Matthew 10:28-31
“Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.
“What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries.
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.
Today, my husband and I took Timothy and his little sister, Zola, to the park to play and enjoy a picnic lunch. This had to be one of the most perfect days we have had all year… maybe in more than a year. The air was crisp and cool… the sun was shining brightly over a local park adjacent to the beautiful blue water of a lake that hugs the northern edge of our community, and the leaves were brilliant hues of red, yellow, orange, and green.
I sat on a bench as we ate and looked at the children’s hair in the sunlight. Timmy’s is blond, a little course, and stands up along a couple of “cow licks” that give him wispy stick-straight spikes. Zola’s is almost black, soft, fine and pours over her head in a mound of unruly curls. To think that God knows exactly how many hairs number not only the heads of these children… but yours, mine, and everyone else’s as well… boggles my mind.
These children are marvels to me. I watch them play and see how quickly they are growing and what amazing things they are learning, and I am in awe. I cannot imagine that anyone could spend time in the presence of small children at play and not believe in God! How could you look at the innocent wonder of a toddler and not see Him at work? And how could you imagine that these incredible tiny creatures don’t simply melt God’s heart each and every day? I am convinced that God has a legion of angels just to care for small children… and that He cares about every detail of their little lives.
Timmy is very concerned that I will outgrow him… or that he will outgrow me! He asks me nearly every time I see him, “Am I still your baby?” I assure him that he is…that he will always be my baby! Surely the God who numbers the hair on our heads and holds sway over the bodies and souls of little children cares immensely for each of us. Remember, we were all once small children… and in God’s eyes, we are all still His babies! I don’t know about you, but I am deeply moved by this.
To think that God always has my back… that I am incredibly valuable to Him, and that He will protect me from all “bullies”… frees me to love Him more deeply and to follow Him more completely. All I have to do is love God and serve Him wholeheartedly. He will handle any naysayers or “bullies” who try to stop me or do me harm. Isn’t this amazing? Doesn’t this give you confidence and courage beyond anything you could ever muster on your own?
The children slid down the slide with abandon today. They giggled with glee in the swings…confident that we would protect them and keep them from harm… free to enjoy the wind in their hair and the sunshine on their face. Is your relationship with God this unencumbered? Do you feel this protected by God? Do you feel His presence…His constant love and care? Are you free to worship Him and serve Him without concern for what others may say or think?
Stop and take some time to sit in God’s presence. Enjoy the beauty of the fall color or even the peace and quiet of a secluded space in your home or office. Listen for God’s voice and hear Him say, “You’re still my baby.” Then go about your day with added confidence, peace and joy…knowing how incredibly loved and protected you are. Boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus, confident that God has your back… now, and always.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 7, 2012
Matthew 10:21-23
“When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
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.
Early on Election Day, my friend John posted a graphic on Facebook that said, “No matter who is President, Jesus is King!” John also posted this comment from one of his “good Christian friends,” as he described him… "No matter who wins tomorrow, God still reigns. As Christians, our politics should never be filled with hatred or poisonous division. My prayer is that Wednesday morning, Christians all over this great nation will be in prayer for our President to seek wisdom, and that we will love him in the same way that Christ loves us. May the world know we are Christians by our love. And that by doing so may we reflect the fact that God still reigns.”
I was so struck by the sentence in this scripture passage that says, “There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate!” A lot of “Christians” on both sides of the aisle want to talk about how much they love Jesus while spewing venom and hatred that could corrode heavy metal. I have to ask, “Where is their faith? What part of ‘love one another’ was unclear?”
This is not a commentary on the election… this is about more than politics. We must stop and examine our hearts and determine whether we are truly focused on serving God as the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth… or whether we have shaped our faith in an image of our making – turned it into something that suits our personal agenda. In the course of our lifetime, we will win some and lose some – in political elections, job opportunities, relationships, and more. And we can allow these to define us…or we can choose to focus on pleasing God and seeking His will.
If you choose the former, you will be setting yourself up for a lot of disappointments and heartaches… and opening the door for Satan to move in and fill you with hatred and bitterness. If you choose to trust God – no matter what – life may not always be a bed of roses, but you will be able to handle whatever comes your way.
I’ve talked a lot lately about “turning points,” and I think this is a big one. Making the commitment to humbly serve God in every single aspect of your life… to trust and obey Him in all things… and to believe that His will shall come to pass represents a critical obligation – and a significant leap of faith. But genuinely committing to God – completely – will make the difference. He will sustain you in hard times and give you courage to face those who turn on you.
As Christians, we must serve God and obey His commands with everything we have, which means to love others as He loves us… and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those in our midst and to be His hands and feet on this earth. If we keep our own behavior in check… if we are certain that we are obediently honoring God with our service… what others do and say makes no difference. It’s not about us – or them… it’s about Jesus.
Where is your focus? Are you defined by your faith and service… or by your defeats and those who disparage you? Do you trust God to work in and through you… and are you trustworthy? Are you truly operating in God’s will and believing Him for perfect outcomes in all things? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
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.
Early on Election Day, my friend John posted a graphic on Facebook that said, “No matter who is President, Jesus is King!” John also posted this comment from one of his “good Christian friends,” as he described him… "No matter who wins tomorrow, God still reigns. As Christians, our politics should never be filled with hatred or poisonous division. My prayer is that Wednesday morning, Christians all over this great nation will be in prayer for our President to seek wisdom, and that we will love him in the same way that Christ loves us. May the world know we are Christians by our love. And that by doing so may we reflect the fact that God still reigns.”
I was so struck by the sentence in this scripture passage that says, “There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate!” A lot of “Christians” on both sides of the aisle want to talk about how much they love Jesus while spewing venom and hatred that could corrode heavy metal. I have to ask, “Where is their faith? What part of ‘love one another’ was unclear?”
This is not a commentary on the election… this is about more than politics. We must stop and examine our hearts and determine whether we are truly focused on serving God as the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth… or whether we have shaped our faith in an image of our making – turned it into something that suits our personal agenda. In the course of our lifetime, we will win some and lose some – in political elections, job opportunities, relationships, and more. And we can allow these to define us…or we can choose to focus on pleasing God and seeking His will.
If you choose the former, you will be setting yourself up for a lot of disappointments and heartaches… and opening the door for Satan to move in and fill you with hatred and bitterness. If you choose to trust God – no matter what – life may not always be a bed of roses, but you will be able to handle whatever comes your way.
I’ve talked a lot lately about “turning points,” and I think this is a big one. Making the commitment to humbly serve God in every single aspect of your life… to trust and obey Him in all things… and to believe that His will shall come to pass represents a critical obligation – and a significant leap of faith. But genuinely committing to God – completely – will make the difference. He will sustain you in hard times and give you courage to face those who turn on you.
As Christians, we must serve God and obey His commands with everything we have, which means to love others as He loves us… and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those in our midst and to be His hands and feet on this earth. If we keep our own behavior in check… if we are certain that we are obediently honoring God with our service… what others do and say makes no difference. It’s not about us – or them… it’s about Jesus.
Where is your focus? Are you defined by your faith and service… or by your defeats and those who disparage you? Do you trust God to work in and through you… and are you trustworthy? Are you truly operating in God’s will and believing Him for perfect outcomes in all things? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 6, 2012
Matthew 10:12-15
“When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry—but it’s no concern of yours now.
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.
According to an article on www.ehow.com titled “What Are My Rights With a Court Processor?”… “A court processor serves legal documents. He delivers them to the person to whom the document is intended. The documents can include complaints, subpoenas, summons, writs, order to show cause and various other legal documents. A person can try to evade a court processor, but they're trained, they know every trick in the book, and they will find you eventually. Even if you refuse to accept the documents, you have still been technically served.” Read more: What Are My Rights With a Court Processor?
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8394480_rights-court-processor.html#ixzz2BPoqjp5r
I don’t think I’d be very good at this job! Clearly, a court processor cannot become emotionally invested. His/her job is to deliver the documents. Whether the recipient is happy about it is truly none of the court processor’s concern. I would imagine that he/she must develop the ability to stay calm and not overreact… to do the job, deliver the papers, and be on his/her way.
We Christians are essentially “court processors” for Jesus. Our job is to deliver His Good News… to tell others about Him, to serve in His name, and to model love of others, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. We are to be diligent in our ministry…but comport ourselves in a kind, calm manner. We are to quietly go about our business – which is the business of representing Jesus to others. We are not to make a scene. If people are receptive to us and our message, that’s wonderful. If not, we must lovingly and quietly retreat. Our only responsibility is to “serve the documents” – not to act as judge and jury… or try to force Jesus on anyone - in any way.
