2 Corinthians 10:3-6
The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.
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 still cannot get over the news story this week about the young father of a three-year-old who was allegedly killed by a retired police officer in a movie theater. During the movie previews, this man refused to stop texting a message to his young daughter via the child’s babysitter. The former policeman sitting behind him apparently instigated an argument over this that escalated to his pulling out a gun and shooting this man, who later died. The man’s wife was also shot and received a non-life-threatening wound to her hand. The theater’s website lists prohibited items and actions…among them, any use of a cell phone inside the theater’s auditorium (including texting) - and possession of any weapons.
We rarely go to see a movie in the theater, because we inevitably are distracted by someone who is talking, eating too loudly, or otherwise creating a distraction. However, we would never let things escalate to this level. After all, it is just a movie. And while a theater experience isn’t cheap these days…I cannot imagine any disruption that could present a cause for “war” – much less murder! Yet these days, this seems to be where we have come to in the world as we know it. To quote this scripture passage, “It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair.”
The next sentence of this passage is incredibly profound and important: “But we don’t live or fight our battles that way – never have and never will.” As Christians, we are equipped with what this scripture passage refers to as “God-tools.” Just what are some of our God-tools? These include love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, encouragement, and responsive obedience. Does this mean that we sit back and let “the world” walk all over us? Not at all! But we are commanded to demonstrate a better way of solving problems and dealing with conflict.
We recently watched a documentary on our local PBS station about Woodruff Elementary School… a neighborhood institution of learning that was once part of the Little Rock School district. Woodruff was located in a truly dangerous part of the city…the principal and guidance counselor claimed that the “Crips” gang actually “met” on school grounds. Violence and murder were familiar to the fabric of life in this neighborhood…even among the young children who were brought up in this culture. The principal, Pat Higginbotham, and counselor Shirley Davis, developed a “plan” to challenge the children to go a set number of days without a single fight occurring at school. At the end of this time period, there would be a reward.
It took a lot of setbacks and restarts, but the children finally made it twenty days without a fight…and they were rewarded with a huge “play day”. From there, the school staff started again…and the time frame extended – eventually reaching 300 days without a single fight at school. Along the way, victories were rewarded with field trips, play days, and more. These administrators, and a subsequent principal, Janice Wilson, credited the children and teachers with making this concept work. They claimed that as new children came into the school, the others would teach them that “we don’t behave like that here.” Daily mantras were recited to remind the children to solve problems with words and cool-headed thinking…not heated actions and reactions.
Other educators repeatedly came to study the school and its success… and to “get a copy of the program.” They were all told, “There is no ‘program’…we are simply instilling a sense of personal worth and values into these children and showing them that fighting is not the answer.” Key in their approach was to emphasize to the children that the school was a “family”…and that families take care of each other, do not solve problems with fighting, and genuinely regard each other with respect.
Do you realize that we are a family in Christ Jesus? As such, don’t you think we owe it to each other to get along without violence, unkindness, and disrespect? How handy are your “God-tools”…and do you use them often? Do you treat others with love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, acceptance, and encouragement? Do you practice “responsive obedience” by putting God’s commands and the teachings of Jesus into practice in your daily living? Are you quick to “fly off the handle” and make snap judgments about others…or worse yet, react in a way that belies your Christian faith and witness? Do you let the little things in life get to you in such a way that you are ready to “pull the trigger and shoot somebody”… if only figuratively?
Does it make sense to you that we can use these “God-tools” (with the backing strength of God Almighty) to bring the thoughts and actions of others around without the senseless “spilling of blood”? How long can YOU go without a fight…literally and figuratively? Are you truly operating within the structure of a life shaped by Christ? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 16, 2014
Hebrews 10:25
Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were eating dinner with family members this week, and cousins who attend another church began to tell us about their pastor and a sermon he preached shortly before Christmas Day. They said that this was the most moving worship service they had ever experienced. Let’s be honest…there are worship services, and there are worship services. And maybe you’ve never experienced the latter. Maybe you cannot recall a service or sermon that truly moved you. And that’s okay. If you look closely at this scripture passage, you will see that the goal of corporate worship is not necessarily to be inspired or physically “moved”.
In The Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren tells that we should not attend worship services expecting God to “move” us…that this really is not the reason for us to gather together. He says…“If you have ever said, ‘I didn't get anything out of worship today,’ you worshiped for the wrong reason. Worship isn't for you. It's for God.” Pastor Warren also reminds us that…“The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, trusting Him during a trial, surrendering while suffering, and loving Him when He seems distant.”
Let me break this down a little further…we may feel like we would rather do a zillion things with our Sunday (or whatever day you attend worship)…and getting up and out the door to attend a church service is not one of them. We may not like the music…the pastor’s sermons may be boring and uninspiring...we may feel like there is too much emphasis placed on adding new members, the church’s public image - or money. We may sit and tap our toe, check our watch, fidget and wish we were someplace else. We may even be accused of coming to church “to see and be seen”!
In this scripture verse, we see two things: 1) meeting for corporate worship is a habit one can develop; and 2) we must keep attending and encouraging one another. Pastor Warren reminds us that we can find “worship” in many of the circumstances – and even distractions – of our routine attendance…if we look hard enough! The concept of attending worship “to see and be seen” can be both positive and negative. If we are merely showing up and going through the motions so that people will think we are truly “good” Christians…or they will patronize our business…or so that our friends will include us in their social circles…we are meeting for the wrong reasons.
However, if we use our attendance as an opportunity to greet friends and fellow believers with the love and peace of God…to learn of the needs and concerns of others that we might be able to address in some manner…to add our voice to the “choir” of attendees who praise God with song and recitation…to share in Holy Communion with others…we have demonstrated the compassion of Christ. And in doing so, we have worshipped. This may not give you the warm fuzzy feeling you seek…or even a jolt of energy or a spine-tingle from the Holy Spirit…but it does demonstrate obedience and service to God…and it serves as an act of encouragement to the body of Christ.
So yes, we can worship on a riverbank, in the deer woods, or while driving to the nearest shopping center. Most certainly we can worship in the privacy of our own home. But in order to truly encourage others and share compassion in the name of Jesus, we often have to get up and out of our comfort zone and physically come together as a group. You may not hear the best sermon of your life or even feel glad that you attended afterward…but that is really not the point. Corporate worship is a Biblically sanctioned act of obedience…and Christian service and compassion. Don’t go for “the show”. Go to show your love for Christ to others…and to allow others an opportunity to share His love with you.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were eating dinner with family members this week, and cousins who attend another church began to tell us about their pastor and a sermon he preached shortly before Christmas Day. They said that this was the most moving worship service they had ever experienced. Let’s be honest…there are worship services, and there are worship services. And maybe you’ve never experienced the latter. Maybe you cannot recall a service or sermon that truly moved you. And that’s okay. If you look closely at this scripture passage, you will see that the goal of corporate worship is not necessarily to be inspired or physically “moved”.
In The Purpose Driven Life, pastor Rick Warren tells that we should not attend worship services expecting God to “move” us…that this really is not the reason for us to gather together. He says…“If you have ever said, ‘I didn't get anything out of worship today,’ you worshiped for the wrong reason. Worship isn't for you. It's for God.” Pastor Warren also reminds us that…“The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, trusting Him during a trial, surrendering while suffering, and loving Him when He seems distant.”
Let me break this down a little further…we may feel like we would rather do a zillion things with our Sunday (or whatever day you attend worship)…and getting up and out the door to attend a church service is not one of them. We may not like the music…the pastor’s sermons may be boring and uninspiring...we may feel like there is too much emphasis placed on adding new members, the church’s public image - or money. We may sit and tap our toe, check our watch, fidget and wish we were someplace else. We may even be accused of coming to church “to see and be seen”!
In this scripture verse, we see two things: 1) meeting for corporate worship is a habit one can develop; and 2) we must keep attending and encouraging one another. Pastor Warren reminds us that we can find “worship” in many of the circumstances – and even distractions – of our routine attendance…if we look hard enough! The concept of attending worship “to see and be seen” can be both positive and negative. If we are merely showing up and going through the motions so that people will think we are truly “good” Christians…or they will patronize our business…or so that our friends will include us in their social circles…we are meeting for the wrong reasons.
However, if we use our attendance as an opportunity to greet friends and fellow believers with the love and peace of God…to learn of the needs and concerns of others that we might be able to address in some manner…to add our voice to the “choir” of attendees who praise God with song and recitation…to share in Holy Communion with others…we have demonstrated the compassion of Christ. And in doing so, we have worshipped. This may not give you the warm fuzzy feeling you seek…or even a jolt of energy or a spine-tingle from the Holy Spirit…but it does demonstrate obedience and service to God…and it serves as an act of encouragement to the body of Christ.
So yes, we can worship on a riverbank, in the deer woods, or while driving to the nearest shopping center. Most certainly we can worship in the privacy of our own home. But in order to truly encourage others and share compassion in the name of Jesus, we often have to get up and out of our comfort zone and physically come together as a group. You may not hear the best sermon of your life or even feel glad that you attended afterward…but that is really not the point. Corporate worship is a Biblically sanctioned act of obedience…and Christian service and compassion. Don’t go for “the show”. Go to show your love for Christ to others…and to allow others an opportunity to share His love with you.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 15, 2014
Luke 10:30-35
Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’"
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My friend Teresa has entirely taken the term “Good Samaritan” to another level. She serves in outreach ministry through her local division of the Arkansas Dream Center, a church-supported group whose website lists their mission as…”to serve, love, and build relationships with the people in these communities in order that they would Dream Again. It’s a simple ...an after-school program to provide kids with snacks…homework help and fun activities…feeding pre-school and some of the elderly and disabled lunches twice a week during the school year…filling backpacks with food for kids to eat on weekends…annual coat and shoe drives, and perhaps their most ambitious project - a Christmas Mall, where close to 250 families were able to provide more than 500 toys to children who would otherwise receive nothing for Christmas.
Additionally, Teresa frequently puts out the call on Facebook to help someone… family of four lost everything in house fire – here are sizes and needs…elderly friend fell on the ice and needs a welfare check…looking for a queen size bed for a single mom who has no bed…electricity is due to be shut off TODAY - two children in home - one with special needs…family with two toddlers has NO FOOD - they have nothing to serve for Thanksgiving and no food in their house. You get the picture. And every time, someone comes through…usually with donations of goods and services to spare!
I know what you are thinking…that there are special people among us who truly are “Good Samaritans” like Teresa… and this is their “calling”…that ordinary folks like you and I could not be this effective. My answer is that Teresa is an “ordinary” single mother of two with a full-time job. She is not an heiress with an unlimited bank account or a paid employee of this organization. She is simply an obedient servant of Christ with a heart for others. In most cases, she doesn’t know the people she is serving…and it doesn’t matter. When I think of this story in Luke, I cannot imagine that Teresa would pass by the man traveling to Jericho…much less cross the street to avoid him. She would be like the Samaritan…she would go out of her way to kneel before him, assess his needs, and meet them. And if you continue reading in the 37th verse of this passage, Jesus tells the religious scholars – and us – to “go and do the same.”
Please understand that I am not suggesting that we all become involved in a ministry like the Arkansas Dream Center… or that we should strive to be involved to the same extent as my friend Teresa (but wouldn’t it be great if we were?!). What I am saying is that in many instances, we have honed the fine art of saying, “That’s not my problem!” and crossed to the other side of the road. Some of us have a fleeting hope that another person will pick up the slack and help out…while others never give it a second thought. Either way, we have failed to operate in obedience to Jesus’ commands.
