Psalm 101:5
Anyone who spreads gossip will be silenced, and no one who is conceited will be my friend.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Believe it or not, there are people who thrive on gossip and fill their days with it. Do you know someone of whom it is said, “If you want to know what’s going on, just ask So-and-So.” I don’t mean local history or what events are coming up at school or in your community … I mean the down-and-dirty personal details of the lives of others. And people like this live in every community. Have you ever had someone sit with you for a visit, and you felt like the whole time you were talking, they were merely trying to pump you for information about certain situations and people? It’s frustrating, isn’t it?! I surely hope you are not one of these people!
Equally upsetting are those who “put on airs,” as my grandmothers used to say. These are people who look sideways at those who are not “like them” in some way – dress, apparent economic or social status, race, creed, color, and more. I have to admit, I’ve been somewhat convicted lately that I fall into this category for laughing at those “people of Wal-Mart” e-mails I get. “But those are hilarious!” you may be saying… and you’d be right. But I have realized that I am laughing at someone else’s expense. And while they very well may deserve it for dressing in underwear and fur boots or overexposing themselves inappropriately and choosing t-shirts that have indecent slogans, these are still children of our Most High God. He loves them as much as He loves you and me, regardless of their ridiculous choices. By laughing at them, even in private, we are setting ourselves apart – being conceited – and that does not make us a friend of God.
Let’s be honest. Gossip can be fun! We can get big belly laughs from the antics of others, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling “high and mighty.” But all it takes is one dose of being on the wrong end of gossip to know how hurtful this is – and how bad it feels. All it takes is one slip-up and feeling like someone thinks they are better than you to know that this is wrong, un-Godly behavior. And as this passage points out, some day, God will deal with those who gossip and are conceited … and I have a feeling that will be a very embarrassing day for many.
I don’t want to stand before God in heaven some day and have to admit that I gossiped and considered myself to be better than others. I don’t want to hear Him ask me why I thought this was a good idea … or to express disappointment in my behavior choices. More than this, I don’t want to dishonor Him now by choosing behaviors that displease Him. And hopefully, neither do you!
Let’s make a concerted effort to avoid gossip – and let’s operate in a spirit of humility. On any given day, we could bear the brunt of gossip and conceit from others … and we know that would feel awful. Let’s work to make sure that none of this comes from us. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus at every turn and share His Good News, love, grace and mercy with everyone we encounter.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 4, 2010
Ecclesiastes 9:17
Words of wisdom spoken softly make much more sense than the shouts of a ruler to a crowd of fools.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who never raises his/her voice … even in a heated discussion? Doesn’t it just make you crazy sometimes that when you are yelling at someone in an argument, this person remains calm and never elevates his/her voice above a normal tone? Maybe these sorts of people have studied Ecclesiastes 9:17 a little more closely than we have!
Lots of people want to shout. I’m particularly struck these days by politicians who stand behind the podium at a rally or a campaign event or press conference and yell and scream and turn blood red as they try vehemently to make their point. It’s almost laughable in many instances, particularly in debates where one candidate gets all “riled up” and the other remains calm and sensible. I don’t know about you, but that yelling and ranting may get my attention – but it doesn’t really sway my vote in that person’s favor!
Equally foolish to me are those who shout at sporting events. I’m not talking about the people who stand and yell and scream and cheer for their teams. I’m talking about the ones who continually berate the referees or team members who make bonehead plays – or coaches they feel are not doing a good job. Or … these people post things on forums and social networking sites, complaining about this ref or that coach or another player and making all sorts of claims and judgments. This is so foolish, and yet many of those who do these very things on one hand want to claim Jesus and a strong relationship with Him on the other. Do we honestly think this makes others want to be more Christ-like? Do we really think this is Christ-like in the first place?
Some of the most effective people are the “silent types.” Some of the most effective Christians are those who carry themselves with grace and poise – and a soft voice. I’m not saying we can’t be friendly and outgoing and “on fire for the Lord,” but when we start yelling and screaming or raising our voices to make our points, particularly about living for Jesus, we pretty well negate the efforts. And when we behave in a loud and boisterous manner that says, “Look at me! Look at me!”, we’re not honoring our relationship with God, either.
We need to be soft-spoken, wise, calm agents for our Heavenly Father. We need to do His work in the softness and quiet of going about our day, speaking gently and kindly to others, and sharing God’s love through our actions as much as our words. We need to stop shouting … period! What tone of voice are you using these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Words of wisdom spoken softly make much more sense than the shouts of a ruler to a crowd of fools.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who never raises his/her voice … even in a heated discussion? Doesn’t it just make you crazy sometimes that when you are yelling at someone in an argument, this person remains calm and never elevates his/her voice above a normal tone? Maybe these sorts of people have studied Ecclesiastes 9:17 a little more closely than we have!
Lots of people want to shout. I’m particularly struck these days by politicians who stand behind the podium at a rally or a campaign event or press conference and yell and scream and turn blood red as they try vehemently to make their point. It’s almost laughable in many instances, particularly in debates where one candidate gets all “riled up” and the other remains calm and sensible. I don’t know about you, but that yelling and ranting may get my attention – but it doesn’t really sway my vote in that person’s favor!
Equally foolish to me are those who shout at sporting events. I’m not talking about the people who stand and yell and scream and cheer for their teams. I’m talking about the ones who continually berate the referees or team members who make bonehead plays – or coaches they feel are not doing a good job. Or … these people post things on forums and social networking sites, complaining about this ref or that coach or another player and making all sorts of claims and judgments. This is so foolish, and yet many of those who do these very things on one hand want to claim Jesus and a strong relationship with Him on the other. Do we honestly think this makes others want to be more Christ-like? Do we really think this is Christ-like in the first place?
Some of the most effective people are the “silent types.” Some of the most effective Christians are those who carry themselves with grace and poise – and a soft voice. I’m not saying we can’t be friendly and outgoing and “on fire for the Lord,” but when we start yelling and screaming or raising our voices to make our points, particularly about living for Jesus, we pretty well negate the efforts. And when we behave in a loud and boisterous manner that says, “Look at me! Look at me!”, we’re not honoring our relationship with God, either.
We need to be soft-spoken, wise, calm agents for our Heavenly Father. We need to do His work in the softness and quiet of going about our day, speaking gently and kindly to others, and sharing God’s love through our actions as much as our words. We need to stop shouting … period! What tone of voice are you using these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 3, 2010
Proverbs 18:20
Make your words good -- you will be glad you did.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several translations of this verse refer to making your words satisfying like a good meal. We all know that sensation – eating our favorite meal … savoring each bite … feeling totally satisfied and full afterward. Now think about eating an unpleasant meal… maybe a food you particularly dislike. I watched chefs on a television cooking competition eat all sorts of strange looking sea creatures … and I winced right along with them at just the thought of having to put those slimy, chewy things in my mouth.
Now that I have grossed you out sufficiently, compare the words you speak to these two very contrasting meals. Kind, loving, positive words fill you and others up like the best, most satisfying meal. Unkind, cruel, improper and indecent words are like the slimy, chewy, disgusting meal that makes you gag. They sit in the heart like a distasteful meal sits on the stomach – heavy, burning, and miserable.
In this context, surely none of us would want to be speaking words that resemble a bad meal, would we?! We want to speak the good things … the love and blessings of Jesus upon our life and others’. We want to say and do things that give people the warm, satisfyingly full sensation of their best meal ever.
How do we do this? A good place to start is by asking God to bless your day and guard your thoughts and words each morning when you rise … to help you to speak only good, positive, kind messages. As we go about our day, we need to pause and think about what we are saying. I will tell you … as I have practiced this lately, I have stopped short of saying several things that I really didn’t need to say. See, the temptation was there … so I still have work to do … but God helped me to realize that I didn’t have to speak what I thought, or He showed me a better way to phrase things. And I know as I listen to Him more and rely on His guidance, I will get better at this and have fewer moments where I “open mouth, insert foot!”
Don’t you want to be known as a person who speaks positively and kindly? Don’t you want to be known as someone who “cooks a good meal” rather than a poor one? I can’t really say it better than Proverbs 18:20, so I will repeat… “Make your words good – you will be glad you did!”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Make your words good -- you will be glad you did.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several translations of this verse refer to making your words satisfying like a good meal. We all know that sensation – eating our favorite meal … savoring each bite … feeling totally satisfied and full afterward. Now think about eating an unpleasant meal… maybe a food you particularly dislike. I watched chefs on a television cooking competition eat all sorts of strange looking sea creatures … and I winced right along with them at just the thought of having to put those slimy, chewy things in my mouth.
Now that I have grossed you out sufficiently, compare the words you speak to these two very contrasting meals. Kind, loving, positive words fill you and others up like the best, most satisfying meal. Unkind, cruel, improper and indecent words are like the slimy, chewy, disgusting meal that makes you gag. They sit in the heart like a distasteful meal sits on the stomach – heavy, burning, and miserable.
In this context, surely none of us would want to be speaking words that resemble a bad meal, would we?! We want to speak the good things … the love and blessings of Jesus upon our life and others’. We want to say and do things that give people the warm, satisfyingly full sensation of their best meal ever.
How do we do this? A good place to start is by asking God to bless your day and guard your thoughts and words each morning when you rise … to help you to speak only good, positive, kind messages. As we go about our day, we need to pause and think about what we are saying. I will tell you … as I have practiced this lately, I have stopped short of saying several things that I really didn’t need to say. See, the temptation was there … so I still have work to do … but God helped me to realize that I didn’t have to speak what I thought, or He showed me a better way to phrase things. And I know as I listen to Him more and rely on His guidance, I will get better at this and have fewer moments where I “open mouth, insert foot!”
Don’t you want to be known as a person who speaks positively and kindly? Don’t you want to be known as someone who “cooks a good meal” rather than a poor one? I can’t really say it better than Proverbs 18:20, so I will repeat… “Make your words good – you will be glad you did!”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 2, 2010
James 4:11
My friends, don't say cruel things about others! If you do, or if you condemn others, you are condemning God's Law. And if you condemn the Law, you put yourself above the Law and refuse to obey either it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I watched The Today Show as the parents of 13-year-old Texas middle school student, Asher Truong, spoke about their son’s suicide one week earlier. The boy was taunted and teased unmercifully because he was gay, and when he couldn’t take any more, he took his father’s gun into a closet and shot himself. Cruel things and condemning words were more than a teenage boy could handle. And Asher is not the only one. Other young people have taken their lives in recent weeks and months – or made an attempt – because of the cruelty of those around them.