This is not easy for many Christians. We want to go in, “guns blazing,” and save the world for Jesus! We cram our faith and morals down others’ throats, quote scripture, act all high and mighty and “holier than thou”… and then we wonder why people don’t want to be around us! We are quick to judge those who don’t agree with us. We are overbearing in our presentation of a life in Christ, and basically, we give others the impression (if not the outright claim) that “it’s pretty much my way or the highway!”
This is not the way to win friends and influence people, much less add to the Kingdom of Heaven! Remember… our “job guidelines” as Christians are very specific. We are to share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ with others in a calm, quiet, graceful manner, and then we are to step aside and allow God room to work. If we are mistreated or given a poor reception, this is not an invitation to press harder. We are to move on… to say, “LORD, I’ve been obedient… I’ve planted the seeds… I’m trusting you for the outcome.”
What about you? Are you a gentle witness… a respectable “court processor” for Jesus Christ? Or are you pushy and overbearing… and as a result, fairly ineffective? Ask God to show you where you have allowed your personal feelings and emotions get in the way of truly serving Him… and serving well. Call on Him to reveal where – and how – you can improve your “processing” skills. Cultivate your ability to effectively deliver the message of Jesus to others… and then to faithfully move on with confidence that the outcome is not up to you. This is the “let go and let God” thing again! If people answer your knock at the door, will they be glad that they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry—but it’s no concern of yours now.
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.
According to an article on www.ehow.com titled “What Are My Rights With a Court Processor?”… “A court processor serves legal documents. He delivers them to the person to whom the document is intended. The documents can include complaints, subpoenas, summons, writs, order to show cause and various other legal documents. A person can try to evade a court processor, but they're trained, they know every trick in the book, and they will find you eventually. Even if you refuse to accept the documents, you have still been technically served.” Read more: What Are My Rights With a Court Processor?
eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_8394480_rights-court-processor.html#ixzz2BPoqjp5r
I don’t think I’d be very good at this job! Clearly, a court processor cannot become emotionally invested. His/her job is to deliver the documents. Whether the recipient is happy about it is truly none of the court processor’s concern. I would imagine that he/she must develop the ability to stay calm and not overreact… to do the job, deliver the papers, and be on his/her way.
We Christians are essentially “court processors” for Jesus. Our job is to deliver His Good News… to tell others about Him, to serve in His name, and to model love of others, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. We are to be diligent in our ministry…but comport ourselves in a kind, calm manner. We are to quietly go about our business – which is the business of representing Jesus to others. We are not to make a scene. If people are receptive to us and our message, that’s wonderful. If not, we must lovingly and quietly retreat. Our only responsibility is to “serve the documents” – not to act as judge and jury… or try to force Jesus on anyone - in any way.
This is not easy for many Christians. We want to go in, “guns blazing,” and save the world for Jesus! We cram our faith and morals down others’ throats, quote scripture, act all high and mighty and “holier than thou”… and then we wonder why people don’t want to be around us! We are quick to judge those who don’t agree with us. We are overbearing in our presentation of a life in Christ, and basically, we give others the impression (if not the outright claim) that “it’s pretty much my way or the highway!”
This is not the way to win friends and influence people, much less add to the Kingdom of Heaven! Remember… our “job guidelines” as Christians are very specific. We are to share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ with others in a calm, quiet, graceful manner, and then we are to step aside and allow God room to work. If we are mistreated or given a poor reception, this is not an invitation to press harder. We are to move on… to say, “LORD, I’ve been obedient… I’ve planted the seeds… I’m trusting you for the outcome.”
What about you? Are you a gentle witness… a respectable “court processor” for Jesus Christ? Or are you pushy and overbearing… and as a result, fairly ineffective? Ask God to show you where you have allowed your personal feelings and emotions get in the way of truly serving Him… and serving well. Call on Him to reveal where – and how – you can improve your “processing” skills. Cultivate your ability to effectively deliver the message of Jesus to others… and then to faithfully move on with confidence that the outcome is not up to you. This is the “let go and let God” thing again! If people answer your knock at the door, will they be glad that they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 5, 2012
Matthew 10:5-10
Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:
“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
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.
Today marks a major milestone for my family. My grandmother – Mam-ma Polly – the matriarch of my family… is celebrating her 100th birthday. Imagine all she has seen and experienced since November 5, 1912. Some of it you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy… hardships, tragedies, and disasters of all kinds. But if you asked her what frames her life… she would probably list three things… her Heavenly Father, her family, and her friends.
My grandmother has “traveled light” all of her life. She never had much extra money in her pocket… she and my grandfather eked out a living on their meager farm by working “day jobs” – often more than one – in town. But when I was a little girl, I thought they were rich land barons! This was due in large part to their incredible charity and service to others. To say that my grandmother has lived generously would be an understatement.
My grandmother probably missed more than a meal or two in her lifetime, and she often had to purchase things “on credit”… but she never missed a payment. She was incredibly responsible in all things. She used her always-gloved “harvest hands” to reach those in her neighborhood. She ministered to the sick, lifted the sagging and dying spirits of those who were losing heart, and reached out to those many would consider “untouchable.” One of her first questions when she met new people was, “Where do y’all go to church?” This was often followed by “Would you like to come for dinner/supper?” or “Would you like a mess of turnip greens… some purple hull peas?”… or whatever extra produce she had grown in her garden.
I will be the first to tell you that my grandmother is something of a “character.” But she has also been a tremendous role model for the “harvest hands” of Jesus. She never left the country, but the effects of her missions and ministries were far-reaching. There are now days when she asks, “Why am I still here?” and I always tell her, “Because God is not done with you yet!”
I pray that I can be as effective as my grandmother in using my “harvest hands.” If each of us made a conscious effort to “travel light” and concentrate on doing the work of Jesus, we might find the road ahead of us a little easier, in many ways. When we shift the focus from ourselves and our own needs to those of Jesus and reaching out to others in His name, a lot of what we thought was important suddenly seems incredibly insignificant.
Where is your focus these days? Are you more concerned with what is in it for you and dramatically bursting on the scene to save the world for Jesus? Or are you humbly and generously meeting the needs of the lost, lonely, and needy in your own midst… and offering them a loving smile, a healing touch - or even food for their stomach or their soul? You don’t have to live 100 years to leave a legacy of “harvest hands” for Jesus. What is important is that you make the most of every year God gives you. How are you doing these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:
“Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.
“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My grandmother has “traveled light” all of her life. She never had much extra money in her pocket… she and my grandfather eked out a living on their meager farm by working “day jobs” – often more than one – in town. But when I was a little girl, I thought they were rich land barons! This was due in large part to their incredible charity and service to others. To say that my grandmother has lived generously would be an understatement.
My grandmother probably missed more than a meal or two in her lifetime, and she often had to purchase things “on credit”… but she never missed a payment. She was incredibly responsible in all things. She used her always-gloved “harvest hands” to reach those in her neighborhood. She ministered to the sick, lifted the sagging and dying spirits of those who were losing heart, and reached out to those many would consider “untouchable.” One of her first questions when she met new people was, “Where do y’all go to church?” This was often followed by “Would you like to come for dinner/supper?” or “Would you like a mess of turnip greens… some purple hull peas?”… or whatever extra produce she had grown in her garden.
I will be the first to tell you that my grandmother is something of a “character.” But she has also been a tremendous role model for the “harvest hands” of Jesus. She never left the country, but the effects of her missions and ministries were far-reaching. There are now days when she asks, “Why am I still here?” and I always tell her, “Because God is not done with you yet!”
I pray that I can be as effective as my grandmother in using my “harvest hands.” If each of us made a conscious effort to “travel light” and concentrate on doing the work of Jesus, we might find the road ahead of us a little easier, in many ways. When we shift the focus from ourselves and our own needs to those of Jesus and reaching out to others in His name, a lot of what we thought was important suddenly seems incredibly insignificant.
Where is your focus these days? Are you more concerned with what is in it for you and dramatically bursting on the scene to save the world for Jesus? Or are you humbly and generously meeting the needs of the lost, lonely, and needy in your own midst… and offering them a loving smile, a healing touch - or even food for their stomach or their soul? You don’t have to live 100 years to leave a legacy of “harvest hands” for Jesus. What is important is that you make the most of every year God gives you. How are you doing these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 4, 2012
Matthew 9:35-38
Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”
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 the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, NBC news reporter Anne Curry interviewed a woman on Staten Island who looked into the camera and said, “…you need to come here and help us. We need assistance…PLEASE!” Even though thousands of people were either helping already… or headed to the East Coast to give a hand… more were needed. The President and many on his staff were on-site, doing their job… but “harvest hands” were needed to carry out the directives and provide necessary aid and “ground support.”