My challenge to you – and to myself – is to set aside our own desires and agendas for just a few moments each day. Ask God, “Who, where and how do you want me to serve today?” And when He shows you His answer…make sure you pay attention. Be ready and willing to…”go and do the same.” If God has called you to it, He will enable you to accomplish it all...and then some!
©2014 Debbie Robus
http://arkansasdreamcenter.tv
Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.
“A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable. In the morning he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take good care of him. If it costs any more, put it on my bill—I’ll pay you on my way back.’"
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My friend Teresa has entirely taken the term “Good Samaritan” to another level. She serves in outreach ministry through her local division of the Arkansas Dream Center, a church-supported group whose website lists their mission as…”to serve, love, and build relationships with the people in these communities in order that they would Dream Again. It’s a simple ...an after-school program to provide kids with snacks…homework help and fun activities…feeding pre-school and some of the elderly and disabled lunches twice a week during the school year…filling backpacks with food for kids to eat on weekends…annual coat and shoe drives, and perhaps their most ambitious project - a Christmas Mall, where close to 250 families were able to provide more than 500 toys to children who would otherwise receive nothing for Christmas.
Additionally, Teresa frequently puts out the call on Facebook to help someone… family of four lost everything in house fire – here are sizes and needs…elderly friend fell on the ice and needs a welfare check…looking for a queen size bed for a single mom who has no bed…electricity is due to be shut off TODAY - two children in home - one with special needs…family with two toddlers has NO FOOD - they have nothing to serve for Thanksgiving and no food in their house. You get the picture. And every time, someone comes through…usually with donations of goods and services to spare!
I know what you are thinking…that there are special people among us who truly are “Good Samaritans” like Teresa… and this is their “calling”…that ordinary folks like you and I could not be this effective. My answer is that Teresa is an “ordinary” single mother of two with a full-time job. She is not an heiress with an unlimited bank account or a paid employee of this organization. She is simply an obedient servant of Christ with a heart for others. In most cases, she doesn’t know the people she is serving…and it doesn’t matter. When I think of this story in Luke, I cannot imagine that Teresa would pass by the man traveling to Jericho…much less cross the street to avoid him. She would be like the Samaritan…she would go out of her way to kneel before him, assess his needs, and meet them. And if you continue reading in the 37th verse of this passage, Jesus tells the religious scholars – and us – to “go and do the same.”
Please understand that I am not suggesting that we all become involved in a ministry like the Arkansas Dream Center… or that we should strive to be involved to the same extent as my friend Teresa (but wouldn’t it be great if we were?!). What I am saying is that in many instances, we have honed the fine art of saying, “That’s not my problem!” and crossed to the other side of the road. Some of us have a fleeting hope that another person will pick up the slack and help out…while others never give it a second thought. Either way, we have failed to operate in obedience to Jesus’ commands.
My challenge to you – and to myself – is to set aside our own desires and agendas for just a few moments each day. Ask God, “Who, where and how do you want me to serve today?” And when He shows you His answer…make sure you pay attention. Be ready and willing to…”go and do the same.” If God has called you to it, He will enable you to accomplish it all...and then some!
©2014 Debbie Robus
http://arkansasdreamcenter.tv
Daily Devotional for January 14, 2014
Hebrews 11:1-3
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.
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.
Anyone who knows me very well knows that I am a “card person”. I enjoy making cards for others…but I also keep a stash of “store-bought” cards handy, so that I always have something available for sending a note of encouragement, expressing gratitude or condolences…or just to say, “I’m thinking of you today.” Sometimes a person is experiencing something of which I have first-hand knowledge…the loss of a parent or sibling, a particular illness or injury – or caring for a loved one who is ill or injured, or the loss of a pet, to name a few.
Other times, I have absolutely no personal background that equips me to say, “I know what you are going through… I get it.” Thankfully, I do not have a terminal illness…I have never lost a child...I’ve never had to say “Goodbye” to a loved one who was deployed overseas or put in harm’s way…I have not endured a divorce or the loss of my husband. Let’s be honest…words of “wisdom” and “understanding” can seem pretty hollow when they come from someone who has never walked in our shoes!
Does this mean that we should not offer compassion and expressions of encouragement to others when we have no first-hand knowledge of what they are experiencing? Absolutely not! But we must carefully consider our words and actions…how they are conveyed…and how they will be received. For instance, telling someone who has lost a child that “he/she is in a better place” does not truly offer them comfort in the moment. When someone is ill or injured, describing your own illnesses and injuries in detail serves no purpose. If friends divorce, suggesting that they “get over it” isn’t right, any more than coddling them and encouraging them to wallow in self-pity is appropriate.
So what are we to do? How do we show compassion and encouragement to others? In these scriptures, we are given a great model. We can share our faith. Where we have first-hand knowledge, we can say, “This is how God got me through my loss/illness/divorce/challenge.” We can tell others, “I know that right now it seems impossible that things will ever be better…but I can tell you from my own experiences that you will look back someday and see how God was orchestrating things and caring for you the whole time.”
If you do not have personal experience, you can still encourage…by lending quiet support, doing little things behind the scenes, and more. A simple hug can speak volumes. You can offer to run an errand that might seem difficult or stir an upsetting memory. You can send a note or e-mail to simply say, “I’m here if you need me… for anything.” When you do speak, you can say, “I can’t possibly understand what you are going through. I know this must be incredibly hard. But I know that God has never failed me in anything…and He isn’t about to fail you, either.”
This is “unseen faith”! We don’t know where, when or how… we just know that God is…that He is ever-present – and always working for us. When our foundation is firmly established in a relationship with God and fortified by salvation through Jesus Christ, we can endure the unthinkable…the improbable…the devastatingly difficult and impossible. Our faith in God – seen and unseen – makes life worth living. It truly is our “handle on what we can’t see.” And one of the greatest gifts we can give to someone else is to offer them compassion because of our faith…and to invite them to share in it, as well.
Sometimes it is so hard to know what to say and do for another person. But if we really, truly love Jesus and trust Him, we always have a response that is appropriate. Simply tell them that God loves them… that He is with them…that He has never failed you, and that you have confidence He isn’t going to start now. What God has done for us, He will surely do for others. Who needs to hear this from you today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.
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.
Anyone who knows me very well knows that I am a “card person”. I enjoy making cards for others…but I also keep a stash of “store-bought” cards handy, so that I always have something available for sending a note of encouragement, expressing gratitude or condolences…or just to say, “I’m thinking of you today.” Sometimes a person is experiencing something of which I have first-hand knowledge…the loss of a parent or sibling, a particular illness or injury – or caring for a loved one who is ill or injured, or the loss of a pet, to name a few.
Other times, I have absolutely no personal background that equips me to say, “I know what you are going through… I get it.” Thankfully, I do not have a terminal illness…I have never lost a child...I’ve never had to say “Goodbye” to a loved one who was deployed overseas or put in harm’s way…I have not endured a divorce or the loss of my husband. Let’s be honest…words of “wisdom” and “understanding” can seem pretty hollow when they come from someone who has never walked in our shoes!
Does this mean that we should not offer compassion and expressions of encouragement to others when we have no first-hand knowledge of what they are experiencing? Absolutely not! But we must carefully consider our words and actions…how they are conveyed…and how they will be received. For instance, telling someone who has lost a child that “he/she is in a better place” does not truly offer them comfort in the moment. When someone is ill or injured, describing your own illnesses and injuries in detail serves no purpose. If friends divorce, suggesting that they “get over it” isn’t right, any more than coddling them and encouraging them to wallow in self-pity is appropriate.
So what are we to do? How do we show compassion and encouragement to others? In these scriptures, we are given a great model. We can share our faith. Where we have first-hand knowledge, we can say, “This is how God got me through my loss/illness/divorce/challenge.” We can tell others, “I know that right now it seems impossible that things will ever be better…but I can tell you from my own experiences that you will look back someday and see how God was orchestrating things and caring for you the whole time.”
If you do not have personal experience, you can still encourage…by lending quiet support, doing little things behind the scenes, and more. A simple hug can speak volumes. You can offer to run an errand that might seem difficult or stir an upsetting memory. You can send a note or e-mail to simply say, “I’m here if you need me… for anything.” When you do speak, you can say, “I can’t possibly understand what you are going through. I know this must be incredibly hard. But I know that God has never failed me in anything…and He isn’t about to fail you, either.”
This is “unseen faith”! We don’t know where, when or how… we just know that God is…that He is ever-present – and always working for us. When our foundation is firmly established in a relationship with God and fortified by salvation through Jesus Christ, we can endure the unthinkable…the improbable…the devastatingly difficult and impossible. Our faith in God – seen and unseen – makes life worth living. It truly is our “handle on what we can’t see.” And one of the greatest gifts we can give to someone else is to offer them compassion because of our faith…and to invite them to share in it, as well.
Sometimes it is so hard to know what to say and do for another person. But if we really, truly love Jesus and trust Him, we always have a response that is appropriate. Simply tell them that God loves them… that He is with them…that He has never failed you, and that you have confidence He isn’t going to start now. What God has done for us, He will surely do for others. Who needs to hear this from you today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 13, 2014
Hebrews 12:14-17
Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In Genesis 25 the story of the “Esau syndrome” is explained. Esau was the firstborn son of Isaac. One day he came in from the fields, and found his younger twin brother, Jacob, cooking a big stew. Esau was starving, and he asked for a serving. I don’t know if Jacob was teasing him at first, or if he was truly serious…but he basically said to Esau, “I’ll give you a bowl of stew in exchange for your rights as the firstborn.” And Esau said, “Okay!” In other words, Esau traded his lifelong heritage and the blessings that God and Isaac intended to be his for a belly full of food that satisfied an immediate appetite.
When we picked Timothy and Zola up after Sunday school yesterday, Timothy’s teacher handed him an empty toilet paper roll covered in cotton balls and said, “Don’t forget your ‘Esau arm’!” All the way to the car, Timothy told his Uncle Greg, “Jacob LIED to his father! He LIED! We aren’t supposed to LIE!” The Sunday school lesson had come from Genesis 27… a further development in the “Jacob and Esau saga”. You should read the whole story for yourself, but here’s a quick synopsis. Esau was a very hairy redhead. Scripture doesn’t fully describe Jacob’s appearance, but it is assumed that he looked nothing like Esau.
Isaac was old, blind and dying, and he had told Esau that he would bless him and his future. Scripture indicates that Isaac was partial to Esau. Jacob and his mother Rebekah were jealous of this, and they concocted a scheme to cover Jacob’s arms in animal fur, so that he would feel and smell like Esau. He would then go to Isaac and ask for the blessing, and Isaac would give it – thinking he was giving this sacred sign to Esau. Pick up your Bible and read the rest of the story to get a full account…but let’s just say that Jacob got himself into a huge heap of trouble!
This story made a big impact on Timothy. He was very impressed with his “hairy arm”…and even more affected by the message that lying is NOT a good thing! I am not sure that this lesson for 4-year-olds fully explored trading God’s lifelong gift for a short-term appetite…but the seeds were planted for learning more about this at a future date. But it is most certainly time for us to understand this lesson and get the whole picture!
Here’s the thing…we cannot make ourselves look better in God’s eyes than the next guy. All we do is end up hurting ourselves and others in the process. Sibling rivalry is as old as Cain and Abel…and jealousy and the desire to satisfy human appetites is documented in the Garden of Eden! Because of the devil and his power, we are vulnerable to sin…we lie, cheat, gossip, get caught up in jealousies, bicker, and plot “evil” against others in the form of deceptions – and even retributions. These are often the “weeds” in the “garden” that is our life. But this is not God’s desire for us…and in Jesus, we find the perfect role model for how to treat others, regardless of our circumstances.