This is not about being gay. And don’t tell me that these victims didn’t have enough faith or a strong enough relationship with God. I don’t discount the belief that God can give us strength to overcome tremendous pressures and challenges. But at the same time, this speaks to a very serious issue in our country … the cruelty and condemnation of our words and actions … and it’s running rampant.
We can scarcely turn on the television these days without hearing someone say cruel things about someone else. Condemnation of others has become almost a sport. So it isn’t all that surprising that bullies have upped the ante and escalated their tactics to aggravate and insult their targets. And as a result, we have an increase in suicides among our young people – some no older than upper elementary school age.
The thing I want us to think about today is that this is more than just a “moral issue.” This scripture passage tells us that this is clearly a violation of God’s Law! So when you condemn classmates, people in your community, public figures and others, you are violating the Law and putting yourself above it … which is a sin. When you write vile things in a letter to the editor of your local paper about a person or a group of people, you have effectively snubbed your nose at God. When you tell an off-color joke about a particular race, creed, or color of people … or make a snide comment about someone that alludes to their lifestyle or their ethnicity, you have sinned.
I’ll share two quick examples … I recently heard someone be publicly critical of an outfit our First Lady was wearing while during a television news report. The problem with the criticism was that this person rolled her eyes and “excused” Mrs. Obama’s fashion choices as being a result of her ethnicity. Several in the room laughed. I did not, and I quickly pointed out that her choices were actually the “in” thing at the moment. I could have said more, but I am fairly certain the lady got my point.
The other incident happened on a reality television show, in which a fashion designer created a new fabric with a pattern that included “plus signs” to reflect his status as HIV positive. He had been diagnosed ten years ago, but because of the stigma attached to his lifestyle and this disease, he had never told anyone – not even his parents … until now. He was truly frightened and lonely … but once he explained his fabric design, there were tears, hugs and kind words for him.
So what does this have to do with us? It goes back to the basic tenet that people are watching. They see how we react to unkind comments – even about a fashion choice. And if we behave badly, they sometimes get the idea this is acceptable … and it is perpetuated. The young man who was so scared to reveal his secret could have easily folded and gone the way of Asher Truong and others. And had his fellow contestants and the judges on this show reacted cruelly or with condemnation, he might have done just that.
We don’t realize how the smallest, simplest things – the miniscule gestures, thoughts and comments of our day – are just as important to God as the big stuff. We get that we shouldn’t kill, steal, worship other Gods, and more. But we don’t see how Satan uses the littlest things to do the biggest destruction.
We have to stop this. We have to ask ourselves each and every minute of the day if what we are saying and doing – how we are reacting to others – lines up with God’s Law. Do we really love others as we love ourselves? Do we truly live in a way that honors Jesus Christ, who loved us like no other? It’s time we started … and it begins today. Are you with me?
©2010 Debbie Robus
My friends, don't say cruel things about others! If you do, or if you condemn others, you are condemning God's Law. And if you condemn the Law, you put yourself above the Law and refuse to obey either it.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I watched The Today Show as the parents of 13-year-old Texas middle school student, Asher Truong, spoke about their son’s suicide one week earlier. The boy was taunted and teased unmercifully because he was gay, and when he couldn’t take any more, he took his father’s gun into a closet and shot himself. Cruel things and condemning words were more than a teenage boy could handle. And Asher is not the only one. Other young people have taken their lives in recent weeks and months – or made an attempt – because of the cruelty of those around them.
This is not about being gay. And don’t tell me that these victims didn’t have enough faith or a strong enough relationship with God. I don’t discount the belief that God can give us strength to overcome tremendous pressures and challenges. But at the same time, this speaks to a very serious issue in our country … the cruelty and condemnation of our words and actions … and it’s running rampant.
We can scarcely turn on the television these days without hearing someone say cruel things about someone else. Condemnation of others has become almost a sport. So it isn’t all that surprising that bullies have upped the ante and escalated their tactics to aggravate and insult their targets. And as a result, we have an increase in suicides among our young people – some no older than upper elementary school age.
The thing I want us to think about today is that this is more than just a “moral issue.” This scripture passage tells us that this is clearly a violation of God’s Law! So when you condemn classmates, people in your community, public figures and others, you are violating the Law and putting yourself above it … which is a sin. When you write vile things in a letter to the editor of your local paper about a person or a group of people, you have effectively snubbed your nose at God. When you tell an off-color joke about a particular race, creed, or color of people … or make a snide comment about someone that alludes to their lifestyle or their ethnicity, you have sinned.
I’ll share two quick examples … I recently heard someone be publicly critical of an outfit our First Lady was wearing while during a television news report. The problem with the criticism was that this person rolled her eyes and “excused” Mrs. Obama’s fashion choices as being a result of her ethnicity. Several in the room laughed. I did not, and I quickly pointed out that her choices were actually the “in” thing at the moment. I could have said more, but I am fairly certain the lady got my point.
The other incident happened on a reality television show, in which a fashion designer created a new fabric with a pattern that included “plus signs” to reflect his status as HIV positive. He had been diagnosed ten years ago, but because of the stigma attached to his lifestyle and this disease, he had never told anyone – not even his parents … until now. He was truly frightened and lonely … but once he explained his fabric design, there were tears, hugs and kind words for him.
So what does this have to do with us? It goes back to the basic tenet that people are watching. They see how we react to unkind comments – even about a fashion choice. And if we behave badly, they sometimes get the idea this is acceptable … and it is perpetuated. The young man who was so scared to reveal his secret could have easily folded and gone the way of Asher Truong and others. And had his fellow contestants and the judges on this show reacted cruelly or with condemnation, he might have done just that.
We don’t realize how the smallest, simplest things – the miniscule gestures, thoughts and comments of our day – are just as important to God as the big stuff. We get that we shouldn’t kill, steal, worship other Gods, and more. But we don’t see how Satan uses the littlest things to do the biggest destruction.
We have to stop this. We have to ask ourselves each and every minute of the day if what we are saying and doing – how we are reacting to others – lines up with God’s Law. Do we really love others as we love ourselves? Do we truly live in a way that honors Jesus Christ, who loved us like no other? It’s time we started … and it begins today. Are you with me?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 1, 2010
Psalm 32:8
You said to me, "I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have had great instructors in my life … my mom and mother-in-law, my grandmothers, my piano teacher, a wonderful creative writing teacher in college, childhood Sunday School teachers and more than one pastor who have mentored me along the way. I can still hear their words of advice and direction as I go through daily activities. And many of these wonderful people still watch over me today.
Just last week I received a note from a lady who was my Sunday School teacher … when I was in second grade! While at the beauty shop with my grandmother recently, I shared a visit with another lady who has loved me and watched over me since childhood. I am truly blessed to have had so many mentors and caring people who surround me. A few days ago, I visited with a dear friend who has known me forever – taught my high school English class – and now we enjoy conversations about religion, politics, our families, good books and movies, local history, and more.
What is most important about all of these mentors and “instructors” in my life is that they have something in common … a love for Jesus and a faith in His promises. And they have conveyed this love to me over and over again. So ultimately, my Chief Instructor is God Almighty. He has pointed out which road I should follow – and sent agents to make sure I “get it!” He has given me His Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart, be my teacher and watch over me each and every day.
Let’s face it… none of us would make it in this world without good instruction … and great teachers. I’m betting you have been blessed with several of your own, and I know that God can guide you … if you will listen and pay attention. Who are your instructors these days? I ask, because there are good and bad teachers and role models/mentors, and we must choose those we will follow wisely.
Be sure that you listen first and foremost to the guidance given by God. Read your Bible and communicate openly with Him. Then ask God to give you anointed, holy, earthly mentors and instructors to help you navigate the challenges of everyday life … and to watch over you.
As you grow in wisdom and confidence in the Lord, look for opportunities He is providing for you to pay it forward and be a holy instructor for someone else. Open yourself to God’s instruction … and the chance to share what you have learned with others. Thank God for giving us wisdom and discernment – and good earthly mentors and role models. And the next time you see someone He chose to watch over you, give them a hug and say “Thanks!”
©2010 Debbie Robus
You said to me, "I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have had great instructors in my life … my mom and mother-in-law, my grandmothers, my piano teacher, a wonderful creative writing teacher in college, childhood Sunday School teachers and more than one pastor who have mentored me along the way. I can still hear their words of advice and direction as I go through daily activities. And many of these wonderful people still watch over me today.
Just last week I received a note from a lady who was my Sunday School teacher … when I was in second grade! While at the beauty shop with my grandmother recently, I shared a visit with another lady who has loved me and watched over me since childhood. I am truly blessed to have had so many mentors and caring people who surround me. A few days ago, I visited with a dear friend who has known me forever – taught my high school English class – and now we enjoy conversations about religion, politics, our families, good books and movies, local history, and more.
What is most important about all of these mentors and “instructors” in my life is that they have something in common … a love for Jesus and a faith in His promises. And they have conveyed this love to me over and over again. So ultimately, my Chief Instructor is God Almighty. He has pointed out which road I should follow – and sent agents to make sure I “get it!” He has given me His Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart, be my teacher and watch over me each and every day.
Let’s face it… none of us would make it in this world without good instruction … and great teachers. I’m betting you have been blessed with several of your own, and I know that God can guide you … if you will listen and pay attention. Who are your instructors these days? I ask, because there are good and bad teachers and role models/mentors, and we must choose those we will follow wisely.
Be sure that you listen first and foremost to the guidance given by God. Read your Bible and communicate openly with Him. Then ask God to give you anointed, holy, earthly mentors and instructors to help you navigate the challenges of everyday life … and to watch over you.
