James 3:10-18
My friends, this can’t go on. A
spring doesn’t gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it?
Apple trees don’t bear strawberries, do they? Raspberry bushes don’t
bear apples, do they? You’re not going to dip into a polluted mud hole
and get a cup of clear, cool water, are you?
Do you want to be
counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live
well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you
talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that
you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound
wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal
cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than
others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends
up at the others’ throats.
Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with
a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is
gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one
day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust
community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you
do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other
with dignity and honor.
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.
The 80-year-old sister of one
of our dear friends passed away recently in Kentucky. Unfortunately,
we never had the pleasure of getting to know her. As I read this
woman’s obituary online, I sorely regretted that our paths never
crossed. She apparently possessed real wisdom. In fact, in one
paragraph, her children wrote...”she faced adversity with courage, class
and integrity; she was unyieldingly honest, unless being so would cause
needless pain.”
A few lines later, the writers noted…”Martha
had, by turns, the humility of a pauper and the dignity of a manor-born
aristocrat. She could, and joyfully did, instantly relate to the
youngest of children and the oldest of the infirm. From the Bluegrass
society matron, down to a homeless man, Martha related to them all, and
she did so without guile, condescension or calculation. She cared, and
people knew it instinctively. And they loved her for it.”
This is
quite a legacy. These were the accomplishments that were noted about
this woman by people who knew and loved her. They briefly cited her
education at Hendrix College in Arkansas…and her love for poetry. But
they didn’t talk of her career – or even any accolades or awards she
might have garnered over the years for civic involvement or service of
some kind. And yet, I felt like I got a complete picture of this woman,
because the children showed me her heart…and her wisdom.
Stop
and consider how others see you. What do they think when your name is
mentioned? Do they instinctively know that you care? Do they think of
you as kind and wise…humble and genuine…someone who is consistent, lives
with dignity, and treats all people as equals? Does your life seem to
others to be holy and filled with God’s wisdom?
Or do you give
people a reason to doubt what you say and do? Are you up one day and
down the next…changing your mind – and your attitude - with the wind?
Is it all about you? Do you set yourself up as an expert or
authority…and then berate or criticize those who fail to follow your
lead? Are you ever even a little bit judgmental and condescending?
How
are you representing God’s wisdom? Could even some of the same things
that were said about this woman be said of you? As important as it may
seem to be remembered well, it is even more critical how you conduct
your life today…here…now. It matters greatly whether you operate in
God’s wisdom…or your own folly. Which are you demonstrating?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 20, 2016
James 1:26-27
Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn’t control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn’t worth much. The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last two weeks, you know the story of American swimmer, Ryan Lochte. Last week in Rio, Lochte won his 12th gold medal in the Men's 4x200m freestyle relay. This week, he is all many can talk about…but for a very different reason. Lochte apparently fabricated an elaborate tale about being the victim (along with three fellow swimmers) of an armed robbery by Brazilian police. He perpetuated this story for days until surveillance video and eye-witness accounts proved that he was lying (or as his attorneys put it, “gave an inaccurate account”).
With this one thoughtless misstep, Lochte has gone from one of the US “darlings” of the 2016 Olympics to a national embarrassment. And the speculation is that Lochte may not only be suspended by USA swimming and the US Olympic Committee…he may also use thousands – if not millions – of dollars in commercial endorsements. In a nutshell, Ryan Lochte’s reputation may pretty well be shot.
I don’t think I can remind us too often that people are watching and listening. All it takes is one incident where we speak harshly, judge another, or misbehave in some way…and our Christian witness can be seriously compromised. The talk is that Lochte will do his penance…people will forgive and forget…and he will show up at the games in Tokyo in four years. And perhaps we will get a second chance with those whom we have disappointed or disillusioned with our words or actions. But we cannot take that risk!
I will be the first to admit that it is hard to hold our tongue sometimes. It is easy to judge others and see them as different – if not inferior in some way to our standards or way of thinking. We often judge others and hide behind the name of Jesus. We declare that we are His children…and the other guy is not. The devil loves that we are human and subject to his persuasion that “they” are wrong – and “we” are right…that we are entitled to say these things as “true Christians.” And Jesus hangs His head in shame.
The next time you are tempted to speak harshly or judge someone else…remember Ryan Lochte – and this scripture passage. Think of how quickly we can negate everything that God has called us to share with others…how one senseless act or comment can ruin our “reputation” as a Christian – and turn another person away from Jesus.
Our responsibility as Christian disciples is serious business. We cannot play fast and loose with our words and actions! Are you ready to do the hard work of keeping yourself in check? Jesus’ gift of salvation and Christian discipleship is far too precious to handle carelessly. Will this be the day that you renew your efforts to represent Him with honor and thoughtfulness? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn’t control his sharp tongue is just fooling himself, and his religion isn’t worth much. The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last two weeks, you know the story of American swimmer, Ryan Lochte. Last week in Rio, Lochte won his 12th gold medal in the Men's 4x200m freestyle relay. This week, he is all many can talk about…but for a very different reason. Lochte apparently fabricated an elaborate tale about being the victim (along with three fellow swimmers) of an armed robbery by Brazilian police. He perpetuated this story for days until surveillance video and eye-witness accounts proved that he was lying (or as his attorneys put it, “gave an inaccurate account”).
With this one thoughtless misstep, Lochte has gone from one of the US “darlings” of the 2016 Olympics to a national embarrassment. And the speculation is that Lochte may not only be suspended by USA swimming and the US Olympic Committee…he may also use thousands – if not millions – of dollars in commercial endorsements. In a nutshell, Ryan Lochte’s reputation may pretty well be shot.
I don’t think I can remind us too often that people are watching and listening. All it takes is one incident where we speak harshly, judge another, or misbehave in some way…and our Christian witness can be seriously compromised. The talk is that Lochte will do his penance…people will forgive and forget…and he will show up at the games in Tokyo in four years. And perhaps we will get a second chance with those whom we have disappointed or disillusioned with our words or actions. But we cannot take that risk!
I will be the first to admit that it is hard to hold our tongue sometimes. It is easy to judge others and see them as different – if not inferior in some way to our standards or way of thinking. We often judge others and hide behind the name of Jesus. We declare that we are His children…and the other guy is not. The devil loves that we are human and subject to his persuasion that “they” are wrong – and “we” are right…that we are entitled to say these things as “true Christians.” And Jesus hangs His head in shame.
The next time you are tempted to speak harshly or judge someone else…remember Ryan Lochte – and this scripture passage. Think of how quickly we can negate everything that God has called us to share with others…how one senseless act or comment can ruin our “reputation” as a Christian – and turn another person away from Jesus.
Our responsibility as Christian disciples is serious business. We cannot play fast and loose with our words and actions! Are you ready to do the hard work of keeping yourself in check? Jesus’ gift of salvation and Christian discipleship is far too precious to handle carelessly. Will this be the day that you renew your efforts to represent Him with honor and thoughtfulness? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 19, 2016
James 1:19-21
Dear brothers, don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.
So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The last time Nathan visited, he did not like how I corrected him for being bossy, and he screamed at me in anger and frustration. Remember…he is only four! I quickly picked him up and carried him to our “Time Out/Naughty” chair. He screamed the entire way…”I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m SORRY!” I sat him in the chair and held him there as he wriggled to free himself and get up. After a few seconds, he relaxed into the chair and began to sob. I calmly and quietly told him that he could get up when he could apologize and speak to me nicely…and after a couple of minutes, he did just that.
As we walked away from the “naughty chair,” Nathan said, “Debbie…you hurt my feelings!” I told Nathan that he hurt MY feelings by screaming at me. After hugs and kisses, we moved on with our day…both assured that we still love each other…and hopeful that a lesson had been learned!
One of the hardest things to do when a “child” (of any age) is throwing a tantrum is not to get caught up in it and retaliate in the same manner. Raised voices, and screaming do not solve anything. In my opinion, physical discipline doesn’t help, either. I have found a “time out” to be the most effective remedy…especially when the adult can remain calm and objective and give the other person a chance to recognize his/her mistake and make a correction.
Isn’t this what God does for us all the time? I don’t know about you, but I never feel that God is yelling and screaming at me! I know there are times when I make mistakes – sometimes BIG ones – and I feel His disappointment. But I never detect His anger. God never shames me or berates me. Instead, He lovingly gives me a “Time Out” to consider my sins and shortcomings.
Because of the blood of Jesus, God allows us the opportunity to recognize my mistakes and make necessary corrections. And then He showers us with the “hugs and kisses” of forgiveness and undeserved blessings. And this is how we are called to operate with each other. Ugly retorts, yelling and screaming never solve anything. Physical attacks do not prove a single point. Sometimes, the best response is none at all. A lot of “learning” and reconciliation can occur in the silence.
I cannot imagine how awful it would feel to think that God was angry with me…to “feel” Him yelling and screaming, demeaning, or shaming me – much less physically attacking me to drive home His point. And I would assume that He is pretty disappointed in us when we treat others this way. Jesus took all of the anger, insults and physical punishment resulting from our sins, so that we can operate with humility, grace, mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation toward each other. How are you honoring His great sacrifice?
Is God calling you to take a “Time Out” and consider how and where you could do better? Will this be the day that you squelch your anger and start demonstrating His patience and goodness in your daily living? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Dear brothers, don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.
So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The last time Nathan visited, he did not like how I corrected him for being bossy, and he screamed at me in anger and frustration. Remember…he is only four! I quickly picked him up and carried him to our “Time Out/Naughty” chair. He screamed the entire way…”I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m SORRY!” I sat him in the chair and held him there as he wriggled to free himself and get up. After a few seconds, he relaxed into the chair and began to sob. I calmly and quietly told him that he could get up when he could apologize and speak to me nicely…and after a couple of minutes, he did just that.
As we walked away from the “naughty chair,” Nathan said, “Debbie…you hurt my feelings!” I told Nathan that he hurt MY feelings by screaming at me. After hugs and kisses, we moved on with our day…both assured that we still love each other…and hopeful that a lesson had been learned!
One of the hardest things to do when a “child” (of any age) is throwing a tantrum is not to get caught up in it and retaliate in the same manner. Raised voices, and screaming do not solve anything. In my opinion, physical discipline doesn’t help, either. I have found a “time out” to be the most effective remedy…especially when the adult can remain calm and objective and give the other person a chance to recognize his/her mistake and make a correction.
Isn’t this what God does for us all the time? I don’t know about you, but I never feel that God is yelling and screaming at me! I know there are times when I make mistakes – sometimes BIG ones – and I feel His disappointment. But I never detect His anger. God never shames me or berates me. Instead, He lovingly gives me a “Time Out” to consider my sins and shortcomings.
Because of the blood of Jesus, God allows us the opportunity to recognize my mistakes and make necessary corrections. And then He showers us with the “hugs and kisses” of forgiveness and undeserved blessings. And this is how we are called to operate with each other. Ugly retorts, yelling and screaming never solve anything. Physical attacks do not prove a single point. Sometimes, the best response is none at all. A lot of “learning” and reconciliation can occur in the silence.
I cannot imagine how awful it would feel to think that God was angry with me…to “feel” Him yelling and screaming, demeaning, or shaming me – much less physically attacking me to drive home His point. And I would assume that He is pretty disappointed in us when we treat others this way. Jesus took all of the anger, insults and physical punishment resulting from our sins, so that we can operate with humility, grace, mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation toward each other. How are you honoring His great sacrifice?
Is God calling you to take a “Time Out” and consider how and where you could do better? Will this be the day that you squelch your anger and start demonstrating His patience and goodness in your daily living? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 18, 2016
James 1:16-18
So don’t be misled, dear brothers.
But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The last time Timothy and Nathan visited for the day, we had a surprise for them…an odd assortment of Lego® pieces and accessories to add to their collection. There was an anchor…a “police” car hood, some cool tubes and extensions, and much more. The boys were thrilled with this surprise…and Greg and I delighted in THEIR joy and excitement.
More than once, Timothy has asked Greg and me, “WHY are you so nice to me?” This usually comes on the heels of getting something he really wants…like a new Lego® set. But sometimes it is the result of extra attention or praise. There are also times when things are not quite going their way and one of the children will say to us…”You NEVER do anything nice for me!” Yes, kids can be quite fickle!
Thankfully, God is never inconsistent…and He loves to give us gifts and blessings. I can just imagine the joy He finds in watching us revel in the wonder of an unexpected gift…everything from a friendly word or gesture from another person to some kind of “windfall” that we were not anticipating. My mother called such surprise blessings “silver boxes.” I would tell her about something wonderful that happened out of the blue, and she would say, “There’s your ‘silver box’ for today!”
God loves to give us “silver boxes.” These are the “Lego® sets” of His universe. “Shadows” do come into our lives from time to time…and like little children, we often question God about them. But these are not His doing. God is never fickle...His light never falters. The “clouds” that occasionally block our awareness of His presence come from our own sin - and are the devil’s doing. But God is still there…loving us…blessing us…caring about our every breath!
“Silver boxes” are all around us. We never know when we will receive one…but God has an unending stash of them just waiting to be shared. As we grow in our faith, let’s learn to recognize these more readily…to stomp down any notions that God would withhold His gifts from us or ever mistreat us in any way. Let’s understand that God is in the business of giving His children all that they need…and then some!
When God gives you a “silver box,” will you recognize that it came from Him? Do you fully appreciate ALL of God’s good gifts…and have you told Him so lately? Isn’t this the perfect day to get your “attitude of gratitude” right, once and for all? What will God give you today? Are you really ready to for His light to shine?
©2016 Debbie Robus
So don’t be misled, dear brothers.
But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The last time Timothy and Nathan visited for the day, we had a surprise for them…an odd assortment of Lego® pieces and accessories to add to their collection. There was an anchor…a “police” car hood, some cool tubes and extensions, and much more. The boys were thrilled with this surprise…and Greg and I delighted in THEIR joy and excitement.
More than once, Timothy has asked Greg and me, “WHY are you so nice to me?” This usually comes on the heels of getting something he really wants…like a new Lego® set. But sometimes it is the result of extra attention or praise. There are also times when things are not quite going their way and one of the children will say to us…”You NEVER do anything nice for me!” Yes, kids can be quite fickle!
Thankfully, God is never inconsistent…and He loves to give us gifts and blessings. I can just imagine the joy He finds in watching us revel in the wonder of an unexpected gift…everything from a friendly word or gesture from another person to some kind of “windfall” that we were not anticipating. My mother called such surprise blessings “silver boxes.” I would tell her about something wonderful that happened out of the blue, and she would say, “There’s your ‘silver box’ for today!”
