to please anyone but myself.”
* “I am going to ‘play’ now – I’ll settle down later. Besides, I go to church often!”
* “I don’t care what it costs me or others… as long as I look good and enjoy life!”
The trouble with this “stinkin’ thinkin’” is that God sees our heart. He knows how we really feel about Him and our faith on the inside. We must remember that looks fade… material possessions can be snuffed out in a minute… friends are fickle… jobs can be lost… fun is temporary. But living for Jesus is FOREVER! Serving in His name has not only lifelong benefits – they are also ETERNAL! Honoring God and striving to know Him better and live for Him every minute of the day – in even the smallest things – is what counts!
Look around you. There are people who “talk the talk” – but how many “walk the walk?” I’m not asking you to judge anyone but yourself... where do YOU fit into this picture? What’s in your heart… and is it showing on the outside? You may very well look great and be the life of the party… but at what cost? It’s time for a makeover, for many of us. It’s time to take stock of our heart and see where we fall short… and to ask God to show us how to begin making changes that will matter. Are you ready?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 2 ~ Mark 12:33
It is also true that we must love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and that we must love others as much as we love ourselves. These commandments are more important than all the sacrifices and offerings that we could possibly make.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
A friend sent me an e-mail and said, “I have been so poor in heart and mind lately yet I go through the actions to practice joy in my life and gratefulness and realize blessings. But how do I find pureness inside? I love the Lord and he loves me, and I know that, but these trials and tribulations sometimes take away the pureness…or does it? Please help!” This person was working hard to follow God’s commandments, but the “sacrifices and offerings” seemed to be getting in the way. I prayed about a response, and here is part of my reply... I pray that it will have meaning for you today.
First, I do not think that our trials and tribulations negate the purity of our heart. Moses questioned God, yet he was faithful and obedient - and God blessed him. Even JESUS asked God in the Garden of Gethsemane... if there was ANY other way to accomplish His purposes, please take the agony of the cross away. So I don't think that the purity of our heart is tied directly to our struggles or even lapses in faith.
I don't know your circumstances - and I don't need to know - but I can tell you that in my own life, I have experienced some difficult situations. It was hard to be patient ... and with at least some people, it was hard to be kind and civil. When I was proof-reading a recent devo about pure hearts, I know the Lord spoke to me and said, "You know, XYZ is my child, too." That is where the purity comes in! If you can be upset and disgusted with a situation or a person, yet still pray for them and realize that they are just as precious and important to God as we are, your heart is pure. Trust me, sometimes this is HARD to do!
In my own situations, I have had to totally surrender to God... knowing that He sees a much bigger picture than I do. I have no clue how these issues resolve, but I do know that I have done what I am supposed to do - I have asked God for help, and I have asked Him to help ME have a pure and right attitude about all parties involved. While it seems highly unlikely that some people will ever make a turn-around, that is not my responsibility - and I honestly don't know why I have so little faith that God could work a miracle in them... maybe this is a temporary lapse of faith on my part!
You may remember my mention of the man who allegedly shot and killed so many people at Ft. Hood a few weeks ago. Many said, “He should have died, too.” In other situations, I’ve heard people say, I hope So-and-So gets what’s coming to him/her! I understand that feeling... but I also understand how that grieves God. And believe me, there are people who irritate me, and I struggle with being kind and "pure" toward them. Those irritants are God's children, too... and we must pray for them and love them in Christ all the same.
When my dad and brother were both seriously ill, we all wore our feelings on our sleeves. There were days when my heart was broken - I was despondent, hopeless, and even fearful for the future... mine AND my loved ones'. But I still don't think that meant my heart wasn't pure. I stayed VERY close to God during that time, and He gave me joy and peace. Sometimes it was fake... like when people would stop me in Wal-Mart and ask, "Hey, how are you?" and I would reply, "I'm fine," while on the inside I was screaming, "My dad and brother are dying - how do you really THINK I am doing?" Still, I don't think that meant my heart wasn't pure. We aren't always supposed to share EVERY emotion with others! Maybe that is God’s grace working through us.
I am making a concerted effort to be more than just "civil" toward "irritants" in my life. I am working on greeting them with a sincere love in Christ for them as another child of God - equal with me in His eyes. I am working on letting God handle situations for me... because honestly, there are many I am not equipped to handle - and frankly, all God expects is for us to give our burdens to Him. That in itself is a test of our faith - and our heart!