As you grow in wisdom and confidence in the Lord, look for opportunities He is providing for you to pay it forward and be a holy instructor for someone else. Open yourself to God’s instruction … and the chance to share what you have learned with others. Thank God for giving us wisdom and discernment – and good earthly mentors and role models. And the next time you see someone He chose to watch over you, give them a hug and say “Thanks!”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 30, 2010
Proverbs 10:21
Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are like most people, at least once in your life you have gotten a new appliance or device, opened the package, and tried to use the gizmo without reading the instruction manual first. Think of the old adage, “When all else fails, read the instructions!”
I’ll admit, I’ve had instruction manuals that might as well have been written in Greek. I’ve also had instruction manuals that gave almost zero instruction, leaving me scratching my head and wondering what in the world I was supposed to do to operate the device.
Thankfully, God’s instruction is neither “Greek” nor lacking. The Bible gives us clear details on how to gain salvation through Jesus Christ – and how to conduct our lives afterward. Scripture tells us how to be disciples of Christ, what happens when we follow His teachings … and what happens when we don’t! It’s all there!
So we really have no excuses. I would venture to say that everyone reading this devotional has heard the word of God and received these instructions … probably many times! Yet we seem to think we know it all. We fail to consult the “manual” by ignoring the scriptures, forgetting to pray, and not taking advantage of opportunities to fellowship with other Christians who can strengthen and encourage us.
It’s time for a reality check. We do not have all the answers. We are not capable of navigating life as a Christian on our own … with no instruction! To try to do so will get us “killed” by our own stupidity in the form of failures, sorrow, disappointments, and all types of destruction. Failure to follow God’s instruction manual can even lead to an eternity without Christ for those who never invite Him into their hearts and accept His salvation.
Read the “Manual.” Listen to God’s instructions. In fact, seek them before you make a single move. Make sure you have all of the information and instruction necessary before you do anything else. You’ll be amazed how much more smoothly things operate.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are like most people, at least once in your life you have gotten a new appliance or device, opened the package, and tried to use the gizmo without reading the instruction manual first. Think of the old adage, “When all else fails, read the instructions!”
I’ll admit, I’ve had instruction manuals that might as well have been written in Greek. I’ve also had instruction manuals that gave almost zero instruction, leaving me scratching my head and wondering what in the world I was supposed to do to operate the device.
Thankfully, God’s instruction is neither “Greek” nor lacking. The Bible gives us clear details on how to gain salvation through Jesus Christ – and how to conduct our lives afterward. Scripture tells us how to be disciples of Christ, what happens when we follow His teachings … and what happens when we don’t! It’s all there!
So we really have no excuses. I would venture to say that everyone reading this devotional has heard the word of God and received these instructions … probably many times! Yet we seem to think we know it all. We fail to consult the “manual” by ignoring the scriptures, forgetting to pray, and not taking advantage of opportunities to fellowship with other Christians who can strengthen and encourage us.
It’s time for a reality check. We do not have all the answers. We are not capable of navigating life as a Christian on our own … with no instruction! To try to do so will get us “killed” by our own stupidity in the form of failures, sorrow, disappointments, and all types of destruction. Failure to follow God’s instruction manual can even lead to an eternity without Christ for those who never invite Him into their hearts and accept His salvation.
Read the “Manual.” Listen to God’s instructions. In fact, seek them before you make a single move. Make sure you have all of the information and instruction necessary before you do anything else. You’ll be amazed how much more smoothly things operate.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 29, 2010
Romans 3:10-18; 21-24
The Scriptures tell us, "No one is acceptable to God! Not one of them understands or even searches for God. They have all turned away and are worthless. There isn't one person who does right. Their words are like an open pit, and their tongues are good only for telling lies. Each word is as deadly as the fangs of a snake, and they say nothing but bitter curses. These people quickly become violent. Wherever they go, they leave ruin and destruction. They don't know how to live in peace. They don't even fear God."
Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable, and it isn't by obeying the Law of Moses. God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
About once a week now, I get an e-mail message from a friend or acquaintance that contains “outrageous” information about this politician or celebrity or a current hot topic. People are hitting the “send” button without doing homework and any investigation – assuming the claims are true. They start their forwarded message with an “endorsement” such as “I’m outraged!” or “This made my blood boil!” Were it not so serious, it would almost be laughable at times, because the claims made in the e-mail message appear so ridiculous that you wonder how anyone could have believed them.
But my point is not to make a political or social commentary today about e-mail forwards. My point is that we make snap judgments – all the time. And my question is … “What if our Heavenly Father operated this way?” What if God took a look at you and me and said, “He/she is worthless … there is nothing there to redeem. I saw that indiscretion. I heard that gossip. I see how he/she conducts his/her daily life … I know the thoughts swirling in his/her head, and I am outraged. It makes my blood boil.”
What if God didn’t see our heart? What if He had not sent Jesus to die on the cross and cover our sins, indiscretions and impure thoughts with His own blood? What if we never had the opportunity to invite Jesus to wash us clean and place His Holy Spirit in our hearts, so that God looks deeper and sees beyond our sins?
We all want God to love us … to forgive our sins and accept us – warts and all. But so often, we are totally unwilling to do the same for others. We make snap judgments based on appearance, what we heard through the grapevine, or our own biases and prejudices. Read these verses again. “No one is acceptable to God … there isn’t one person who does right … all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” But the beautiful part is that “God treats us much better than we deserve … He freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.”
We’re willing to accept God’s grace, mercy, love and forgiveness … but are we willing to offer the same to others? Where have you made snap judgments? Where do you need to ask for – and offer – forgiveness? If we are unwilling to pay forward what God has done for us, perhaps we have not truly accepted the gift of salvation offered to us by Jesus Christ.
In order to truly receive acceptance from God – and all of the gifts and blessings He offers us – we must be willing to accept others in His name. Will you “pick and choose” and make rash judgments … or are you ready for the good stuff that comes with letting Jesus work in and through your life? None of us is more acceptable to God than the next. But through faith in Jesus, we can all be set free.
In the words of one person who responded to a group e-mail I received, “Why can’t we all just get along?” It would seem to me that God might be asking this same question of His children. Where do you fit in this? Are you treating others better than they deserve – as God does for us – or are you making snap judgments and leaving ruin and destruction? Don’t you think it’s time we start learning how to live in God’s peace? Isn’t today a good time to begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
The Scriptures tell us, "No one is acceptable to God! Not one of them understands or even searches for God. They have all turned away and are worthless. There isn't one person who does right. Their words are like an open pit, and their tongues are good only for telling lies. Each word is as deadly as the fangs of a snake, and they say nothing but bitter curses. These people quickly become violent. Wherever they go, they leave ruin and destruction. They don't know how to live in peace. They don't even fear God."
Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable, and it isn't by obeying the Law of Moses. God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
About once a week now, I get an e-mail message from a friend or acquaintance that contains “outrageous” information about this politician or celebrity or a current hot topic. People are hitting the “send” button without doing homework and any investigation – assuming the claims are true. They start their forwarded message with an “endorsement” such as “I’m outraged!” or “This made my blood boil!” Were it not so serious, it would almost be laughable at times, because the claims made in the e-mail message appear so ridiculous that you wonder how anyone could have believed them.
But my point is not to make a political or social commentary today about e-mail forwards. My point is that we make snap judgments – all the time. And my question is … “What if our Heavenly Father operated this way?” What if God took a look at you and me and said, “He/she is worthless … there is nothing there to redeem. I saw that indiscretion. I heard that gossip. I see how he/she conducts his/her daily life … I know the thoughts swirling in his/her head, and I am outraged. It makes my blood boil.”
What if God didn’t see our heart? What if He had not sent Jesus to die on the cross and cover our sins, indiscretions and impure thoughts with His own blood? What if we never had the opportunity to invite Jesus to wash us clean and place His Holy Spirit in our hearts, so that God looks deeper and sees beyond our sins?
We all want God to love us … to forgive our sins and accept us – warts and all. But so often, we are totally unwilling to do the same for others. We make snap judgments based on appearance, what we heard through the grapevine, or our own biases and prejudices. Read these verses again. “No one is acceptable to God … there isn’t one person who does right … all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.” But the beautiful part is that “God treats us much better than we deserve … He freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.”
We’re willing to accept God’s grace, mercy, love and forgiveness … but are we willing to offer the same to others? Where have you made snap judgments? Where do you need to ask for – and offer – forgiveness? If we are unwilling to pay forward what God has done for us, perhaps we have not truly accepted the gift of salvation offered to us by Jesus Christ.
In order to truly receive acceptance from God – and all of the gifts and blessings He offers us – we must be willing to accept others in His name. Will you “pick and choose” and make rash judgments … or are you ready for the good stuff that comes with letting Jesus work in and through your life? None of us is more acceptable to God than the next. But through faith in Jesus, we can all be set free.
In the words of one person who responded to a group e-mail I received, “Why can’t we all just get along?” It would seem to me that God might be asking this same question of His children. Where do you fit in this? Are you treating others better than they deserve – as God does for us – or are you making snap judgments and leaving ruin and destruction? Don’t you think it’s time we start learning how to live in God’s peace? Isn’t today a good time to begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 28, 2010
Proverbs 25:15
Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.
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.
Our Timothy is like most babies … as he discovers his voice, he enjoys using it … often at warp volume! With my recent voice troubles, I’ve found myself speaking more softly. And at times, I almost whisper to Timothy … and he has started to whisper in return! It’s so cute, and he doesn’t really understand the concept – he is just mimicking what he hears. But it does somewhat prove the point of this scripture.
Often, we want to solve conflicts and disagreements – or even differences of opinions – by shouting. Just last week, the women of The View got into a very heated argument over political issues. Finally, Barbara Walters said something to the effect of, “this is ridiculous … we are arguing over issues that people are shouting about – and we are doing so by shouting.” She added, “…and we actually like each other!”
Believe it or not, the patient, quiet act of praying for someone can bring results. These results may not be quick – and you might not ever see much evidence of change. But quietly praying for someone or loving them from afar can break down “rigid defenses.” Whether the person admits it or not, they will know that you love them. They will see that you care. They will appreciate that you cared enough NOT to shout at them and badger them with constant nagging or criticism … but you never stopped caring.