Every time I read the account of Jesus’ trial before the Romans and Pontius Pilate and the horrific beating He endured before a single nail was ever pounded into His flesh, I am reminded that the “indignities” and insults we experience are nothing by comparison. And yet, Jesus did not retaliate – although He surely could have! Instead, Jesus forgave…thieves on the cross, Roman soldiers who mocked Him…and ultimately, you and me!
I have to say, that little cardboard toilet paper roll with cotton balls made an impact on me, too. I will think of it when I think about how I treat others…how I react – and respond – to them. I will remind myself of the “Esau syndrome” and the “Esau arm”…and I will ask myself, “What would Jesus do?” I so want to get at least a glimpse of God face-to-face someday… and the Bible tells me this is an important part of how it’s done! Will you remember the “hairy arm” of Esau…and the compassion, grace and mercy of Jesus? Will you choose the latter as your model for daily living? Shouldn’t you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In Genesis 25 the story of the “Esau syndrome” is explained. Esau was the firstborn son of Isaac. One day he came in from the fields, and found his younger twin brother, Jacob, cooking a big stew. Esau was starving, and he asked for a serving. I don’t know if Jacob was teasing him at first, or if he was truly serious…but he basically said to Esau, “I’ll give you a bowl of stew in exchange for your rights as the firstborn.” And Esau said, “Okay!” In other words, Esau traded his lifelong heritage and the blessings that God and Isaac intended to be his for a belly full of food that satisfied an immediate appetite.
When we picked Timothy and Zola up after Sunday school yesterday, Timothy’s teacher handed him an empty toilet paper roll covered in cotton balls and said, “Don’t forget your ‘Esau arm’!” All the way to the car, Timothy told his Uncle Greg, “Jacob LIED to his father! He LIED! We aren’t supposed to LIE!” The Sunday school lesson had come from Genesis 27… a further development in the “Jacob and Esau saga”. You should read the whole story for yourself, but here’s a quick synopsis. Esau was a very hairy redhead. Scripture doesn’t fully describe Jacob’s appearance, but it is assumed that he looked nothing like Esau.
Isaac was old, blind and dying, and he had told Esau that he would bless him and his future. Scripture indicates that Isaac was partial to Esau. Jacob and his mother Rebekah were jealous of this, and they concocted a scheme to cover Jacob’s arms in animal fur, so that he would feel and smell like Esau. He would then go to Isaac and ask for the blessing, and Isaac would give it – thinking he was giving this sacred sign to Esau. Pick up your Bible and read the rest of the story to get a full account…but let’s just say that Jacob got himself into a huge heap of trouble!
This story made a big impact on Timothy. He was very impressed with his “hairy arm”…and even more affected by the message that lying is NOT a good thing! I am not sure that this lesson for 4-year-olds fully explored trading God’s lifelong gift for a short-term appetite…but the seeds were planted for learning more about this at a future date. But it is most certainly time for us to understand this lesson and get the whole picture!
Here’s the thing…we cannot make ourselves look better in God’s eyes than the next guy. All we do is end up hurting ourselves and others in the process. Sibling rivalry is as old as Cain and Abel…and jealousy and the desire to satisfy human appetites is documented in the Garden of Eden! Because of the devil and his power, we are vulnerable to sin…we lie, cheat, gossip, get caught up in jealousies, bicker, and plot “evil” against others in the form of deceptions – and even retributions. These are often the “weeds” in the “garden” that is our life. But this is not God’s desire for us…and in Jesus, we find the perfect role model for how to treat others, regardless of our circumstances.
Every time I read the account of Jesus’ trial before the Romans and Pontius Pilate and the horrific beating He endured before a single nail was ever pounded into His flesh, I am reminded that the “indignities” and insults we experience are nothing by comparison. And yet, Jesus did not retaliate – although He surely could have! Instead, Jesus forgave…thieves on the cross, Roman soldiers who mocked Him…and ultimately, you and me!
I have to say, that little cardboard toilet paper roll with cotton balls made an impact on me, too. I will think of it when I think about how I treat others…how I react – and respond – to them. I will remind myself of the “Esau syndrome” and the “Esau arm”…and I will ask myself, “What would Jesus do?” I so want to get at least a glimpse of God face-to-face someday… and the Bible tells me this is an important part of how it’s done! Will you remember the “hairy arm” of Esau…and the compassion, grace and mercy of Jesus? Will you choose the latter as your model for daily living? Shouldn’t you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 12, 2014
Romans 12:20-21
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Forty-something years ago, when I was in junior high and high school, we didn’t talk about bullies as much as people do today…but I had one. And it turns out that this person bullied a lot of my friends, also. Maybe it was just as bad for them as it was for me, but I felt like I was one of her favorite targets. I didn’t say much about it to my mom, so she probably had no clue just how miserable it was for me at times. When I did mention something, she would remind me to be kind to others and say things like, “People only tease you because they like you.” Today, we all know better about many instances of bullying. We’ve all read and heard the stories of children who were taunted and badgered horrifically…often with tragic consequences. Thankfully, my situation – and that of my friends – was never this severe, and we all appear to have survived our teenage years fairly unscathed.
As adults, most of my friends and I have been incredibly blessed. But the person who bullied us has not fared as well. Her life has had a series of ups and downs…and included some pretty significant struggles. When I learned of one instance, I sent word to her that I was praying for her… that I was sorry for her troubles and hoped things improved quickly. A few months later, I saw her in person, and she was incredibly kind and complimentary.
I will admit… there was a part of me that wanted to scream, “Do you know how you tormented me when we were growing up? Do you know how miserable you made life for me and many of my friends on an almost-daily basis?” (There was also a part that wanted to thumb my nose and say, “Nyah, nyah, nyah-nyah, nyah!” But something told me that either: 1) she doesn’t have a clue what she did; or 2) she knows full well how badly she treated us, and she is incredibly remorseful. I went with option #2.
In our brief encounter that day, it seemed as if this woman was almost relieved – even grateful – that I did not bring up the past. I got a real sense that she may have expected me to either snub her as she approached me - and refuse to speak to her - or to rebuke her vehemently for what she had done. I could almost feel the appreciativeness in her voice and demeanor when I did neither.
In the end, we both came away with a positive impression. Another school friend once said to me, “I guess it must be satisfying in some way to know that her life didn’t turn out all that well.” I told her that nothing could be farther from the truth. We are not supposed to delight in revenge or another person’s misfortune, regardless of what they might have done or whether we feel they “got what they had coming.” I could have even excused this person by saying, “You treated me so terribly when we were growing up…and I have forgiven you for every bit of that.” But I didn’t have to say anything…my actions and my lack of retaliation spoke volumes. I don’t know if she felt better afterward…but I surely did!
Throughout the Bible, there are verses that support the adage that we are to “Kill ‘em with kindness.” Every single one of us will be insulted, mistreated in some way, knocked down or betrayed. Hateful words will fly…unkind actions and injustices will be inflicted upon us. And the Bible is very clear that we are to continue to treat others with compassion and generosity.
Regardless of how much or how little you have…whether your life has been a “bed of roses” or littered with “thorns”, share love and compassion with others. Operate out of the blessings and abundance of God’s grace and mercy in your own life. Income and status do not determine needs of the heart. Give freely to all who are in need, and “kill ‘em with kindness”. Never operate in evil or retaliation. Surprise others with goodness…and you might just surprise yourself in the process!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Forty-something years ago, when I was in junior high and high school, we didn’t talk about bullies as much as people do today…but I had one. And it turns out that this person bullied a lot of my friends, also. Maybe it was just as bad for them as it was for me, but I felt like I was one of her favorite targets. I didn’t say much about it to my mom, so she probably had no clue just how miserable it was for me at times. When I did mention something, she would remind me to be kind to others and say things like, “People only tease you because they like you.” Today, we all know better about many instances of bullying. We’ve all read and heard the stories of children who were taunted and badgered horrifically…often with tragic consequences. Thankfully, my situation – and that of my friends – was never this severe, and we all appear to have survived our teenage years fairly unscathed.
As adults, most of my friends and I have been incredibly blessed. But the person who bullied us has not fared as well. Her life has had a series of ups and downs…and included some pretty significant struggles. When I learned of one instance, I sent word to her that I was praying for her… that I was sorry for her troubles and hoped things improved quickly. A few months later, I saw her in person, and she was incredibly kind and complimentary.
I will admit… there was a part of me that wanted to scream, “Do you know how you tormented me when we were growing up? Do you know how miserable you made life for me and many of my friends on an almost-daily basis?” (There was also a part that wanted to thumb my nose and say, “Nyah, nyah, nyah-nyah, nyah!” But something told me that either: 1) she doesn’t have a clue what she did; or 2) she knows full well how badly she treated us, and she is incredibly remorseful. I went with option #2.
In our brief encounter that day, it seemed as if this woman was almost relieved – even grateful – that I did not bring up the past. I got a real sense that she may have expected me to either snub her as she approached me - and refuse to speak to her - or to rebuke her vehemently for what she had done. I could almost feel the appreciativeness in her voice and demeanor when I did neither.
In the end, we both came away with a positive impression. Another school friend once said to me, “I guess it must be satisfying in some way to know that her life didn’t turn out all that well.” I told her that nothing could be farther from the truth. We are not supposed to delight in revenge or another person’s misfortune, regardless of what they might have done or whether we feel they “got what they had coming.” I could have even excused this person by saying, “You treated me so terribly when we were growing up…and I have forgiven you for every bit of that.” But I didn’t have to say anything…my actions and my lack of retaliation spoke volumes. I don’t know if she felt better afterward…but I surely did!
Throughout the Bible, there are verses that support the adage that we are to “Kill ‘em with kindness.” Every single one of us will be insulted, mistreated in some way, knocked down or betrayed. Hateful words will fly…unkind actions and injustices will be inflicted upon us. And the Bible is very clear that we are to continue to treat others with compassion and generosity.
Regardless of how much or how little you have…whether your life has been a “bed of roses” or littered with “thorns”, share love and compassion with others. Operate out of the blessings and abundance of God’s grace and mercy in your own life. Income and status do not determine needs of the heart. Give freely to all who are in need, and “kill ‘em with kindness”. Never operate in evil or retaliation. Surprise others with goodness…and you might just surprise yourself in the process!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 11, 2014
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A couple of times in the past week, our cat Mabel had a problem with one of her front paws. We don’t know what was wrong. Greg examined her and pressed on the foot, but he found no cuts, swelling, or abrasions. He had to press really hard to find the truly sore spot… still, Mabel limped terribly sometimes. Then she would go a day or two and be just fine. It’s a mystery to us, and we are watching her closely.
When Mabel limped through the house, she didn’t appear to be in any real pain, but we were pained just to observe her in this condition. Even when our pets hurt, we hurt for them. When they feel poorly, we are not 100% up to snuff. It’s the same when either one of us isn’t well or has something that is bothersome…the other feels it, too. When a spouse, a child or another family member is ill or upset, these things generally affect everyone in the family.
What about our “church family”…or our friends, co-workers, and distant relatives…are we as tenderhearted toward people who are outside our “inner circle”? Do we grieve and mourn with others who suffer loss? Are we genuinely concerned about those who are sick or in need? Do we celebrate victories and happy occasions other than our own? Are we truly engaged in the work of sharing compassion, as Jesus modeled, or are we more interested in what is in it for us personally?
The life of a Christian is a delicate balance…and yes, this often requires a little effort on our part. We have to prioritize…but we also have to be flexible. We must make time for ourselves and our desires…but we must not get so caught up in our own little world that we neglect to notice the needs of someone else until the cat comes limping across the floor!