In the midst of this holiday season, I am praying that God will give you peace. I know that the holidays can be trying times for some as we are thrust into situations that may involve people with whom we are not necessarily pals. I believe God is working with us to "grow" our faith through our trials and tribulations... as He always does. Love God with all our heart, mind, and strength - and love others as much as you love yourself. A pure heart will help you endure all of the struggles and challenges of everyday life…AND the holidays!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 1 ~ Matthew 12:35
Good people bring good things out of their hearts, but evil people bring evil things out of their hearts.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
One of the great blessings of living in a small town – and growing up here – is the interaction I now have with adults who influenced me as a child. And one of those was my second grade Sunday School teacher, Ms. Gloria. I no longer attend the same church as she, but I see her occasionally in the grocery store or at a social function, and she is always delightful. Ms. Gloria is one of the kindest, most loving women I know… and I know it stems from her love of God and service to Him.
Recently, this dear lady had a new floor installed in her basement. Consistent with her generous, loving personality, Ms. Gloria headed downstairs to offer the man installing the floor a soft drink and a sandwich for lunch. She didn’t realize the floor was slick with glue, and she fell and broke her arm. Surgery fixed the arm, and she is doing well. We talked on the phone recently, and she said, “I’m fine… I’m just waiting for this to heal because I want to be up doing things!”
Sadly, I know people who have done very well for themselves… but all at the expense of others. People who don’t know the whole story will say, “He/she is such a wonderful person and has accomplished so much!” What they don’t realize is that this person’s “accomplishments” have caused a great deal of misery for many others along the way. This person’s heart is evil, and the result may appear to be positive – but in truth, his/her every accomplishment is tarnished. You cannot attend church every Sunday and appear to be Godly and then stab people in the back the other six days of the week to advance your agenda!
Give me a “Ms. Gloria” any day of the week! And if we are honest and listen to what the scripture is saying, I believe this is God’s sentiment, too. Evil people who operate from a self-serving heart are missing the boat. People who love God and serve Him unselfishly, like Ms. Gloria, will be blessed again and again – even when they break an arm “in the line of duty!”
Check your heart… and check your motives. Make sure that what you say and do comes from a heart in tune with God and geared to serve Him. If you find that your heart is selfish or self-serving in any way, ask God to show you how to change this. Bear “good fruit” from a pure heart. You’ll be amazed at the results!
©2009 Debbie Robus
He knows what is in everyone's heart. And he showed that he had chosen the Gentiles, when he gave them the Holy Spirit, just as he had given his Spirit to us. God treated them in the same way that he treated us. They put their faith in him, and he made their hearts pure.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
We are smack in the middle of the Christmas season. Everyone is whizzing around in the stores and trying to multi-task, stretch the budget, and please everyone on their lists with just the right Christmas gift. All around us, there are underlying stories we don’t see or know, and often they loom much larger for people during the holidays. There are people who are facing a major crisis – the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, a job loss, simply trying to get too much done and feeling stressed, and more.
We truly do not know what is in another’s heart – or on his/her mind. The teacher who seems grumpy and unpleasant may be facing huge problems at home. The store clerk who seems distracted and unaccommodating may have heartaches and burdens we can’t begin to know. The friend who doesn’t return phone calls or e-mails may be dealing with something that is totally overwhelming. Even GOOD news, like the arrival of a new baby or starting a new job or relationship can be stressful and distracting.
The point is, GOD knows everyone’s heart. Our job is not to try to figure out others… or to judge them based on behavior. Because God knows our heart and extends His grace and mercy to us, we must do the same to others. God gave us the Holy Spirit to live within our hearts and walk with us each minute of the day…and He does this for every single person who has committed their life to Christ. The peace, comfort and courage we wish for ourselves, we must wish for others. The kindness we wish the Holy Spirit would bring our way, we must extend outwardly to those around us.