Truly, the people who live on America’s East Coast are bruised and hurting. Many are indeed aimless… like sheep with no shepherd. But help has arrived…and amazingly in many cases, life is returning to normalcy. Lights are coming on, water is receding or being pumped out, debris is being shoveled up and hauled away, and helping hands are on scene to see that everything is repaired, restored, and renewed.
Can I tell you something? We have a bit of a “Spiritual disaster” on our hands… and it’s happening in our own back yards! Everywhere you look, people are sick, hungry, bruised and hurting. Many are confused and aimless. Others just need to know that someone cares. And the “disastrous” part of this is that few “harvest hands” are answering the call. We are all too busy with our own lives – or our own agendas – to bother with the needs of others. We have decided to let the church or community (i.e. a handful of people who seem to answer EVERY call) handle these issues. Or we have written these people off as simply unworthy of time and attention… most certainly ours!
This is really a sore spot with me. There seem to be plenty of people who are concerned with numbers… how many names are on membership rolls…how much money is in the coffers… how much we are able to afford to purchase (houses, cars, clothes, entertainment, and more)…where our team ranks in the standings…how well our children or grandchildren are doing in school, sports and more…or even how significant our latest ailment/illness was - or what he said/she said. But when it comes to helping the needy… whether the sick and infirm, the poor, the elderly or the orphans, or just the neighbor or fellow church member whose problems are weighing on them like a ton of bricks, most of us simply do not have the time, energy or inclination to do anything.
We are collectively a group who is mostly talk… and very little action. And this is NOT what Jesus expects of His disciples. This.has.to.stop! We have to start caring, at least… and praying for “harvest hands”… our own, and those of fellow Disciples. If you have ever felt neglected or needy in any way and wondered where the “hands and feet of Jesus” were, you can understand in some small way how significant this must be for others in similar situations. How are we ever to add to God’s Kingdom if we show others a body of Christ who is self-centered, disinterested and uncaring?
Jesus has called us to fall to our knees and pray for “harvest hands”… and the first sets to report for duty should be our own. Who needs to hear from you today? Where are the needs in your neighborhood, church, community, and at large? What are you doing to meet these needs? How worn are your “work gloves?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”
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 the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, NBC news reporter Anne Curry interviewed a woman on Staten Island who looked into the camera and said, “…you need to come here and help us. We need assistance…PLEASE!” Even though thousands of people were either helping already… or headed to the East Coast to give a hand… more were needed. The President and many on his staff were on-site, doing their job… but “harvest hands” were needed to carry out the directives and provide necessary aid and “ground support.”
Truly, the people who live on America’s East Coast are bruised and hurting. Many are indeed aimless… like sheep with no shepherd. But help has arrived…and amazingly in many cases, life is returning to normalcy. Lights are coming on, water is receding or being pumped out, debris is being shoveled up and hauled away, and helping hands are on scene to see that everything is repaired, restored, and renewed.
Can I tell you something? We have a bit of a “Spiritual disaster” on our hands… and it’s happening in our own back yards! Everywhere you look, people are sick, hungry, bruised and hurting. Many are confused and aimless. Others just need to know that someone cares. And the “disastrous” part of this is that few “harvest hands” are answering the call. We are all too busy with our own lives – or our own agendas – to bother with the needs of others. We have decided to let the church or community (i.e. a handful of people who seem to answer EVERY call) handle these issues. Or we have written these people off as simply unworthy of time and attention… most certainly ours!
This is really a sore spot with me. There seem to be plenty of people who are concerned with numbers… how many names are on membership rolls…how much money is in the coffers… how much we are able to afford to purchase (houses, cars, clothes, entertainment, and more)…where our team ranks in the standings…how well our children or grandchildren are doing in school, sports and more…or even how significant our latest ailment/illness was - or what he said/she said. But when it comes to helping the needy… whether the sick and infirm, the poor, the elderly or the orphans, or just the neighbor or fellow church member whose problems are weighing on them like a ton of bricks, most of us simply do not have the time, energy or inclination to do anything.
We are collectively a group who is mostly talk… and very little action. And this is NOT what Jesus expects of His disciples. This.has.to.stop! We have to start caring, at least… and praying for “harvest hands”… our own, and those of fellow Disciples. If you have ever felt neglected or needy in any way and wondered where the “hands and feet of Jesus” were, you can understand in some small way how significant this must be for others in similar situations. How are we ever to add to God’s Kingdom if we show others a body of Christ who is self-centered, disinterested and uncaring?
Jesus has called us to fall to our knees and pray for “harvest hands”… and the first sets to report for duty should be our own. Who needs to hear from you today? Where are the needs in your neighborhood, church, community, and at large? What are you doing to meet these needs? How worn are your “work gloves?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 3, 2012
Matthew 8:5-13
When Jesus was going into the town of Capernaum, an army officer came up to him and said, “Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can’t even move.”
“I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied.
But the officer said, “Lord, I’m not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, ‘Go!’ and he goes. I can say to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes. I can say to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he will do it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you that in all of Israel I’ve never found anyone with this much faith! Many people will come from everywhere to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But the ones who should have been in the kingdom will be thrown out into the dark. They will cry and grit their teeth in pain.”
Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.”
Right then his servant was healed.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know at least one person who can be trusted to always do what he/she promises? Is this person someone of whom you can ask a favor or give a task, and you don’t even have to check to see if they did it… you just know that they did? Isn’t that a great feeling?! I know a few people like this, and I can’t begin to express how valuable they are to me. I know they will move heaven and earth to get things done. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, I won’t have to give this another thought.
On the other hand, don’t you know at least one person who has to be not only prodded to get things done… but he/she also has to be monitored to ensure that the task was completed? It’s not that these are necessarily bad people… but the level of steadfastness and reliability is simply lacking to non-existent! You check up on them because you must, if you want to be sure things get done!
I am so very grateful that we serve a God who is reliable, steady, loyal, accountable, and powerful! We don’t have to check up on God… we don’t have to worry that He will answer our prayers, meet our needs, or heal our “wounds” and “diseases.” Our Heavenly Father is honorable, deliberate, and able to do all things. When we ask anything of Him, it is safe to assume that He’s “on it,” and all will be handled according to His will.
Does this mean that God will always answer exactly as we expect? Absolutely not! When we learn to trust God not only to answer… but also for His perfect answer… we have reached a new level in our relationship with Him. It is human nature to check up on God… to somewhat pester Him for answers. We all go through a time where we remind Him often, “LORD, I still need such-and-such…” or “Father, I’m still hurting here,” or even, “God, WHEN will you hear me?”
When we get to a point that we no longer have to ask… when we don’t have to see God at work or have Him physically visit our home and touch us to heal us… when we just KNOW that He is working things out for us… we begin to fully operate in Christian faith. I pray that you are getting there. I hope you are making strides in your ability to trust the most trustworthy One of all. There will still be times when you will question… but I hope you will also feel a little foolish for doing so. I know I do!
The statement Jesus made about His observance of the army officer’s level of faith is incredibly profound… an amazing commendation any one of us would covet. When Jesus looks at your faith… is He equally astounded? Shouldn’t He be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
When Jesus was going into the town of Capernaum, an army officer came up to him and said, “Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can’t even move.”
“I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied.
But the officer said, “Lord, I’m not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, ‘Go!’ and he goes. I can say to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes. I can say to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he will do it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you that in all of Israel I’ve never found anyone with this much faith! Many people will come from everywhere to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But the ones who should have been in the kingdom will be thrown out into the dark. They will cry and grit their teeth in pain.”
Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.”
Right then his servant was healed.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know at least one person who can be trusted to always do what he/she promises? Is this person someone of whom you can ask a favor or give a task, and you don’t even have to check to see if they did it… you just know that they did? Isn’t that a great feeling?! I know a few people like this, and I can’t begin to express how valuable they are to me. I know they will move heaven and earth to get things done. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, I won’t have to give this another thought.
On the other hand, don’t you know at least one person who has to be not only prodded to get things done… but he/she also has to be monitored to ensure that the task was completed? It’s not that these are necessarily bad people… but the level of steadfastness and reliability is simply lacking to non-existent! You check up on them because you must, if you want to be sure things get done!