There is an old adage that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” That may work in certain situations, but when it comes to human relationships, the best way to “win people over” is through gentleness and patient persistence. Don’t give up on your friends and relatives. Don’t stop loving them, caring for them, offering help where you can. But don’t speak harshly, critically, or become a pest. Share your love in quiet and faithful ways, and then give God room to work out the details.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.
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.
Our Timothy is like most babies … as he discovers his voice, he enjoys using it … often at warp volume! With my recent voice troubles, I’ve found myself speaking more softly. And at times, I almost whisper to Timothy … and he has started to whisper in return! It’s so cute, and he doesn’t really understand the concept – he is just mimicking what he hears. But it does somewhat prove the point of this scripture.
Often, we want to solve conflicts and disagreements – or even differences of opinions – by shouting. Just last week, the women of The View got into a very heated argument over political issues. Finally, Barbara Walters said something to the effect of, “this is ridiculous … we are arguing over issues that people are shouting about – and we are doing so by shouting.” She added, “…and we actually like each other!”
Believe it or not, the patient, quiet act of praying for someone can bring results. These results may not be quick – and you might not ever see much evidence of change. But quietly praying for someone or loving them from afar can break down “rigid defenses.” Whether the person admits it or not, they will know that you love them. They will see that you care. They will appreciate that you cared enough NOT to shout at them and badger them with constant nagging or criticism … but you never stopped caring.
There is an old adage that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” That may work in certain situations, but when it comes to human relationships, the best way to “win people over” is through gentleness and patient persistence. Don’t give up on your friends and relatives. Don’t stop loving them, caring for them, offering help where you can. But don’t speak harshly, critically, or become a pest. Share your love in quiet and faithful ways, and then give God room to work out the details.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 27, 2010
1 Peter 3:10
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless - that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good,
Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth.
God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.
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.
Do you know someone who seems to enjoy constantly stirring up trouble? This person never seems to have anything kind or positive to say – about anything or anyone. And their “frankness” is often hurtful to those on the receiving end.
We’ve really gotten to a point as a culture where we run fast and loose with our criticism and sarcasm. From late night talk show hosts to the “fashion show” critics to, most certainly, the political analysts and commentators, everything seems to be “fair game.” Even the “judges” on the reality shows like “America’s Got Talent” and the sports commentators have come to feel they have a license to say whatever they think – or to try to be cute and witty – all at someone else’s expense.
We get so caught up in this that we don’t even realize when we start to blur the lines between truth and fiction. It’s much like the elderly people who tell others, “my kids never visit me,” when in fact, the person to whom they are speaking met the senior’s children in the doorway. At least these folks have old age and the onset of dementia for excuses! But we don’t have any excuse. Saying things that are unkind, cutting, sarcastic, and downright untrue at times – or constantly griping, grumbling and being disagreeable – does not please God.
I love the first lines of this passage and feel they bear repeating… “Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless - that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
Don’t you want to be a blessing? Don’t you want to get a blessing? Then start today to bless – let all of the junk go by the wayside and focus on running after peace, cultivating good, and snubbing evil. You’ll be amazed as you watch your days “fill up with good” … and you will bask in the approving response of our loving God.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless - that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good,
Here's what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful;
Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth.
God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.
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.
Do you know someone who seems to enjoy constantly stirring up trouble? This person never seems to have anything kind or positive to say – about anything or anyone. And their “frankness” is often hurtful to those on the receiving end.
We’ve really gotten to a point as a culture where we run fast and loose with our criticism and sarcasm. From late night talk show hosts to the “fashion show” critics to, most certainly, the political analysts and commentators, everything seems to be “fair game.” Even the “judges” on the reality shows like “America’s Got Talent” and the sports commentators have come to feel they have a license to say whatever they think – or to try to be cute and witty – all at someone else’s expense.
We get so caught up in this that we don’t even realize when we start to blur the lines between truth and fiction. It’s much like the elderly people who tell others, “my kids never visit me,” when in fact, the person to whom they are speaking met the senior’s children in the doorway. At least these folks have old age and the onset of dementia for excuses! But we don’t have any excuse. Saying things that are unkind, cutting, sarcastic, and downright untrue at times – or constantly griping, grumbling and being disagreeable – does not please God.
I love the first lines of this passage and feel they bear repeating… “Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless - that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
Don’t you want to be a blessing? Don’t you want to get a blessing? Then start today to bless – let all of the junk go by the wayside and focus on running after peace, cultivating good, and snubbing evil. You’ll be amazed as you watch your days “fill up with good” … and you will bask in the approving response of our loving God.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 26, 2010
Proverbs 12:14
We are rewarded or punished for what we say and do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read an article recently about a young man in our area who died of a drug overdose, and now his mother wants the friends who were with him to be held accountable – perhaps even legally – for his death. I have to believe that this young man’s friends are suffering greatly already. To think that something you said or did might have led to the death of a friend would be incredibly horrific.
I’ve heard more than one person say, “Oh, I wish I had said such-and-such,” or “I wish I had done this or that, and now it’s too late.” And we all deeply regret certain things we have said and done. So what are we to do? How does God want us to manage such things?
In The Message, this scripture passage says, “Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.” It seems to me that God wants us to strive to choose well-spoken words and well-done work. We know that we will fail in these areas from time to time, and that’s where the blood of Jesus comes into play – covering us when we make mistakes, admit them, and ask for forgiveness and redemption.
But we can all work harder at choosing our words and deeds wisely. We can all look for more opportunities to encourage, bless, support and serve. We can ask God to show us how to handle difficult situations – and how and when to step in and offer a hand or an opinion to someone else. There have been times when I so wanted to stay at home and ignore what was happening – to skip a funeral or visiting someone who was sick or in need. There have been times when I wanted to tell someone just how I felt – or to “set them straight” on a few things. And there have been times when I plunged ahead and realized later, “I should have talked to God about that first!”
Don’t let this be said of you. Talk to God … ask Him to guide your steps and your words. In challenging situations, always consult Him before proceeding … especially when you feel God is telling you to say or do something difficult or outside of your comfort zone. If you feel He is in the lead, it’s the right choice. To follow Him will lead to rewards you can’t even imagine, and to choose to go it alone will most certainly bring consequences. Ask God to lead you in the direction of well-chosen words and deeds. And thank Him for His grace and mercy when you momentarily lose your way.
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.
©2010 Debbie Robus
We are rewarded or punished for what we say and do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read an article recently about a young man in our area who died of a drug overdose, and now his mother wants the friends who were with him to be held accountable – perhaps even legally – for his death. I have to believe that this young man’s friends are suffering greatly already. To think that something you said or did might have led to the death of a friend would be incredibly horrific.
I’ve heard more than one person say, “Oh, I wish I had said such-and-such,” or “I wish I had done this or that, and now it’s too late.” And we all deeply regret certain things we have said and done. So what are we to do? How does God want us to manage such things?
In The Message, this scripture passage says, “Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.” It seems to me that God wants us to strive to choose well-spoken words and well-done work. We know that we will fail in these areas from time to time, and that’s where the blood of Jesus comes into play – covering us when we make mistakes, admit them, and ask for forgiveness and redemption.
But we can all work harder at choosing our words and deeds wisely. We can all look for more opportunities to encourage, bless, support and serve. We can ask God to show us how to handle difficult situations – and how and when to step in and offer a hand or an opinion to someone else. There have been times when I so wanted to stay at home and ignore what was happening – to skip a funeral or visiting someone who was sick or in need. There have been times when I wanted to tell someone just how I felt – or to “set them straight” on a few things. And there have been times when I plunged ahead and realized later, “I should have talked to God about that first!”
Don’t let this be said of you. Talk to God … ask Him to guide your steps and your words. In challenging situations, always consult Him before proceeding … especially when you feel God is telling you to say or do something difficult or outside of your comfort zone. If you feel He is in the lead, it’s the right choice. To follow Him will lead to rewards you can’t even imagine, and to choose to go it alone will most certainly bring consequences. Ask God to lead you in the direction of well-chosen words and deeds. And thank Him for His grace and mercy when you momentarily lose your way.
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.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 25, 2010
1 Corinthians 1:10
My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the most difficult life experiences is the breakup of two friends. Whether they were married or not doesn’t really matter, although experiencing the divorce of friends is especially tough. If you were close to both persons, it almost always comes down to a matter of choosing “sides.” At least, both members of the couple and their “camps” usually want you to do this. To truly stay neutral and friendly with both parties is a tall order.
Equally difficult is to be friends with people who believe differently than you about such issues as politics, religion, and lifestyle choices. Even being friends with people who smoke or drink when you do not is sometimes difficult.
Paul is not saying in this scripture passage that we should change our beliefs – or even compromise them for friendship. He is saying that there are many situations in which we simply have to “agree to disagree.” I feel one way – you feel another. We can still be friends and get along – we just don’t happen to agree on this issue. I’m not “for” you nor “against” you – I’m just your friend, and I love you.
If we applied this to a lot of different situations in our lives, things would go more smoothly. In a divorce situation, we could say, “He isn’t wrong, and she isn’t right. Clearly, there is conflict and division, but I still love them both and will continue to be cordial and kind toward both of them.” It may be that in order to maintain your neutrality, you have to stop hanging out with either party. But you can still be kind and friendly and love them both. I’ve lived through more than one election where my candidate did not win. That didn’t mean I stopped speaking to friends of mine who supported the winner. It also didn’t mean I changed my mind and supported their candidate(s). It just meant that I chose to love the person and not choose “sides” in particular issues.
We learn from an early age to “choose sides.” Everything from Red Rover games to kickball has teams that are usually chosen one person at a time. And we learn to “choose sides” in arguments, debates and controversies at a young age, too. But we can “unlearn” this habit. We can make a conscious, prayerful effort to be agreeable to all … kind and loving. We can keep our opinions to ourselves – or at least keep them from affecting our relationships with our friends and neighbors. We’ll have to ask God to help us with this one, because Satan will delight in playing the “human nature” card. But it can be done … and God is more than willing to give us the strength and wisdom for this task. The real question is … are you up to the challenge?