So cut others some slack this season – and beyond. Realize that we don’t know others’ hearts – or their circumstances. Ask God to fill those you encounter with His Holy Spirit and to extend His peace their way. Act – and react – with a pure heart, and trust God to work in you and others. And thank Him for loving you so perfectly.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 6 ~ Acts 14:17
But he showed that he was there by the good things he did. God sends rain from heaven and makes your crops grow. He gives food to you and makes your hearts glad.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
If you back up and read the verses before and after this one, you find that Paul and Barnabas were preaching in Lystra, and they approached the temple of Zeus. The priest and the crowds wanted to offer a sacrifice – to Paul and Barnabas! These men were horrified and told the priests and people, “We are humans just like you.” They went on to add that GOD made the sky, earth, see and all that is in them. They noted that God allows us free will. BUT… they added that even when we turn our backs on God and go a different direction, He never leaves us…He feeds us and fills our hearts.
Do you know that we are often like the people in Lystra? If we could only win the lottery – if we could only get this person to like us – if we were only thinner, richer, smarter, or more talented… everything would be hunky dorey in our life! These things are our idols… and we offer all sorts of sacrifices to them in order to make things happen. The crazy thing is… all the time we are spinning on our heads to get these things, God is meeting our needs. He may not meet them like we want Him to… but He does meet them. Our lives may not seem perfect to us… but God is making sure everything is working together perfectly to accomplish HIS will for us. And if we would only recognize this, our goals and desires would line up more often with His.
When I was a little girl, I had this beautiful spinning top. It was made of metal and plastic, with a rod and knob at one end, and a little metal spike on the other. You stood the top on it’s spike and pumped up and down on the rod and knob handle, and the plastic center portion began to whiz, whir and spin. And a portion of the center section unfolded like flower petals to reveal a beautiful ballerina inside who was dancing and spinning. The toy spun for several seconds, and the ballerina danced and spun, too. Then gravity took over, the top started to spin more slowly, and soon it fell over onto the floor. The ballerina was closed inside again… no longer dancing. For many of us, our lives are like this top. We pump ourselves up and work hard to keep the “top” spinning… and for a short time, our world opens up and everything seems beautiful and humming along well – the “ballerina is dancing!” But since we are human, we can’t keep this up on our own, and soon things have stopped spinning along… the ballerina is gone, and our world has fallen off its axis.
Only GOD can keep things spinning as they should. Only GOD can meet our needs every single day – and He does! Often we fail to recognize His power… and His work in and through us. Listen to the words of Paul and Barnabas… “we are humans” - but God is always there, making things happen for us… meeting our needs. Are you recognizing His presence these days? Is He making YOUR heart glad? Who is spinning your top?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 5 ~ Acts 2:25-26
I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
Sometimes, hope is all we have… and it is enough! I recently saw a high school friend of mine at the store, and I asked about her brother, who is dying of cancer. She knows that I know what it feels like to watch your brother battle a terminal illness. We talked about how hard it is to watch a loved one suffer, and she mentioned a mutual friend of ours who lost her battle with breast cancer three years ago. She said, “That’s been so hard for me… and we weren’t even close. I just don’t understand why this happened to her.” I told her that our friend told me over and over in her last years, “I will be okay.” And I trust in that a LOT! Because I know my friend is in heaven and truly okay, my heart is glad and my words about her can be joyful. I live in hope of seeing her again someday.
These days, there are a lot of things in our world that get us down. You may be struggling in school or having relationship troubles. The economy, the war, and a general sense of negativity in our country about so much is enough to make anyone grumpy! But if we keep our eyes focused on the Lord… if we see Him near us at all times, we have nothing to fear. Our heart can be glad – our words can be joyful. We can live in hope.
Someone said to me recently, “So often we want to just jump in and make things happen, when what we really need to do is wait on God to work everything out like He wants!” This is so true. We often jump the gun and worry and wring our hands and go through all sorts of gyrations, when what we really need to do is see the Lord near us and stay positive and hopeful.
I don’t know what you are going through today, but I do know God is with you. Have you looked up to see Him at your side? Can you at least try to be joyful and have a glad heart – can you at least give hope in the Lord a chance? I’m praying you allow Him to work in your life in all situations - I truly believe you will be blessed if you do. And maybe you can “set the example” for others to look for Him at their side, as well.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 4 ~ John 16:33
I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
I don’t know why we can’t seem to “get this,” but God never promised us an easy life once we become Christians. If you can find a scripture in the Bible that says we’ll have a cozy, cushy life, please send it to me! What we ARE told is that we will have peace in our hearts. So while our children fight the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, we can trust God to meet their needs – and ours – and rest in that. While our aging parents and grandparents struggle with broken bones, dementia, and general decline, we can be thankful for their lives and influences and trust God to give us patience and courage for their latter years.