I am so very grateful that we serve a God who is reliable, steady, loyal, accountable, and powerful! We don’t have to check up on God… we don’t have to worry that He will answer our prayers, meet our needs, or heal our “wounds” and “diseases.” Our Heavenly Father is honorable, deliberate, and able to do all things. When we ask anything of Him, it is safe to assume that He’s “on it,” and all will be handled according to His will.
Does this mean that God will always answer exactly as we expect? Absolutely not! When we learn to trust God not only to answer… but also for His perfect answer… we have reached a new level in our relationship with Him. It is human nature to check up on God… to somewhat pester Him for answers. We all go through a time where we remind Him often, “LORD, I still need such-and-such…” or “Father, I’m still hurting here,” or even, “God, WHEN will you hear me?”
When we get to a point that we no longer have to ask… when we don’t have to see God at work or have Him physically visit our home and touch us to heal us… when we just KNOW that He is working things out for us… we begin to fully operate in Christian faith. I pray that you are getting there. I hope you are making strides in your ability to trust the most trustworthy One of all. There will still be times when you will question… but I hope you will also feel a little foolish for doing so. I know I do!
The statement Jesus made about His observance of the army officer’s level of faith is incredibly profound… an amazing commendation any one of us would covet. When Jesus looks at your faith… is He equally astounded? Shouldn’t He be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 2, 2012
Matthew 8:18-22
When Jesus saw that a curious crowd was growing by the minute, he told his disciples to get him out of there to the other side of the lake. As they left, a religion scholar asked if he could go along. “I’ll go with you, wherever,” he said.
Jesus was curt: “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.”
Another follower said, “Master, excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have my father’s funeral to take care of.”
Jesus refused. “First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Priorities matter. Whether you are choosing to do your homework or study for a test before you go out with friends… electing to get a job, show up for work, and support yourself and your family before you spend money on non-essentials…or going on a diet before you buy smaller clothes… it matters what you choose to do first! And our Christian Discipleship is no different!
Most of us seem to comprehend that we have to work and earn money before we can spend it – and that doing our school work and studying really do help us pass the tests and make the grades. I think we all have enough “smaller” clothes hanging in the closet by default to know that this is not a reasonable incentive to lose the weight! The trouble is… fewer of us seem to grasp the importance of putting God and our service to Him ahead of our own desires and pleasures. So when we would rather go out with friends than show up for mission work, we give ourselves a pass. When we don’t feel all that great or we’re in a bad mood, we say, “I’m not well… God will understand!” Who among us wouldn’t say, “I have to bury my father before I do anything else.”? Yet the correct answer depends totally on WHO ELSE is doing the asking!
God expects us to get this right. He calls on us to order our priorities wisely… to put “first things first!” So you may have to ask Him if going to a party or sporting event with friends trumps staying home and helping a family member who is sick. You might have to choose between an afternoon on the lake… or attending the funeral of your buddy’s grandpa. It’s possible that the mission trip you think God wants you to go on might not be as important as staying home and helping your own family, church family, or community!
The key to setting your priorities straight is to take yourself out of the equation. Ask God, “What do YOU want me to do? How do I serve YOU best?” Notice that nowhere in those questions did I mention what WE want or what is best for US! I’ll admit… asking God for this level of honesty – and committing to do whatever He proposes – is sometimes daunting! We might not like God’s answers! But if we are really “all in,” we’ll agree to them anyway.
God’s business is the business of life… a life in Christ – being His hands and feet to others. Which business are you in these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
When Jesus saw that a curious crowd was growing by the minute, he told his disciples to get him out of there to the other side of the lake. As they left, a religion scholar asked if he could go along. “I’ll go with you, wherever,” he said.
Jesus was curt: “Are you ready to rough it? We’re not staying in the best inns, you know.”
Another follower said, “Master, excuse me for a couple of days, please. I have my father’s funeral to take care of.”
Jesus refused. “First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Priorities matter. Whether you are choosing to do your homework or study for a test before you go out with friends… electing to get a job, show up for work, and support yourself and your family before you spend money on non-essentials…or going on a diet before you buy smaller clothes… it matters what you choose to do first! And our Christian Discipleship is no different!
Most of us seem to comprehend that we have to work and earn money before we can spend it – and that doing our school work and studying really do help us pass the tests and make the grades. I think we all have enough “smaller” clothes hanging in the closet by default to know that this is not a reasonable incentive to lose the weight! The trouble is… fewer of us seem to grasp the importance of putting God and our service to Him ahead of our own desires and pleasures. So when we would rather go out with friends than show up for mission work, we give ourselves a pass. When we don’t feel all that great or we’re in a bad mood, we say, “I’m not well… God will understand!” Who among us wouldn’t say, “I have to bury my father before I do anything else.”? Yet the correct answer depends totally on WHO ELSE is doing the asking!
God expects us to get this right. He calls on us to order our priorities wisely… to put “first things first!” So you may have to ask Him if going to a party or sporting event with friends trumps staying home and helping a family member who is sick. You might have to choose between an afternoon on the lake… or attending the funeral of your buddy’s grandpa. It’s possible that the mission trip you think God wants you to go on might not be as important as staying home and helping your own family, church family, or community!
The key to setting your priorities straight is to take yourself out of the equation. Ask God, “What do YOU want me to do? How do I serve YOU best?” Notice that nowhere in those questions did I mention what WE want or what is best for US! I’ll admit… asking God for this level of honesty – and committing to do whatever He proposes – is sometimes daunting! We might not like God’s answers! But if we are really “all in,” we’ll agree to them anyway.
God’s business is the business of life… a life in Christ – being His hands and feet to others. Which business are you in these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 1, 2012
Matthew 7:21-23
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
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.
There are a lot of people who try to toss out the name of someone in order to gain special favors… admission to a venue that is closely guarded, preferential treatment of some kind, “freebies,” or even a pardon – as in, “They will let it slide this time, since I’m related to Joe.” Some people go through life trading on the names of others… never fully making it on their own or accepting responsibility for their own actions. To the contrary, they attempt to skate by on others’ merits and live by the motto, “It’s all in who you know or who you are.” When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, things do not work this way.
Far too many people try to trade on God’s name with little to no substance in their personal relationship with Him for collateral. We all know those who are front and center to make a big show of what good, faithful Christians they are… yet fall apart at the first sign of trouble. Can’t you think of people who are the first in line to report for “duty” when there is a mission or ministry… and also the first to wring their hands and say, “Now, what do I do?” when a crisis occurs?
What about those who stand ready to judge others who are “different”…those who are not the same race, creed, color, political party, sexual orientation, or of equal or better economic standing, for instance? You know the ones who stand ready to serve God and others… as long as everyone believes the same as they believe! We all are familiar with plenty of people who are first in line to get their pat on the back for being such good Christians… then turn and sneer all the way home at the poor misguided souls who disagree with them or are different in some way.
This passage is speaking directly to hypocrites… in other words, ALL of us on any given day! Jesus is warning us that God will not tolerate these attitudes and behaviors. Before we stand behind His name and make our claims, we better check what we are saying and doing… and make sure it is scriptural. We better be sure our talk and actions line up with the teachings of Christ and His will! You cannot slap the name of Jesus on anything and everything and expect it to “pass muster!” I’m going to be honest with you, there have been times when “Christians” have done more harm to the Kingdom of Heaven by misrepresenting God than if they had done nothing at all. And Satan has danced with delight!
There is no time like the present for us to take stock of our thoughts and actions… our Christian faith and service… and to evaluate where we need to make some changes. Where are we attaching the name of Jesus to something that disgraces Him? Where have we missed the boat? Spend some time with God and ask Him to show you where you may be “name dropping” – even just a little. Commit yourself to fully rid this type of behavior from your daily Discipleship. Call on the Holy Spirit to help you keep your thoughts and actions in check… and to be fully in – the “real deal” for Jesus.
If you really, truly want to impress God, ask Him for a steady dose of obedience, humility, grace and mercy – and exercise these daily as you share His Good News with others. Don’t miss the mark on this… the stakes are too high! In this season of campaign ads, we have heard over and over, “I’m Tom/Mary Candidate… and I approve this message.” The endorsement of what is being presented in the ad is undeniable. As the voting public, we trust that the candidate agrees with all that is said and done in the ad. Let this be a guideline in your daily living and Discipleship. When you claim the name of Jesus, be sure that He endorses your thoughts and actions!
©2012 Debbie Robus
“Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
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.