©2010 Debbie Robus
My dear friends, as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ, I beg you to get along with each other. Don't take sides. Always try to agree in what you think.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the most difficult life experiences is the breakup of two friends. Whether they were married or not doesn’t really matter, although experiencing the divorce of friends is especially tough. If you were close to both persons, it almost always comes down to a matter of choosing “sides.” At least, both members of the couple and their “camps” usually want you to do this. To truly stay neutral and friendly with both parties is a tall order.
Equally difficult is to be friends with people who believe differently than you about such issues as politics, religion, and lifestyle choices. Even being friends with people who smoke or drink when you do not is sometimes difficult.
Paul is not saying in this scripture passage that we should change our beliefs – or even compromise them for friendship. He is saying that there are many situations in which we simply have to “agree to disagree.” I feel one way – you feel another. We can still be friends and get along – we just don’t happen to agree on this issue. I’m not “for” you nor “against” you – I’m just your friend, and I love you.
If we applied this to a lot of different situations in our lives, things would go more smoothly. In a divorce situation, we could say, “He isn’t wrong, and she isn’t right. Clearly, there is conflict and division, but I still love them both and will continue to be cordial and kind toward both of them.” It may be that in order to maintain your neutrality, you have to stop hanging out with either party. But you can still be kind and friendly and love them both. I’ve lived through more than one election where my candidate did not win. That didn’t mean I stopped speaking to friends of mine who supported the winner. It also didn’t mean I changed my mind and supported their candidate(s). It just meant that I chose to love the person and not choose “sides” in particular issues.
We learn from an early age to “choose sides.” Everything from Red Rover games to kickball has teams that are usually chosen one person at a time. And we learn to “choose sides” in arguments, debates and controversies at a young age, too. But we can “unlearn” this habit. We can make a conscious, prayerful effort to be agreeable to all … kind and loving. We can keep our opinions to ourselves – or at least keep them from affecting our relationships with our friends and neighbors. We’ll have to ask God to help us with this one, because Satan will delight in playing the “human nature” card. But it can be done … and God is more than willing to give us the strength and wisdom for this task. The real question is … are you up to the challenge?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 24, 2010
Proverbs 13:3
Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had to shake my head at some of the posts on Facebook, particularly from teens and young adults. “Joe 123 is in a relationship,” followed a few days later by “Joe 123 is single.” Or “Sue ABC is ‘it’s complicated.’” We’ve had some fun with a few folks who have been married for years but never filled out their personal profile info until lately, and then all of a sudden, “Jim XYZ is married!” Old news … Jim has been married for 30 years!
The thing is … Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets have become tremendous vehicles for gossip. There is so much room for interpretation – or mis-interpretation. There is room for things to become twisted and distorted in epic proportions. And more than ever, there is room for misunderstanding and misery. We’ve all come to understand TMI – too much information – and there truly is plenty to go around.
So our lesson for today is to put a lid on it! If more people were less eager to announce that they were in a relationship after the first glance, the relationship might have a chance to actually develop into something that could last! If we didn’t share all of our deepest thoughts and information with every “friend” we have, we might have smoother sailing in life. People love to talk, so the “friend who would never tell,” very well may tell another “friend who would never tell.” Do you see what I mean?
Think about what you are saying and sharing - everywhere - not just on social media networks. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing someone was standing up in a crowded room and telling everyone what you are about to say, then don’t share it with even your “closest friends.” If there is even a remote chance that what you are saying about someone could get back to them, you had better be 100% sure they would be okay with it. The better policy is to never repeat personal information or “news” to others. And while you are at it, think about what you are posting on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. If you couldn’t tell the same things to your grandmother in person, they probably are not suitable for posting!
God wants us to be good stewards of our mouths. He wants us to spend time sharing His love, grace, mercy and Good News … not the latest gossip or unkind talk and opinions. Before we speak, let’s stop, take a breath … maybe even try the sentence out in our heads … and then ask ourselves if what we are about to say would be pleasing to God. This should determine how we proceed. It’s a tough order, but to do otherwise could have serious consequences. Keep what you know to yourself … please God … and preserve your reputation and your conscience!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had to shake my head at some of the posts on Facebook, particularly from teens and young adults. “Joe 123 is in a relationship,” followed a few days later by “Joe 123 is single.” Or “Sue ABC is ‘it’s complicated.’” We’ve had some fun with a few folks who have been married for years but never filled out their personal profile info until lately, and then all of a sudden, “Jim XYZ is married!” Old news … Jim has been married for 30 years!
The thing is … Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets have become tremendous vehicles for gossip. There is so much room for interpretation – or mis-interpretation. There is room for things to become twisted and distorted in epic proportions. And more than ever, there is room for misunderstanding and misery. We’ve all come to understand TMI – too much information – and there truly is plenty to go around.
So our lesson for today is to put a lid on it! If more people were less eager to announce that they were in a relationship after the first glance, the relationship might have a chance to actually develop into something that could last! If we didn’t share all of our deepest thoughts and information with every “friend” we have, we might have smoother sailing in life. People love to talk, so the “friend who would never tell,” very well may tell another “friend who would never tell.” Do you see what I mean?
Think about what you are saying and sharing - everywhere - not just on social media networks. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing someone was standing up in a crowded room and telling everyone what you are about to say, then don’t share it with even your “closest friends.” If there is even a remote chance that what you are saying about someone could get back to them, you had better be 100% sure they would be okay with it. The better policy is to never repeat personal information or “news” to others. And while you are at it, think about what you are posting on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. If you couldn’t tell the same things to your grandmother in person, they probably are not suitable for posting!
God wants us to be good stewards of our mouths. He wants us to spend time sharing His love, grace, mercy and Good News … not the latest gossip or unkind talk and opinions. Before we speak, let’s stop, take a breath … maybe even try the sentence out in our heads … and then ask ourselves if what we are about to say would be pleasing to God. This should determine how we proceed. It’s a tough order, but to do otherwise could have serious consequences. Keep what you know to yourself … please God … and preserve your reputation and your conscience!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 23, 2010
Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.
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.
Hype. Dictionary.com defines hype as “exaggerated publicity; hoopla … an ingenious or questionable claim, method, etc., used in advertising, promotion, or publicity to intensify the effect … a swindle, deception, or trick.” We hear a lot these days about hype … and there’s a whole lot of hype about a whole lot of issues. Frankly, a lot of the hype is a mask for evil words of the wicked.
More and more in our society, we are bombarded through all kinds of media with outlandish claims and statements – hype - that sound just true enough to reel us in and catch us off guard. We’ve bought into everything from “reality TV” to tabloid journalism to political spin. And the lines between truth and fiction have become so blurry that often no one is sure of anything.
Hype about the Razorbacks and how good they are predicted to be this year may be one thing. Hype that is designed to scare us into believing one way or another about serious social and religious issues is totally different. We need to all take a deep breath, stop and think about what we are seeing and hearing, and ask ourselves if it lines up with the word of God. We need to surround ourselves with people who are level-headed, spend time in prayer and Bible study, and listen to our Heavenly Father … not the “spin doctors” on television and in the media or some of those who like to share letters and opinions in our local newspaper. We need to use our head … and check things out on websites like www.urbanlegends.com and www.snopes.com.
Be informed – do some digging and get to the heart of what people are saying. Choose your friends and your role models carefully. Ask God to give you discernment in all things, and remember that He does not operate in fear. Sadly, there are people who will invoke the Lord’s name as they spew untruths, and yes … evil poison. There are “Christians” who operate in fear and threats. Think of e-mails that say… “If you love Jesus, you will forward this e-mail” or even “Send this to six friends and get six blessings … nine friends and get nine blessings.” We can’t bargain with God for His favor!
On Facebook, I’m blessed to be “friends” with a young woman who posts frequent messages of hope and encouragement … prayer requests for those in need … uplifting scriptures, mentions of specific needs in our community, and praise for her church and the work God is doing there. I sometimes see posts from a few “friends” who want to spew hype … most of it negative. Sadly, some of them invoke their faith as they do so … and honestly, I have to hide them – or even block them completely. I’m learning that I cannot be surrounded by such thoughts and words. The more I remove the “hype” from my life and my heart, the more room I have for the life-giving words of God Almighty.
And that’s what it’s all about. We need plenty of room in our daily lives for the life-giving well of good words from good people. If you find that your life is getting cluttered with hype, it may be time for a good old-fashioned cleaning. Ask God to help you with this. Ask Him to surround you with good people who speak truthfully. Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment to sift through the hype and get to His truths. It’s time for us to all make a little extra room in our hearts for the good stuff!
©2010 Debbie Robus
The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.
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.
Hype. Dictionary.com defines hype as “exaggerated publicity; hoopla … an ingenious or questionable claim, method, etc., used in advertising, promotion, or publicity to intensify the effect … a swindle, deception, or trick.” We hear a lot these days about hype … and there’s a whole lot of hype about a whole lot of issues. Frankly, a lot of the hype is a mask for evil words of the wicked.
More and more in our society, we are bombarded through all kinds of media with outlandish claims and statements – hype - that sound just true enough to reel us in and catch us off guard. We’ve bought into everything from “reality TV” to tabloid journalism to political spin. And the lines between truth and fiction have become so blurry that often no one is sure of anything.
Hype about the Razorbacks and how good they are predicted to be this year may be one thing. Hype that is designed to scare us into believing one way or another about serious social and religious issues is totally different. We need to all take a deep breath, stop and think about what we are seeing and hearing, and ask ourselves if it lines up with the word of God. We need to surround ourselves with people who are level-headed, spend time in prayer and Bible study, and listen to our Heavenly Father … not the “spin doctors” on television and in the media or some of those who like to share letters and opinions in our local newspaper. We need to use our head … and check things out on websites like www.urbanlegends.com and www.snopes.com.
Be informed – do some digging and get to the heart of what people are saying. Choose your friends and your role models carefully. Ask God to give you discernment in all things, and remember that He does not operate in fear. Sadly, there are people who will invoke the Lord’s name as they spew untruths, and yes … evil poison. There are “Christians” who operate in fear and threats. Think of e-mails that say… “If you love Jesus, you will forward this e-mail” or even “Send this to six friends and get six blessings … nine friends and get nine blessings.” We can’t bargain with God for His favor!