God loves to give us “silver boxes.” These are the “Lego® sets” of His universe. “Shadows” do come into our lives from time to time…and like little children, we often question God about them. But these are not His doing. God is never fickle...His light never falters. The “clouds” that occasionally block our awareness of His presence come from our own sin - and are the devil’s doing. But God is still there…loving us…blessing us…caring about our every breath!
“Silver boxes” are all around us. We never know when we will receive one…but God has an unending stash of them just waiting to be shared. As we grow in our faith, let’s learn to recognize these more readily…to stomp down any notions that God would withhold His gifts from us or ever mistreat us in any way. Let’s understand that God is in the business of giving His children all that they need…and then some!
When God gives you a “silver box,” will you recognize that it came from Him? Do you fully appreciate ALL of God’s good gifts…and have you told Him so lately? Isn’t this the perfect day to get your “attitude of gratitude” right, once and for all? What will God give you today? Are you really ready to for His light to shine?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 17, 2016
James 1:12-15
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others. We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us, it leaves us dead.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Friends of ours welcomed a new grand-daughter into the world yesterday. This baby arrived early in the morning and was almost immediately whisked off to nearby Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she will undergo heart surgery within the next two days. Her parents have been aware for several months that this would happen. Still, this baby’s grandmother said that letting them take her away in an ambulance yesterday and was one of the hardest things she has ever witnessed.
I cannot explain in medical terms what is wrong with this baby’s heart. But I know that there is a hole…and some of the parts of the heart are not connected correctly. The medical team believes that all of this can be reversed in one surgery. This is probably a fairly routine procedure for them…but for us “regular folks,” it all sounds pretty daunting.
Additionally, this baby’s grandmother is just a few months out from a more-than-year-long battle with colon cancer. All indications are that she is cancer free, but what a journey she endured…surgeries, weekly chemo treatments, infections, and more! She is a walking miracle…and a testament to amazing faith in God – because hers never seemed to waver.
When troubles come in groups like this, we often tend to feel like we can’t catch a break. Sometimes, we wonder if God is punishing us. Many are tempted to walk away and say, “If God allows these things to happen to such faithful people, I don’t want any part of Him.” But oh, what a mistake this would be!
My family has experienced its own period of “faith testing” in recent months…and maybe yours has, also. I won’t even begin to diminish the pain and heartache that can come…the nagging frustrations and confusion that are possible. Sometimes there is that momentary thought…”Why bother to take care of myself…exercise and eat right…if I’m just going to have an accident or get cancer and die anyway?” We are tempted to curl up in a ball and let the world pass us by…or drown our sorrows in something – even if it’s ice cream!
But this would speak volumes about our Christian faith…or lack of it. We will all be faced with challenges…heartaches…devastating events that knock us to our knees. And God will be right there with us, whether we recognize Him or not. How well we lean into God and allow Him to shoulder the burdens will tell the tale of our faith.
When we pick ourselves up and keep going even on the days we don’t think we can – or we don’t feel up to it – God carries us. And I assure you, He blesses us in the process. It may be days/weeks/years later, but we will look back and see how He gave us everything we needed to get through this. God has done this for me and my family…and I know that He is doing this for the family of this newborn baby girl.
For a myriad of reasons, many people are blaming God for their troubles…wondering why they even try to serve and be faithful to Someone who allows these “tests” - and Satan’s temptations. And I would say to them – and to you – we cannot see how we are growing in strength and wisdom, courage and hope. We cannot fully comprehend how God is blessing us as we lean on Him and forge ahead. But we will someday…and it will all have been worth the effort. I believe this with all my heart…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others. We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us, it leaves us dead.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Friends of ours welcomed a new grand-daughter into the world yesterday. This baby arrived early in the morning and was almost immediately whisked off to nearby Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she will undergo heart surgery within the next two days. Her parents have been aware for several months that this would happen. Still, this baby’s grandmother said that letting them take her away in an ambulance yesterday and was one of the hardest things she has ever witnessed.
I cannot explain in medical terms what is wrong with this baby’s heart. But I know that there is a hole…and some of the parts of the heart are not connected correctly. The medical team believes that all of this can be reversed in one surgery. This is probably a fairly routine procedure for them…but for us “regular folks,” it all sounds pretty daunting.
Additionally, this baby’s grandmother is just a few months out from a more-than-year-long battle with colon cancer. All indications are that she is cancer free, but what a journey she endured…surgeries, weekly chemo treatments, infections, and more! She is a walking miracle…and a testament to amazing faith in God – because hers never seemed to waver.
When troubles come in groups like this, we often tend to feel like we can’t catch a break. Sometimes, we wonder if God is punishing us. Many are tempted to walk away and say, “If God allows these things to happen to such faithful people, I don’t want any part of Him.” But oh, what a mistake this would be!
My family has experienced its own period of “faith testing” in recent months…and maybe yours has, also. I won’t even begin to diminish the pain and heartache that can come…the nagging frustrations and confusion that are possible. Sometimes there is that momentary thought…”Why bother to take care of myself…exercise and eat right…if I’m just going to have an accident or get cancer and die anyway?” We are tempted to curl up in a ball and let the world pass us by…or drown our sorrows in something – even if it’s ice cream!
But this would speak volumes about our Christian faith…or lack of it. We will all be faced with challenges…heartaches…devastating events that knock us to our knees. And God will be right there with us, whether we recognize Him or not. How well we lean into God and allow Him to shoulder the burdens will tell the tale of our faith.
When we pick ourselves up and keep going even on the days we don’t think we can – or we don’t feel up to it – God carries us. And I assure you, He blesses us in the process. It may be days/weeks/years later, but we will look back and see how He gave us everything we needed to get through this. God has done this for me and my family…and I know that He is doing this for the family of this newborn baby girl.
For a myriad of reasons, many people are blaming God for their troubles…wondering why they even try to serve and be faithful to Someone who allows these “tests” - and Satan’s temptations. And I would say to them – and to you – we cannot see how we are growing in strength and wisdom, courage and hope. We cannot fully comprehend how God is blessing us as we lean on Him and forge ahead. But we will someday…and it will all have been worth the effort. I believe this with all my heart…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 16, 2016
James 1:9-11
A Christian who doesn’t amount to much in this world should be glad, for he is great in the Lord’s sight. But a rich man should be glad that his riches mean nothing to the Lord, for he will soon be gone, like a flower that has lost its beauty and fades away, withered—killed by the scorching summer sun. So it is with rich men. They will soon die and leave behind all their busy activities.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In our daily newspaper, I read the heart-wrenching story by New York Times reporter Liz Alderman of a 28-year-old Syrian woman and her four young children who are detained in a refugee camp in Idomeni, Greece. The family spends their days foraging for food and begging for help for this mother and her dusty, mosquito-bite-covered children. They are dirty, hungry, tired, and frustrated. Promises of aid have not materialized…and this mother told Alderman that she would have stayed in Syria and taken her chances, had she known it would be like this. The tone of despair in this report was palpable…and I have to tell you, I was somewhat ashamed of my own material “wealth.”
Just by virtue of where we live, most of us are “rich” by much of the world’s standards. And yet, many of us perpetually crave more. We measure our wealth – and our worth – in dollars and cents. We constantly compare ourselves to others…and we work pretty hard to keep up with them!
Today, Greg and I have been married for 42 years. We celebrated by going out to breakfast at a local diner – and we took Greg’s mother with us! We enjoyed every bite of the meal – and the company – as we reminisced about the years we’ve shared. God has blessed us with more than our portion of “creature comforts” throughout our marriage…but He has also given us a strong bond with our family. We are rich in His love…and in our relationships with family members and friends. We try to accumulate memories and special experiences together rather than material possessions and expendable resources. Don’t misunderstand…we have more than plenty materially. But “things” do not matter nearly as much as they once did…and we have learned to appreciate the joy and comfort in simple pleasures.
We are both keenly aware how quickly life can change. We look in the mirror and recognize that youth surely fades…and “beauty” takes on a whole new meaning! We look around at those who appear to have a good grasp on what makes a person truly “rich”…and we notice that they are busy seeking God and serving Him rather than worrying about their own “wealth” or appearance. They exude a joy and peace that is captivating – and enviable – and we want this for ourselves!!
I pray that we would never take our “wealth” for granted…both the gift of God’s grace, mercy, and salvation through the blood of Jesus – AND, the physical possessions that we have accumulated. I pray that God would keep us humble – and grateful for His abundance and the freedoms that we enjoy…that we would never grow complacent about anything or anyone for even one minute!
Should God see fit to give Greg and me more years together, I pray that we will always recognize how rich we are in His love and blessings…and always see each other through the “lens of love” that overlooks wrinkles, age spots and gray hair. I pray that we would be busy sharing God’s love rather than trying to make ourselves look younger or impressive.
I pray that you would discover for yourself what makes you “rich” in God’s eyes…that you would think of the young refugee mother who just wants her children to be safe and fed - and thank God that you enjoy these comforts every single day. This automatically makes you richer than a large percentage of the world’s population, praise God! Do you recognize how “wealthy” He has made you in all things? Do your words and actions demonstrate your appreciation and gratitude for His gifts and blessings? Isn’t it time they did?
How “rich” are you today in the things that truly matter for all Eternity? Aren’t you ready to find out, once and for all? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
A Christian who doesn’t amount to much in this world should be glad, for he is great in the Lord’s sight. But a rich man should be glad that his riches mean nothing to the Lord, for he will soon be gone, like a flower that has lost its beauty and fades away, withered—killed by the scorching summer sun. So it is with rich men. They will soon die and leave behind all their busy activities.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In our daily newspaper, I read the heart-wrenching story by New York Times reporter Liz Alderman of a 28-year-old Syrian woman and her four young children who are detained in a refugee camp in Idomeni, Greece. The family spends their days foraging for food and begging for help for this mother and her dusty, mosquito-bite-covered children. They are dirty, hungry, tired, and frustrated. Promises of aid have not materialized…and this mother told Alderman that she would have stayed in Syria and taken her chances, had she known it would be like this. The tone of despair in this report was palpable…and I have to tell you, I was somewhat ashamed of my own material “wealth.”
Just by virtue of where we live, most of us are “rich” by much of the world’s standards. And yet, many of us perpetually crave more. We measure our wealth – and our worth – in dollars and cents. We constantly compare ourselves to others…and we work pretty hard to keep up with them!
Today, Greg and I have been married for 42 years. We celebrated by going out to breakfast at a local diner – and we took Greg’s mother with us! We enjoyed every bite of the meal – and the company – as we reminisced about the years we’ve shared. God has blessed us with more than our portion of “creature comforts” throughout our marriage…but He has also given us a strong bond with our family. We are rich in His love…and in our relationships with family members and friends. We try to accumulate memories and special experiences together rather than material possessions and expendable resources. Don’t misunderstand…we have more than plenty materially. But “things” do not matter nearly as much as they once did…and we have learned to appreciate the joy and comfort in simple pleasures.
We are both keenly aware how quickly life can change. We look in the mirror and recognize that youth surely fades…and “beauty” takes on a whole new meaning! We look around at those who appear to have a good grasp on what makes a person truly “rich”…and we notice that they are busy seeking God and serving Him rather than worrying about their own “wealth” or appearance. They exude a joy and peace that is captivating – and enviable – and we want this for ourselves!!
I pray that we would never take our “wealth” for granted…both the gift of God’s grace, mercy, and salvation through the blood of Jesus – AND, the physical possessions that we have accumulated. I pray that God would keep us humble – and grateful for His abundance and the freedoms that we enjoy…that we would never grow complacent about anything or anyone for even one minute!
Should God see fit to give Greg and me more years together, I pray that we will always recognize how rich we are in His love and blessings…and always see each other through the “lens of love” that overlooks wrinkles, age spots and gray hair. I pray that we would be busy sharing God’s love rather than trying to make ourselves look younger or impressive.
I pray that you would discover for yourself what makes you “rich” in God’s eyes…that you would think of the young refugee mother who just wants her children to be safe and fed - and thank God that you enjoy these comforts every single day. This automatically makes you richer than a large percentage of the world’s population, praise God! Do you recognize how “wealthy” He has made you in all things? Do your words and actions demonstrate your appreciation and gratitude for His gifts and blessings? Isn’t it time they did?
How “rich” are you today in the things that truly matter for all Eternity? Aren’t you ready to find out, once and for all? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 14, 2016
James 1:2-4
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today, two “memes” showed up in consecutive order on my Facebook wall. The first one said, “Sometimes the strongest among us are the ones who smile through silent pain, cry behind closed doors, and fight battles nobody knows about." The next one said, “Dear ‘Whatever doesn't kill me’... I'm strong enough now! Thanks!” I was unable to positively determine the authors of these quotes, but I felt they were worth sharing.
None of us likes to be uncomfortable. We do not relish difficulties and temptations…much less a “rough row to hoe!” Ask anyone if he/she enjoys tests of patience...or problems...and you’ll probably get a resounding “NO!” The old adage that "What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger" may have some truth to it...but most of us would rather not test that theory!
Still, we read in James 1 that difficulties and temptations should bring us joy! We read that patience will grow out of challenges…that our character will be strengthened, and our faith in Jesus Christ will be fully developed. And those of us who have lived through some “stuff” can attest to this. As I think about my own life and the times when I was truly tested…I see how God used these times to develop my faith muscle - and keep it strong.
Timothy mentioned to me again this morning that "your home is always joyful and happy” (his words). He knows that Greg and I have challenges…that we have experienced grief, health concerns, and other life events that have tried our patience. And yet, he sees that we are (generally) able to manage them with confidence…and a positive outlook. I pray that our children will take this example to heart…that in the years to come, we can encourage them to internalize the words of James in this passage... and trust God to care for them and develop their faith – even in difficult times.
There was one more “meme” that I noticed as I was preparing this message. It said, “People who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss the point...the glass is refillable.” God can fill our “glass”…and He will do so over and again, if only we will trust Him. I cannot prevent challenges, heartaches and disappointments in my own life, the lives of our children – or you! But GOD can help us all to grow in and through these experiences…and share an ever stronger faith in Him with others.
Whatever you are experiencing today, trust God to get you through it. Allow Him room to work, and watch as He develops your faith and strengthens your ability to operate in patience, courage, and empathy. God will fill your “glass”…and keep it filled. Are you ready to let Him?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today, two “memes” showed up in consecutive order on my Facebook wall. The first one said, “Sometimes the strongest among us are the ones who smile through silent pain, cry behind closed doors, and fight battles nobody knows about." The next one said, “Dear ‘Whatever doesn't kill me’... I'm strong enough now! Thanks!” I was unable to positively determine the authors of these quotes, but I felt they were worth sharing.
None of us likes to be uncomfortable. We do not relish difficulties and temptations…much less a “rough row to hoe!” Ask anyone if he/she enjoys tests of patience...or problems...and you’ll probably get a resounding “NO!” The old adage that "What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger" may have some truth to it...but most of us would rather not test that theory!