Where are you in this picture? Are you holding up your end of the bargain as a Christian disciple? Are you involved in the hurts – and the healings – of the other “parts” of Christ’s body? Is your life in balance, with plenty of time for yourself AND for others? Do you need to spend some time in prayer and consideration of this delicate harmony and God’s design for your role in it? Wouldn’t today be the perfect time to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don’t, the parts we see and the parts we don’t. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A couple of times in the past week, our cat Mabel had a problem with one of her front paws. We don’t know what was wrong. Greg examined her and pressed on the foot, but he found no cuts, swelling, or abrasions. He had to press really hard to find the truly sore spot… still, Mabel limped terribly sometimes. Then she would go a day or two and be just fine. It’s a mystery to us, and we are watching her closely.
When Mabel limped through the house, she didn’t appear to be in any real pain, but we were pained just to observe her in this condition. Even when our pets hurt, we hurt for them. When they feel poorly, we are not 100% up to snuff. It’s the same when either one of us isn’t well or has something that is bothersome…the other feels it, too. When a spouse, a child or another family member is ill or upset, these things generally affect everyone in the family.
What about our “church family”…or our friends, co-workers, and distant relatives…are we as tenderhearted toward people who are outside our “inner circle”? Do we grieve and mourn with others who suffer loss? Are we genuinely concerned about those who are sick or in need? Do we celebrate victories and happy occasions other than our own? Are we truly engaged in the work of sharing compassion, as Jesus modeled, or are we more interested in what is in it for us personally?
The life of a Christian is a delicate balance…and yes, this often requires a little effort on our part. We have to prioritize…but we also have to be flexible. We must make time for ourselves and our desires…but we must not get so caught up in our own little world that we neglect to notice the needs of someone else until the cat comes limping across the floor!
Where are you in this picture? Are you holding up your end of the bargain as a Christian disciple? Are you involved in the hurts – and the healings – of the other “parts” of Christ’s body? Is your life in balance, with plenty of time for yourself AND for others? Do you need to spend some time in prayer and consideration of this delicate harmony and God’s design for your role in it? Wouldn’t today be the perfect time to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 10, 2014
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Someone shared a link on Facebook today for an article about the mother of Lance Bass, member of “boy band” ‘NSync. Bass has publicly “come out” as a gay man. Today’s devotional is really not about the debate over homosexuality. But it is about Christian compassion. And to that end, Bass’s mother - a woman whose roots run deep in Southern Baptist Christianity – had a lot to say. Diane Bass explained that she considered herself a “tenderhearted” person…and because she found her broken heart so unbearable, she asked God to take away her tender heart.
When Bass researched the word “tenderhearted”, she learned it meant “having compassion”. She studied scripture and came to the conclusion that this was not what God wanted for her. She said, “If he took away my tender heart, I would no longer have compassion for others. If I did not have compassion for others, I would not have the attitude of Christ. I never prayed that God take away my tender heart again.”*
What about you? Are you irritable…judgmental…demanding your own way and keeping records of heartaches and offenses? Are you truly tenderhearted – toward ALL people? Or are you selective, arrogant, impatient with those who do not see things as you do – even unkind at times? Do you really have Christ-like compassion for others?
I repeat…this is not a debate about homosexuality or any other hot-button issue. It really doesn’t matter which side you are on, if you are truly modeling Christian discipleship and compassion. Diane Bass also shares an experience she had as a 6-year-old child, when she unknowingly drank from a “colored” water fountain because she was thirsty. Her grandmother screamed at her to stop, and in her heart, she knew there was “something just not right about that.”
There is “something just not right” about how we treat a lot of people and situations… because we have failed to ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?”…then act accordingly. Isn’t it time for each of us to do exactly that?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lance-bass/the-first-thing-my-mom-di_b_4556471.html
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Someone shared a link on Facebook today for an article about the mother of Lance Bass, member of “boy band” ‘NSync. Bass has publicly “come out” as a gay man. Today’s devotional is really not about the debate over homosexuality. But it is about Christian compassion. And to that end, Bass’s mother - a woman whose roots run deep in Southern Baptist Christianity – had a lot to say. Diane Bass explained that she considered herself a “tenderhearted” person…and because she found her broken heart so unbearable, she asked God to take away her tender heart.
When Bass researched the word “tenderhearted”, she learned it meant “having compassion”. She studied scripture and came to the conclusion that this was not what God wanted for her. She said, “If he took away my tender heart, I would no longer have compassion for others. If I did not have compassion for others, I would not have the attitude of Christ. I never prayed that God take away my tender heart again.”*
What about you? Are you irritable…judgmental…demanding your own way and keeping records of heartaches and offenses? Are you truly tenderhearted – toward ALL people? Or are you selective, arrogant, impatient with those who do not see things as you do – even unkind at times? Do you really have Christ-like compassion for others?
I repeat…this is not a debate about homosexuality or any other hot-button issue. It really doesn’t matter which side you are on, if you are truly modeling Christian discipleship and compassion. Diane Bass also shares an experience she had as a 6-year-old child, when she unknowingly drank from a “colored” water fountain because she was thirsty. Her grandmother screamed at her to stop, and in her heart, she knew there was “something just not right about that.”
There is “something just not right” about how we treat a lot of people and situations… because we have failed to ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?”…then act accordingly. Isn’t it time for each of us to do exactly that?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lance-bass/the-first-thing-my-mom-di_b_4556471.html
Daily Devotional for January 9, 2014
John 14:9
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My sister shared with me yesterday that the last time Timothy’s mother took him and his siblings for “booster” shots, Timothy did not know that he was going to receive an injection. He and his sister Zola got the nasal mist vaccine for flu…but he also got a “booster” injection of vaccine for something else. Afterward, he cried to his mother and said, “Why did you let them do that? You let them hurt me!” Of course, this tugged at his mother’s heartstrings (as he knew it would) to think that her firstborn felt she had betrayed him and allowed him to suffer. Timothy thought he knew his mother… he thought surely she would never let any harm or pain come to him! So when she allowed this momentary “stick”, he questioned who she really was!
Perhaps you have had a relationship with someone that didn’t turn out so well… you thought you truly knew this person, only to discover that he/she was not who you believed them to be… that there were aspects of this person’s life that you found surprising…even unbelievable. I felt this way when a fellow teacher was strangled to death by her husband - a police sergeant, no less! I would never have dreamed that my friend was being abused. I trusted her husband implicitly. I was with this couple a lot over the course of almost eight years, and I still did not truly know who they were.
Let’s be honest…we humans often listen to Satan - who is the ultimate master of deception - and we become expert at this iniquity in our own lives. People often have no clue who we really are. Sometimes, it’s because we cover well and have truly honed the craft of deception. At other times, this is due to a lack of focus…and perhaps even a touch of apathy on our part.
Here’s another way to explain this…there are people who “appear” to be amazingly faith-filled servants of God. They show up at every church function, are front and center for service projects and “talk a good game”… but it’s all for show. Behind closed doors, they become a totally different person. There are others who quietly go about God’s work…who serve Him by serving others...maintain a close communication with Him at all times…and earnestly seek His will for their lives. They aren’t flashy or obvious…but friends and acquaintances know that God has captured their heart - that they live to serve Him.
Then there is a group of Christians who are “on the fence”. They are not out in the forefront creating a scene or drawing attention to their actions...but there is nothing about their daily living that tells you they are a Disciple of Christ, either. These people “fly under the radar”, so to speak. The average person cannot tell who they are – or what they truly believe. How many times have you heard it said of someone, “He is a really nice guy!”? I hope you understand that not all “nice guys” are representing our Heavenly Father. Not all “nice guys” are Disciples of Christ…and sadly, not all Disciples of Christ are “nice guys”!
The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is the real deal! If you have “seen” Him - if you know Him for yourself - you know God Almighty. What you “see” truly is what you get with Jesus…it’s not a façade or a gimmick. Jesus isn’t “in your face”…but He isn’t hiding in the shadows, either. In Jesus, we have the perfect example of sharing love, grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, strength, hope and more. All we have to do is open our Bibles and read about His teachings and demonstrations to learn how we are to conduct our own lives. We must maintain an open dialog with God to make sure that our words, thoughts and actions line up each and every day with His plans…that others truly know who we are…and that we are sharing the love of Christ with each of them.
Like Timothy’s mother, there are occasions when God allows a momentary “stick” or “sting” in our lives. But He will never truly betray us…or be Someone we do not know. Can we say the same in our own daily living? Are we always the “real deal” for Jesus? Do others truly know who we are…can they say that they have seen the Father in you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My sister shared with me yesterday that the last time Timothy’s mother took him and his siblings for “booster” shots, Timothy did not know that he was going to receive an injection. He and his sister Zola got the nasal mist vaccine for flu…but he also got a “booster” injection of vaccine for something else. Afterward, he cried to his mother and said, “Why did you let them do that? You let them hurt me!” Of course, this tugged at his mother’s heartstrings (as he knew it would) to think that her firstborn felt she had betrayed him and allowed him to suffer. Timothy thought he knew his mother… he thought surely she would never let any harm or pain come to him! So when she allowed this momentary “stick”, he questioned who she really was!
Perhaps you have had a relationship with someone that didn’t turn out so well… you thought you truly knew this person, only to discover that he/she was not who you believed them to be… that there were aspects of this person’s life that you found surprising…even unbelievable. I felt this way when a fellow teacher was strangled to death by her husband - a police sergeant, no less! I would never have dreamed that my friend was being abused. I trusted her husband implicitly. I was with this couple a lot over the course of almost eight years, and I still did not truly know who they were.
Let’s be honest…we humans often listen to Satan - who is the ultimate master of deception - and we become expert at this iniquity in our own lives. People often have no clue who we really are. Sometimes, it’s because we cover well and have truly honed the craft of deception. At other times, this is due to a lack of focus…and perhaps even a touch of apathy on our part.
Here’s another way to explain this…there are people who “appear” to be amazingly faith-filled servants of God. They show up at every church function, are front and center for service projects and “talk a good game”… but it’s all for show. Behind closed doors, they become a totally different person. There are others who quietly go about God’s work…who serve Him by serving others...maintain a close communication with Him at all times…and earnestly seek His will for their lives. They aren’t flashy or obvious…but friends and acquaintances know that God has captured their heart - that they live to serve Him.
Then there is a group of Christians who are “on the fence”. They are not out in the forefront creating a scene or drawing attention to their actions...but there is nothing about their daily living that tells you they are a Disciple of Christ, either. These people “fly under the radar”, so to speak. The average person cannot tell who they are – or what they truly believe. How many times have you heard it said of someone, “He is a really nice guy!”? I hope you understand that not all “nice guys” are representing our Heavenly Father. Not all “nice guys” are Disciples of Christ…and sadly, not all Disciples of Christ are “nice guys”!
The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is the real deal! If you have “seen” Him - if you know Him for yourself - you know God Almighty. What you “see” truly is what you get with Jesus…it’s not a façade or a gimmick. Jesus isn’t “in your face”…but He isn’t hiding in the shadows, either. In Jesus, we have the perfect example of sharing love, grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, strength, hope and more. All we have to do is open our Bibles and read about His teachings and demonstrations to learn how we are to conduct our own lives. We must maintain an open dialog with God to make sure that our words, thoughts and actions line up each and every day with His plans…that others truly know who we are…and that we are sharing the love of Christ with each of them.