On Facebook, I’m blessed to be “friends” with a young woman who posts frequent messages of hope and encouragement … prayer requests for those in need … uplifting scriptures, mentions of specific needs in our community, and praise for her church and the work God is doing there. I sometimes see posts from a few “friends” who want to spew hype … most of it negative. Sadly, some of them invoke their faith as they do so … and honestly, I have to hide them – or even block them completely. I’m learning that I cannot be surrounded by such thoughts and words. The more I remove the “hype” from my life and my heart, the more room I have for the life-giving words of God Almighty.
And that’s what it’s all about. We need plenty of room in our daily lives for the life-giving well of good words from good people. If you find that your life is getting cluttered with hype, it may be time for a good old-fashioned cleaning. Ask God to help you with this. Ask Him to surround you with good people who speak truthfully. Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment to sift through the hype and get to His truths. It’s time for us to all make a little extra room in our hearts for the good stuff!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 22, 2010
James 3:8
But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading deadly poison.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was about 10 years old, my Girl Scout leader was helping us with a sewing project, and I think she stuck herself with a needle. Anyway, I remember she said “Darn it!” We were appalled, and she was embarrassed. This was not quite a curse word, but it was not a nice word to use in conversation in 1967… especially in front of ten-year-olds! That seems almost laughable now, because many of us use the word “darn” and don’t give it a second thought. But sadly, many of us often use words that are far worse!
My childhood was probably like most … in junior high and senior high, I started to hang out with some people who used some pretty bad language. They weren’t bad people … they just thought this rowdy language was cool. And at first, I didn’t participate … until they laughed at me. So I let them “teach” me to curse. For a while, we thought we were really hot stuff, because we knew all of the really BAD words! Oh, we didn’t use them around adults … or most certainly our parents or teachers … but we sure had fun other times. Our tongues were most definitely out of control.
Has it ever occurred to you that many shows like “Andy Griffith”, “I Love Lucy” and “Bonanza” and many movies produced before 1970 are really good – even today – and yet they contain no cursing? Truly, the four-letter words don’t add much of anything to the story in most cases, but you can hardly find a television show - much less a movie - that doesn’t contain them now. And on many cable shows, it’s hard to keep up sometimes, because every other word seems to be “bleeped.”
The truth is … much of what we say becomes a habit. My grandmother starts virtually every sentence with, “I tell you what…” Others start saying things like “Been there, done that,” or “No way, Jose,” or “Shut the front door.” And while these are harmless phrases, nobody likes to be around someone who peppers their sentences – or their Internet posts – with cursing. One I would particularly like to see people stop using is OMG. Did you realize that any time you speak some form of the Lord’s name in this manner, you are “taking His name in vain,” which is a form of cursing?
Habits can be broken. It won’t be easy, but if you find you are using inappropriate language, ask God to help you stop. A good way to start is to find a silly substitute for the words you use most frequently. If you stub your toe, try saying something like “sugar pie.” When something doesn’t go your way, how about saying “fiddlesticks” or “flitter,” as was the word my mom’s friend uses. My mother-in-law likes to say “phooey!” Whatever works for you … but it has to be something totally off-the-wall and unrelated to the curse word you once used. It works - I promise! Everyone needs a “vent” word from time to time … but it doesn’t have to be a well-known dirty one. God will help you work on this bad habit and clean up your speech – and get your tongue under control. People may wonder what on earth you are talking about, but they will never think of you as someone who cannot control their tongue!
©2010 Debbie Robus
But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading deadly poison.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was about 10 years old, my Girl Scout leader was helping us with a sewing project, and I think she stuck herself with a needle. Anyway, I remember she said “Darn it!” We were appalled, and she was embarrassed. This was not quite a curse word, but it was not a nice word to use in conversation in 1967… especially in front of ten-year-olds! That seems almost laughable now, because many of us use the word “darn” and don’t give it a second thought. But sadly, many of us often use words that are far worse!
My childhood was probably like most … in junior high and senior high, I started to hang out with some people who used some pretty bad language. They weren’t bad people … they just thought this rowdy language was cool. And at first, I didn’t participate … until they laughed at me. So I let them “teach” me to curse. For a while, we thought we were really hot stuff, because we knew all of the really BAD words! Oh, we didn’t use them around adults … or most certainly our parents or teachers … but we sure had fun other times. Our tongues were most definitely out of control.
Has it ever occurred to you that many shows like “Andy Griffith”, “I Love Lucy” and “Bonanza” and many movies produced before 1970 are really good – even today – and yet they contain no cursing? Truly, the four-letter words don’t add much of anything to the story in most cases, but you can hardly find a television show - much less a movie - that doesn’t contain them now. And on many cable shows, it’s hard to keep up sometimes, because every other word seems to be “bleeped.”
The truth is … much of what we say becomes a habit. My grandmother starts virtually every sentence with, “I tell you what…” Others start saying things like “Been there, done that,” or “No way, Jose,” or “Shut the front door.” And while these are harmless phrases, nobody likes to be around someone who peppers their sentences – or their Internet posts – with cursing. One I would particularly like to see people stop using is OMG. Did you realize that any time you speak some form of the Lord’s name in this manner, you are “taking His name in vain,” which is a form of cursing?
Habits can be broken. It won’t be easy, but if you find you are using inappropriate language, ask God to help you stop. A good way to start is to find a silly substitute for the words you use most frequently. If you stub your toe, try saying something like “sugar pie.” When something doesn’t go your way, how about saying “fiddlesticks” or “flitter,” as was the word my mom’s friend uses. My mother-in-law likes to say “phooey!” Whatever works for you … but it has to be something totally off-the-wall and unrelated to the curse word you once used. It works - I promise! Everyone needs a “vent” word from time to time … but it doesn’t have to be a well-known dirty one. God will help you work on this bad habit and clean up your speech – and get your tongue under control. People may wonder what on earth you are talking about, but they will never think of you as someone who cannot control their tongue!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 21, 2010
James 3:9-10
My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn't right.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Repurpose. That’s a word we hear a lot these days. In “green speak,” it means taking something that was once used for one thing, and “repurposing” it to use another way. I repurpose a lot! I cut up old clothing and use the fabric to make pillows or cushion covers. I made a laundry bag out of a denim jumper, and mittens for Timmy out of an old wool sweater. A beautiful vintage brown “bean pot” is now filled with fall silk flowers and gracing our mantel. I take old greeting cards and make new ones. I think you get the picture. I’m all about multi-purpose items and using old things in new ways.
But when it comes to our relationship with God, the only “repurposing” we need to be doing with our tongue is aligning how we use it with His purposes. As this scripture so clearly illustrates, we can’t have it both ways. We can’t praise God one minute, and curse others the next. The same tongue we use to speak of God’s love, grace and mercy cannot be used to spew hate, racism, discrimination, gossip, lies, and more. If we find ourselves doing this, we need to stop at once and ask God to forgive us and set us back on the right track.
This scripture speaks to a much bigger issue in our present-day culture. We have found it convenient to invoke our faith in all sorts of arenas. You see political candidates promote themselves as “Christian Conservatives,” and then act in ways that belie their Christian faith. You hear ministers talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then loudly protest across the street from a funeral for someone who was openly gay – or at an abortion clinic – or threaten to burn a Koran. You hear Christians claim that natural disasters and human tragedies are “God’s punishment” for the choices made by those who endured them.
You hear people who talk about serving God in ministries large and small speak critically of those they serve – “Why can’t they get off welfare?” … “If they didn’t spend money on drugs, they wouldn’t need a handout.” … “Did you see what she was wearing? She shouldn’t qualify for this ministry!” and more. You see people of all ages attending church activities on Sunday and throughout the week and then treating others with condescension, criticism, and sometimes downright rudeness away from the church campus.
I know I am stepping on toes … and I sound like a broken record. But every day when I turn on the television or open the newspaper – or even login to Facebook – I see this time and again. And it saddens me greatly. But what I think or feel doesn’t matter … imagine how it saddens God! The people He sacrificed His only Son to save have “repurposed” His gift. Too many of us have taken their new life in Christ and fashioned it into something it was never meant to be. We’ve given it a purpose, alright … but not the one that God intended!
I pray that we will all take time today to search our hearts and ask some really serious questions. Find out where you have repurposed your salvation to fit your own agenda. Ask God to show you where you need to do a “restoration” job and return to the discipleship He designed for you. I know the changes won’t happen overnight, but it’s a start. With God, all things are possible, and God can remove our mistaken attitudes … our curses and wrong thinking. He can restore us to a faith walk that honors Him and blesses others. Will you ask Him to do this for you today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn't right.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Repurpose. That’s a word we hear a lot these days. In “green speak,” it means taking something that was once used for one thing, and “repurposing” it to use another way. I repurpose a lot! I cut up old clothing and use the fabric to make pillows or cushion covers. I made a laundry bag out of a denim jumper, and mittens for Timmy out of an old wool sweater. A beautiful vintage brown “bean pot” is now filled with fall silk flowers and gracing our mantel. I take old greeting cards and make new ones. I think you get the picture. I’m all about multi-purpose items and using old things in new ways.
But when it comes to our relationship with God, the only “repurposing” we need to be doing with our tongue is aligning how we use it with His purposes. As this scripture so clearly illustrates, we can’t have it both ways. We can’t praise God one minute, and curse others the next. The same tongue we use to speak of God’s love, grace and mercy cannot be used to spew hate, racism, discrimination, gossip, lies, and more. If we find ourselves doing this, we need to stop at once and ask God to forgive us and set us back on the right track.
This scripture speaks to a much bigger issue in our present-day culture. We have found it convenient to invoke our faith in all sorts of arenas. You see political candidates promote themselves as “Christian Conservatives,” and then act in ways that belie their Christian faith. You hear ministers talk about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and then loudly protest across the street from a funeral for someone who was openly gay – or at an abortion clinic – or threaten to burn a Koran. You hear Christians claim that natural disasters and human tragedies are “God’s punishment” for the choices made by those who endured them.
You hear people who talk about serving God in ministries large and small speak critically of those they serve – “Why can’t they get off welfare?” … “If they didn’t spend money on drugs, they wouldn’t need a handout.” … “Did you see what she was wearing? She shouldn’t qualify for this ministry!” and more. You see people of all ages attending church activities on Sunday and throughout the week and then treating others with condescension, criticism, and sometimes downright rudeness away from the church campus.