Still, we read in James 1 that difficulties and temptations should bring us joy! We read that patience will grow out of challenges…that our character will be strengthened, and our faith in Jesus Christ will be fully developed. And those of us who have lived through some “stuff” can attest to this. As I think about my own life and the times when I was truly tested…I see how God used these times to develop my faith muscle - and keep it strong.
Timothy mentioned to me again this morning that "your home is always joyful and happy” (his words). He knows that Greg and I have challenges…that we have experienced grief, health concerns, and other life events that have tried our patience. And yet, he sees that we are (generally) able to manage them with confidence…and a positive outlook. I pray that our children will take this example to heart…that in the years to come, we can encourage them to internalize the words of James in this passage... and trust God to care for them and develop their faith – even in difficult times.
There was one more “meme” that I noticed as I was preparing this message. It said, “People who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss the point...the glass is refillable.” God can fill our “glass”…and He will do so over and again, if only we will trust Him. I cannot prevent challenges, heartaches and disappointments in my own life, the lives of our children – or you! But GOD can help us all to grow in and through these experiences…and share an ever stronger faith in Him with others.
Whatever you are experiencing today, trust God to get you through it. Allow Him room to work, and watch as He develops your faith and strengthens your ability to operate in patience, courage, and empathy. God will fill your “glass”…and keep it filled. Are you ready to let Him?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 13, 2016
Isaiah 1:16-20
Oh, wash yourselves! Be clean! Let me no longer see you doing all these wicked things; quit your evil ways. Learn to do good, to be fair, and to help the poor, the fatherless, and widows.
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool! If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich! But if you keep on turning your backs and refusing to listen to me, you will be killed by your enemies; I, the Lord, have spoken.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When we spill something on our clothing…the carpet…or the couch, our first instinct is to grab a cloth or sponge and start rubbing! Often, the result is that we push the stain further into the fibers and make permanent removal more difficult – if not a near impossibility. Today, there are all sorts of cleaners and sprays that can be applied to essentially “fizz” the stain out and dissolve it. You have to be careful…some of the “oxi” treatments can actually bleach the material(s). But much of the time, these “treatments” work beautifully and can save a lot of trouble and disappointment.
The kids are always saying, “Aww…I spilled XYZ on my shirt.” I find that I am often telling them, “That’s okay…I can get that out…” or “I’ll wash it, and everything will be fine.” (And sometimes, I find myself scrubbing and “fizzing” a stain that proved more difficult to remove than I imagined!)
Do you see where I am headed? We are the “children” – God is the parent. We stain our lives…He removes the blemishes. Sometimes, the “stains” have been rubbed in…we’ve worked them over pretty well! Other times, the sin is just so big that it takes more “elbow grease” to get it out, once and for all. But God is able to do all of this…if only we will humbly admit our errors and ask Him to forgive us and wash us clean!
OUR JOB is to do all that we can to “get clean” - and stay that way…to be careful with our words and actions. We must care for others and serve God according to His directions…and never, ever “rub the stain of sin” further into our lives. Some of us are so stubborn. We want to have things our way…to turn our backs on the word and wisdom of God and do as we please. This is our choice…but we must understand that we are also choosing to risk the consequences of God’s displeasure.
Just because we give our hearts to Jesus doesn’t mean that we can “stain our shirts” and assume that He will clean up the mess. With redemption comes responsibility…and we should be so grateful to Jesus for His salvation that we would be willing to do anything and everything to honor Him.
So I ask you today…what’s on your shirt? Have you rubbed in the stain or tried to cover it up? Or have you made every effort to allow God to clean you, once and for all…and worked hard to keep things neat and tidy as you move forward? Will this be the day that He washes you “whiter than snow”…and you make every effort to stay that way? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Oh, wash yourselves! Be clean! Let me no longer see you doing all these wicked things; quit your evil ways. Learn to do good, to be fair, and to help the poor, the fatherless, and widows.
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool! If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich! But if you keep on turning your backs and refusing to listen to me, you will be killed by your enemies; I, the Lord, have spoken.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
When we spill something on our clothing…the carpet…or the couch, our first instinct is to grab a cloth or sponge and start rubbing! Often, the result is that we push the stain further into the fibers and make permanent removal more difficult – if not a near impossibility. Today, there are all sorts of cleaners and sprays that can be applied to essentially “fizz” the stain out and dissolve it. You have to be careful…some of the “oxi” treatments can actually bleach the material(s). But much of the time, these “treatments” work beautifully and can save a lot of trouble and disappointment.
The kids are always saying, “Aww…I spilled XYZ on my shirt.” I find that I am often telling them, “That’s okay…I can get that out…” or “I’ll wash it, and everything will be fine.” (And sometimes, I find myself scrubbing and “fizzing” a stain that proved more difficult to remove than I imagined!)
Do you see where I am headed? We are the “children” – God is the parent. We stain our lives…He removes the blemishes. Sometimes, the “stains” have been rubbed in…we’ve worked them over pretty well! Other times, the sin is just so big that it takes more “elbow grease” to get it out, once and for all. But God is able to do all of this…if only we will humbly admit our errors and ask Him to forgive us and wash us clean!
OUR JOB is to do all that we can to “get clean” - and stay that way…to be careful with our words and actions. We must care for others and serve God according to His directions…and never, ever “rub the stain of sin” further into our lives. Some of us are so stubborn. We want to have things our way…to turn our backs on the word and wisdom of God and do as we please. This is our choice…but we must understand that we are also choosing to risk the consequences of God’s displeasure.
Just because we give our hearts to Jesus doesn’t mean that we can “stain our shirts” and assume that He will clean up the mess. With redemption comes responsibility…and we should be so grateful to Jesus for His salvation that we would be willing to do anything and everything to honor Him.
So I ask you today…what’s on your shirt? Have you rubbed in the stain or tried to cover it up? Or have you made every effort to allow God to clean you, once and for all…and worked hard to keep things neat and tidy as you move forward? Will this be the day that He washes you “whiter than snow”…and you make every effort to stay that way? Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 12, 2016
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.
A couple of years ago, Greg planted some ivy in the back yard along the bluff line for “ground cover.” Ivy creeps and crawls and does a good job of filling in areas where grass doesn’t grow well and you want some “greenery.” This ivy has done so well that it has virtually taken over a nearby cedar tree. I’ve watched the vine trail up the tree and noted its progression. First, it overtook a lopped off branch…then it reached a knot in the trunk…and then the vine far surpassed the knot and began to wrap all around the tree.
Greg knew about the “habits” of ivy when he planted this ground cover, so he isn’t surprised that the vine latched onto this tree. He says he will remove the ivy this fall so that it doesn’t kill the tree…and he is keeping a close eye on things now to make sure that the tree isn’t harmed in any way.
You probably see where I am going with this. We sometimes start out with the best of intentions…and suddenly, we are on the wrong path. Or we allow ourselves to get caught up in something we know is at best a “slippery slope” with the potential to get us into places we don’t need to be…cause a problem between us and someone else…or negate our Christian witness altogether…but we can’t seem to help ourselves. Or maybe we just plain don’t want to do differently! We can often be pretty selfish!
We need to hear the words of this scripture passage and pay close attention. None of us know how much time we have… and certainly, we have no business wasting a single minute! God’s kingdom cannot – and should not – wait on us to decide to get our act together and serve Him honorably and obediently!
So make this the day that you “trim the vines” and pull the weeds. Get it right, once and for all…and serve God with everything you have. Make sure your conduct is above reproach at all times. Choose your words and actions wisely. And never, ever risk trading God’s blessings for tears of regret!
©2016 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.
A couple of years ago, Greg planted some ivy in the back yard along the bluff line for “ground cover.” Ivy creeps and crawls and does a good job of filling in areas where grass doesn’t grow well and you want some “greenery.” This ivy has done so well that it has virtually taken over a nearby cedar tree. I’ve watched the vine trail up the tree and noted its progression. First, it overtook a lopped off branch…then it reached a knot in the trunk…and then the vine far surpassed the knot and began to wrap all around the tree.
Greg knew about the “habits” of ivy when he planted this ground cover, so he isn’t surprised that the vine latched onto this tree. He says he will remove the ivy this fall so that it doesn’t kill the tree…and he is keeping a close eye on things now to make sure that the tree isn’t harmed in any way.
You probably see where I am going with this. We sometimes start out with the best of intentions…and suddenly, we are on the wrong path. Or we allow ourselves to get caught up in something we know is at best a “slippery slope” with the potential to get us into places we don’t need to be…cause a problem between us and someone else…or negate our Christian witness altogether…but we can’t seem to help ourselves. Or maybe we just plain don’t want to do differently! We can often be pretty selfish!
We need to hear the words of this scripture passage and pay close attention. None of us know how much time we have… and certainly, we have no business wasting a single minute! God’s kingdom cannot – and should not – wait on us to decide to get our act together and serve Him honorably and obediently!
So make this the day that you “trim the vines” and pull the weeds. Get it right, once and for all…and serve God with everything you have. Make sure your conduct is above reproach at all times. Choose your words and actions wisely. And never, ever risk trading God’s blessings for tears of regret!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2016
Galatians 5:13-15
My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love. All that the Law says can be summed up in the command to love others as much as you love yourself. But if you keep attacking each other like wild animals, you had better watch out or you will destroy yourselves.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a sweet elderly man named Rayburn who works at our local Walmart. The other day I heard him tell a young family, “I’m 92 years old!” I strongly suspect that Rayburn doesn’t have to work any longer. Judging from his friendly demeanor toward shoppers, I’d say that Rayburn loves his job – and works because it makes him happy!
A lot of retirees continue to work at something. Don’t misunderstand…these folks have plenty of options. They could literally do anything they want with their time, but many choose to give at least some of it back to others. They volunteer at thrift stores, animal shelters, schools, libraries, historical museums, and more. They deliver Meals on Wheels, work with youth groups, and care for grandchildren and other loved ones. They serve in every capacity under the sun for their church and its missions and ministries. And they do it all because they love others and want to pay forward the blessings they receive in life.
Each of us has a choice about how we spend our time. Some of it is mandated…work, school, family obligations. But we have plenty of minutes in the day that are left to our own discretion. Some of us choose to spend them acting in love and kindness…demonstrating the teachings of Jesus to others. Some of us spend them attacking others, criticizing, finding ways to tear down rather than build up, complaining, sharing unkind or untrue information with others…and in general, stirring up a mess of trouble!
Author and activist Eldridge Cleaver is attributed with the quote, “You either have to be part of the solution, or you're going to be part of the problem.” This is a fairly good interpretation of what is stated in Galatians 5:15. We have a choice. We can spend our time loving others and building them up, or we can act selfishly and unlovingly toward each other…foster attacks on one another with our critical and judgmental words and actions…and ultimately cultivate an environment where hatred – and at least the potential for eventual destruction – are the end results.
Sadly, some of us are headed toward the latter scenario with lightning speed! But we can turn it around. I’m not saying that at 92, we still have to be pushing a janitorial cart at Walmart and greeting the public – or volunteering for anything else! But we can look for opportunities every day to share the love and Good News of Jesus Christ with others. I know some wonderful seniors who are unable to get out of a chair, but they are some of the best and most fervent prayer warriors you will ever meet!
We can strive to be positive…to see the good in others and to promote it - even at the expense of our own recognition and/or appreciation. It is past time for us to recognize that life as a Christian is bigger than any single one of us! We are called to put Jesus – and others – ahead of ourselves…to love big…and to serve even bigger! It may not always be fun – or easy – but there truly IS a great freedom in serving in this manner.
This is not something we can afford to ignore. Are you ready to “hitch up your britches” and serve Jesus by serving others with love? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love. All that the Law says can be summed up in the command to love others as much as you love yourself. But if you keep attacking each other like wild animals, you had better watch out or you will destroy yourselves.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a sweet elderly man named Rayburn who works at our local Walmart. The other day I heard him tell a young family, “I’m 92 years old!” I strongly suspect that Rayburn doesn’t have to work any longer. Judging from his friendly demeanor toward shoppers, I’d say that Rayburn loves his job – and works because it makes him happy!
A lot of retirees continue to work at something. Don’t misunderstand…these folks have plenty of options. They could literally do anything they want with their time, but many choose to give at least some of it back to others. They volunteer at thrift stores, animal shelters, schools, libraries, historical museums, and more. They deliver Meals on Wheels, work with youth groups, and care for grandchildren and other loved ones. They serve in every capacity under the sun for their church and its missions and ministries. And they do it all because they love others and want to pay forward the blessings they receive in life.
Each of us has a choice about how we spend our time. Some of it is mandated…work, school, family obligations. But we have plenty of minutes in the day that are left to our own discretion. Some of us choose to spend them acting in love and kindness…demonstrating the teachings of Jesus to others. Some of us spend them attacking others, criticizing, finding ways to tear down rather than build up, complaining, sharing unkind or untrue information with others…and in general, stirring up a mess of trouble!
Author and activist Eldridge Cleaver is attributed with the quote, “You either have to be part of the solution, or you're going to be part of the problem.” This is a fairly good interpretation of what is stated in Galatians 5:15. We have a choice. We can spend our time loving others and building them up, or we can act selfishly and unlovingly toward each other…foster attacks on one another with our critical and judgmental words and actions…and ultimately cultivate an environment where hatred – and at least the potential for eventual destruction – are the end results.
Sadly, some of us are headed toward the latter scenario with lightning speed! But we can turn it around. I’m not saying that at 92, we still have to be pushing a janitorial cart at Walmart and greeting the public – or volunteering for anything else! But we can look for opportunities every day to share the love and Good News of Jesus Christ with others. I know some wonderful seniors who are unable to get out of a chair, but they are some of the best and most fervent prayer warriors you will ever meet!
We can strive to be positive…to see the good in others and to promote it - even at the expense of our own recognition and/or appreciation. It is past time for us to recognize that life as a Christian is bigger than any single one of us! We are called to put Jesus – and others – ahead of ourselves…to love big…and to serve even bigger! It may not always be fun – or easy – but there truly IS a great freedom in serving in this manner.
This is not something we can afford to ignore. Are you ready to “hitch up your britches” and serve Jesus by serving others with love? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 10, 2016
Exodus 21:23-25
But if any harm comes to the woman and she dies, he shall be executed.
“If her eye is injured, injure his; if her tooth is knocked out, knock out his; and so on—hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, lash for lash.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Children are notorious for “hitting back”…and ours are no different. We will hear, “He/she hit me first!” Timothy will sometimes say of his younger siblings, “I needed to teach him/her a lesson!” We are definitely a work in progress!