Like Timothy’s mother, there are occasions when God allows a momentary “stick” or “sting” in our lives. But He will never truly betray us…or be Someone we do not know. Can we say the same in our own daily living? Are we always the “real deal” for Jesus? Do others truly know who we are…can they say that they have seen the Father in you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 8, 2014
Matthew 14:13-14
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve got a news flash…it’s not all about YOU! “It” is also not all about me or anyone else. I get it…we’re all busy. We all have things we would like to do with our lives – or even a spare hour or two. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a hobby…working hard at your job or something that interests you… or spending time watching your favorite programs or movies and having some “couch potato” time. God wants us to enjoy our lives. At the same time, we have been called to serve as Disciples of Christ. This means we must model His behavior and the examples that He provided for us. And the one documented in these scriptures leaves no room for doubt about what we are to do when we see a need.
Jesus had just heard about the beheading…yes, beheading…of His beloved cousin, John the Baptist. He was understandably grief-stricken…disheartened...and weary. He simply needed to be alone. Haven’t you felt that way at one time or another? All you needed was a few minutes, an hour, or a day to be alone…to pour out your heart to God…to cry, rage, kick and scream, if need be…to process all that has happened and come to terms with your feelings. Remember, Jesus came to earth as a human being…His emotions were real – even raw. He needed “alone time” with God, just like we do.
Still, when the crowds pursued Him…when He learned of a need…Jesus set aside His own agenda and went to the people. He healed the sick…He comforted those who were hurting…He ministered to each person in His midst and put their concerns ahead of His own. And He gave us an example to follow.
Trust me…I know how hard this can be. I have grumbled (even if only inwardly) as I trudged off to help someone with something that interrupted my plans. I have dragged myself to funerals, nursing home visits, events that were more important to someone else than they were to me, errands, and more. I have had to force myself to sit at the desk and write a get-well or sympathy card…or to offer to help someone out when I really wanted to keep my mouth shut and do something that was more enjoyable. We all probably secretly wish that people could get sick and die on OUR schedule…that we could pencil them in on a day when sitting at the hospital, babysitting, rescuing someone whose car broke down or they locked themselves out of the house or vehicle…even running an errand or working a funeral into our morning or afternoon…was more “convenient”. If you want to pretend you don’t feel this way… go right ahead. I’m just being real here!
But then I stopped and asked myself… “What if I went to God with a need or concern, and He was too busy to answer or help me?” What if God said to us, “I’ll get back to you…I’m in the middle of a good book this afternoon”, or “I don’t have time today…maybe tomorrow”, or even “I know you need me, but I am really just not ‘up for it’. Maybe someone else will step up and help you.” Can you imagine how hurtful this would be? Do you think you would want a relationship with God if He was only available when it was convenient for Him or piqued His interest in some manner? Who wants a relationship with anyone...much less a God…who is so selfish and unloving?
Tell me what, exactly, is so important in your own life that you cannot find time and energy to help someone else! Truly, God has a full plate. He is the only One who could genuinely say, “I don’t have time for that today” or “I’m simply ‘not in the mood’ to help.” Yet God is the very One who will never say this! We need to ask ourselves… are we really interested in serving Jesus – and serving others in His name? Or is it simply all about us? Maybe it’s time we all re-evaluated our level of Christian compassion…and made some much-needed adjustments. Isn’t today a great day to get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve got a news flash…it’s not all about YOU! “It” is also not all about me or anyone else. I get it…we’re all busy. We all have things we would like to do with our lives – or even a spare hour or two. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a hobby…working hard at your job or something that interests you… or spending time watching your favorite programs or movies and having some “couch potato” time. God wants us to enjoy our lives. At the same time, we have been called to serve as Disciples of Christ. This means we must model His behavior and the examples that He provided for us. And the one documented in these scriptures leaves no room for doubt about what we are to do when we see a need.
Jesus had just heard about the beheading…yes, beheading…of His beloved cousin, John the Baptist. He was understandably grief-stricken…disheartened...and weary. He simply needed to be alone. Haven’t you felt that way at one time or another? All you needed was a few minutes, an hour, or a day to be alone…to pour out your heart to God…to cry, rage, kick and scream, if need be…to process all that has happened and come to terms with your feelings. Remember, Jesus came to earth as a human being…His emotions were real – even raw. He needed “alone time” with God, just like we do.
Still, when the crowds pursued Him…when He learned of a need…Jesus set aside His own agenda and went to the people. He healed the sick…He comforted those who were hurting…He ministered to each person in His midst and put their concerns ahead of His own. And He gave us an example to follow.
Trust me…I know how hard this can be. I have grumbled (even if only inwardly) as I trudged off to help someone with something that interrupted my plans. I have dragged myself to funerals, nursing home visits, events that were more important to someone else than they were to me, errands, and more. I have had to force myself to sit at the desk and write a get-well or sympathy card…or to offer to help someone out when I really wanted to keep my mouth shut and do something that was more enjoyable. We all probably secretly wish that people could get sick and die on OUR schedule…that we could pencil them in on a day when sitting at the hospital, babysitting, rescuing someone whose car broke down or they locked themselves out of the house or vehicle…even running an errand or working a funeral into our morning or afternoon…was more “convenient”. If you want to pretend you don’t feel this way… go right ahead. I’m just being real here!
But then I stopped and asked myself… “What if I went to God with a need or concern, and He was too busy to answer or help me?” What if God said to us, “I’ll get back to you…I’m in the middle of a good book this afternoon”, or “I don’t have time today…maybe tomorrow”, or even “I know you need me, but I am really just not ‘up for it’. Maybe someone else will step up and help you.” Can you imagine how hurtful this would be? Do you think you would want a relationship with God if He was only available when it was convenient for Him or piqued His interest in some manner? Who wants a relationship with anyone...much less a God…who is so selfish and unloving?
Tell me what, exactly, is so important in your own life that you cannot find time and energy to help someone else! Truly, God has a full plate. He is the only One who could genuinely say, “I don’t have time for that today” or “I’m simply ‘not in the mood’ to help.” Yet God is the very One who will never say this! We need to ask ourselves… are we really interested in serving Jesus – and serving others in His name? Or is it simply all about us? Maybe it’s time we all re-evaluated our level of Christian compassion…and made some much-needed adjustments. Isn’t today a great day to get started?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 7, 2014
Deuteronomy 16:17
The bigger the harvest the Lord gives you, the bigger your gift should be.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As a child, I thought my paternal grandparents were rich. What I did not realize until adulthood was that they were anything BUT rich in terms of money… they simply managed well. My grandparents lived from paycheck to paycheck, grew their own food and lived very frugally, in comparison to others. Mam-ma Polly made virtually everything she wore… and much of what my sister and I wore, as well. She worked at least two jobs on top of her household duties. In my lifetime, my Pap-pa worked long hours as part of the county road crew…and shouldered that job with time spent each morning and evening tending to black angus cattle and row crops that helped put food on our tables – both literally and via the cash he earned from selling his cows and yields from the earth.
I never realized how hard my grandparents were working to provide things for us – in part because they were so generous to my family and everyone else. For decades, I heard my grandmother recant stories of this person or that who helped her family when she was a child. One man gave her and my Aunt Babe a job picking up potatoes and limbs/twigs for firewood… and allowed them to take home the excess. An older aunt and her husband took in my grandmother, aunt and great-grandmother when they needed a place to live. As Greg and I drove Mam-ma to a nearby town for medical appointments in later years, she would point to one field or homestead after another and comment about who had lived there… how that person helped her family with one thing and the next…and how “good” life was because of these blessings.
When we moved Mam-ma to the Assisted Living Facility, I found a journal she had kept, in which she chronicled how hard life was for her, my grandfather and my dad - especially in the early years of their marriage. She documented all of this with joy rather than malice or self-pity. Her entries were peppered with “Oh, but we had fun!” Even gathering with other ladies in the area to create feather mattresses or to can the excess bounty of their gardens for off-season consumption was a cause for celebration. And always, my grandmother was generous… with her possessions, her time and her talents. When I think of my Mam-ma Polly, one of the first words that come to mind is “time”… she always had room for others in her day.
As we look at this verse from Deuteronomy, a lot of people let their thoughts go straight to money. This passage has been used to illustrate that those who have been blessed with “plenty” should give more. But if we stop there, we miss the bigger message. Regardless of our income level… our “station” in life… the circumstances of our daily existence… we have all been blessed in some way. And God is calling us to reach out to others above and beyond what has been given to us. In other words, if someone has given you an hour of their time to listen to your problems… give two hours to someone else.
If a person shares a meal with you, offers you a coat or sweater that no longer fits them, or spends their last dollar to buy you a cup of coffee, pay it forward. Look for ways to bless that person… but also seek ways to bless others because of what was given to you. If someone sends you a birthday greeting or a get-well card, find a way to send good wishes or encouragement to at least two other people! Be grateful…say “Thank you”… and more importantly, express your gratitude in the form of blessings that you extend to others. Your “gifts” do not have to be lavish or expensive. All you have to do is recognize opportunities to show kindness, grace, mercy and compassion… and then do this to the fullest of your ability.
I am just now beginning to fully realize how much my grandparents sacrificed for others…how they honed making room for one more at their table (literally and figuratively) to a fine art. And I am hoping that I can be half as successful at this as they were. God has blessed me in tremendous ways…and my “gifts” to Him for the harvest must be grand as a result. I know that He has blessed you, also. I encourage you to give some thought and consideration to how and where you have received a “harvest” in your life. Ask God to reveal His desires for you to give to others out of your “abundance”… and make sure these “gifts” are the biggest and best you can assemble.
“The bigger the harvest the Lord gives you, the bigger your gift should be.” What are you giving to God – and to others – these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The bigger the harvest the Lord gives you, the bigger your gift should be.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As a child, I thought my paternal grandparents were rich. What I did not realize until adulthood was that they were anything BUT rich in terms of money… they simply managed well. My grandparents lived from paycheck to paycheck, grew their own food and lived very frugally, in comparison to others. Mam-ma Polly made virtually everything she wore… and much of what my sister and I wore, as well. She worked at least two jobs on top of her household duties. In my lifetime, my Pap-pa worked long hours as part of the county road crew…and shouldered that job with time spent each morning and evening tending to black angus cattle and row crops that helped put food on our tables – both literally and via the cash he earned from selling his cows and yields from the earth.
I never realized how hard my grandparents were working to provide things for us – in part because they were so generous to my family and everyone else. For decades, I heard my grandmother recant stories of this person or that who helped her family when she was a child. One man gave her and my Aunt Babe a job picking up potatoes and limbs/twigs for firewood… and allowed them to take home the excess. An older aunt and her husband took in my grandmother, aunt and great-grandmother when they needed a place to live. As Greg and I drove Mam-ma to a nearby town for medical appointments in later years, she would point to one field or homestead after another and comment about who had lived there… how that person helped her family with one thing and the next…and how “good” life was because of these blessings.
When we moved Mam-ma to the Assisted Living Facility, I found a journal she had kept, in which she chronicled how hard life was for her, my grandfather and my dad - especially in the early years of their marriage. She documented all of this with joy rather than malice or self-pity. Her entries were peppered with “Oh, but we had fun!” Even gathering with other ladies in the area to create feather mattresses or to can the excess bounty of their gardens for off-season consumption was a cause for celebration. And always, my grandmother was generous… with her possessions, her time and her talents. When I think of my Mam-ma Polly, one of the first words that come to mind is “time”… she always had room for others in her day.
As we look at this verse from Deuteronomy, a lot of people let their thoughts go straight to money. This passage has been used to illustrate that those who have been blessed with “plenty” should give more. But if we stop there, we miss the bigger message. Regardless of our income level… our “station” in life… the circumstances of our daily existence… we have all been blessed in some way. And God is calling us to reach out to others above and beyond what has been given to us. In other words, if someone has given you an hour of their time to listen to your problems… give two hours to someone else.