While we worry about our children and the “evil influences” of this world, we can trust God to keep them safe – and to give us the wisdom to provide them with the right lessons and role models for living for Him and overcoming these temptations. While we face serious – even life-threatening – illnesses and injuries, we can be joyful, knowing that God is healing our bodies and working in and through us.
I know people who never let anything get them down. I know others who are ready to “throw in the towel” at the first sign of trouble or challenge. The difference comes down to a choice… we can CHOOSE to rest in God and let Him fill us with peace, or we can CHOOSE to continue to flail around like we did before we became Christians. The latter is not an option for me… what about you? In the words of John 16:33, “Cheer up!” God has defeated the world and its “hold” on us… “take a chill pill” and relax in Him. Let His peace fill you and see you through every challenge this world offers.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 3 ~ Luke 16:15
But Jesus told them: You are always making yourselves look good, but God sees what is in your heart. The things that most people think are important are worthless as far as God is concerned.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
I once worked for a manufacturer who said, “I don’t care what it costs to make the product – as long as it looks good!” If you think about it, this is a profound statement. I am afraid it is the “mantra” for many of us.
* “I don’t care who gets hurt, as long as I am “happy.”
* “I don’t care how much debt I have as long as I drive a nice car, wear designer clothes and live in a big house”.
* “I don’t care who I have to step over to get ahead.”
* “I’m not trying to please anyone but myself.”
* “I am going to ‘play’ now – I’ll settle down later. Besides, I go to church often!”
* “I don’t care what it costs me or others… as long as I look good and enjoy life!”
The trouble with this “stinkin’ thinkin’” is that God sees our heart. He knows how we really feel about Him and our faith on the inside. We must remember that looks fade… material possessions can be snuffed out in a minute… friends are fickle… jobs can be lost… fun is temporary. But living for Jesus is FOREVER! Serving in His name has not only lifelong benefits – they are also ETERNAL! Honoring God and striving to know Him better and live for Him every minute of the day – in even the smallest things – is what counts!
Look around you. There are people who “talk the talk” – but how many “walk the walk?” I’m not asking you to judge anyone but yourself... where do YOU fit into this picture? What’s in your heart… and is it showing on the outside? You may very well look great and be the life of the party… but at what cost? It’s time for a makeover, for many of us. It’s time to take stock of our heart and see where we fall short… and to ask God to show us how to begin making changes that will matter. Are you ready?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 2 ~ Mark 12:33
It is also true that we must love God with all our heart, mind, and strength, and that we must love others as much as we love ourselves. These commandments are more important than all the sacrifices and offerings that we could possibly make.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
A friend sent me an e-mail and said, “I have been so poor in heart and mind lately yet I go through the actions to practice joy in my life and gratefulness and realize blessings. But how do I find pureness inside? I love the Lord and he loves me, and I know that, but these trials and tribulations sometimes take away the pureness…or does it? Please help!” This person was working hard to follow God’s commandments, but the “sacrifices and offerings” seemed to be getting in the way. I prayed about a response, and here is part of my reply... I pray that it will have meaning for you today.
First, I do not think that our trials and tribulations negate the purity of our heart. Moses questioned God, yet he was faithful and obedient - and God blessed him. Even JESUS asked God in the Garden of Gethsemane... if there was ANY other way to accomplish His purposes, please take the agony of the cross away. So I don't think that the purity of our heart is tied directly to our struggles or even lapses in faith.
I don't know your circumstances - and I don't need to know - but I can tell you that in my own life, I have experienced some difficult situations. It was hard to be patient ... and with at least some people, it was hard to be kind and civil. When I was proof-reading a recent devo about pure hearts, I know the Lord spoke to me and said, "You know, XYZ is my child, too." That is where the purity comes in! If you can be upset and disgusted with a situation or a person, yet still pray for them and realize that they are just as precious and important to God as we are, your heart is pure. Trust me, sometimes this is HARD to do!