The sad fact is that adults do this very same thing. The retaliation may not be physical…but words and actions can have a damaging effect, as well. Someone will ask, “What about me? Don’t MY feelings matter? What he/she said or did hurt me! Don’t I have rights, too?” The short answer is “Yes…and NO.”
The first thing we have to look at is the location of this scripture passage…in the Old Testament. Laws were very different before the time of Jesus. His birth, death and resurrection changed EVERYTHING…and thankfully so! We don’t have to sacrifice baby animals or present burnt offerings to atone for our sins…and we don’t have to handle offenses on our own! We have a Savior who does all of this for us! Lashing out at others and retaliation tactics are not only childish…they are sinful! They suggest that we do not trust Jesus to handle these situations and circumstances for us…that we do not fully understand and believe that He can – and will - meet our every need.
There will be times in our lives when we would love to exchange an eye for an eye…when we would like nothing more than to teach someone a lesson – to make him/her suffer just a little and feel our pain. But we have to stop and ask ourselves, “What if Jesus had done this?” He is our Savior…our Ultimate Example of how to treat others and share God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness with them.
The “lesson” we need to be teaching is tolerance and understanding…not revenge. We need to be paying it forward…not doling out paybacks. Yes, the Bible does say “an eye for an eye”…but it also notes that Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.” The former serves as a reminder that we have been freed from the shackles of operating under a system of oppressive parameters, punishments and penance.
Because of Jesus, we can now live in the freedom of His deliverance. Our liberation from sin and the old laws provides us with the opportunity to serve in hope, faith, and forgiveness…to take the high road and let Jesus handle any discipline and retribution.
Philippians 4:13 tells us that…”I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” Are you demonstrating this in your daily living? Or do you still have the mistaken idea that it is your job to help God show others a thing or two? When others look at you, do they see an Old Testament believer…or a disciple of Christ’s Good News? There IS a difference! Have you chosen Salvation and freedom in the power of Jesus Christ? Will this be the day that you do?
©2016 Debbie Robus
But if any harm comes to the woman and she dies, he shall be executed.
“If her eye is injured, injure his; if her tooth is knocked out, knock out his; and so on—hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, lash for lash.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Children are notorious for “hitting back”…and ours are no different. We will hear, “He/she hit me first!” Timothy will sometimes say of his younger siblings, “I needed to teach him/her a lesson!” We are definitely a work in progress!
The sad fact is that adults do this very same thing. The retaliation may not be physical…but words and actions can have a damaging effect, as well. Someone will ask, “What about me? Don’t MY feelings matter? What he/she said or did hurt me! Don’t I have rights, too?” The short answer is “Yes…and NO.”
The first thing we have to look at is the location of this scripture passage…in the Old Testament. Laws were very different before the time of Jesus. His birth, death and resurrection changed EVERYTHING…and thankfully so! We don’t have to sacrifice baby animals or present burnt offerings to atone for our sins…and we don’t have to handle offenses on our own! We have a Savior who does all of this for us! Lashing out at others and retaliation tactics are not only childish…they are sinful! They suggest that we do not trust Jesus to handle these situations and circumstances for us…that we do not fully understand and believe that He can – and will - meet our every need.
There will be times in our lives when we would love to exchange an eye for an eye…when we would like nothing more than to teach someone a lesson – to make him/her suffer just a little and feel our pain. But we have to stop and ask ourselves, “What if Jesus had done this?” He is our Savior…our Ultimate Example of how to treat others and share God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness with them.
The “lesson” we need to be teaching is tolerance and understanding…not revenge. We need to be paying it forward…not doling out paybacks. Yes, the Bible does say “an eye for an eye”…but it also notes that Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.” The former serves as a reminder that we have been freed from the shackles of operating under a system of oppressive parameters, punishments and penance.
Because of Jesus, we can now live in the freedom of His deliverance. Our liberation from sin and the old laws provides us with the opportunity to serve in hope, faith, and forgiveness…to take the high road and let Jesus handle any discipline and retribution.
Philippians 4:13 tells us that…”I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” Are you demonstrating this in your daily living? Or do you still have the mistaken idea that it is your job to help God show others a thing or two? When others look at you, do they see an Old Testament believer…or a disciple of Christ’s Good News? There IS a difference! Have you chosen Salvation and freedom in the power of Jesus Christ? Will this be the day that you do?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 9, 2016
Ephesians 4:31-32
Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Greg and I often watch an episode of “Andy Griffith” or “M*A*S*H” while we are having dinner. These old television shows are a welcome respite from the arguing and name-calling that is front and center on today’s main-stream dinner-hour “news” programs.
Andy Griffith has a knack for resolving conflicts and solving problems with tact and sensibility. “Colonel Potter” and others get riled up…but you can sense the love and care behind their words and actions – and their desire to uphold what is right and good among the ranks.
Every day, I grow more aware of how important it is for us to choose our words and actions carefully. We have grown so comfortable with harsh words, anger and a mean-spirited attitude that we don’t even blink when discussions become heated. I’m all for free speech, but the comments that fly on social media and in circles of friends and acquaintances border at times on the disgusting…and are at best, quite disturbing.
I’m left to wonder what God must think. He sacrificed so much to give us Jesus…to free us from sin and bind us to Him forever. And this is how we repay His generosity? Imagine for just a moment if Jesus had hung on the cross and cursed His murderers. What if He had pronounced them to be idiots…morons…and other names that I cannot suggest. Suppose Jesus had looked toward Heaven and said, “Father, get me outta here and away from these horrible people. They’ve hurt me, and I’m done!” How many of us would want to follow a “savior” like that?
Now think about your own life…the things you say and do each day…the posts you share on social media…the comments you make about people with whom you disagree. How do YOU react when someone speaks harshly or unkindly toward you or someone you care about? How do you treat people with whom you disagree – socially, spiritually, or politically? Do you give others ANY reason to serve the same Jesus that you say you serve? Or do you hide behind the cross and claim the name of Jesus Christ while treating others with anything but grace and mercy?
I want so badly to ensure those who may be “on the fence” about Jesus that the people who act so horribly do not represent true Christian faith – or my Savior. If YOU are someone who is wondering whether a life in Christ is for you, let me assure you that there is no better place to surrender your heart. We don’t all operate in hatred, name calling, quarreling, discrimination, arrogance and disdain for others. We aren’t all self-centered and egotistical “children” who continually look for how Jesus can benefit US over the other guy.
I hope you have looked carefully at those in your midst who try to be faithful, obedient servants of Christ. I hope you find His grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance in our every word and action…that we don’t have to TELL you how the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts, because you can observe it firsthand in our daily living. I pray that you will not judge all Christians…and Jesus…by those who misrepresent Him with their own brand of “witness.” And I pray that those who are claiming Jesus while judging and mistreating others will be reminded that because we are forgiven through the blood of Christ, we are called to forgive others and treat them as He does.
On the website, A-Z Quotes*, I found two that were attributed to Andy Griffith. In the first one, he says…”Mornin' ladies, my goodness don't you look happy. Must be cuttin' somebody up pretty good.” The second one sums up Griffith’s philosophy on life…”Well, do a good day's work and act like somebody.” On IMDb.com**, I found an interesting quote from the television show M*A*S*H. The obnoxious character Frank Burns says…”I wonder if I can say something useful?” Fellow surgeon, Trapper, replies…”I often wonder that too, Frank.”
My prayer is that we would be known for saying something useful…for doing a good day’s work and acting like somebody – a child of the Most High God! I pray that we would seek redemption in the blood of Jesus Christ…and act each and every minute of the day like we’ve received it. Can YOU say something useful? When others look at you, Who do they really see? Do you give others a reason to surrender to Jesus and serve Him? Isn’t it time you did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://AZQuotes.com
**http://IMDb.com
Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Greg and I often watch an episode of “Andy Griffith” or “M*A*S*H” while we are having dinner. These old television shows are a welcome respite from the arguing and name-calling that is front and center on today’s main-stream dinner-hour “news” programs.
Andy Griffith has a knack for resolving conflicts and solving problems with tact and sensibility. “Colonel Potter” and others get riled up…but you can sense the love and care behind their words and actions – and their desire to uphold what is right and good among the ranks.
Every day, I grow more aware of how important it is for us to choose our words and actions carefully. We have grown so comfortable with harsh words, anger and a mean-spirited attitude that we don’t even blink when discussions become heated. I’m all for free speech, but the comments that fly on social media and in circles of friends and acquaintances border at times on the disgusting…and are at best, quite disturbing.
I’m left to wonder what God must think. He sacrificed so much to give us Jesus…to free us from sin and bind us to Him forever. And this is how we repay His generosity? Imagine for just a moment if Jesus had hung on the cross and cursed His murderers. What if He had pronounced them to be idiots…morons…and other names that I cannot suggest. Suppose Jesus had looked toward Heaven and said, “Father, get me outta here and away from these horrible people. They’ve hurt me, and I’m done!” How many of us would want to follow a “savior” like that?
Now think about your own life…the things you say and do each day…the posts you share on social media…the comments you make about people with whom you disagree. How do YOU react when someone speaks harshly or unkindly toward you or someone you care about? How do you treat people with whom you disagree – socially, spiritually, or politically? Do you give others ANY reason to serve the same Jesus that you say you serve? Or do you hide behind the cross and claim the name of Jesus Christ while treating others with anything but grace and mercy?
I want so badly to ensure those who may be “on the fence” about Jesus that the people who act so horribly do not represent true Christian faith – or my Savior. If YOU are someone who is wondering whether a life in Christ is for you, let me assure you that there is no better place to surrender your heart. We don’t all operate in hatred, name calling, quarreling, discrimination, arrogance and disdain for others. We aren’t all self-centered and egotistical “children” who continually look for how Jesus can benefit US over the other guy.
I hope you have looked carefully at those in your midst who try to be faithful, obedient servants of Christ. I hope you find His grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance in our every word and action…that we don’t have to TELL you how the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts, because you can observe it firsthand in our daily living. I pray that you will not judge all Christians…and Jesus…by those who misrepresent Him with their own brand of “witness.” And I pray that those who are claiming Jesus while judging and mistreating others will be reminded that because we are forgiven through the blood of Christ, we are called to forgive others and treat them as He does.
On the website, A-Z Quotes*, I found two that were attributed to Andy Griffith. In the first one, he says…”Mornin' ladies, my goodness don't you look happy. Must be cuttin' somebody up pretty good.” The second one sums up Griffith’s philosophy on life…”Well, do a good day's work and act like somebody.” On IMDb.com**, I found an interesting quote from the television show M*A*S*H. The obnoxious character Frank Burns says…”I wonder if I can say something useful?” Fellow surgeon, Trapper, replies…”I often wonder that too, Frank.”
My prayer is that we would be known for saying something useful…for doing a good day’s work and acting like somebody – a child of the Most High God! I pray that we would seek redemption in the blood of Jesus Christ…and act each and every minute of the day like we’ve received it. Can YOU say something useful? When others look at you, Who do they really see? Do you give others a reason to surrender to Jesus and serve Him? Isn’t it time you did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://AZQuotes.com
**http://IMDb.com
Daily Devotional for August 8, 2016
Ephesians 4:28-30
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work.
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I was teaching kindergarten, I studied the Assertive Discipline method of classroom management. Developed by Lee and Marlene Cantor, this model involves giving students a clear definition of what is expected - and listing the consequences for noncompliance. The focus is on positive reinforcement – rewarding and encouraging good behavior in an effort to prevent missteps. The idea is that children will be so eager to enjoy the benefits of a positive response from the teacher and his/her peers that this will deter any desire to misbehave. I have to say, this method worked for me and my students…and my “discipline problems” in the classroom all but disappeared.
One of the things that Cantor teaches is that we must not operate in the realm of “If I see/hear.” In other words, we must not tell the child, “If I see you do that again, XYZ will happen”…or “If I hear that word one more time…you will have to do ABC.” The child assumes that what you don’t see or hear doesn’t matter! If he/she can get by with something without you noticing…it won’t be held against you. Instead, we are to tell the child, “If you DO THIS again, XYZ will happen.” This tells the child that you will know what he/she did…and it will matter!
I can tell you that we adults foolishly play this game all the time with God. We act as if what we say or do only matters when we get caught or noticed. If we skate by with something, we smugly tell ourselves that it didn’t count…that nobody is the wiser. It’s sort of the “no harm/no foul” concept. But here’s the thing...God ALWAYS knows. He sees and hears everything we say and do. And so much of it breaks His heart.
You may not be a “thief” in the literal sense of the word…but you probably cheat and steal more than you realize. Did you ever slide through a stop sign and hope nobody would notice? Did you ever talk about someone…or share a juicy tidbit of “news” with another person and pray the parties involved would never know who said it? Did you ever express an ugly opinion about a situation or person – or share a dirty joke - and preface it with a caveat that you will deny ever saying such things if repeated? Did you ever do something you knew you shouldn’t and tell your children- or someone else - never to tell anyone about it?
These are all ways that we all practice deceit…consciously or not. And while we may never “get caught” by our friends, family members and acquaintances…God knows. We grieve His heart on a regular basis. But we can make changes and do better…and we must! We can ask God to tap us on the shoulder and give us pause when we open our mouths to say something unkind, off-color, or disrespectful. We can ask Him to give us a nudge when we are tempted to be dishonest...to “fudge” a little here and there or “cut a corner” while no one is looking.
We can ask God to fill every nook and cranny of our heart with the Holy Spirit – our “Inner Compass” that guides us and keeps us on the right path. We can ask God to forgive us and set us upright…and keep us behaving in a positive manner at all times - toward all people. And we can begin today…right now…in this very minute! So let’s get started! Are you ready to go “all in” with God?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work.
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I was teaching kindergarten, I studied the Assertive Discipline method of classroom management. Developed by Lee and Marlene Cantor, this model involves giving students a clear definition of what is expected - and listing the consequences for noncompliance. The focus is on positive reinforcement – rewarding and encouraging good behavior in an effort to prevent missteps. The idea is that children will be so eager to enjoy the benefits of a positive response from the teacher and his/her peers that this will deter any desire to misbehave. I have to say, this method worked for me and my students…and my “discipline problems” in the classroom all but disappeared.
One of the things that Cantor teaches is that we must not operate in the realm of “If I see/hear.” In other words, we must not tell the child, “If I see you do that again, XYZ will happen”…or “If I hear that word one more time…you will have to do ABC.” The child assumes that what you don’t see or hear doesn’t matter! If he/she can get by with something without you noticing…it won’t be held against you. Instead, we are to tell the child, “If you DO THIS again, XYZ will happen.” This tells the child that you will know what he/she did…and it will matter!