If a person shares a meal with you, offers you a coat or sweater that no longer fits them, or spends their last dollar to buy you a cup of coffee, pay it forward. Look for ways to bless that person… but also seek ways to bless others because of what was given to you. If someone sends you a birthday greeting or a get-well card, find a way to send good wishes or encouragement to at least two other people! Be grateful…say “Thank you”… and more importantly, express your gratitude in the form of blessings that you extend to others. Your “gifts” do not have to be lavish or expensive. All you have to do is recognize opportunities to show kindness, grace, mercy and compassion… and then do this to the fullest of your ability.
I am just now beginning to fully realize how much my grandparents sacrificed for others…how they honed making room for one more at their table (literally and figuratively) to a fine art. And I am hoping that I can be half as successful at this as they were. God has blessed me in tremendous ways…and my “gifts” to Him for the harvest must be grand as a result. I know that He has blessed you, also. I encourage you to give some thought and consideration to how and where you have received a “harvest” in your life. Ask God to reveal His desires for you to give to others out of your “abundance”… and make sure these “gifts” are the biggest and best you can assemble.
“The bigger the harvest the Lord gives you, the bigger your gift should be.” What are you giving to God – and to others – these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 6, 2014
Matthew 18:21-27
At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”
Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
“The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.
“The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In his book The Shack, Wm. Paul Young portrays a father who is distraught over the abuse and murder of his four-year-old daughter. He wrestles with his feelings of anger and unforgiveness… toward the perpetrator, God - and himself. God guides this man to some profound realizations about forgiveness, as noted in the quotes cited earlier.
The father comes to realize something that we must all face…that we must forgive others because God forgives us. Over and again, we throw ourselves at His feet and beg for mercy, and He grants us a reprieve. This does not excuse our sin… just as it does not excuse the horrific abuse and murder of a tiny child… or a drunken, grief-stricken father who strikes a crying toddler. I do not know if the mother of this child forgave the man who slapped him. But I do know that her failure to do so will gnaw at her for years to come.
And so we are left to think about our own lives. A pastor friend of mine commented recently that there had been times in his life when he wished someone would have actually punched him in the nose rather than deliver a hurtful comment. We can probably all relate to that. Words can truly pierce our hearts. Unkind gestures, physical abuse and neglect, deception and betrayal are all despicable behaviors…but a hateful comment or personal rejection often seems far more painful to endure.
Yet the real damage to our souls comes from our own unforgiveness. Whether the “perpetrator” asks for it or not… we must listen to Jesus and find a way to forgive this person in our heart. In order to be whole…complete in Jesus… we must forgive as He did. Surely no one has endured more insult or injury than Jesus did on the cross…yet, in Him we find the perfect model of forgiveness. Jesus is not asking us to condone mistreatment… He is showing us another way to consider it. So while I am still outraged that a man would slap a 19-year-old baby on an airplane, I am asking God to give me a sense of mercy and compassion for his struggles and the horrific experiences that could lead him to do such a thing. He will now spend eight months in prison – and a lifetime afterward – considering his misdeeds…and for his heartaches and miseries, I believe Jesus wants us to be concerned.
I would be lying if I told you that forgiveness is easy for me. I have a feeling that if we were totally honest, most of us would have to admit that we struggle with this every single day to some degree. But we can get better at it! We can learn to operate more in compassion and less in offense. We must work at “erasing the debt” in our heart and offering mercy to the other guy… even when we would rather not – or maybe especially then!
Search your heart today and make a mental list of people and situations you need to see in a different light. Ask God to give you a healthy dose of compassion… to strengthen you and shield you as you release your grip on the other guy’s throat (if only figuratively) and start to strengthen your grasp on His hand. I assure you that I will be doing this, also. I am trusting God to show me how to forgive others completely…and to experience His wholeness in the process. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*The Shack ~ http://www.theshackbook.com/
At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”
Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
“The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.
“The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.
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.
“Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of another person's throat.NBC News is reporting today that a former aerospace executive has been sentenced to eight months in prison for slapping a 19-month-old toddler aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Minnesota last February…because the child was crying. The man’s attorney blamed his behavior on alcoholism…and the fact that this man was returning home from Atlanta after removing his son from life support following an insulin overdose. The troubled father apologized to the child’s mother in court, saying, “I made the most terrible day in my life much worse for myself and others."
Forgiveness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind and behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone you certainly release them from judgment, but without true change, no real relationship can be established.
Forgiveness in no way requires that you trust the one you forgive. But should they finally confess and repent, you will discover a miracle in your own heart that allows you to reach out and begin to build between you a bridge of reconciliation.
Forgiveness does not excuse anything.
You may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely. And then one day you will pray for his wholeness.”
― Wm. Paul Young, The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity*
In his book The Shack, Wm. Paul Young portrays a father who is distraught over the abuse and murder of his four-year-old daughter. He wrestles with his feelings of anger and unforgiveness… toward the perpetrator, God - and himself. God guides this man to some profound realizations about forgiveness, as noted in the quotes cited earlier.
The father comes to realize something that we must all face…that we must forgive others because God forgives us. Over and again, we throw ourselves at His feet and beg for mercy, and He grants us a reprieve. This does not excuse our sin… just as it does not excuse the horrific abuse and murder of a tiny child… or a drunken, grief-stricken father who strikes a crying toddler. I do not know if the mother of this child forgave the man who slapped him. But I do know that her failure to do so will gnaw at her for years to come.
And so we are left to think about our own lives. A pastor friend of mine commented recently that there had been times in his life when he wished someone would have actually punched him in the nose rather than deliver a hurtful comment. We can probably all relate to that. Words can truly pierce our hearts. Unkind gestures, physical abuse and neglect, deception and betrayal are all despicable behaviors…but a hateful comment or personal rejection often seems far more painful to endure.
Yet the real damage to our souls comes from our own unforgiveness. Whether the “perpetrator” asks for it or not… we must listen to Jesus and find a way to forgive this person in our heart. In order to be whole…complete in Jesus… we must forgive as He did. Surely no one has endured more insult or injury than Jesus did on the cross…yet, in Him we find the perfect model of forgiveness. Jesus is not asking us to condone mistreatment… He is showing us another way to consider it. So while I am still outraged that a man would slap a 19-year-old baby on an airplane, I am asking God to give me a sense of mercy and compassion for his struggles and the horrific experiences that could lead him to do such a thing. He will now spend eight months in prison – and a lifetime afterward – considering his misdeeds…and for his heartaches and miseries, I believe Jesus wants us to be concerned.
I would be lying if I told you that forgiveness is easy for me. I have a feeling that if we were totally honest, most of us would have to admit that we struggle with this every single day to some degree. But we can get better at it! We can learn to operate more in compassion and less in offense. We must work at “erasing the debt” in our heart and offering mercy to the other guy… even when we would rather not – or maybe especially then!
Search your heart today and make a mental list of people and situations you need to see in a different light. Ask God to give you a healthy dose of compassion… to strengthen you and shield you as you release your grip on the other guy’s throat (if only figuratively) and start to strengthen your grasp on His hand. I assure you that I will be doing this, also. I am trusting God to show me how to forgive others completely…and to experience His wholeness in the process. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*The Shack ~ http://www.theshackbook.com/
Daily Devotional for January 5, 2014
Matthew 18:28-35
“The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, ‘Pay up. Now!’
“The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ But he wouldn’t do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.
“The king summoned the man and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn’t you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?’ The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”
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.
January 3, 2014, author/blogger Ben Irwin wrote a piece for http://HuffingtonPost.com titled “20 Things the Poor Really Do Every Day”*. Irwin cited several sources for creating his list, and the points were compelling…search for affordable housing…try to make $133 worth of food last a whole month…skip a meal…work longer and harder than most of us - just to name a few. Irwin’s point was that the poor may not share the habits of the rich… but it’s not necessarily because they don’t want to…or because they are lazy or ignorant. More importantly, Irwin notes that the poor are “those with whom Jesus identifies most closely”.
As I thought about this article and how we look at people who are “less fortunate” than we are, I considered this scripture passage and Jesus’ admonition to show mercy to those who ask for it. I believe that His message extends much further. How many people in need do you know who are unabashed about asking for help or mercy? I’m sure my church’s staff might argue this point with me, because they spend every Tuesday fielding request from folks who need money or assistance from our “Pastor’s Emergency Fund” - and I am quite sure some are not the least bit embarrassed to ask repeatedly. But at the same time, I know there are people who will do without a lot of things most would consider necessities – or simply avoid certain people and situations - rather than ask for help.
There are also those who are so embarrassed and ashamed of their situation… or their behavior… that they cannot bring themselves to ask for forgiveness and/or a second chance. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself if you have ever felt you had to improve in one area or another before you approached God. It’s the same thing. We all have times when we think that we cannot rectify our situation… rebuild a relationship… or ask for help… until we get things straightened out a little more on our own. And in doing this, we rob ourselves of blessings on so many levels.
I say all this to remind each of us – myself especially – to put ourselves in the shoes of the other guy. Consider how he feels… what struggles plague him…how hard it might be for this person to ask for help – much less seek mercy and forgiveness. I am in no way suggesting that you let people run over you and take full advantage of your kindness. I’m merely suggesting that we truly offer others compassion and understanding… that we try to see things from their vantage point. Rather than demand payment or to be treated in a certain way… perhaps we should shower this person with love and gentleness. You know…treat them just like Jesus treats us! We might just find that they come around sooner...or at the very least, that we are more tenderhearted and merciful in our own thoughts and actions!
God does not want us to be “doormats” for others. But many of us have plenty of situations and relationships that are far removed from this status…yet they could use a hefty dose of grace, mercy and compassion. Are you willing to take a step back and consider the other person’s perspective? Can you operate more from a position of kindheartedness, understanding and compassion… and less from one of judgment and ultimatum? Will you offer others the same level of mercy that you desire from God? Shouldn’t you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-irwin/20-things-poor-people-really-do_b_4533691.html
“The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, ‘Pay up. Now!’
“The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ But he wouldn’t do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.
“The king summoned the man and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn’t you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?’ The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”
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.
January 3, 2014, author/blogger Ben Irwin wrote a piece for http://HuffingtonPost.com titled “20 Things the Poor Really Do Every Day”*. Irwin cited several sources for creating his list, and the points were compelling…search for affordable housing…try to make $133 worth of food last a whole month…skip a meal…work longer and harder than most of us - just to name a few. Irwin’s point was that the poor may not share the habits of the rich… but it’s not necessarily because they don’t want to…or because they are lazy or ignorant. More importantly, Irwin notes that the poor are “those with whom Jesus identifies most closely”.
As I thought about this article and how we look at people who are “less fortunate” than we are, I considered this scripture passage and Jesus’ admonition to show mercy to those who ask for it. I believe that His message extends much further. How many people in need do you know who are unabashed about asking for help or mercy? I’m sure my church’s staff might argue this point with me, because they spend every Tuesday fielding request from folks who need money or assistance from our “Pastor’s Emergency Fund” - and I am quite sure some are not the least bit embarrassed to ask repeatedly. But at the same time, I know there are people who will do without a lot of things most would consider necessities – or simply avoid certain people and situations - rather than ask for help.
There are also those who are so embarrassed and ashamed of their situation… or their behavior… that they cannot bring themselves to ask for forgiveness and/or a second chance. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself if you have ever felt you had to improve in one area or another before you approached God. It’s the same thing. We all have times when we think that we cannot rectify our situation… rebuild a relationship… or ask for help… until we get things straightened out a little more on our own. And in doing this, we rob ourselves of blessings on so many levels.