I know I am stepping on toes … and I sound like a broken record. But every day when I turn on the television or open the newspaper – or even login to Facebook – I see this time and again. And it saddens me greatly. But what I think or feel doesn’t matter … imagine how it saddens God! The people He sacrificed His only Son to save have “repurposed” His gift. Too many of us have taken their new life in Christ and fashioned it into something it was never meant to be. We’ve given it a purpose, alright … but not the one that God intended!
I pray that we will all take time today to search our hearts and ask some really serious questions. Find out where you have repurposed your salvation to fit your own agenda. Ask God to show you where you need to do a “restoration” job and return to the discipleship He designed for you. I know the changes won’t happen overnight, but it’s a start. With God, all things are possible, and God can remove our mistaken attitudes … our curses and wrong thinking. He can restore us to a faith walk that honors Him and blesses others. Will you ask Him to do this for you today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 20, 2010
Psalm 17:3
Go ahead, examine me from inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night — You'll find I'm just what I say I am. My words don't run loose.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In recent weeks and months, both my mom and a friend of mine have gone out for their daily walks, only to be chased and frightened (and in my mother’s case, knocked to the ground) by “loose” dogs. Our city has a “voice command” ordinance now that says dogs can remain loose within the confines of their owner’s yard, as long as they respond to voice command. This is sort of an “amendment” to the city’s “leash law” that requires dogs to be on a leash when outside, unless in a fenced area.
Clearly, this “amendment” that allows voice command “control” is not working. My mom is okay – although she did hit her head – and my friend says she probably screamed loud enough to wake all of the neighbors the evening she was chased home. She says the “master” of the dog scaring her called to his loose pet, but the dog did not respond.
When our Master calls, do we answer? Do our words “run loose?” Do we find that in the darkness of night, we feel more comfortable sharing gossip or whispering with friends about this person or another? Do we feel that it’s okay to say disrespectful things, curse, or tell off-color jokes in certain company, because “They won’t tell,” or “They don’t mind.” Do we use language to try to fit in with certain people or crowds?
We need to exercise a “leash law” on our tongues. We need to initiate a “no tolerance” law upon ourselves. If we couldn’t say it directly to Jesus and feel comfortable, we shouldn’t say it at all. Surely we don’t curse when we talk to HIM! Surely we don’t refer to His children with off-color, racist or derogatory names when we pray. Surely we wouldn’t share a filthy joke or hateful story with our Heavenly Father. So why do we think this is okay with our friends and acquaintances?
We need to study Psalm 17:3 and commit it to memory. We need to make it our mantra – and practice it daily. We need to be able to say to God, “Go ahead… examine me from inside out … night or day … and see what you find. I’m the real deal for You all the way. Your ‘voice command’ is in full effect!” Anything less is dishonorable, and completely unacceptable in the life of Christ’s disciples. Who controls your tongue today? Is the “voice command” of God your Master?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Go ahead, examine me from inside out, surprise me in the middle of the night — You'll find I'm just what I say I am. My words don't run loose.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In recent weeks and months, both my mom and a friend of mine have gone out for their daily walks, only to be chased and frightened (and in my mother’s case, knocked to the ground) by “loose” dogs. Our city has a “voice command” ordinance now that says dogs can remain loose within the confines of their owner’s yard, as long as they respond to voice command. This is sort of an “amendment” to the city’s “leash law” that requires dogs to be on a leash when outside, unless in a fenced area.
Clearly, this “amendment” that allows voice command “control” is not working. My mom is okay – although she did hit her head – and my friend says she probably screamed loud enough to wake all of the neighbors the evening she was chased home. She says the “master” of the dog scaring her called to his loose pet, but the dog did not respond.
When our Master calls, do we answer? Do our words “run loose?” Do we find that in the darkness of night, we feel more comfortable sharing gossip or whispering with friends about this person or another? Do we feel that it’s okay to say disrespectful things, curse, or tell off-color jokes in certain company, because “They won’t tell,” or “They don’t mind.” Do we use language to try to fit in with certain people or crowds?
We need to exercise a “leash law” on our tongues. We need to initiate a “no tolerance” law upon ourselves. If we couldn’t say it directly to Jesus and feel comfortable, we shouldn’t say it at all. Surely we don’t curse when we talk to HIM! Surely we don’t refer to His children with off-color, racist or derogatory names when we pray. Surely we wouldn’t share a filthy joke or hateful story with our Heavenly Father. So why do we think this is okay with our friends and acquaintances?
We need to study Psalm 17:3 and commit it to memory. We need to make it our mantra – and practice it daily. We need to be able to say to God, “Go ahead… examine me from inside out … night or day … and see what you find. I’m the real deal for You all the way. Your ‘voice command’ is in full effect!” Anything less is dishonorable, and completely unacceptable in the life of Christ’s disciples. Who controls your tongue today? Is the “voice command” of God your Master?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 19, 2010
Matthew 12:36-37
I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. On that day they will be told that they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Each month, as I go to sales and auctions, I make notes of what I purchase and how much the items cost. As I sell things online and in my booth at a store downtown, I make a note on my “inventory list” of the date the item sold and the sale price. I do this for tax purposes, and also because it’s fun to see how much I made or lost on each item. Thankfully, there have been very few losses.
Somehow, I have a feeling that there are more “losses” to report when I stand before God some day. Even though I know that my name is written in The Lamb’s Book of Life … and I have every confidence that Jesus is preparing my “mansion” as we speak … I will still have to answer for what I did on this earth. God is going to want me to account for the careless words I said … the judgments I made about others … the times I was supposed to serve and didn’t.
I hope that there will be at least a few things in the “plus” column for God to recognize. And I am doing all I can to add to that column. But it is very easy for us to slip into old habits … and to say and do things that displease God. I believe when we realize that God really is making note of these – and some day, He will say “What do you have to say for yourself?” - we will try to do better. I believe that at the end of my “heavenly review,” God will take His giant eraser – or more aptly, a cup of Jesus’ precious blood” - and wash away any evidence of my wrongdoing. But I don’t want there to be much for Him to erase, do you?
Today, I pray you will remind yourself that God is making notes. He is holding us accountable for everything we say and do … and someday we will have to answer for our careless words and our ruthless judgments of others. I pray you will ask Him to give you strength and wisdom to conquer these demons in your life and to focus more on serving and making marks in God’s “plus” column.
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you have a minute, please view this video by Beth Moore, a well-known teacher of God’s word. She speaks to the issue of judging others – and listening to God. You’ll laugh, think – and maybe even cry … but she will give you a great illustration of how God works – and the many ways we can serve Him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtk5WgzZcYA
I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. On that day they will be told that they are either innocent or guilty because of the things they have said.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Each month, as I go to sales and auctions, I make notes of what I purchase and how much the items cost. As I sell things online and in my booth at a store downtown, I make a note on my “inventory list” of the date the item sold and the sale price. I do this for tax purposes, and also because it’s fun to see how much I made or lost on each item. Thankfully, there have been very few losses.
Somehow, I have a feeling that there are more “losses” to report when I stand before God some day. Even though I know that my name is written in The Lamb’s Book of Life … and I have every confidence that Jesus is preparing my “mansion” as we speak … I will still have to answer for what I did on this earth. God is going to want me to account for the careless words I said … the judgments I made about others … the times I was supposed to serve and didn’t.
I hope that there will be at least a few things in the “plus” column for God to recognize. And I am doing all I can to add to that column. But it is very easy for us to slip into old habits … and to say and do things that displease God. I believe when we realize that God really is making note of these – and some day, He will say “What do you have to say for yourself?” - we will try to do better. I believe that at the end of my “heavenly review,” God will take His giant eraser – or more aptly, a cup of Jesus’ precious blood” - and wash away any evidence of my wrongdoing. But I don’t want there to be much for Him to erase, do you?
Today, I pray you will remind yourself that God is making notes. He is holding us accountable for everything we say and do … and someday we will have to answer for our careless words and our ruthless judgments of others. I pray you will ask Him to give you strength and wisdom to conquer these demons in your life and to focus more on serving and making marks in God’s “plus” column.
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you have a minute, please view this video by Beth Moore, a well-known teacher of God’s word. She speaks to the issue of judging others – and listening to God. You’ll laugh, think – and maybe even cry … but she will give you a great illustration of how God works – and the many ways we can serve Him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtk5WgzZcYA
Daily Devotional for September 18, 2010
Proverbs 18:21
Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember the time you should have stopped talking, but you just kept going … digging yourself in deeper and deeper? Of course you do … we’ve all been there! Our reasons are endless … we thought we were helping … we were making a point … we were right, and we knew it! And sometimes, we simply thought we sounded pretty darn good and wanted to keep going!
We often speak before we think … or say too much or the wrong thing to someone. The devil loves to control us, and our speech is a really easy way for him to do this, because words are like toothpaste – once it’s out of the tube, there is no way to put it back. And if you have ever had to “eat” something you said … to apologize or retract a comment … you know how humbling and embarrassing this can be. Worse yet, it dishonors our faith!
Hear me carefully … there is a fine line between being witty and wicked. This is not about how much you talk, as much as it is about what you say and how you say it. I know people who don’t say all that much – but when they do, their words have a bite and an attitude to them that speaks volumes! I know others who talk all the time and never really say anything or give any real picture of who they are in Christ. God wants us to speak words of love, grace, mercy, and peace over others. He wants our words to be kind, thoughtful, constructive … and always truthful. The old adage, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything” applies.
In a court of law, words can literally bring death or life. In the life of a Christian, we are often known by our words. Will yours bring life and the good news of Jesus to others? Or will yours bring delight to the devil? Guard your thoughts and words carefully. Be sure those that escape your tongue are pleasing to God and honor His presence in your life.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember the time you should have stopped talking, but you just kept going … digging yourself in deeper and deeper? Of course you do … we’ve all been there! Our reasons are endless … we thought we were helping … we were making a point … we were right, and we knew it! And sometimes, we simply thought we sounded pretty darn good and wanted to keep going!