I can tell you that we adults foolishly play this game all the time with God. We act as if what we say or do only matters when we get caught or noticed. If we skate by with something, we smugly tell ourselves that it didn’t count…that nobody is the wiser. It’s sort of the “no harm/no foul” concept. But here’s the thing...God ALWAYS knows. He sees and hears everything we say and do. And so much of it breaks His heart.
You may not be a “thief” in the literal sense of the word…but you probably cheat and steal more than you realize. Did you ever slide through a stop sign and hope nobody would notice? Did you ever talk about someone…or share a juicy tidbit of “news” with another person and pray the parties involved would never know who said it? Did you ever express an ugly opinion about a situation or person – or share a dirty joke - and preface it with a caveat that you will deny ever saying such things if repeated? Did you ever do something you knew you shouldn’t and tell your children- or someone else - never to tell anyone about it?
These are all ways that we all practice deceit…consciously or not. And while we may never “get caught” by our friends, family members and acquaintances…God knows. We grieve His heart on a regular basis. But we can make changes and do better…and we must! We can ask God to tap us on the shoulder and give us pause when we open our mouths to say something unkind, off-color, or disrespectful. We can ask Him to give us a nudge when we are tempted to be dishonest...to “fudge” a little here and there or “cut a corner” while no one is looking.
We can ask God to fill every nook and cranny of our heart with the Holy Spirit – our “Inner Compass” that guides us and keeps us on the right path. We can ask God to forgive us and set us upright…and keep us behaving in a positive manner at all times - toward all people. And we can begin today…right now…in this very minute! So let’s get started! Are you ready to go “all in” with God?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 7, 2016
Ephesians 4:25-27
Stop lying to each other; tell the truth, for we are parts of each other and when we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves. If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly; for when you are angry, you give a mighty foothold to the devil.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Several years ago, I discovered a little lizard crawling on the tile floor in our master bath. I could not imagine how that critter got there…exterior doors were on the opposite end of the house. Then I remembered that one night as I went out the back door, I thought I felt something brush my foot. I turned on lights and looked around…but I saw nothing. I realized that this tiny opening was enough for this slinky critter to scamper inside our house.
By the same token, we have twice opened our front door and inadvertently let in a tiny wren. You have not experienced true “fun” until you try to catch a bird flying through your house while being chased by yourself and two cats! Both times this happened, we had merely cracked the door to see if it was snowing outside…and in flew the bird that had roosted in our wreath. Needless to say, there is no longer a wreath on our front door!
As this scripture points out, it doesn’t take much for the devil to grab a foothold. All he needs is a crack in the door. And that is exactly what we give him when we lie to each other, nurse a grudge, and go to bed angry. Sometimes, the “injustices” were small and rather ridiculous in the first place. Other times, the hurt is very real…and it’s hard to forgive and move forward. But we Christians are often called upon to swallow our pride and the offenses against us and demonstrate the grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to others.
We will be known by our love, restraint…and our overall conduct. Can’t we make a concerted effort to show others the best of Jesus, and not our worst? Are we really ready to go the extra mile as Christians and let Jesus live in and through us? Will this be the day that we begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Stop lying to each other; tell the truth, for we are parts of each other and when we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves. If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly; for when you are angry, you give a mighty foothold to the devil.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Several years ago, I discovered a little lizard crawling on the tile floor in our master bath. I could not imagine how that critter got there…exterior doors were on the opposite end of the house. Then I remembered that one night as I went out the back door, I thought I felt something brush my foot. I turned on lights and looked around…but I saw nothing. I realized that this tiny opening was enough for this slinky critter to scamper inside our house.
By the same token, we have twice opened our front door and inadvertently let in a tiny wren. You have not experienced true “fun” until you try to catch a bird flying through your house while being chased by yourself and two cats! Both times this happened, we had merely cracked the door to see if it was snowing outside…and in flew the bird that had roosted in our wreath. Needless to say, there is no longer a wreath on our front door!
As this scripture points out, it doesn’t take much for the devil to grab a foothold. All he needs is a crack in the door. And that is exactly what we give him when we lie to each other, nurse a grudge, and go to bed angry. Sometimes, the “injustices” were small and rather ridiculous in the first place. Other times, the hurt is very real…and it’s hard to forgive and move forward. But we Christians are often called upon to swallow our pride and the offenses against us and demonstrate the grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to others.
We will be known by our love, restraint…and our overall conduct. Can’t we make a concerted effort to show others the best of Jesus, and not our worst? Are we really ready to go the extra mile as Christians and let Jesus live in and through us? Will this be the day that we begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 6, 2016
Ephesians 4:17-24
As a follower of the Lord, I order you to stop living like stupid, godless people. Their minds are in the dark, and they are stubborn and ignorant and have missed out on the life that comes from God. They no longer have any feelings about what is right, and they are so greedy that they do all kinds of indecent things.
But that isn’t what you were taught about Jesus Christ. He is the truth, and you heard about him and learned about him. You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits. Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg and I spent one year back in our home town of Heber Springs after college before returning to Russellville, Arkansas, the “college town” where we began our life together. When I went to interview for a teaching position in Russellville, I first appeared before an “interview committee” that consisted of teachers and administrators from the district. I wore my best dress (actually, it was almost my ONLY dress – a graduation gift made for me by Mother) and tried to make my best impression.
Two weeks later, I received a “call-back” from the superintendent for a personal interview. I had no opportunity to find a new dress for my Saturday morning appointment. So I swallowed hard and wore that same green dotted dress.
The superintendent was kind, and the interview went well. Much to my chagrin, he noticed that I was wearing the same dress. I wanted the floor to open and swallow me whole. But he said, “That helped me to remember you from the first interview!” Instead of this being a deterrent, this man turned it into a positive. And for the eight years that I taught in the Russellville School District, Mr. Harvey Young and I maintained a great working relationship. Mr. Young saw beyond my outward appearance to my professional capabilities. I hope he noted that my concern was more with what I could do for the children than whether I wore a new dress to the interview.
What we say and do matters. Appearance is important…but it’s not about name brand clothing or “knowing the right people.” God calls us to stick our nose to the grindstone and “git-r-done” as He has directed. Whatever and wherever He has called us to serve, we are expected to show up and show out for Him. Often, this means letting go of some old habits – and maybe an old association or two. We are known by the company we keep…and while God wants us to love ALL people, He calls us to be careful about where and how we associate with a few of them.
This tax-free weekend, many of us will scramble to amass back-to-school items for kiddos. We will think about the “fresh start” for children and teachers on August 15 (for Arkansas), and we will anticipate how nice everyone looks in their new clothes, toting new backpacks filled with fresh supplies. It’s a “clean slate,” so to speak.
Many individuals and groups are working to ensure that ALL CHILDREN have a full backpack and nice things for this starting point…a “level playing field” on which to begin the school year. But like the teacher interviewing twice in the same dress, I pray that what is important is the nurturing of the hearts and minds of these precious youngsters. And I pray that like my superintendent, we look beyond the outward adornments and see what God sees…the inner person.
What will others see if they scrape away the layers and look at you? Will they even get that far…or have you covered up with so much effort to fit in and be like everyone else (or someone else altogether) that the Christian disciple whom God has called you to be is buried beyond recognition? Let this be the day that you remove the facade and allow your “servant self” to shine brightly. Be the best possible form of you that God has designed. Let others see someone they really want to be around – and emulate. This can be something of a fresh start for all of us. What will you make of yours?
©2016 Debbie Robus
As a follower of the Lord, I order you to stop living like stupid, godless people. Their minds are in the dark, and they are stubborn and ignorant and have missed out on the life that comes from God. They no longer have any feelings about what is right, and they are so greedy that they do all kinds of indecent things.
But that isn’t what you were taught about Jesus Christ. He is the truth, and you heard about him and learned about him. You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits. Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg and I spent one year back in our home town of Heber Springs after college before returning to Russellville, Arkansas, the “college town” where we began our life together. When I went to interview for a teaching position in Russellville, I first appeared before an “interview committee” that consisted of teachers and administrators from the district. I wore my best dress (actually, it was almost my ONLY dress – a graduation gift made for me by Mother) and tried to make my best impression.
Two weeks later, I received a “call-back” from the superintendent for a personal interview. I had no opportunity to find a new dress for my Saturday morning appointment. So I swallowed hard and wore that same green dotted dress.
The superintendent was kind, and the interview went well. Much to my chagrin, he noticed that I was wearing the same dress. I wanted the floor to open and swallow me whole. But he said, “That helped me to remember you from the first interview!” Instead of this being a deterrent, this man turned it into a positive. And for the eight years that I taught in the Russellville School District, Mr. Harvey Young and I maintained a great working relationship. Mr. Young saw beyond my outward appearance to my professional capabilities. I hope he noted that my concern was more with what I could do for the children than whether I wore a new dress to the interview.
What we say and do matters. Appearance is important…but it’s not about name brand clothing or “knowing the right people.” God calls us to stick our nose to the grindstone and “git-r-done” as He has directed. Whatever and wherever He has called us to serve, we are expected to show up and show out for Him. Often, this means letting go of some old habits – and maybe an old association or two. We are known by the company we keep…and while God wants us to love ALL people, He calls us to be careful about where and how we associate with a few of them.
This tax-free weekend, many of us will scramble to amass back-to-school items for kiddos. We will think about the “fresh start” for children and teachers on August 15 (for Arkansas), and we will anticipate how nice everyone looks in their new clothes, toting new backpacks filled with fresh supplies. It’s a “clean slate,” so to speak.
Many individuals and groups are working to ensure that ALL CHILDREN have a full backpack and nice things for this starting point…a “level playing field” on which to begin the school year. But like the teacher interviewing twice in the same dress, I pray that what is important is the nurturing of the hearts and minds of these precious youngsters. And I pray that like my superintendent, we look beyond the outward adornments and see what God sees…the inner person.
What will others see if they scrape away the layers and look at you? Will they even get that far…or have you covered up with so much effort to fit in and be like everyone else (or someone else altogether) that the Christian disciple whom God has called you to be is buried beyond recognition? Let this be the day that you remove the facade and allow your “servant self” to shine brightly. Be the best possible form of you that God has designed. Let others see someone they really want to be around – and emulate. This can be something of a fresh start for all of us. What will you make of yours?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 5, 2016
Ephesians 4:14-16
We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, Timothy made a Lego® creation he dubbed “Trash Can Monster.” The “body” of this guy was the “trash can” from his Lego® set. As the creature took shape Timothy looked at Greg and me and said, “This guy needs a head! Every creature needs a head!” I thought of this as we looked at this scripture passage together this afternoon.
Jesus is the “head” of our body. I read this scripture passage from Ephesians 4 to Timothy and asked him what he thought it meant. First he said, “We need to stop acting like babies and act like teenagers. We need to quit crying when we have to clean up our room…and we need to not argue with our ‘loves and dears’ (he means adults!).” I asked him about the head and body verses, and he said, “Well, without a head, you can’t see where you are going!”
Sometimes, it pays to talk to seven-year-olds and get their perspective. See, Timothy gets it! Without Jesus to be our “eyes, ears, and brain…our head,” our body cannot function properly. His love fuels us and sustains us. Christ’s truth leads us and steers us in the right direction.
There are plenty of influences that want to fill us with lies and trick us into believing things we shouldn’t. I’ve seen some pretty slick and convincing talkers in my day…haven’t you? But this is where we have to listen to our “loves and dears” and learn to discern who is telling us the truth – and Who really has our back!
Read this passage again…because it’s really rich! It’s time for us to grow up…to recognize that our “creature” needs a “Head” – Jesus Christ. We need to operate in His love and truth – always…to grow more like Him every day. Jesus holds our lives together and makes each of us work perfectly as individuals – and as a collective “body.” His love strengthens us and helps us to stand up for truth – and to stand against the lies and deceit of those who deal in falsehoods.
How close are you to Jesus today? As you build your “body” and grow in His love and knowledge, are you fully surrendered to His truth? Is Jesus really the “head” of your body? Isn’t it time He became your ultimate “Love and Dear?” Will this be the day that you move in that direction, once and for all?
©2016 Debbie Robus
We must stop acting like children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place. Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and becomes strong because of love.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, Timothy made a Lego® creation he dubbed “Trash Can Monster.” The “body” of this guy was the “trash can” from his Lego® set. As the creature took shape Timothy looked at Greg and me and said, “This guy needs a head! Every creature needs a head!” I thought of this as we looked at this scripture passage together this afternoon.
Jesus is the “head” of our body. I read this scripture passage from Ephesians 4 to Timothy and asked him what he thought it meant. First he said, “We need to stop acting like babies and act like teenagers. We need to quit crying when we have to clean up our room…and we need to not argue with our ‘loves and dears’ (he means adults!).” I asked him about the head and body verses, and he said, “Well, without a head, you can’t see where you are going!”
Sometimes, it pays to talk to seven-year-olds and get their perspective. See, Timothy gets it! Without Jesus to be our “eyes, ears, and brain…our head,” our body cannot function properly. His love fuels us and sustains us. Christ’s truth leads us and steers us in the right direction.
There are plenty of influences that want to fill us with lies and trick us into believing things we shouldn’t. I’ve seen some pretty slick and convincing talkers in my day…haven’t you? But this is where we have to listen to our “loves and dears” and learn to discern who is telling us the truth – and Who really has our back!
Read this passage again…because it’s really rich! It’s time for us to grow up…to recognize that our “creature” needs a “Head” – Jesus Christ. We need to operate in His love and truth – always…to grow more like Him every day. Jesus holds our lives together and makes each of us work perfectly as individuals – and as a collective “body.” His love strengthens us and helps us to stand up for truth – and to stand against the lies and deceit of those who deal in falsehoods.
How close are you to Jesus today? As you build your “body” and grow in His love and knowledge, are you fully surrendered to His truth? Is Jesus really the “head” of your body? Isn’t it time He became your ultimate “Love and Dear?” Will this be the day that you move in that direction, once and for all?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 4, 2016
Ephesians 4:7, 11-13
However, Christ has given each of us special abilities—whatever he wants us to have out of his rich storehouse of gifts.
Some of us have been given special ability as apostles; to others he has given the gift of being able to preach well; some have special ability in winning people to Christ, helping them to trust him as their Savior; still others have a gift for caring for God’s people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God.
Why is it that he gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity; until finally we all believe alike about our salvation and about our Savior, God’s Son, and all become full-grown in the Lord—yes, to the point of being filled full with Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In recent days, a video appeared on Facebook of a group of school-aged children who were standing against the wall of a light-colored brick building. Someone opened the spray nozzle on a water hose and totally soaked the children as they stood completely still against the wall. When everyone moved away from the wall, the outline of their little bodies remained…in a variety of poses and positions that were perfectly captured as they “froze” in place for this soaking.
You could almost “see” their little personalities coming through…imagine what sort of child stood where. Each was unique - and precious. You could also get a sense for the group at large. The individuals made up a collective story…and it was momentarily told on a wall of wet bricks.