I say all this to remind each of us – myself especially – to put ourselves in the shoes of the other guy. Consider how he feels… what struggles plague him…how hard it might be for this person to ask for help – much less seek mercy and forgiveness. I am in no way suggesting that you let people run over you and take full advantage of your kindness. I’m merely suggesting that we truly offer others compassion and understanding… that we try to see things from their vantage point. Rather than demand payment or to be treated in a certain way… perhaps we should shower this person with love and gentleness. You know…treat them just like Jesus treats us! We might just find that they come around sooner...or at the very least, that we are more tenderhearted and merciful in our own thoughts and actions!
God does not want us to be “doormats” for others. But many of us have plenty of situations and relationships that are far removed from this status…yet they could use a hefty dose of grace, mercy and compassion. Are you willing to take a step back and consider the other person’s perspective? Can you operate more from a position of kindheartedness, understanding and compassion… and less from one of judgment and ultimatum? Will you offer others the same level of mercy that you desire from God? Shouldn’t you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-irwin/20-things-poor-people-really-do_b_4533691.html
Daily Devotional for January 4, 2014
Matthew 19:16
Another day, a man stopped Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
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’ll admit that I am sometimes a slow reader… and it’s taken me a LONG time to read through Anne Graham Lotz’ book - Just Give Me Jesus. Maybe that’s by God’s design, because each time I pick it up and read a few pages, I gain a new insight. And today was no exception.
As I read this passage from Matthew, I asked God, “Where is the message of compassion in these words?” Then I opened Lotz’ book and read about how Jesus was tried by the Romans, who were so preoccupied and legalistic that they totally neglected moral law. In other words, like the man who asked Jesus what good thing he had to do to get into heaven, they over looked the truths that He was presenting…His spiritual message. And in turn, we often overlook the more primary focus of Christian discipleship.
See, it’s not about what we do, per se… or certainly how good we are. As Lotz points out, these are secondary issues that we have chosen to make the priority. So as she puts it, we gripe about our health while we fail to maintain a proper diet and exercise. We yell at our kids or our spouse and don’t see that we are YELLING! We focus on the money and raising funds for redecorating the church – or even to support a mission project… but we fail to reach out to those smack dab in our midst who need to hear about Jesus or experience His love, grace and mercy through our kindness. We worry about how our church is growing distant and disinterested as a collective body or denomination…while we don’t even seem to see the needs of those who live a few doors down the street.
In a nutshell, we can’t see the forest for the trees! We’re so focused on being good enough for God that we know we’ll “make it” to Heaven, and we totally miss our reason for being on this earth in the first place. If it’s all about being good and going to heaven, then God just as well snatch us on up there the minute we commit our hearts to Jesus. For many of us, this is the sad truth… because we’re wasting the time we have been given to serve as Christ’s disciples here and now!
I’m sure I am stepping on some toes here… and mine are just a bit sore, as well. But maybe we need a “wake-up call” of sorts! Maybe we need to be asking some questions of Jesus, too… like “Where can I better serve?” or “Who needs me today?” …or even, “What do You want me to do?”. When we start to focus on the needs of Jesus… and those of others He wishes us to reach…our priorities begin to line up with His. We can never be “good enough” for eternal life… this is God’s ultimate gift to us. He gave us Jesus… Who is all we ever need. And out of our sheer love and gratitude, we should stand ready to share Him with others… however He deems necessary.
What questions do you need to ask today? Where have you clouded the issue and gotten lost in the trees on your way to the forest? Will this be the day you begin to figure out what –and who - really matter?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Another day, a man stopped Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
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’ll admit that I am sometimes a slow reader… and it’s taken me a LONG time to read through Anne Graham Lotz’ book - Just Give Me Jesus. Maybe that’s by God’s design, because each time I pick it up and read a few pages, I gain a new insight. And today was no exception.
As I read this passage from Matthew, I asked God, “Where is the message of compassion in these words?” Then I opened Lotz’ book and read about how Jesus was tried by the Romans, who were so preoccupied and legalistic that they totally neglected moral law. In other words, like the man who asked Jesus what good thing he had to do to get into heaven, they over looked the truths that He was presenting…His spiritual message. And in turn, we often overlook the more primary focus of Christian discipleship.
See, it’s not about what we do, per se… or certainly how good we are. As Lotz points out, these are secondary issues that we have chosen to make the priority. So as she puts it, we gripe about our health while we fail to maintain a proper diet and exercise. We yell at our kids or our spouse and don’t see that we are YELLING! We focus on the money and raising funds for redecorating the church – or even to support a mission project… but we fail to reach out to those smack dab in our midst who need to hear about Jesus or experience His love, grace and mercy through our kindness. We worry about how our church is growing distant and disinterested as a collective body or denomination…while we don’t even seem to see the needs of those who live a few doors down the street.
In a nutshell, we can’t see the forest for the trees! We’re so focused on being good enough for God that we know we’ll “make it” to Heaven, and we totally miss our reason for being on this earth in the first place. If it’s all about being good and going to heaven, then God just as well snatch us on up there the minute we commit our hearts to Jesus. For many of us, this is the sad truth… because we’re wasting the time we have been given to serve as Christ’s disciples here and now!
I’m sure I am stepping on some toes here… and mine are just a bit sore, as well. But maybe we need a “wake-up call” of sorts! Maybe we need to be asking some questions of Jesus, too… like “Where can I better serve?” or “Who needs me today?” …or even, “What do You want me to do?”. When we start to focus on the needs of Jesus… and those of others He wishes us to reach…our priorities begin to line up with His. We can never be “good enough” for eternal life… this is God’s ultimate gift to us. He gave us Jesus… Who is all we ever need. And out of our sheer love and gratitude, we should stand ready to share Him with others… however He deems necessary.
What questions do you need to ask today? Where have you clouded the issue and gotten lost in the trees on your way to the forest? Will this be the day you begin to figure out what –and who - really matter?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 3, 2014
Proverbs 19:17
Mercy to the needy is a loan to God,
and God pays back those loans in full.
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.
Johanna is a member of my church whose friend Peri is at the terminal stage of her fight with ovarian cancer. Peri has five children between the ages of 6 and 21. Her end-of-life goal is to leave a pictorial legacy for her children in the form of scrapbooks with narratives. So Johanna organized scrapbook parties at our church’s Fellowship Hall and asked those who could spare a little time to come and crop/glue photos into scrapbooks. Peri will then journal the stories behind these pictures for her children. There has already been one day of scrapbooking… and tomorrow, a group will gather for the second.
Most of the women who are helping with this have never met Peri. I would venture to say that they all know Johanna… but there may be a few who don’t really know her very well. And I am quite certain that many of the women who will gather have plenty of other things they could do with their Saturday. Most have children and families of their own. But they see a need…to lend some of their time to a sister in Christ and her dear friend. I have no doubt that their efforts and sacrifices will be repaid - with dividends.
Has someone ever given up something for you? I don’t necessarily mean a material possession… or money itself. Perhaps someone has dropped everything to help you with a project…or maybe they cancelled plans because you had a crisis and needed them. Has it ever occurred to you that any time a person gives of their time, energy, possessions or money… they could easily have spent this on someone or something else?
Think about it. The friend or relative who loaned you money to buy a new car could have spent those dollars on something for themselves… the person who knocks on your door when you are sick and says, “I brought you chicken soup” could easily use that time doing something for himself or another person. The friend who shows up at your loved one’s funeral or comes to visit you and support you while you grieve could be doing a myriad of other things with his/her time. Those who offer to keep your kids while you have a break… for an hour or two – or even a few days… could surely have used this time doing something else, if even sitting and watching a movie or reading a book! But YOU were chosen...your needs were important enough for someone to drop what they were doing… or reach into their pantry or pocket...and say, “Let me help you.”
This sounds like a simple thing, which is why we take so many kindnesses for granted. We fail to recognize the sacrifices others make on our behalf. We also may be unwilling to recognize the needs of others and meet them ourselves. In other words, we are often pretty selfish and ungrateful.
My challenge to you today is to ask God to show you what needs He wants you to meet…then do it! I’m not saying you have to loan someone money or make chicken soup, attend a funeral - or even help create scrapbooks for a dying mother to leave for her children. But I am quite certain that today – and every day – there is at least one way you can “help the needy”.
By the same token, I am asking you to take a long hard look at your daily living and note where – and how – others are meeting YOUR needs in Jesus’ name. Who is extending kindnesses, grace and mercy to you? Who is coming to your rescue when you experience difficulties? Who listens when you need a friendly ear? Who is taking time to let you know that you are important? Are you grateful? Are you “paying it forward” by sharing empathy and kindness with someone else? Do you at least say “Thank you!”?
Not every act of compassion will involve something as tangible as creating scrapbooks or making a sacrifice of some sort. But all are important and represent a “loan” to God… which He always repays. And honestly, it’s not about the restitution…it’s about the gratitude. Are you grateful enough for everything that God has given you to be a good steward of His gifts…both as a “lender” and a recipient? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Mercy to the needy is a loan to God,
and God pays back those loans in full.
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.
Johanna is a member of my church whose friend Peri is at the terminal stage of her fight with ovarian cancer. Peri has five children between the ages of 6 and 21. Her end-of-life goal is to leave a pictorial legacy for her children in the form of scrapbooks with narratives. So Johanna organized scrapbook parties at our church’s Fellowship Hall and asked those who could spare a little time to come and crop/glue photos into scrapbooks. Peri will then journal the stories behind these pictures for her children. There has already been one day of scrapbooking… and tomorrow, a group will gather for the second.
Most of the women who are helping with this have never met Peri. I would venture to say that they all know Johanna… but there may be a few who don’t really know her very well. And I am quite certain that many of the women who will gather have plenty of other things they could do with their Saturday. Most have children and families of their own. But they see a need…to lend some of their time to a sister in Christ and her dear friend. I have no doubt that their efforts and sacrifices will be repaid - with dividends.
Has someone ever given up something for you? I don’t necessarily mean a material possession… or money itself. Perhaps someone has dropped everything to help you with a project…or maybe they cancelled plans because you had a crisis and needed them. Has it ever occurred to you that any time a person gives of their time, energy, possessions or money… they could easily have spent this on someone or something else?
Think about it. The friend or relative who loaned you money to buy a new car could have spent those dollars on something for themselves… the person who knocks on your door when you are sick and says, “I brought you chicken soup” could easily use that time doing something for himself or another person. The friend who shows up at your loved one’s funeral or comes to visit you and support you while you grieve could be doing a myriad of other things with his/her time. Those who offer to keep your kids while you have a break… for an hour or two – or even a few days… could surely have used this time doing something else, if even sitting and watching a movie or reading a book! But YOU were chosen...your needs were important enough for someone to drop what they were doing… or reach into their pantry or pocket...and say, “Let me help you.”
This sounds like a simple thing, which is why we take so many kindnesses for granted. We fail to recognize the sacrifices others make on our behalf. We also may be unwilling to recognize the needs of others and meet them ourselves. In other words, we are often pretty selfish and ungrateful.
My challenge to you today is to ask God to show you what needs He wants you to meet…then do it! I’m not saying you have to loan someone money or make chicken soup, attend a funeral - or even help create scrapbooks for a dying mother to leave for her children. But I am quite certain that today – and every day – there is at least one way you can “help the needy”.