In my own situations, I have had to totally surrender to God... knowing that He sees a much bigger picture than I do. I have no clue how these issues resolve, but I do know that I have done what I am supposed to do - I have asked God for help, and I have asked Him to help ME have a pure and right attitude about all parties involved. While it seems highly unlikely that some people will ever make a turn-around, that is not my responsibility - and I honestly don't know why I have so little faith that God could work a miracle in them... maybe this is a temporary lapse of faith on my part!
You may remember my mention of the man who allegedly shot and killed so many people at Ft. Hood a few weeks ago. Many said, “He should have died, too.” In other situations, I’ve heard people say, I hope So-and-So gets what’s coming to him/her! I understand that feeling... but I also understand how that grieves God. And believe me, there are people who irritate me, and I struggle with being kind and "pure" toward them. Those irritants are God's children, too... and we must pray for them and love them in Christ all the same.
When my dad and brother were both seriously ill, we all wore our feelings on our sleeves. There were days when my heart was broken - I was despondent, hopeless, and even fearful for the future... mine AND my loved ones'. But I still don't think that meant my heart wasn't pure. I stayed VERY close to God during that time, and He gave me joy and peace. Sometimes it was fake... like when people would stop me in Wal-Mart and ask, "Hey, how are you?" and I would reply, "I'm fine," while on the inside I was screaming, "My dad and brother are dying - how do you really THINK I am doing?" Still, I don't think that meant my heart wasn't pure. We aren't always supposed to share EVERY emotion with others! Maybe that is God’s grace working through us.
I am making a concerted effort to be more than just "civil" toward "irritants" in my life. I am working on greeting them with a sincere love in Christ for them as another child of God - equal with me in His eyes. I am working on letting God handle situations for me... because honestly, there are many I am not equipped to handle - and frankly, all God expects is for us to give our burdens to Him. That in itself is a test of our faith - and our heart!
In the midst of this holiday season, I am praying that God will give you peace. I know that the holidays can be trying times for some as we are thrust into situations that may involve people with whom we are not necessarily pals. I believe God is working with us to "grow" our faith through our trials and tribulations... as He always does. Love God with all our heart, mind, and strength - and love others as much as you love yourself. A pure heart will help you endure all of the struggles and challenges of everyday life…AND the holidays!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 1 ~ Matthew 12:35
Good people bring good things out of their hearts, but evil people bring evil things out of their hearts.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
One of the great blessings of living in a small town – and growing up here – is the interaction I now have with adults who influenced me as a child. And one of those was my second grade Sunday School teacher, Ms. Gloria. I no longer attend the same church as she, but I see her occasionally in the grocery store or at a social function, and she is always delightful. Ms. Gloria is one of the kindest, most loving women I know… and I know it stems from her love of God and service to Him.
Recently, this dear lady had a new floor installed in her basement. Consistent with her generous, loving personality, Ms. Gloria headed downstairs to offer the man installing the floor a soft drink and a sandwich for lunch. She didn’t realize the floor was slick with glue, and she fell and broke her arm. Surgery fixed the arm, and she is doing well. We talked on the phone recently, and she said, “I’m fine… I’m just waiting for this to heal because I want to be up doing things!”
Sadly, I know people who have done very well for themselves… but all at the expense of others. People who don’t know the whole story will say, “He/she is such a wonderful person and has accomplished so much!” What they don’t realize is that this person’s “accomplishments” have caused a great deal of misery for many others along the way. This person’s heart is evil, and the result may appear to be positive – but in truth, his/her every accomplishment is tarnished. You cannot attend church every Sunday and appear to be Godly and then stab people in the back the other six days of the week to advance your agenda!
Give me a “Ms. Gloria” any day of the week! And if we are honest and listen to what the scripture is saying, I believe this is God’s sentiment, too. Evil people who operate from a self-serving heart are missing the boat. People who love God and serve Him unselfishly, like Ms. Gloria, will be blessed again and again – even when they break an arm “in the line of duty!”
Check your heart… and check your motives. Make sure that what you say and do comes from a heart in tune with God and geared to serve Him. If you find that your heart is selfish or self-serving in any way, ask God to show you how to change this. Bear “good fruit” from a pure heart. You’ll be amazed at the results!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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