I thought of this video as I read these verses from Ephesians 4. We are all unique and precious to God. He thinks enough of each of us to give us special gifts…to entrust us with skills and abilities that will in some way further His Kingdom. As the scripture points out, God does this to build up His church. He knows that when we all “stand against the wall together,” we make a unified picture of what it means to become “full-grown in the Lord.”
If God were to line you up along a wall with a group of your friends and family members and douse you, what sort of image would emerge? What would others see…particularly un-believers? Would the love of Jesus Christ shine through? Would onlookers find an encourager…preacher…confidante…shepherd…leader and teacher among those outlines? Would there be prayer warriors…behind-the-scenes “worker bees”…and healers in the mix? Would the spirit of grace, mercy, forgiveness, hope, peace and promise be evident? Would each person be using his/her God-given gifts in the best possible manner…including you?
God has given each of us gifts that equip us to fulfill our role in His earthly mission. It is up to you to figure out where you excel…and what God wants you to do. How are well are you managing your gifts these days? If you moved away from God’s “wall,” what would your lingering outline tell others about your relationship with Him? Isn’t it time you knew?
©2016 Debbie Robus
However, Christ has given each of us special abilities—whatever he wants us to have out of his rich storehouse of gifts.
Some of us have been given special ability as apostles; to others he has given the gift of being able to preach well; some have special ability in winning people to Christ, helping them to trust him as their Savior; still others have a gift for caring for God’s people as a shepherd does his sheep, leading and teaching them in the ways of God.
Why is it that he gives us these special abilities to do certain things best? It is that God’s people will be equipped to do better work for him, building up the Church, the body of Christ, to a position of strength and maturity; until finally we all believe alike about our salvation and about our Savior, God’s Son, and all become full-grown in the Lord—yes, to the point of being filled full with Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In recent days, a video appeared on Facebook of a group of school-aged children who were standing against the wall of a light-colored brick building. Someone opened the spray nozzle on a water hose and totally soaked the children as they stood completely still against the wall. When everyone moved away from the wall, the outline of their little bodies remained…in a variety of poses and positions that were perfectly captured as they “froze” in place for this soaking.
You could almost “see” their little personalities coming through…imagine what sort of child stood where. Each was unique - and precious. You could also get a sense for the group at large. The individuals made up a collective story…and it was momentarily told on a wall of wet bricks.
I thought of this video as I read these verses from Ephesians 4. We are all unique and precious to God. He thinks enough of each of us to give us special gifts…to entrust us with skills and abilities that will in some way further His Kingdom. As the scripture points out, God does this to build up His church. He knows that when we all “stand against the wall together,” we make a unified picture of what it means to become “full-grown in the Lord.”
If God were to line you up along a wall with a group of your friends and family members and douse you, what sort of image would emerge? What would others see…particularly un-believers? Would the love of Jesus Christ shine through? Would onlookers find an encourager…preacher…confidante…shepherd…leader and teacher among those outlines? Would there be prayer warriors…behind-the-scenes “worker bees”…and healers in the mix? Would the spirit of grace, mercy, forgiveness, hope, peace and promise be evident? Would each person be using his/her God-given gifts in the best possible manner…including you?
God has given each of us gifts that equip us to fulfill our role in His earthly mission. It is up to you to figure out where you excel…and what God wants you to do. How are well are you managing your gifts these days? If you moved away from God’s “wall,” what would your lingering outline tell others about your relationship with Him? Isn’t it time you knew?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 3, 2016
Ephesians 4:5-6
For us there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and we all have the same God and Father who is over us all and in us all, and living through every part of us.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today is Nathan’s fourth birthday. All three children came to visit us for the day while their parents were at work. Nathan immediately spotted the birthday gifts we had wrapped and placed on the table for him, so he opened those right away…a Paw Patrol book, a Spider-Man mask that talks, and a Spider-Man glove that makes noises like it is “shooting webs.” Zola watched with anticipation as each gift was unwrapped…and she even helped with the more difficult task of removing ribbons from the packages. Timothy stood on the fringes and pretended not to care…but he was more than a little interested in the new toys.
Even at 7, 5 and 4 years of age, these children have interesting and unique personalities. Still, there are common denominators. They all have the capacity to be loving and spontaneously appreciative. They all enjoy swimming, Batman and other superheroes, and certain television programs…like Paw Patrol, Team Umizoomi, and Max and Ruby. They all love pizza - and dislike taking naps! All three will do just about anything to “earn” a LifeSavers® candy!
Like any children, there are times when each sibling is “on one” and tries our last nerve. They occasionally test the limits…say things to see how we will react…and stand their ground in stubborn protest when things do not go their way. They can bicker with each other and take a swing with the best of ‘em! Sibling rivalry is very much in full force with these three!
But at the end of the day, these precious little ones love each other fiercely…and we adore them. And that is how it is supposed to be. This is also how it should be among us as Christian brothers and sisters. We are unique individuals…but part of one body…with one Father who adores us and loves us unconditionally. He is in charge…we are called to faithfully obey Him and serve at His pleasure.
God does not call all of us in the same way – or to perform the same tasks. He designed us to have unique characteristics, thoughts and ideas – and yes, to sometimes be different. There will be occasions when we disagree – perhaps even bicker a bit. But this must not last – or worse yet, fester into something serious. We must carefully check our thoughts, words and actions and remember that we are part of a very special and important family…and we have to make every effort to get along with our “siblings.”
Nothing warms my heart more than to see our three little ones sharing – or hugging each other. I almost melt when one encourages another, shows him/her kindness and courtesy and says, “You’re doing a great job!” It makes my day when they receive a special treat and ask, “What about the others?” As much as children can understand what it means to be part of a family, these three are starting to get it. And God wants you and me to get it, too. In fact, we don’t have the “excuse” of being 7, 5, and four! God has to be constantly shaking His head at how pigheaded and unkind we can often be toward each other!
Today, spend some time in prayer and communication with God. Ask Him to show you where you may have missed the mark with your “brothers and sisters” in Christ. Call on Him to help you turn these situations around…to do better moving forward…and to always, ALWAYS remember WHOSE you are before you speak or make a move. You and I are very much God’s precious little ones…His pride and joy. Are we acting like it? Isn’t it time we did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
For us there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and we all have the same God and Father who is over us all and in us all, and living through every part of us.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today is Nathan’s fourth birthday. All three children came to visit us for the day while their parents were at work. Nathan immediately spotted the birthday gifts we had wrapped and placed on the table for him, so he opened those right away…a Paw Patrol book, a Spider-Man mask that talks, and a Spider-Man glove that makes noises like it is “shooting webs.” Zola watched with anticipation as each gift was unwrapped…and she even helped with the more difficult task of removing ribbons from the packages. Timothy stood on the fringes and pretended not to care…but he was more than a little interested in the new toys.
Even at 7, 5 and 4 years of age, these children have interesting and unique personalities. Still, there are common denominators. They all have the capacity to be loving and spontaneously appreciative. They all enjoy swimming, Batman and other superheroes, and certain television programs…like Paw Patrol, Team Umizoomi, and Max and Ruby. They all love pizza - and dislike taking naps! All three will do just about anything to “earn” a LifeSavers® candy!
Like any children, there are times when each sibling is “on one” and tries our last nerve. They occasionally test the limits…say things to see how we will react…and stand their ground in stubborn protest when things do not go their way. They can bicker with each other and take a swing with the best of ‘em! Sibling rivalry is very much in full force with these three!
But at the end of the day, these precious little ones love each other fiercely…and we adore them. And that is how it is supposed to be. This is also how it should be among us as Christian brothers and sisters. We are unique individuals…but part of one body…with one Father who adores us and loves us unconditionally. He is in charge…we are called to faithfully obey Him and serve at His pleasure.
God does not call all of us in the same way – or to perform the same tasks. He designed us to have unique characteristics, thoughts and ideas – and yes, to sometimes be different. There will be occasions when we disagree – perhaps even bicker a bit. But this must not last – or worse yet, fester into something serious. We must carefully check our thoughts, words and actions and remember that we are part of a very special and important family…and we have to make every effort to get along with our “siblings.”
Nothing warms my heart more than to see our three little ones sharing – or hugging each other. I almost melt when one encourages another, shows him/her kindness and courtesy and says, “You’re doing a great job!” It makes my day when they receive a special treat and ask, “What about the others?” As much as children can understand what it means to be part of a family, these three are starting to get it. And God wants you and me to get it, too. In fact, we don’t have the “excuse” of being 7, 5, and four! God has to be constantly shaking His head at how pigheaded and unkind we can often be toward each other!
Today, spend some time in prayer and communication with God. Ask Him to show you where you may have missed the mark with your “brothers and sisters” in Christ. Call on Him to help you turn these situations around…to do better moving forward…and to always, ALWAYS remember WHOSE you are before you speak or make a move. You and I are very much God’s precious little ones…His pride and joy. Are we acting like it? Isn’t it time we did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 2, 2016
Ephesians 4:1-4
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For almost a year now, our soon-to-be-four-year-old nephew, Nathan, has spent Mondays and Fridays with us while his parents worked and his older siblings went to school. We’ve had a lot of fun together…and in the course of this year, we developed our own little routine. So when summer break happened, and Timothy and Zola started to come to our house on Mondays and Fridays along with Nathan, there were some definite adjustments to be made. Have I mentioned that Nathan really doesn’t like to share?!
Just yesterday, Nathan would start a puzzle and insist that Greg or I sat with him…not to help – but to observe. “Just watch me,” he would say. He knew that if we sat with HIM, we could not spend time with his sister, Zola. When Zola decided to take a bubble bath, Nathan said, “Let’s go to your office for some alone time, Debbie. We need some alone time…right?”
For all of this little guy’s jealousy, he can also be patient and gentle with his sibs. While Zola worked a jigsaw puzzle that Nathan had earned for good behavior, he encouraged her…”You’re doing a good job, Zo!” Often, when I will have something for one child, he/she will ask, “Do you have something for the others?” At the end of the day…far beyond typical sibling rivalry…the hearts of these children are united.
We can learn a LOT from observing the relationship of three young siblings. We can see their struggles to have individual thoughts and ideas…to be validated in their own right. But we can also see how they work out their difficulties with each other. Often, with very little prodding from adults…they DO figure it all out and make amends. So why can’t we keep doing that as we get older?
There is such a divisive spirit in our country right now. It’s prevalent everywhere you turn – even in our churches. Everyone wants to be right, as if we are vying for the front-row seat at the feet of Jesus, and we dare not allow another to get ahead of us in the “Praise and Recognition Department!” We can never admit lack in any way. We cannot concede that we might be mistaken – or worse…that the other guy is right! Apologies and petitions for forgiveness are NOT an option. Humility is seen as a sign of great weakness.
In the first four verses of Ephesians 4, we find a wonderful model for how to conduct our lives as Christians. The very first sentence tells us pretty much all that we need to know…”live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.” A big part of why we act as we do is our innate desire to be loved and accepted. Let’s get one thing straight…if you have given your heart to Jesus and claimed Him as your Savior, you are forever loved and accepted by God Almighty! You don’t need anything – or anyone – else!
Let’s all agree to spend some time in prayer – for each other and our world. Let’s ask God to reveal to us where we are living selfishly…where we refuse to share and to speak and act with humility and respect for the other person. Let’s figure out where we fail to acknowledge that God’s love is big enough to include ANYONE who wants in on it…and ask God to fix this!
There is nothing with a little “alone time” with God. But when our heart is not united with the rest of God’s children…when we demand an exclusive relationship with Him – even at the expense of other people and their thoughts and feelings…we have missed the mark - and the essence of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We can turn this around, with God’s help. But we have to start the ball rolling by doing our part. I’m in…are you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace. All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For almost a year now, our soon-to-be-four-year-old nephew, Nathan, has spent Mondays and Fridays with us while his parents worked and his older siblings went to school. We’ve had a lot of fun together…and in the course of this year, we developed our own little routine. So when summer break happened, and Timothy and Zola started to come to our house on Mondays and Fridays along with Nathan, there were some definite adjustments to be made. Have I mentioned that Nathan really doesn’t like to share?!
Just yesterday, Nathan would start a puzzle and insist that Greg or I sat with him…not to help – but to observe. “Just watch me,” he would say. He knew that if we sat with HIM, we could not spend time with his sister, Zola. When Zola decided to take a bubble bath, Nathan said, “Let’s go to your office for some alone time, Debbie. We need some alone time…right?”
For all of this little guy’s jealousy, he can also be patient and gentle with his sibs. While Zola worked a jigsaw puzzle that Nathan had earned for good behavior, he encouraged her…”You’re doing a good job, Zo!” Often, when I will have something for one child, he/she will ask, “Do you have something for the others?” At the end of the day…far beyond typical sibling rivalry…the hearts of these children are united.
We can learn a LOT from observing the relationship of three young siblings. We can see their struggles to have individual thoughts and ideas…to be validated in their own right. But we can also see how they work out their difficulties with each other. Often, with very little prodding from adults…they DO figure it all out and make amends. So why can’t we keep doing that as we get older?
There is such a divisive spirit in our country right now. It’s prevalent everywhere you turn – even in our churches. Everyone wants to be right, as if we are vying for the front-row seat at the feet of Jesus, and we dare not allow another to get ahead of us in the “Praise and Recognition Department!” We can never admit lack in any way. We cannot concede that we might be mistaken – or worse…that the other guy is right! Apologies and petitions for forgiveness are NOT an option. Humility is seen as a sign of great weakness.
In the first four verses of Ephesians 4, we find a wonderful model for how to conduct our lives as Christians. The very first sentence tells us pretty much all that we need to know…”live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own.” A big part of why we act as we do is our innate desire to be loved and accepted. Let’s get one thing straight…if you have given your heart to Jesus and claimed Him as your Savior, you are forever loved and accepted by God Almighty! You don’t need anything – or anyone – else!
Let’s all agree to spend some time in prayer – for each other and our world. Let’s ask God to reveal to us where we are living selfishly…where we refuse to share and to speak and act with humility and respect for the other person. Let’s figure out where we fail to acknowledge that God’s love is big enough to include ANYONE who wants in on it…and ask God to fix this!
There is nothing with a little “alone time” with God. But when our heart is not united with the rest of God’s children…when we demand an exclusive relationship with Him – even at the expense of other people and their thoughts and feelings…we have missed the mark - and the essence of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We can turn this around, with God’s help. But we have to start the ball rolling by doing our part. I’m in…are you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 1, 2016
Acts 7:54-60
When the council members heard Stephen’s speech, they were angry and furious. But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked toward heaven, where he saw our glorious God and Jesus standing at his right side. Then Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!”