There are a lot of people who try to toss out the name of someone in order to gain special favors… admission to a venue that is closely guarded, preferential treatment of some kind, “freebies,” or even a pardon – as in, “They will let it slide this time, since I’m related to Joe.” Some people go through life trading on the names of others… never fully making it on their own or accepting responsibility for their own actions. To the contrary, they attempt to skate by on others’ merits and live by the motto, “It’s all in who you know or who you are.” When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, things do not work this way.
Far too many people try to trade on God’s name with little to no substance in their personal relationship with Him for collateral. We all know those who are front and center to make a big show of what good, faithful Christians they are… yet fall apart at the first sign of trouble. Can’t you think of people who are the first in line to report for “duty” when there is a mission or ministry… and also the first to wring their hands and say, “Now, what do I do?” when a crisis occurs?
What about those who stand ready to judge others who are “different”…those who are not the same race, creed, color, political party, sexual orientation, or of equal or better economic standing, for instance? You know the ones who stand ready to serve God and others… as long as everyone believes the same as they believe! We all are familiar with plenty of people who are first in line to get their pat on the back for being such good Christians… then turn and sneer all the way home at the poor misguided souls who disagree with them or are different in some way.
This passage is speaking directly to hypocrites… in other words, ALL of us on any given day! Jesus is warning us that God will not tolerate these attitudes and behaviors. Before we stand behind His name and make our claims, we better check what we are saying and doing… and make sure it is scriptural. We better be sure our talk and actions line up with the teachings of Christ and His will! You cannot slap the name of Jesus on anything and everything and expect it to “pass muster!” I’m going to be honest with you, there have been times when “Christians” have done more harm to the Kingdom of Heaven by misrepresenting God than if they had done nothing at all. And Satan has danced with delight!
There is no time like the present for us to take stock of our thoughts and actions… our Christian faith and service… and to evaluate where we need to make some changes. Where are we attaching the name of Jesus to something that disgraces Him? Where have we missed the boat? Spend some time with God and ask Him to show you where you may be “name dropping” – even just a little. Commit yourself to fully rid this type of behavior from your daily Discipleship. Call on the Holy Spirit to help you keep your thoughts and actions in check… and to be fully in – the “real deal” for Jesus.
If you really, truly want to impress God, ask Him for a steady dose of obedience, humility, grace and mercy – and exercise these daily as you share His Good News with others. Don’t miss the mark on this… the stakes are too high! In this season of campaign ads, we have heard over and over, “I’m Tom/Mary Candidate… and I approve this message.” The endorsement of what is being presented in the ad is undeniable. As the voting public, we trust that the candidate agrees with all that is said and done in the ad. Let this be a guideline in your daily living and Discipleship. When you claim the name of Jesus, be sure that He endorses your thoughts and actions!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 31, 2012
October 31 ~ Matthew 7:13-14
“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A few months ago, I decided I wanted to “amp up” my workout routine. So I ordered a DVD I had seen advertised several places, including on the “Dr. Oz” show, which I considered a valid endorsement of this product. I even tried a “test workout” posted on Dr. Oz’s website first to see if I thought I could handle this regimen. The people who were featured seemed to be normal, ordinary folks like me who had transformed their bodies and their health with this workout. I knew it would be hard work… I just didn’t know it would verge on physically impossible for someone my age… and demand almost-super-hero strength from people of any age!
If I kept at it, I might be able to do the entire routine… in oh, maybe five to ten years! But meanwhile, I need something that is going to keep me fit and healthy each and every day – and allow me to still be able to function (and breathe!) afterward. This workout left me gasping for air on a daily basis. I determined that what works best for me is a slower, steadier approach… the routines I have been using for a few years now. While I have to stay focused to keep my interest level high and achieve maximum results, I find that their basic, no-nonsense exercises get the job done. Day in and out, this approach sustains my needs and keeps me on the right path to health and fitness.
In our Spiritual life, we sometimes look for the “quick fix.” We want God to meet our needs… and we want Him to do it NOW… on our timetable, and OUR WAY! Sometimes we decide that the latest “program” will help us get on track. I have shelves filled with books by Max Lucado, Joyce Meyer, TD Jakes, Rick Warren, Beth Moore, Tommy Tenney, and others. I have two CD cases filled with albums by Christian artists. I’ve bought Bible study guides and downloaded charts for reading the entire Bible in one year. And every one of these tools has merit. I have gained a lot of knowledge from Christian authors and their experiences. I wouldn’t trade my CDs and the joy and peace their music brings me for anything. I think study guides are great for Christians who desire to grow in their knowledge of scripture and Bible history. But these do not make me a stronger Christian in and of themselves.
By the same token, some people feel that the phrase… “you reap what you sow,” means that God blesses those who volunteer the most, give the most money to the church, or do the most “good deeds.” But surely we all know by now that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor. While we are called to serve others in His name – and to give back to God and support missions and ministries – this does not put us into a “fast lane” toward becoming “Super-Christians!”
What I need on a daily basis is the “meat and potatoes” of a relationship with God… prayer, digging through the Bible on my own and discovering what God is saying to me, the fellowship and encouragement of other Christians, and time spent exercising my faith through service to others. This is my “daily regimen” – the “workout” that keeps me fit and strong in my life as a Disciple of Christ. It is vigorous and demanding… but the results are steady and long-lasting. I am taxed – and occasionally breathless – but never spent to the point that I get discouraged and quit. My “daily workout” with God is never more than I can handle… and certainly keeps me invigorated and on my toes. God pushes me to my limits sometimes… but never beyond them. I know that He will always supply me with everything I need for whatever He asks.
In recent years, I’ve learned to be content with many things. I know that I won’t be model thin – or 25 again. But I can be fit and healthy. Even though I grow every day in my faith, I have largely learned to “let go and let God” – and this is HUGE! I trust Him more to handle the worries and cares of my day. I am satisfied with His choices over my own. I can always improve, but I feel that I have significantly turned a corner in many areas of life. And one of the things I have learned beyond a shadow of a doubt is that there are no true “quick fixes” in life.
Very few people get rich quick – and stay that way. Even fewer who chart a fast track to weight loss or extreme muscle tone manage to maintain it. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking for a faith that has some staying power. I’m looking for a relationship with God that is everlasting… one that will keep me fit, strong and healthy every single day. I’ll take a “steady diet and exercise routine” to build my relationship with God over a shortcut any day of the week! What about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A few months ago, I decided I wanted to “amp up” my workout routine. So I ordered a DVD I had seen advertised several places, including on the “Dr. Oz” show, which I considered a valid endorsement of this product. I even tried a “test workout” posted on Dr. Oz’s website first to see if I thought I could handle this regimen. The people who were featured seemed to be normal, ordinary folks like me who had transformed their bodies and their health with this workout. I knew it would be hard work… I just didn’t know it would verge on physically impossible for someone my age… and demand almost-super-hero strength from people of any age!
If I kept at it, I might be able to do the entire routine… in oh, maybe five to ten years! But meanwhile, I need something that is going to keep me fit and healthy each and every day – and allow me to still be able to function (and breathe!) afterward. This workout left me gasping for air on a daily basis. I determined that what works best for me is a slower, steadier approach… the routines I have been using for a few years now. While I have to stay focused to keep my interest level high and achieve maximum results, I find that their basic, no-nonsense exercises get the job done. Day in and out, this approach sustains my needs and keeps me on the right path to health and fitness.
In our Spiritual life, we sometimes look for the “quick fix.” We want God to meet our needs… and we want Him to do it NOW… on our timetable, and OUR WAY! Sometimes we decide that the latest “program” will help us get on track. I have shelves filled with books by Max Lucado, Joyce Meyer, TD Jakes, Rick Warren, Beth Moore, Tommy Tenney, and others. I have two CD cases filled with albums by Christian artists. I’ve bought Bible study guides and downloaded charts for reading the entire Bible in one year. And every one of these tools has merit. I have gained a lot of knowledge from Christian authors and their experiences. I wouldn’t trade my CDs and the joy and peace their music brings me for anything. I think study guides are great for Christians who desire to grow in their knowledge of scripture and Bible history. But these do not make me a stronger Christian in and of themselves.
By the same token, some people feel that the phrase… “you reap what you sow,” means that God blesses those who volunteer the most, give the most money to the church, or do the most “good deeds.” But surely we all know by now that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor. While we are called to serve others in His name – and to give back to God and support missions and ministries – this does not put us into a “fast lane” toward becoming “Super-Christians!”