We often speak before we think … or say too much or the wrong thing to someone. The devil loves to control us, and our speech is a really easy way for him to do this, because words are like toothpaste – once it’s out of the tube, there is no way to put it back. And if you have ever had to “eat” something you said … to apologize or retract a comment … you know how humbling and embarrassing this can be. Worse yet, it dishonors our faith!
Hear me carefully … there is a fine line between being witty and wicked. This is not about how much you talk, as much as it is about what you say and how you say it. I know people who don’t say all that much – but when they do, their words have a bite and an attitude to them that speaks volumes! I know others who talk all the time and never really say anything or give any real picture of who they are in Christ. God wants us to speak words of love, grace, mercy, and peace over others. He wants our words to be kind, thoughtful, constructive … and always truthful. The old adage, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything” applies.
In a court of law, words can literally bring death or life. In the life of a Christian, we are often known by our words. Will yours bring life and the good news of Jesus to others? Or will yours bring delight to the devil? Guard your thoughts and words carefully. Be sure those that escape your tongue are pleasing to God and honor His presence in your life.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 17, 2010
1 Peter 4:11
If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had some sort of virus for a few days that left me with acute laryngitis. I know some of you will find this incredibly amusing – or even “poetic justice” – so go ahead and laugh. The truth is, being unable to make a sound above a whisper for more than five days has given me time to reflect in depth on speech and communication … how and why we communicate – and what we are really saying.
I’ve considered my inability to talk – and the ramifications. What if my voice didn’t return … how would I manage? Thankfully, I can write notes by hand, send texts and e-mails, post on Facebook, and even use charades and sign language to get a message to my husband. But there are things that I cannot do … like respond to my cats when they call. I can’t read or sing to Timothy – and he isn’t old enough to understand laryngitis. I can’t telephone people who don’t have e-mail, like my grandmother and my sister. I can’t console a little friend I saw in Wal-Mart who had scraped her knee.
Satan may be having the biggest laugh over my inability to speak … but he has not won. I can still write devos. I can still mail notes of encouragement, sympathy, get well wishes, and congratulations. I can still work with my hands to do everything from housekeeping to meal prep to hugging husbands, kitties and babies. I can still give a grieving friend a hug and a smile in Wal-Mart. I can still pray.
I can still honor God in a number of ways, because we are none of us limited to one method. If God takes your hands, feet, speech, eyesight, hearing … whatever, ask Him to show you another way to serve Him. Because I assure you, with God there is always a way.
I know that in a few days my speech will return. But I won’t forget the lesson of my laryngitis. I won’t forget the blessing of being able to open your mouth and answer the telephone … or read/sing to a baby. I won’t underestimate the spoken words, “I love you.” I also won’t underestimate the power of God to use us in a variety of ways … and to bless us immensely. I will thank Him for good health and strong bodies … and a few days to learn more about Him in the peace and quiet of a raspy whisper.
How will God use you today? What will be your “tools” and gifts? Will you recognize them and ask God to give you strength and power to honor Him by their use?
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had some sort of virus for a few days that left me with acute laryngitis. I know some of you will find this incredibly amusing – or even “poetic justice” – so go ahead and laugh. The truth is, being unable to make a sound above a whisper for more than five days has given me time to reflect in depth on speech and communication … how and why we communicate – and what we are really saying.
I’ve considered my inability to talk – and the ramifications. What if my voice didn’t return … how would I manage? Thankfully, I can write notes by hand, send texts and e-mails, post on Facebook, and even use charades and sign language to get a message to my husband. But there are things that I cannot do … like respond to my cats when they call. I can’t read or sing to Timothy – and he isn’t old enough to understand laryngitis. I can’t telephone people who don’t have e-mail, like my grandmother and my sister. I can’t console a little friend I saw in Wal-Mart who had scraped her knee.
Satan may be having the biggest laugh over my inability to speak … but he has not won. I can still write devos. I can still mail notes of encouragement, sympathy, get well wishes, and congratulations. I can still work with my hands to do everything from housekeeping to meal prep to hugging husbands, kitties and babies. I can still give a grieving friend a hug and a smile in Wal-Mart. I can still pray.
I can still honor God in a number of ways, because we are none of us limited to one method. If God takes your hands, feet, speech, eyesight, hearing … whatever, ask Him to show you another way to serve Him. Because I assure you, with God there is always a way.
I know that in a few days my speech will return. But I won’t forget the lesson of my laryngitis. I won’t forget the blessing of being able to open your mouth and answer the telephone … or read/sing to a baby. I won’t underestimate the spoken words, “I love you.” I also won’t underestimate the power of God to use us in a variety of ways … and to bless us immensely. I will thank Him for good health and strong bodies … and a few days to learn more about Him in the peace and quiet of a raspy whisper.
How will God use you today? What will be your “tools” and gifts? Will you recognize them and ask God to give you strength and power to honor Him by their use?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 16, 2010
James 2:9
But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read a letter to the editor of our local paper from someone who was terribly upset because our annual area Lake and River Cleanup was held on September 11th. The writer felt that this was disrespectful, and he was incensed that the event was not changed to another date. I have maintained correspondence with the families of two New York firefighters killed on September 11, 2001, and I can assure you, they would disagree. I think they would feel that the act of a community coming together for a common cause – i.e. picking up trash and litter – would be a fantastic way to honor the lives and service of their loved ones.
Isn’t the point of remembering 9.11 in large part the unity of us as a citizenry? Isn’t actually doing something constructive as a group as much of a tribute as standing underneath an American flag and listening to “Taps”? And for the record, probably very few of us did anything to mark the day, short of turning on our televisions and listening to news reports about ceremonies taking place in faraway cities.
So what’s my point with regard to James 2:9? I believe we are way too quick to judge others … and to treat them accordingly. Many editorial comments and recent “Letters to the Editor” in our local paper and elsewhere have disturbed me. People are claiming Christianity and passing judgment in the same sentences. If someone doesn’t totally agree with our thinking, we decide – consciously or subconsciously – that this person is beneath us and deserves to be treated as lesser … or even in an unkind manner. We say hateful things. We pick sides. We decide they are beneath us.
So when we go to church, we won’t sit near “So-and-so” because he belongs to “the other party.” At school, we make sure people know us by the crowd with whom we run … and we make it clear that certain people are not included. We look down our noses at people in the grocery store who don’t look like us. I’ll tell you, I have laughed as hard as the next person over those e-mails with the “People of Wal-Mart.” But I do not think of them as beneath me. I’m sure on any given day, God wonders about my “style” and dress just as much as these people – and I’ve become very aware of trying not to give them a sideways glance in person!
We don’t have to “dress down.” We don’t have to live in hovel … or even sell all of our earthly belongings … in order to humble ourselves and become more in tune with others. But we need to drop the attitudes and opinions. We need to realize that God is no respecter of person – and we shouldn’t be, either. We cannot truly begin to serve until we become more like Him … and that means losing the sin of judgment. Remember … people are watching. They will know by your body language, the tone of your voice, what you say and how you act, and whether you are loving others unconditionally – or looking down your nose at some. Don’t be guilty of the latter. God would never look down His nose at you – so what makes you think this is acceptable behavior?
Today, I pray we will all find time to humble ourselves before God and ask Him to show us where we need to drop the attitude and the condescension. Ask Him to forgive you for judging others and to reveal to you areas where you could use improvement. Ask God to bless you with an attitude of love, grace, and mercy toward all people. Then receive His forgiveness and blessings … and go get busy serving honorably.
©2010 Debbie Robus
But if you treat some people better than others, you have done wrong, and the Scriptures teach that you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read a letter to the editor of our local paper from someone who was terribly upset because our annual area Lake and River Cleanup was held on September 11th. The writer felt that this was disrespectful, and he was incensed that the event was not changed to another date. I have maintained correspondence with the families of two New York firefighters killed on September 11, 2001, and I can assure you, they would disagree. I think they would feel that the act of a community coming together for a common cause – i.e. picking up trash and litter – would be a fantastic way to honor the lives and service of their loved ones.
Isn’t the point of remembering 9.11 in large part the unity of us as a citizenry? Isn’t actually doing something constructive as a group as much of a tribute as standing underneath an American flag and listening to “Taps”? And for the record, probably very few of us did anything to mark the day, short of turning on our televisions and listening to news reports about ceremonies taking place in faraway cities.
So what’s my point with regard to James 2:9? I believe we are way too quick to judge others … and to treat them accordingly. Many editorial comments and recent “Letters to the Editor” in our local paper and elsewhere have disturbed me. People are claiming Christianity and passing judgment in the same sentences. If someone doesn’t totally agree with our thinking, we decide – consciously or subconsciously – that this person is beneath us and deserves to be treated as lesser … or even in an unkind manner. We say hateful things. We pick sides. We decide they are beneath us.
So when we go to church, we won’t sit near “So-and-so” because he belongs to “the other party.” At school, we make sure people know us by the crowd with whom we run … and we make it clear that certain people are not included. We look down our noses at people in the grocery store who don’t look like us. I’ll tell you, I have laughed as hard as the next person over those e-mails with the “People of Wal-Mart.” But I do not think of them as beneath me. I’m sure on any given day, God wonders about my “style” and dress just as much as these people – and I’ve become very aware of trying not to give them a sideways glance in person!
We don’t have to “dress down.” We don’t have to live in hovel … or even sell all of our earthly belongings … in order to humble ourselves and become more in tune with others. But we need to drop the attitudes and opinions. We need to realize that God is no respecter of person – and we shouldn’t be, either. We cannot truly begin to serve until we become more like Him … and that means losing the sin of judgment. Remember … people are watching. They will know by your body language, the tone of your voice, what you say and how you act, and whether you are loving others unconditionally – or looking down your nose at some. Don’t be guilty of the latter. God would never look down His nose at you – so what makes you think this is acceptable behavior?
Today, I pray we will all find time to humble ourselves before God and ask Him to show us where we need to drop the attitude and the condescension. Ask Him to forgive you for judging others and to reveal to you areas where you could use improvement. Ask God to bless you with an attitude of love, grace, and mercy toward all people. Then receive His forgiveness and blessings … and go get busy serving honorably.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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