The council members shouted and covered their ears. At once they all attacked Stephen and dragged him out of the city. Then they started throwing stones at him. The men who had brought charges against him put their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As Stephen was being stoned to death, he called out, “Lord Jesus, please welcome me!” He knelt down and shouted, “Lord, don’t blame them for what they have done.” Then he died.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On October 10, 2008, a woman stood up in a town hall meeting in Minnesota, and declared to Senator John McCain that Barack Obama was an Arab. As reported by Politico.com*, Senator McCain took the microphone from her and stated…"No, ma'am. He's a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that's what this campaign's all about. He's not [an Arab]."
This was a gutsy – and honest reply. But a lot of people did not like it. No doubt, these words cost John McCain some votes. I like to think that Senator McCain can live with peace of mind that he spoke the truth that day. To have said otherwise – or even ignored the woman’s comments – would have essentially been an endorsement of her statements by omission.
Most of us will never run for public office and have to worry about garnering votes. None of us will probably ever cause a full-blown riot with our words and actions…at least I hope not! Surely none of us will ever be stoned to death in a public square for preaching the Gospel of Jesus – or speaking the truth on any issue. But many of us will suffer consequences for our obedience as we say and do what God tells us.
We will lose friends and relationships…maybe engage in an argument or two…and possibly be ostracized by some. I know that I have been “unfriended” by a few people on Facebook – and blocked by others on e-mail. Some have asked to be removed from the list to receive these Daily Devotionals because of what I said in them. It’s not the same as the stoning of Stephen – not by a long shot! But these actions still have an impact on us as we strive to be obedient to God's message.
No one ever said that serving as a Christian Disciple…or standing up for the truth…was going to be easy. When we take a stand and speak as God directs us, there will be some who will take offense…and take out their frustrations on us and others. Acts 6:15 tells us…”As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!” The glow of the Holy Spirit was visibly evident on his face…even as he was pummeled and asked God to forgive those who were participating in his murder.
I cannot fathom that level of faithfulness and obedience…and I would never wish to be tortured or murdered for my truthfulness. But I sure would like to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit – and more obedient to God’s directives for my life. Wouldn’t you? What are you willing to do to make that happen? Will this be the day that you start to find out?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://www.politico.com/story/2008/10/mccain-obama-not-an-arab-crowd-boos-014479#ixzz4G6L0keIj
When the council members heard Stephen’s speech, they were angry and furious. But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked toward heaven, where he saw our glorious God and Jesus standing at his right side. Then Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God!”
The council members shouted and covered their ears. At once they all attacked Stephen and dragged him out of the city. Then they started throwing stones at him. The men who had brought charges against him put their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As Stephen was being stoned to death, he called out, “Lord Jesus, please welcome me!” He knelt down and shouted, “Lord, don’t blame them for what they have done.” Then he died.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On October 10, 2008, a woman stood up in a town hall meeting in Minnesota, and declared to Senator John McCain that Barack Obama was an Arab. As reported by Politico.com*, Senator McCain took the microphone from her and stated…"No, ma'am. He's a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that's what this campaign's all about. He's not [an Arab]."
This was a gutsy – and honest reply. But a lot of people did not like it. No doubt, these words cost John McCain some votes. I like to think that Senator McCain can live with peace of mind that he spoke the truth that day. To have said otherwise – or even ignored the woman’s comments – would have essentially been an endorsement of her statements by omission.
Most of us will never run for public office and have to worry about garnering votes. None of us will probably ever cause a full-blown riot with our words and actions…at least I hope not! Surely none of us will ever be stoned to death in a public square for preaching the Gospel of Jesus – or speaking the truth on any issue. But many of us will suffer consequences for our obedience as we say and do what God tells us.
We will lose friends and relationships…maybe engage in an argument or two…and possibly be ostracized by some. I know that I have been “unfriended” by a few people on Facebook – and blocked by others on e-mail. Some have asked to be removed from the list to receive these Daily Devotionals because of what I said in them. It’s not the same as the stoning of Stephen – not by a long shot! But these actions still have an impact on us as we strive to be obedient to God's message.
No one ever said that serving as a Christian Disciple…or standing up for the truth…was going to be easy. When we take a stand and speak as God directs us, there will be some who will take offense…and take out their frustrations on us and others. Acts 6:15 tells us…”As all those who sat on the High Council looked at Stephen, they found they couldn’t take their eyes off him—his face was like the face of an angel!” The glow of the Holy Spirit was visibly evident on his face…even as he was pummeled and asked God to forgive those who were participating in his murder.
I cannot fathom that level of faithfulness and obedience…and I would never wish to be tortured or murdered for my truthfulness. But I sure would like to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit – and more obedient to God’s directives for my life. Wouldn’t you? What are you willing to do to make that happen? Will this be the day that you start to find out?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://www.politico.com/story/2008/10/mccain-obama-not-an-arab-crowd-boos-014479#ixzz4G6L0keIj
Daily Devotional for July 31, 2016
Acts 5:36-41
But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God’s Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time, then said, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds.
“So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!”
That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus’ name and sent them off.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A friend shared a “Facebook memory” of a beautiful picture of his house, taken during one of our infrequent winter snowfalls back in 2010. The caption read, “This weather is awful, I'll be so glad when it warms up!” Our forecast for the coming week includes actual temperatures of 100 degrees and up…with heat indexes in the 100+-degree range! I laughingly replied to my friend, “Be careful what we wish for…right?”
In the case of this passage from Acts 5, you have to know a little back story to fully grasp its importance. I encourage you to go back and read the previous verses and see for yourself how the Apostles were jailed for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And yet, an angel came and released them, the Apostles returned to the temple to preach – and people listened. The authorities were furious and wanted to punish the Apostles for this. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel suggested that these men think about all of this and not jump to a hasty conclusion.
Two things in particular resonate with me about this passage…1) Gamaliel’s suggestion that …“If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!” and 2) the notation that the Apostles were whipped and sent packing.
There are a lot of times when we try to take matters into our own hands rather than wait for God to work. As Gamaliel pointed out with a couple of examples, we sometimes make a royal mess of things! We would be better served to stop, look, listen…and proceed prayerfully. Often, it would be best if we did nothing and gave God the time and space to work. I know this goes against the nature of many of us…but as this passage points out, “fighting against God is never a good idea.”
The other point has to do with the punishment of the Apostles. If God could send an angel to bust them out of jail, He could certainly have spared them the whipping and exile. But there are times when God allows our faith to be tested. He may let us endure the displeasure – and unkind remarks and treatment – from others. He may not make every single person our friend and ally. God wants us to rely on HIM…not others…and He never wants us to become smug and arrogant. So sometimes, God challenges our strength and resolve by allowing us to endure some discomfort. But He NEVER deserts us!
This hit home with me today as I thought of some of the unkind – and downright hateful – things that are being said and posted in the heat of world events…particularly this presidential election season. I reminded myself that I pray about these matters…but I don’t always hand them off to God like I should. I also noted that not everyone will agree with me, like me – or treat me kindly…and that’s okay. As long as I am making every effort to operate within the will of God…to listen for His voice - and follow His lead – He will bless my efforts in the end, and all will be well.
“Be careful what you wish for” is a good motto for all of us…with regard to everything from the weather to politics to how we treat others in the name of Jesus and represent His message. We must quit telling God how to handle things and allow Him to implement His plans. And we must be willing to be His agent - however and wherever He places us. I’m ready to go all in with this...what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God’s Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time, then said, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds.
“So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!”
That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus’ name and sent them off.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A friend shared a “Facebook memory” of a beautiful picture of his house, taken during one of our infrequent winter snowfalls back in 2010. The caption read, “This weather is awful, I'll be so glad when it warms up!” Our forecast for the coming week includes actual temperatures of 100 degrees and up…with heat indexes in the 100+-degree range! I laughingly replied to my friend, “Be careful what we wish for…right?”
In the case of this passage from Acts 5, you have to know a little back story to fully grasp its importance. I encourage you to go back and read the previous verses and see for yourself how the Apostles were jailed for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And yet, an angel came and released them, the Apostles returned to the temple to preach – and people listened. The authorities were furious and wanted to punish the Apostles for this. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel suggested that these men think about all of this and not jump to a hasty conclusion.
Two things in particular resonate with me about this passage…1) Gamaliel’s suggestion that …“If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!” and 2) the notation that the Apostles were whipped and sent packing.
There are a lot of times when we try to take matters into our own hands rather than wait for God to work. As Gamaliel pointed out with a couple of examples, we sometimes make a royal mess of things! We would be better served to stop, look, listen…and proceed prayerfully. Often, it would be best if we did nothing and gave God the time and space to work. I know this goes against the nature of many of us…but as this passage points out, “fighting against God is never a good idea.”
The other point has to do with the punishment of the Apostles. If God could send an angel to bust them out of jail, He could certainly have spared them the whipping and exile. But there are times when God allows our faith to be tested. He may let us endure the displeasure – and unkind remarks and treatment – from others. He may not make every single person our friend and ally. God wants us to rely on HIM…not others…and He never wants us to become smug and arrogant. So sometimes, God challenges our strength and resolve by allowing us to endure some discomfort. But He NEVER deserts us!
This hit home with me today as I thought of some of the unkind – and downright hateful – things that are being said and posted in the heat of world events…particularly this presidential election season. I reminded myself that I pray about these matters…but I don’t always hand them off to God like I should. I also noted that not everyone will agree with me, like me – or treat me kindly…and that’s okay. As long as I am making every effort to operate within the will of God…to listen for His voice - and follow His lead – He will bless my efforts in the end, and all will be well.
“Be careful what you wish for” is a good motto for all of us…with regard to everything from the weather to politics to how we treat others in the name of Jesus and represent His message. We must quit telling God how to handle things and allow Him to implement His plans. And we must be willing to be His agent - however and wherever He places us. I’m ready to go all in with this...what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 30, 2016
Acts 5:13-16
Meanwhile, the apostles were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Hall, and they did many remarkable miracles among the people. The other believers didn’t dare join them, though, but all had the highest regard for them. And more and more believers were added to the Lord, crowds both of men and women. Sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow would fall across some of them as he went by! And crowds came in from the Jerusalem suburbs, bringing their sick folk and those possessed by demons; and every one of them was healed.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, I met my niece and her husband and children at our local library for an end-of-summer program for the children. This was the third year that the summer reading program has culminated with a performance by a magician named “Tommy Terrific.” Our children LOVE Tommy Terrific, and they were all three excited about seeing him again today.
When we went into the room, “Tommy” was sitting on the back row. Zola readily took a front-row seat on the floor to be ready for his performance. Timothy and Nathan sat with the adults - in the seats next to “Tommy!” He spoke to all of us, and we said “Hello” to him. When the show began, Timothy moved to the floor for a better view, but Nathan held back on his mother’s lap. He wanted to participate and see everything clearly, but he was reluctant to step through the other children to sit beside his brother and sister.
I thought of Nathan when I read this scripture passage…particularly the verse that says, “The other believers didn’t dare join them, though, but all had the highest regard for them.” We read in this passage about amazing miracles and wonders being performed in Jesus’ name by the Apostles. We read that people were so faithful that they believed that even the passing of Peter’s shadow could heal them! We read that other believers wanted to see what was going on and be a part of these amazing events. But something kept them from fully participating.
I believe that something keeps a lot of us from fully participating in the missions and ministries to which God has called us. We want to be fully engaged…but something keeps us from truly stepping up – and out – for His purposes. We hang back on the fringes…observe from afar…whisper a quiet word or two of support. But in the end, we miss the full blessing of serving God completely and unabashedly.
We don’t have to turn into zealots or “Jesus freaks”…but most of us do need to develop a bolder approach in our demonstrations of Christian faith. We need to listen to that “still, small voice” that whispers for us to reach out to someone…to pick up the phone, write a note, or offer a smile and a hug. We need to be more attuned to that nudge from God to step up and offer a hand to someone who is fumbling with a particular item or issue…to volunteer our services in some capacity that might not feel totally comfortable to us - but still seems like the right thing to do.
We need to accept God’s challenge to speak kindness to another…to offer to pray with someone who needs encouragement or healing (and not just for them in the privacy of our own space)…to kindly, courageously, and respectfully speak out against injustices and encourage Godly words and actions from others. We need to demonstrate a faith so strong that we believe that God could use even our shadow passing over another to heal him/her - were He to so desire.
There isn’t any time to waste. The day of sitting on the sidelines needs to end. It’s time to get in the game and fully participate as a Disciple of Christ. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.* The time has come for us to all get busy and go the extra mile on His behalf. Are you ready to begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*Psalm 118:24
Meanwhile, the apostles were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Hall, and they did many remarkable miracles among the people. The other believers didn’t dare join them, though, but all had the highest regard for them. And more and more believers were added to the Lord, crowds both of men and women. Sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow would fall across some of them as he went by! And crowds came in from the Jerusalem suburbs, bringing their sick folk and those possessed by demons; and every one of them was healed.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, I met my niece and her husband and children at our local library for an end-of-summer program for the children. This was the third year that the summer reading program has culminated with a performance by a magician named “Tommy Terrific.” Our children LOVE Tommy Terrific, and they were all three excited about seeing him again today.
When we went into the room, “Tommy” was sitting on the back row. Zola readily took a front-row seat on the floor to be ready for his performance. Timothy and Nathan sat with the adults - in the seats next to “Tommy!” He spoke to all of us, and we said “Hello” to him. When the show began, Timothy moved to the floor for a better view, but Nathan held back on his mother’s lap. He wanted to participate and see everything clearly, but he was reluctant to step through the other children to sit beside his brother and sister.
I thought of Nathan when I read this scripture passage…particularly the verse that says, “The other believers didn’t dare join them, though, but all had the highest regard for them.” We read in this passage about amazing miracles and wonders being performed in Jesus’ name by the Apostles. We read that people were so faithful that they believed that even the passing of Peter’s shadow could heal them! We read that other believers wanted to see what was going on and be a part of these amazing events. But something kept them from fully participating.
I believe that something keeps a lot of us from fully participating in the missions and ministries to which God has called us. We want to be fully engaged…but something keeps us from truly stepping up – and out – for His purposes. We hang back on the fringes…observe from afar…whisper a quiet word or two of support. But in the end, we miss the full blessing of serving God completely and unabashedly.
We don’t have to turn into zealots or “Jesus freaks”…but most of us do need to develop a bolder approach in our demonstrations of Christian faith. We need to listen to that “still, small voice” that whispers for us to reach out to someone…to pick up the phone, write a note, or offer a smile and a hug. We need to be more attuned to that nudge from God to step up and offer a hand to someone who is fumbling with a particular item or issue…to volunteer our services in some capacity that might not feel totally comfortable to us - but still seems like the right thing to do.