What I need on a daily basis is the “meat and potatoes” of a relationship with God… prayer, digging through the Bible on my own and discovering what God is saying to me, the fellowship and encouragement of other Christians, and time spent exercising my faith through service to others. This is my “daily regimen” – the “workout” that keeps me fit and strong in my life as a Disciple of Christ. It is vigorous and demanding… but the results are steady and long-lasting. I am taxed – and occasionally breathless – but never spent to the point that I get discouraged and quit. My “daily workout” with God is never more than I can handle… and certainly keeps me invigorated and on my toes. God pushes me to my limits sometimes… but never beyond them. I know that He will always supply me with everything I need for whatever He asks.
In recent years, I’ve learned to be content with many things. I know that I won’t be model thin – or 25 again. But I can be fit and healthy. Even though I grow every day in my faith, I have largely learned to “let go and let God” – and this is HUGE! I trust Him more to handle the worries and cares of my day. I am satisfied with His choices over my own. I can always improve, but I feel that I have significantly turned a corner in many areas of life. And one of the things I have learned beyond a shadow of a doubt is that there are no true “quick fixes” in life.
Very few people get rich quick – and stay that way. Even fewer who chart a fast track to weight loss or extreme muscle tone manage to maintain it. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking for a faith that has some staying power. I’m looking for a relationship with God that is everlasting… one that will keep me fit, strong and healthy every single day. I’ll take a “steady diet and exercise routine” to build my relationship with God over a shortcut any day of the week! What about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 30, 2012
Due to family illness, there were no Daily Devotionals for October 28/29. We should be back on track now. Thank you for your patience!
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Matthew 7:12
Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is an old adage that says… “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” And that is exactly what this scripture passage (sometimes called “The Golden Rule”) is saying. If you want people to be kind to you, make the first move and be kind to them. If you expect people to respond promptly, show up on time, answer phone calls and e-mail messages, and be responsible, give them an example to follow!
I can’t promise that others will respond in kind… but this is not the point. When you make a habit of treating others as you wish to be treated, you will know that you have honored God’s law and modeled Christian behavior for others. When you show others you care, don’t anticipate the same attention in return. Be content to know that you did YOUR part.
We have heard this scripture quoted all of our lives. And treating others as we wish to be treated should be the cardinal guideline for Christians. But I think sometimes we feel like this is something of a “magic bullet”… that if we are nice and respectful to others… if we care enough and do enough… others will follow suit. Sadly, this is just not the case. But it shouldn’t matter. Do not follow “The Golden Rule” for what you can receive from others. Live by this scripture because this aligns you with Christ. This is what Jesus does for us every day. None of us gives Him as much as we get in return… but He keeps on loving us and showering us with grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness.
Treat others as you wish to be treated… not so they will reciprocate, but because it is the right thing to do, according to God’s law. I’m willing to bet you will see at least a few positive results. But either way, you will know that you have honored your commitment to Jesus Christ. When pleasing Him is all that matters, you will have turned a major corner in your life as a Christian. Are you ready to take that step?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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Matthew 7:12
Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is an old adage that says… “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” And that is exactly what this scripture passage (sometimes called “The Golden Rule”) is saying. If you want people to be kind to you, make the first move and be kind to them. If you expect people to respond promptly, show up on time, answer phone calls and e-mail messages, and be responsible, give them an example to follow!
I can’t promise that others will respond in kind… but this is not the point. When you make a habit of treating others as you wish to be treated, you will know that you have honored God’s law and modeled Christian behavior for others. When you show others you care, don’t anticipate the same attention in return. Be content to know that you did YOUR part.
We have heard this scripture quoted all of our lives. And treating others as we wish to be treated should be the cardinal guideline for Christians. But I think sometimes we feel like this is something of a “magic bullet”… that if we are nice and respectful to others… if we care enough and do enough… others will follow suit. Sadly, this is just not the case. But it shouldn’t matter. Do not follow “The Golden Rule” for what you can receive from others. Live by this scripture because this aligns you with Christ. This is what Jesus does for us every day. None of us gives Him as much as we get in return… but He keeps on loving us and showering us with grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness.
Treat others as you wish to be treated… not so they will reciprocate, but because it is the right thing to do, according to God’s law. I’m willing to bet you will see at least a few positive results. But either way, you will know that you have honored your commitment to Jesus Christ. When pleasing Him is all that matters, you will have turned a major corner in your life as a Christian. Are you ready to take that step?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 27, 2012
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever tried to help someone who would not tell you what he/she needed? You would ask, “What can I do for you?” and get a response like, “Oh… I don’t know,” or “Nothing… it’s okay.” Then later you find out this person needed food, money, a ride somewhere that you happened to already be going, or just a good friend to talk to about a problem. You would gladly have done whatever you could to help this person… if only he/she had asked.
We are not mind readers. And honestly, there are times when maybe we can figure out what a person needs or wants… but it’s just nice to hear that person say it. We’re not trying to be mean by withholding whatever assistance we can offer… we’re just not into playing guessing games. And it’s the same with God.
Believe me, God knows what we want and need before we ask. But He wants us to be honest with him… to come clean – maybe even with our hat in our hand – and humbly say, “LORD, I need you. I’ve got a problem here… I’m in trouble… I would really like for this or that to work out for me… I am asking YOU to help me!” But there is more… we can’t expect God to always give us exactly what we ask for, because this may not be right for us. God not only knows what we want and need before we ask… He knows what is best for us – what we really need!
So when we ask God for help, we must understand that He will not give us a “snake” when we need a “fish”… even if we ask for it! He won’t give you a sports car when what you need is a good, dependable minivan! He may not bring us the person we selected for ourselves as a life partner… the job we think we want… or the accolades we feel we deserve. God will not let us go hungry – physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally – if we sincerely ask Him to help us. But He may not “feed” us in the way we expect – or desire.
Aren’t you ready to begin genuinely asking God to meet your needs? Isn’t it time you stopped dancing around the truth and hesitating? When we come to the point in our life where we can ask God to meet our needs and accept His response, we have truly begun to live as one of His followers. When we trust God to give us good and perfect gifts - and to know what these are, He will shower us with His goodness. And it will be more than enough. What are you waiting for?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever tried to help someone who would not tell you what he/she needed? You would ask, “What can I do for you?” and get a response like, “Oh… I don’t know,” or “Nothing… it’s okay.” Then later you find out this person needed food, money, a ride somewhere that you happened to already be going, or just a good friend to talk to about a problem. You would gladly have done whatever you could to help this person… if only he/she had asked.
We are not mind readers. And honestly, there are times when maybe we can figure out what a person needs or wants… but it’s just nice to hear that person say it. We’re not trying to be mean by withholding whatever assistance we can offer… we’re just not into playing guessing games. And it’s the same with God.
Believe me, God knows what we want and need before we ask. But He wants us to be honest with him… to come clean – maybe even with our hat in our hand – and humbly say, “LORD, I need you. I’ve got a problem here… I’m in trouble… I would really like for this or that to work out for me… I am asking YOU to help me!” But there is more… we can’t expect God to always give us exactly what we ask for, because this may not be right for us. God not only knows what we want and need before we ask… He knows what is best for us – what we really need!
So when we ask God for help, we must understand that He will not give us a “snake” when we need a “fish”… even if we ask for it! He won’t give you a sports car when what you need is a good, dependable minivan! He may not bring us the person we selected for ourselves as a life partner… the job we think we want… or the accolades we feel we deserve. God will not let us go hungry – physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally – if we sincerely ask Him to help us. But He may not “feed” us in the way we expect – or desire.
Aren’t you ready to begin genuinely asking God to meet your needs? Isn’t it time you stopped dancing around the truth and hesitating? When we come to the point in our life where we can ask God to meet our needs and accept His response, we have truly begun to live as one of His followers. When we trust God to give us good and perfect gifts - and to know what these are, He will shower us with His goodness. And it will be more than enough. What are you waiting for?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 26, 2012
Matthew 7:1-5
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was watching a show on HGTV the other night where a couple was shopping for a new house, and the husband complained about virtually everything. He was one grumpy house hunter! At one point, he and his wife were sitting at a table talking about the houses they had seen, and the man said, “I don’t like to complain, but…” and his wife laughed and sarcastically interjected, “Oh, noooooooooo… you would NEVER complain!” Then she began to laugh. This man apparently had no clue that he griped and complained all the time… but he found fault with everything and everyone else!