By the same token, I am asking you to take a long hard look at your daily living and note where – and how – others are meeting YOUR needs in Jesus’ name. Who is extending kindnesses, grace and mercy to you? Who is coming to your rescue when you experience difficulties? Who listens when you need a friendly ear? Who is taking time to let you know that you are important? Are you grateful? Are you “paying it forward” by sharing empathy and kindness with someone else? Do you at least say “Thank you!”?
Not every act of compassion will involve something as tangible as creating scrapbooks or making a sacrifice of some sort. But all are important and represent a “loan” to God… which He always repays. And honestly, it’s not about the restitution…it’s about the gratitude. Are you grateful enough for everything that God has given you to be a good steward of His gifts…both as a “lender” and a recipient? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 2, 2014
Luke 22:27-30
“Who would you rather be: the one who eats the dinner or the one who serves the dinner? You’d rather eat and be served, right? But I’ve taken my place among you as the one who serves. And you’ve stuck with me through thick and thin. Now I confer on you the royal authority my Father conferred on me so you can eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and be strengthened as you take up responsibilities among the congregations of God’s people.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A Facebook friend posted a link to an article about basketball legend Michael Jordan, written last year for ESPN’s Outside the Lines by Wright Thompson. “Michael Jordan Has Not Left the Building” is a sad, yet compelling commentary on the life of a 50-year-old athlete who has acquired much wealth and fame… but possibly lost his true identity and peace in the bargain. Thompson tells of the mega-millions Jordan has acquired as an athlete, and as a businessman off the court. He speaks of a failed marriage…a time when life was much simpler for Jordan…the death of MJ’s father… and his engagement to 34-year-old Yvette Prieto. And he documents what Michael Jordan himself admits is an incredibly huge ego.
Jordan talks about going to Florida to visit Yvette’s Cuban family. He notes how simple a meal at their house was… how her grandparents speak little English and do not know much about basketball… and how this visit reminded him of his youth in Wilmington, North Carolina. He told Thompson that “My ego is so big now that I expect certain things.”* And that’s the trouble with a lot of us. We’re not Michael Jordan, of course… but like him, we have attached so much imaginary importance to ourselves that we have totally lost our grip on what truly matters.
“When is it my turn?”…”What about me and what I want/need?”…”How could this happen to me?”…”Who will take care of me?”…all of these are questions many of us voice on a regular basis. Our concern is not with how we can help others, because we are too caught up in our own agendas and “What’s in it for me?” to consider being a true servant. And yet, the greatest “celebrity” of all… the One who truly had every right to be revered and respected… and placed on a pedestal like we tend to do for modern-day athletes and others – chose to live among us as one who serves. Jesus Christ modeled perfectly how we are supposed to conduct our lives. Any wealth and blessings we are allowed should be used to fuel and energize our efforts to serve others in His name.
In his article, Thompson tells of an employee who found letters that Michael Jordan wrote to his parents while he was a student at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. The employee was astonished at how “normal” Jordan seemed… how he talked of campus life, food in the cafeteria… and how he always needed money. One letter ended with a request for his parents to “please send stamps.” I have to tell you… the overall tone of this article was that of a man who “has it all”… yet has very little. The writer paints a picture of a life that seems empty…sad…and lacking in purpose. Jordan tells him that the simpler time of life in Wilmington is gone, and he cannot get it back… that now he expects certain things that he did not require before.
Does this describe you? Have you become so wrapped up in your own desires and “needs” that you fail to think of others? Have you become a dinner guest at the table who demands to be served and never offers to take a turn at extending assistance or attention to others? How are we using God’s gifts? Are we building our egos and amassing “wealth” and attention… and losing our heart and soul in the bargain? Or are we learning from Jesus’ example and truly taking up the responsibilities among God’s people… and serving in His name?
Have we, like Michael Jordan, become so caught up in our own story that we have failed to recognize the other guy’s narrative? Is life so complicated and out-of-control that we cannot even recognize that sometimes, all someone really needs is a word of encouragement… and maybe some stamps? Isn’t it time we regained our focus? Will this be the day that you set aside your own requests and yearnings to serve someone else? Will you be “the one who eats the dinner”… or the one who serves it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/page/Michael-Jordan/michael-jordan-not-left-building
“Who would you rather be: the one who eats the dinner or the one who serves the dinner? You’d rather eat and be served, right? But I’ve taken my place among you as the one who serves. And you’ve stuck with me through thick and thin. Now I confer on you the royal authority my Father conferred on me so you can eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and be strengthened as you take up responsibilities among the congregations of God’s people.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A Facebook friend posted a link to an article about basketball legend Michael Jordan, written last year for ESPN’s Outside the Lines by Wright Thompson. “Michael Jordan Has Not Left the Building” is a sad, yet compelling commentary on the life of a 50-year-old athlete who has acquired much wealth and fame… but possibly lost his true identity and peace in the bargain. Thompson tells of the mega-millions Jordan has acquired as an athlete, and as a businessman off the court. He speaks of a failed marriage…a time when life was much simpler for Jordan…the death of MJ’s father… and his engagement to 34-year-old Yvette Prieto. And he documents what Michael Jordan himself admits is an incredibly huge ego.
Jordan talks about going to Florida to visit Yvette’s Cuban family. He notes how simple a meal at their house was… how her grandparents speak little English and do not know much about basketball… and how this visit reminded him of his youth in Wilmington, North Carolina. He told Thompson that “My ego is so big now that I expect certain things.”* And that’s the trouble with a lot of us. We’re not Michael Jordan, of course… but like him, we have attached so much imaginary importance to ourselves that we have totally lost our grip on what truly matters.
“When is it my turn?”…”What about me and what I want/need?”…”How could this happen to me?”…”Who will take care of me?”…all of these are questions many of us voice on a regular basis. Our concern is not with how we can help others, because we are too caught up in our own agendas and “What’s in it for me?” to consider being a true servant. And yet, the greatest “celebrity” of all… the One who truly had every right to be revered and respected… and placed on a pedestal like we tend to do for modern-day athletes and others – chose to live among us as one who serves. Jesus Christ modeled perfectly how we are supposed to conduct our lives. Any wealth and blessings we are allowed should be used to fuel and energize our efforts to serve others in His name.
In his article, Thompson tells of an employee who found letters that Michael Jordan wrote to his parents while he was a student at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. The employee was astonished at how “normal” Jordan seemed… how he talked of campus life, food in the cafeteria… and how he always needed money. One letter ended with a request for his parents to “please send stamps.” I have to tell you… the overall tone of this article was that of a man who “has it all”… yet has very little. The writer paints a picture of a life that seems empty…sad…and lacking in purpose. Jordan tells him that the simpler time of life in Wilmington is gone, and he cannot get it back… that now he expects certain things that he did not require before.
Does this describe you? Have you become so wrapped up in your own desires and “needs” that you fail to think of others? Have you become a dinner guest at the table who demands to be served and never offers to take a turn at extending assistance or attention to others? How are we using God’s gifts? Are we building our egos and amassing “wealth” and attention… and losing our heart and soul in the bargain? Or are we learning from Jesus’ example and truly taking up the responsibilities among God’s people… and serving in His name?
Have we, like Michael Jordan, become so caught up in our own story that we have failed to recognize the other guy’s narrative? Is life so complicated and out-of-control that we cannot even recognize that sometimes, all someone really needs is a word of encouragement… and maybe some stamps? Isn’t it time we regained our focus? Will this be the day that you set aside your own requests and yearnings to serve someone else? Will you be “the one who eats the dinner”… or the one who serves it?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/page/Michael-Jordan/michael-jordan-not-left-building
Daily Devotional for January 1, 2014
Luke 23:34-35
Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people! They don’t know what they’re doing.”
While the crowd stood there watching Jesus, the soldiers gambled for his clothes. The leaders insulted him by saying, “He saved others. Now he should save himself, if he really is God’s chosen Messiah!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When Greg and I were in college, we used to sit in our car nearly every day and share a sandwich/potato chip lunch while listening to radio broadcaster Paul Harvey. There was something charming and compelling about Harvey’s delivery. His “hook” was to tell part of an interesting story, then break for a commercial… and then he would return to finish his tale. At the end he would say, “And now you know the rest of the story.” Harvey became famous for “the rest of the story!” and even wrote a book by this title.
So often in life, there is a “rest of the story”… and many times, we react without getting it! Our thoughts, comments and judgments are erroneous, harsh – even cruel at times – because we have failed to consider that there may be more going on with the other guy. We might not have the full picture. Even more importantly, we neglect to recognize that GOD is the only true judge…that this is not our place to draw conclusions. We are to act – and react – with compassion…to offer the same grace, mercy, forgiveness and understanding to others that Jesus offered his abusers - even on the cross and as they gambled for his clothing.
Tall order? Maybe! But when you consider what Jesus did for us… how HE responded to his assailants…any leniency and benefit of the doubt that we offer to others pales by comparison.
I know that people say and do ugly and hurtful things. I know that we are all judged unfairly and treated unkindly at one time or another. I know that it sometimes seems like “life” knocks us down and drags us through the mud. But if Jesus can hang naked and disfigured on a cross and ask God to forgive those who have desolated Him, can’t we surely offer compassion and charity to those who mistreat us?
Today we begin a new year… we turn the page on the calendar and start with a “clean slate”. Isn’t this the perfect day to resolve to be more empathetic… to show more compassion, grace, mercy and forgiveness to others? I’m ready to stop giving the devil a victory by holding grudges, harboring insults and judging others…I’m ready to be more like Jesus and operate in a spirit of kindheartedness and tolerance of others. I’m ready to recognize that there might very well be a “rest of the story” and offer others a hefty dose of the same mercy Jesus offers to each of us. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people! They don’t know what they’re doing.”
While the crowd stood there watching Jesus, the soldiers gambled for his clothes. The leaders insulted him by saying, “He saved others. Now he should save himself, if he really is God’s chosen Messiah!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When Greg and I were in college, we used to sit in our car nearly every day and share a sandwich/potato chip lunch while listening to radio broadcaster Paul Harvey. There was something charming and compelling about Harvey’s delivery. His “hook” was to tell part of an interesting story, then break for a commercial… and then he would return to finish his tale. At the end he would say, “And now you know the rest of the story.” Harvey became famous for “the rest of the story!” and even wrote a book by this title.
So often in life, there is a “rest of the story”… and many times, we react without getting it! Our thoughts, comments and judgments are erroneous, harsh – even cruel at times – because we have failed to consider that there may be more going on with the other guy. We might not have the full picture. Even more importantly, we neglect to recognize that GOD is the only true judge…that this is not our place to draw conclusions. We are to act – and react – with compassion…to offer the same grace, mercy, forgiveness and understanding to others that Jesus offered his abusers - even on the cross and as they gambled for his clothing.
Tall order? Maybe! But when you consider what Jesus did for us… how HE responded to his assailants…any leniency and benefit of the doubt that we offer to others pales by comparison.
I know that people say and do ugly and hurtful things. I know that we are all judged unfairly and treated unkindly at one time or another. I know that it sometimes seems like “life” knocks us down and drags us through the mud. But if Jesus can hang naked and disfigured on a cross and ask God to forgive those who have desolated Him, can’t we surely offer compassion and charity to those who mistreat us?
Today we begin a new year… we turn the page on the calendar and start with a “clean slate”. Isn’t this the perfect day to resolve to be more empathetic… to show more compassion, grace, mercy and forgiveness to others? I’m ready to stop giving the devil a victory by holding grudges, harboring insults and judging others…I’m ready to be more like Jesus and operate in a spirit of kindheartedness and tolerance of others. I’m ready to recognize that there might very well be a “rest of the story” and offer others a hefty dose of the same mercy Jesus offers to each of us. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)