We need to accept God’s challenge to speak kindness to another…to offer to pray with someone who needs encouragement or healing (and not just for them in the privacy of our own space)…to kindly, courageously, and respectfully speak out against injustices and encourage Godly words and actions from others. We need to demonstrate a faith so strong that we believe that God could use even our shadow passing over another to heal him/her - were He to so desire.
There isn’t any time to waste. The day of sitting on the sidelines needs to end. It’s time to get in the game and fully participate as a Disciple of Christ. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.* The time has come for us to all get busy and go the extra mile on His behalf. Are you ready to begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*Psalm 118:24
Daily Devotional for July 29, 2016
Acts 15:13-19
James broke the silence. “Friends, listen. Simeon has told us the story of how God at the very outset made sure that racial outsiders were included. This is in perfect agreement with the words of the prophets:
After this, I’m coming back;
I’ll rebuild David’s ruined house;
I’ll put all the pieces together again;
I’ll make it look like new
So outsiders who seek will find,
so they’ll have a place to come to,
All the pagan peoples
included in what I’m doing.
“God said it and now he’s doing it. It’s no afterthought; he’s always known he would do this. So here is my decision: We’re not going to unnecessarily burden non-Jewish people who turn to the Master.”
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.
At VBS one night, I asked the pre-schoolers, “Where is Jesus? Can we see Him?” No, they answered…Jesus is in Heaven. The children had heard the story from the Gospels about the disciples who were in a boat when a storm came, and Jesus stilled the seas and told them to “Be calm.” They knew that THESE men actually SAW Jesus. I explained that while WE don’t physically SEE Him…Jesus lives in our hearts and is always with us.
Our nephew, Nathan, was sitting in my lap during one session when I explained this, and he turned to me and asked, “But where is Granny?” “Granny is in Heaven,” I answered quietly, patting his leg to comfort him. “But is Granny in our hearts, too?” he continued. I was stopped in my tracks. “Yes, sweetie…Granny is always with us in our hearts, too.”
This almost-four-year-old little boy was able to make the leap from the concept of Jesus, Who is in Heaven, living in our hearts…to the idea that my mother – his great-grandmother – must be with us, too, since she resides in Heaven, as well. So why would it be a stretch for us to understand the full meaning – and inclusion – of this scripture passage? If scripture clearly tells us that believers of all races are welcome in the Kingdom of Heaven, how can we exclude anyone in any manner? If God’s love is offered to everyone, who are we to discriminate against, segregate, and denigrate any group of people – for any reason?
There are too many of us claiming the name of Jesus while disparaging others…and we apparently don’t grasp the irony – and disobedience – in our words and actions. If our behavior toward a single one of God’s children is questionable to even one other person, we have totally negated our Christian witness. I cannot state this any plainer. What we say and do matters. And God’s word – and His love - are available for everyone. If you do not agree with this, then I pray that you will get out your Bible, fall to your knees and ask God to reveal His true desires to you.
Are you a Christian disciple who carries Jesus in your heart at all times and shares His love with everyone else? Do you live in a way that demonstrates God’s love and acceptance for all others – and by default, your own, as well? Or do you pick and choose which groups of people “deserve” your attention, care and concern…and the “right” to belong to certain circles – even the family of believers? Are you ready to fully surrender to God and love as He has commanded…to serve Him wholeheartedly and embrace ALL people?
We have to get this right. God is calling on us to be obedient witnesses…and we don’t have a minute to waste! Are you ready to go the second mile with God? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
James broke the silence. “Friends, listen. Simeon has told us the story of how God at the very outset made sure that racial outsiders were included. This is in perfect agreement with the words of the prophets:
After this, I’m coming back;
I’ll rebuild David’s ruined house;
I’ll put all the pieces together again;
I’ll make it look like new
So outsiders who seek will find,
so they’ll have a place to come to,
All the pagan peoples
included in what I’m doing.
“God said it and now he’s doing it. It’s no afterthought; he’s always known he would do this. So here is my decision: We’re not going to unnecessarily burden non-Jewish people who turn to the Master.”
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.
At VBS one night, I asked the pre-schoolers, “Where is Jesus? Can we see Him?” No, they answered…Jesus is in Heaven. The children had heard the story from the Gospels about the disciples who were in a boat when a storm came, and Jesus stilled the seas and told them to “Be calm.” They knew that THESE men actually SAW Jesus. I explained that while WE don’t physically SEE Him…Jesus lives in our hearts and is always with us.
Our nephew, Nathan, was sitting in my lap during one session when I explained this, and he turned to me and asked, “But where is Granny?” “Granny is in Heaven,” I answered quietly, patting his leg to comfort him. “But is Granny in our hearts, too?” he continued. I was stopped in my tracks. “Yes, sweetie…Granny is always with us in our hearts, too.”
This almost-four-year-old little boy was able to make the leap from the concept of Jesus, Who is in Heaven, living in our hearts…to the idea that my mother – his great-grandmother – must be with us, too, since she resides in Heaven, as well. So why would it be a stretch for us to understand the full meaning – and inclusion – of this scripture passage? If scripture clearly tells us that believers of all races are welcome in the Kingdom of Heaven, how can we exclude anyone in any manner? If God’s love is offered to everyone, who are we to discriminate against, segregate, and denigrate any group of people – for any reason?
There are too many of us claiming the name of Jesus while disparaging others…and we apparently don’t grasp the irony – and disobedience – in our words and actions. If our behavior toward a single one of God’s children is questionable to even one other person, we have totally negated our Christian witness. I cannot state this any plainer. What we say and do matters. And God’s word – and His love - are available for everyone. If you do not agree with this, then I pray that you will get out your Bible, fall to your knees and ask God to reveal His true desires to you.
Are you a Christian disciple who carries Jesus in your heart at all times and shares His love with everyone else? Do you live in a way that demonstrates God’s love and acceptance for all others – and by default, your own, as well? Or do you pick and choose which groups of people “deserve” your attention, care and concern…and the “right” to belong to certain circles – even the family of believers? Are you ready to fully surrender to God and love as He has commanded…to serve Him wholeheartedly and embrace ALL people?
We have to get this right. God is calling on us to be obedient witnesses…and we don’t have a minute to waste! Are you ready to go the second mile with God? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 28, 2016
Acts 5:1-11
But a man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it.
Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to God.”
Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him.
Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?”
“Yes,” she said, “that price.”
Peter responded, “What’s going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you’re next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This story reminds me of a television commercial that aired in the 1970s for Chiffon margarine. A woman dressed in white and dubbed “Mother Nature” was given Chiffon margarine for her porridge, and she argued that she was eating butter. When the off-camera announcer insisted that she had been tricked – that she was eating Chiffon margarine instead, lightning flashed, thunder crashed, and she announced, “It’s not NICE to fool Mother Nature!”™
This ad became iconic…probably anyone alive in the seventies remembers - and thinks of it often in certain contexts. But as bad as it is to fool “Mother Nature,” it is far more serious to play fast and loose with God. I’m not saying that God will strike you dead if you lie to Him…although He could! But I do believe that when we are deceitful and dishonest – with ANYONE – we are treading on dangerous territory.
Remember the story from the Gospels where Jesus says that when we do something to – or for – the least among us, we have done this to/for Him. So when we lie, cheat, steal, undercut or mistreat ANYONE, we have as good as done this to Jesus – and our Heavenly Father.
I don’t believe that God causes bad things to happen to us…but I do think that sometimes He allows us to go through a few things – particularly when we have sinned and disobeyed Him. But let’s be honest…God is plenty capable of taking us out of this world if/when He wants. There have been a few times that I felt like maybe God called someone to Heaven to interrupt their sinful behavior(s) on this earth and the impact these had on others. God will not allow us to wreak havoc with His perfect plans, as the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 so clearly illustrate!
Search your heart today and see where you are harboring even the tiniest smidgeon of deception or ill will. Ask God to show you how you might be operating in dishonesty, trickery, rumors, hatred, fear mongering, and other sinful activities and behaviors. Humbly beg His forgiveness and vow to do better. The “Mother Nature” commercial was funny…and the tag line is STILL a good one. It’s not nice to fool “Mother Nature”™…but trying to deceive God is truly no laughing matter.
©2016 Debbie Robus
But a man named Ananias—his wife, Sapphira, conniving in this with him—sold a piece of land, secretly kept part of the price for himself, and then brought the rest to the apostles and made an offering of it.
Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to God.”
Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. The younger men went right to work and wrapped him up, then carried him out and buried him.
Not more than three hours later, his wife, knowing nothing of what had happened, came in. Peter said, “Tell me, were you given this price for your field?”
“Yes,” she said, “that price.”
Peter responded, “What’s going on here that you connived to conspire against the Spirit of the Master? The men who buried your husband are at the door, and you’re next.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than she also fell down, dead. When the young men returned they found her body. They carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
By this time the whole church and, in fact, everyone who heard of these things had a healthy respect for God. They knew God was not to be trifled with.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This story reminds me of a television commercial that aired in the 1970s for Chiffon margarine. A woman dressed in white and dubbed “Mother Nature” was given Chiffon margarine for her porridge, and she argued that she was eating butter. When the off-camera announcer insisted that she had been tricked – that she was eating Chiffon margarine instead, lightning flashed, thunder crashed, and she announced, “It’s not NICE to fool Mother Nature!”™
This ad became iconic…probably anyone alive in the seventies remembers - and thinks of it often in certain contexts. But as bad as it is to fool “Mother Nature,” it is far more serious to play fast and loose with God. I’m not saying that God will strike you dead if you lie to Him…although He could! But I do believe that when we are deceitful and dishonest – with ANYONE – we are treading on dangerous territory.
Remember the story from the Gospels where Jesus says that when we do something to – or for – the least among us, we have done this to/for Him. So when we lie, cheat, steal, undercut or mistreat ANYONE, we have as good as done this to Jesus – and our Heavenly Father.
I don’t believe that God causes bad things to happen to us…but I do think that sometimes He allows us to go through a few things – particularly when we have sinned and disobeyed Him. But let’s be honest…God is plenty capable of taking us out of this world if/when He wants. There have been a few times that I felt like maybe God called someone to Heaven to interrupt their sinful behavior(s) on this earth and the impact these had on others. God will not allow us to wreak havoc with His perfect plans, as the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 so clearly illustrate!
Search your heart today and see where you are harboring even the tiniest smidgeon of deception or ill will. Ask God to show you how you might be operating in dishonesty, trickery, rumors, hatred, fear mongering, and other sinful activities and behaviors. Humbly beg His forgiveness and vow to do better. The “Mother Nature” commercial was funny…and the tag line is STILL a good one. It’s not nice to fool “Mother Nature”™…but trying to deceive God is truly no laughing matter.
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 27, 2016
Acts 17:10-11
That same night the Lord’s followers sent Paul and Silas on to Berea, and after they arrived, they went to the Jewish meeting place. The people in Berea were much nicer than those in Thessalonica, and they gladly accepted the message. Day after day they studied the Scriptures to see if these things were true.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I shared with Greg a political headline that I had read online. “Sounds like a joke to me,” he commented. I did some investigating…and sure enough, it was a satire piece, written by someone who also writes very thoughtful and serious articles. We all need to keep Snopes.com* bookmarked! We also need to keep our Bibles handy!
The sentence in this verse that we need to grasp is the last one…”Day after day they studied the Scriptures to see if these things were true.” While this is critical to developing a strong Christian discipleship, we must also seek out the facts in other arenas. Too many people are readily accepting the word of someone else on everything from whether their kid got a “good” teacher or not…to who said or did what to whom…to matters of national importance.
It’s time for us to go the second mile…to “get the facts, ma’am!”…to dig deeply and find the TRUTH – not just in God’s word, but in our daily barrage of information! We have grown complacent – in all areas. Too often, we trust someone else to tell us what we should think and believe, rather than dig into God’s word, ask a couple of questions, or do a few minutes of searching on the Internet to get to the heart of the matter. We are swayed by the opinions of others, rather than the facts. Sometimes, fitting in becomes more important than being correct…perhaps too important at times!
The people in Berea heard what Paul and Silas had to say…but they checked the facts to make sure it lined up with God’s word. How often are you checking the specifics – about anything – these days? Have you grown comfortable with taking others’ word for it, in matters great and small? Isn’t it time we stepped up to the plate and acted responsibly as Christ’s disciples…and verified the details of what we are hearing and reading?
I pray that we will come together as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ and declare that we will no longer assume that the information we are receiving is “gospel”…that we will dig deeply and study both God’s word and the incredible bank of information that He has provided us on all subjects. Let’s get “the whole story” before we draw conclusions...and thoughtfully – and prayerfully – make our comments and decision based on these particulars. And let’s begin today.
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://www.snopes.com
That same night the Lord’s followers sent Paul and Silas on to Berea, and after they arrived, they went to the Jewish meeting place. The people in Berea were much nicer than those in Thessalonica, and they gladly accepted the message. Day after day they studied the Scriptures to see if these things were true.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I shared with Greg a political headline that I had read online. “Sounds like a joke to me,” he commented. I did some investigating…and sure enough, it was a satire piece, written by someone who also writes very thoughtful and serious articles. We all need to keep Snopes.com* bookmarked! We also need to keep our Bibles handy!
The sentence in this verse that we need to grasp is the last one…”Day after day they studied the Scriptures to see if these things were true.” While this is critical to developing a strong Christian discipleship, we must also seek out the facts in other arenas. Too many people are readily accepting the word of someone else on everything from whether their kid got a “good” teacher or not…to who said or did what to whom…to matters of national importance.
It’s time for us to go the second mile…to “get the facts, ma’am!”…to dig deeply and find the TRUTH – not just in God’s word, but in our daily barrage of information! We have grown complacent – in all areas. Too often, we trust someone else to tell us what we should think and believe, rather than dig into God’s word, ask a couple of questions, or do a few minutes of searching on the Internet to get to the heart of the matter. We are swayed by the opinions of others, rather than the facts. Sometimes, fitting in becomes more important than being correct…perhaps too important at times!
The people in Berea heard what Paul and Silas had to say…but they checked the facts to make sure it lined up with God’s word. How often are you checking the specifics – about anything – these days? Have you grown comfortable with taking others’ word for it, in matters great and small? Isn’t it time we stepped up to the plate and acted responsibly as Christ’s disciples…and verified the details of what we are hearing and reading?
I pray that we will come together as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ and declare that we will no longer assume that the information we are receiving is “gospel”…that we will dig deeply and study both God’s word and the incredible bank of information that He has provided us on all subjects. Let’s get “the whole story” before we draw conclusions...and thoughtfully – and prayerfully – make our comments and decision based on these particulars. And let’s begin today.
©2016 Debbie Robus
*http://www.snopes.com
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