Have you ever known someone who criticized others for the very things he/she did all the time? Maybe someone who is a picky eater might say, “Can you believe that Jack won’t let ANY food touch on his plate? What a picky eater!” At the same time, this person won’t taste pretty much anything except meat and potatoes! Or it’s possible you know someone who complains about every call the referees make at a ballgame… unless the “bad calls” are against the other team!
Then there are those who say, “I wonder why So-and-so is not helping with this ministry or that one…” when these critics have no clue what is “on the plate” of the other person? Or maybe you judge someone who doesn’t go to church regularly… supports a different political candidate than you… or wears his/her hair a certain way. I sat at the courthouse this week to cast my early vote, and an older man covered almost from head to toe in tattoos and piercings came in… and you should have heard the whispers that rustled through the crowd waiting in line. Someone even said aloud, “I’m not sure I want him to vote!” Really? So, if one of your family members or dear friends gets tattoos and piercings – or does something else appearance-wise that you find odd, you will criticize them and show disrespect – or giggle and snicker under your breath about them?
Suppose someone doesn’t like YOUR hairstyle, the way you talk, the color of your skin… or some quirky personality trait you have. Won’t their criticisms sting? Would people be judging you unfairly to base their opinion of you on these things? What if others make assumptions about you… or point out your shortcomings? How does this make you feel?
This is such an important scripture passage. When we really begin to stop and think about what we are about to say – or even think – about another person… or to another person, we can make two choices. We can decide to err on the side of caution, recognizing that we have our own sets of flaws, quirks and shortcomings. Or we can be that person who (incorrectly) acts better than the other guy – gripes, complains, judges, and basically acts foolishly. Before you can genuinely and fairly criticize others, you have to be sure your own life is completely impeccable… and I challenge you to find such a human!
We need to learn to leave the criticisms and complaining out of our lives. There is no place for such behavior in the life of a true servant of Jesus Christ. Take a good look at how YOU are looking at others, and see where you need to wash your own face for a change…instead of always offering the cloth to someone else!
©2012 Debbie Robus
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was watching a show on HGTV the other night where a couple was shopping for a new house, and the husband complained about virtually everything. He was one grumpy house hunter! At one point, he and his wife were sitting at a table talking about the houses they had seen, and the man said, “I don’t like to complain, but…” and his wife laughed and sarcastically interjected, “Oh, noooooooooo… you would NEVER complain!” Then she began to laugh. This man apparently had no clue that he griped and complained all the time… but he found fault with everything and everyone else!
Have you ever known someone who criticized others for the very things he/she did all the time? Maybe someone who is a picky eater might say, “Can you believe that Jack won’t let ANY food touch on his plate? What a picky eater!” At the same time, this person won’t taste pretty much anything except meat and potatoes! Or it’s possible you know someone who complains about every call the referees make at a ballgame… unless the “bad calls” are against the other team!
Then there are those who say, “I wonder why So-and-so is not helping with this ministry or that one…” when these critics have no clue what is “on the plate” of the other person? Or maybe you judge someone who doesn’t go to church regularly… supports a different political candidate than you… or wears his/her hair a certain way. I sat at the courthouse this week to cast my early vote, and an older man covered almost from head to toe in tattoos and piercings came in… and you should have heard the whispers that rustled through the crowd waiting in line. Someone even said aloud, “I’m not sure I want him to vote!” Really? So, if one of your family members or dear friends gets tattoos and piercings – or does something else appearance-wise that you find odd, you will criticize them and show disrespect – or giggle and snicker under your breath about them?
Suppose someone doesn’t like YOUR hairstyle, the way you talk, the color of your skin… or some quirky personality trait you have. Won’t their criticisms sting? Would people be judging you unfairly to base their opinion of you on these things? What if others make assumptions about you… or point out your shortcomings? How does this make you feel?
This is such an important scripture passage. When we really begin to stop and think about what we are about to say – or even think – about another person… or to another person, we can make two choices. We can decide to err on the side of caution, recognizing that we have our own sets of flaws, quirks and shortcomings. Or we can be that person who (incorrectly) acts better than the other guy – gripes, complains, judges, and basically acts foolishly. Before you can genuinely and fairly criticize others, you have to be sure your own life is completely impeccable… and I challenge you to find such a human!
We need to learn to leave the criticisms and complaining out of our lives. There is no place for such behavior in the life of a true servant of Jesus Christ. Take a good look at how YOU are looking at others, and see where you need to wash your own face for a change…instead of always offering the cloth to someone else!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 25, 2012
Matthew 6:25-34
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth more than birds?
Can worry make you live longer? Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of them. God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. He will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith?
Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The first time I remember turning to this scripture was almost 40 years ago, when my soon-to-be-husband and I were talking about college. My husband was considering a change of major… and even transferring from the college where he attended (and I was enrolling). He opened the Gideon Bible he had gotten on campus his freshman year and showed me this passage. We agreed that we would not worry about all of the hassles and challenges that changing college campuses – and majors – would bring. If this was God’s plan for us, everything would work out as it should. In the end, we did move to another university, and our coursework progressed in such a manner that we both graduated on the same day… sitting side-by-side.
When we started a new business venture and both quit our “regular” jobs, we again looked to this scripture passage as we considered our budget and how we would pay our bills and stretch our savings while we built the business. God once again met all of our needs… over and above what we had asked for or anticipated.
In the last 25 years, this passage has spoken to me several times… always in a slightly different way. I don’t worry about food and clothing these days, but when other things trouble me, I remind myself that the God who cares about the flowers in the field or the tiniest little bird cares for me, too. These creatures don’t think about how they will make it… they just go about their business, doing whatever their kind is supposed to do. And this is our lesson… to be about the business of doing whatever God has called us to do… to follow His lead and trust Him to work out the details… and to quit worrying.
I’m a pretty seasoned worrier, so this is hard for me… and maybe it’s hard for you, too. But just remind yourself to consider the flowers of the field… the birds up in the air, and how carefully and perfectly God meets their needs. Think over the times in your life when God has already carried you through – and your worrying really didn’t help one bit. Ask Him to give you peace and comfort as He helps you handle whatever is challenging you today… and trust that He will do exactly that.
Don’t worry about tomorrow… give it to God and ask Him to manage it for you. Focus your time and energy on doing things that please and serve Him – and honor His generous blessings upon your life. I guarantee you that God will do a much better job of handling your cares than you or I ever could. Won’t you trust Him to do so?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth more than birds?
Can worry make you live longer? Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of them. God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. He will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith?
Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
Don’t worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The first time I remember turning to this scripture was almost 40 years ago, when my soon-to-be-husband and I were talking about college. My husband was considering a change of major… and even transferring from the college where he attended (and I was enrolling). He opened the Gideon Bible he had gotten on campus his freshman year and showed me this passage. We agreed that we would not worry about all of the hassles and challenges that changing college campuses – and majors – would bring. If this was God’s plan for us, everything would work out as it should. In the end, we did move to another university, and our coursework progressed in such a manner that we both graduated on the same day… sitting side-by-side.
When we started a new business venture and both quit our “regular” jobs, we again looked to this scripture passage as we considered our budget and how we would pay our bills and stretch our savings while we built the business. God once again met all of our needs… over and above what we had asked for or anticipated.
In the last 25 years, this passage has spoken to me several times… always in a slightly different way. I don’t worry about food and clothing these days, but when other things trouble me, I remind myself that the God who cares about the flowers in the field or the tiniest little bird cares for me, too. These creatures don’t think about how they will make it… they just go about their business, doing whatever their kind is supposed to do. And this is our lesson… to be about the business of doing whatever God has called us to do… to follow His lead and trust Him to work out the details… and to quit worrying.
I’m a pretty seasoned worrier, so this is hard for me… and maybe it’s hard for you, too. But just remind yourself to consider the flowers of the field… the birds up in the air, and how carefully and perfectly God meets their needs. Think over the times in your life when God has already carried you through – and your worrying really didn’t help one bit. Ask Him to give you peace and comfort as He helps you handle whatever is challenging you today… and trust that He will do exactly that.
Don’t worry about tomorrow… give it to God and ask Him to manage it for you. Focus your time and energy on doing things that please and serve Him – and honor His generous blessings upon your life. I guarantee you that God will do a much better job of handling your cares than you or I ever could. Won’t you trust Him to do so?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2012
Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The other day, I tried to open a utensil drawer in my kitchen, and I couldn’t get it to budge. Something inside was sticking up and blocking the drawer from opening fully. Until I removed whatever was in the way, I was not going to be able to get to the tool I ultimately needed.
As Christians, we do this a lot… we block God’s blessings by refusing to forgive others. We fail to recognize that God loves the person with whom we have a beef of some sort just as much as He loves us. God has commanded us to “love one another” – and even to “love your enemies.” So when we fail to be obedient… when we harbor feelings of anger, resentment, disappointment, disgust, jealousy, frustration – or even rage… we effectively “block the drawer” of God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness and blessings from opening.
I understand… I get it. There are times when we get so upset with someone else that we cannot even utter their name to pray for them – much less offer forgiveness. And the devil absolutely goes ape with delight over this! But God is not amused. He understands… He really does… because He sees us in our human form (warts and all!). And He loves us and is willing to forgive us for these emotions – when we humbly ask for pardon. But God also expects us to turn around and share that same mercy with the person for whom we expressed such disdain.
This is a hard, hard lesson… one that takes many of us years to learn. We are bullied as children, and we harbor grudges. We may have teachers who are hard on us… parents who frustrate us… bosses who make going to work every day downright miserable…and friends, family and church family members who never seem to give us a break. So of course, we go to God and ask, “Can you please help me here?” And God will gladly do this. But we have to do our part, too.
You know that stuck drawer I mentioned? Have you ever been able to reach in and grab something – maybe even what you wanted or needed – but the drawer stayed stuck and you couldn’t get to everything? This is what I’m talking about. God may allow you a few things. But He has so much more “in the drawer” that He wants to share with you. Why on earth would you want to miss out on a single blessing or opportunity that God has for you?
Stop what you are doing for a few minutes today and examine your heart. Ask God to reveal to you the areas where you are blocking a blessing and/or a pardon because of your unwillingness to offer the same to others. Figure out how to get unstuck, so that you can free yourself from the burdens of an unforgiving heart… and bask in the joy of receiving all of God’s grace, mercy and abundance.
©2012 Debbie Robus
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The other day, I tried to open a utensil drawer in my kitchen, and I couldn’t get it to budge. Something inside was sticking up and blocking the drawer from opening fully. Until I removed whatever was in the way, I was not going to be able to get to the tool I ultimately needed.
As Christians, we do this a lot… we block God’s blessings by refusing to forgive others. We fail to recognize that God loves the person with whom we have a beef of some sort just as much as He loves us. God has commanded us to “love one another” – and even to “love your enemies.” So when we fail to be obedient… when we harbor feelings of anger, resentment, disappointment, disgust, jealousy, frustration – or even rage… we effectively “block the drawer” of God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness and blessings from opening.
I understand… I get it. There are times when we get so upset with someone else that we cannot even utter their name to pray for them – much less offer forgiveness. And the devil absolutely goes ape with delight over this! But God is not amused. He understands… He really does… because He sees us in our human form (warts and all!). And He loves us and is willing to forgive us for these emotions – when we humbly ask for pardon. But God also expects us to turn around and share that same mercy with the person for whom we expressed such disdain.
This is a hard, hard lesson… one that takes many of us years to learn. We are bullied as children, and we harbor grudges. We may have teachers who are hard on us… parents who frustrate us… bosses who make going to work every day downright miserable…and friends, family and church family members who never seem to give us a break. So of course, we go to God and ask, “Can you please help me here?” And God will gladly do this. But we have to do our part, too.
You know that stuck drawer I mentioned? Have you ever been able to reach in and grab something – maybe even what you wanted or needed – but the drawer stayed stuck and you couldn’t get to everything? This is what I’m talking about. God may allow you a few things. But He has so much more “in the drawer” that He wants to share with you. Why on earth would you want to miss out on a single blessing or opportunity that God has for you?
Stop what you are doing for a few minutes today and examine your heart. Ask God to reveal to you the areas where you are blocking a blessing and/or a pardon because of your unwillingness to offer the same to others. Figure out how to get unstuck, so that you can free yourself from the burdens of an unforgiving heart… and bask in the joy of receiving all of God’s grace, mercy and abundance.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 23, 2012
Matthew 6:5-8
When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you.
When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have said before that I am not necessarily in favor of public prayers at mealtime. There are times when we come together as a family – Thanksgiving, Christmas, or perhaps a family potluck – and I feel that a short group prayer of thankfulness is appropriate. But how many times have you been enjoying a meal in your favorite restaurant… talking and laughing with friends… when you notice that the people next to you are praying over their food? Don’t you feel a little uncomfortable? Doesn’t this give you a sense that you should stop your own meal and bow your head, also? Have you ever started to “bless” your food as a server approached? How uncomfortable do you suppose this makes him/her… not to mention how it slows them down as they do their job?
Now that you have decided I must be a terrible, horrible person, let me explain. Just as there is no reason you cannot bow your head and pray silently in any school, court house, or at any public event or restaurant – there is no reason you have to make an exhibition that all can see and hear. Do you think that God can’t hear your silent prayers? “Oh, but this is a demonstration to others of our Christian faith!” you may say. Is it really? Or are you saying to others, “I’m such a strong Christian that before each meal (or at every event, before school starts – you fill in the blank) I offer an auditory prayer to God. I’m publicly expressing my faith!”
Now, if you do this, and you feel strongly about it, do not feel that I am condemning you…I am not. How you communicate with God is deeply personal and none of my business. But I have to wonder sometimes how intimate and heartfelt our public prayers are.
I have already bought Timothy a little book of prayers, and we read them together. But I did not do this to teach him how to pray, because I believe this would do him a disservice. I thought this would be a good way to begin to introduce a toddler to God… to help Timmy learn about offering gratitude… and to show him how to ask God for guidance and protection. Hopefully, as he grows, he will learn more about God and how amazing it is to be able to share your thoughts and feelings with Him – anytime, anywhere.
If you continue reading Matthew 6, Jesus gives us a model for how to pray… and the Apostle Paul tells us to talk to God throughout the day and make this our prayer. But Jesus did not intend for “The Lord’s Prayer” itself to become our mainstay as a means to communicate with our Heavenly Father. I hope that everyone will truly get this!
Prayer is a deeply personal – and critical – component of our Christian walk. I have to admit that my prayer life was pretty shallow for a good many years… filled with rote recitations and generally based in desperation – as in, “LORD… I need you… NOW!” Much of the rest of the time, I didn’t have a whole lot to say to God. I didn’t understand the importance of talking to Him and expressing my gratitude on the days when things were going pretty well. When we come to the point in our discipleship where prayer is as familiar to us as breathing, we have turned a corner.
Praying aloud over someone who has asked for your intercession can be a blessing for the recipient – and a privilege for you. Reciting The Lord’s Prayer as a group in a worship setting can be a profoundly intimate experience… all of God’s children coming together to speak to Him as one body. But we need to develop a strong, private, running conversation with God… communication that is honest, at times raw, and deeply personal between the two of you.
There is a fine line between talking to God in public as a show of unity… and merely putting on a show. Be sure that you know – and exercise - the difference!
©2012 Debbie Robus
When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you.
When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have said before that I am not necessarily in favor of public prayers at mealtime. There are times when we come together as a family – Thanksgiving, Christmas, or perhaps a family potluck – and I feel that a short group prayer of thankfulness is appropriate. But how many times have you been enjoying a meal in your favorite restaurant… talking and laughing with friends… when you notice that the people next to you are praying over their food? Don’t you feel a little uncomfortable? Doesn’t this give you a sense that you should stop your own meal and bow your head, also? Have you ever started to “bless” your food as a server approached? How uncomfortable do you suppose this makes him/her… not to mention how it slows them down as they do their job?
Now that you have decided I must be a terrible, horrible person, let me explain. Just as there is no reason you cannot bow your head and pray silently in any school, court house, or at any public event or restaurant – there is no reason you have to make an exhibition that all can see and hear. Do you think that God can’t hear your silent prayers? “Oh, but this is a demonstration to others of our Christian faith!” you may say. Is it really? Or are you saying to others, “I’m such a strong Christian that before each meal (or at every event, before school starts – you fill in the blank) I offer an auditory prayer to God. I’m publicly expressing my faith!”
Now, if you do this, and you feel strongly about it, do not feel that I am condemning you…I am not. How you communicate with God is deeply personal and none of my business. But I have to wonder sometimes how intimate and heartfelt our public prayers are.
I have already bought Timothy a little book of prayers, and we read them together. But I did not do this to teach him how to pray, because I believe this would do him a disservice. I thought this would be a good way to begin to introduce a toddler to God… to help Timmy learn about offering gratitude… and to show him how to ask God for guidance and protection. Hopefully, as he grows, he will learn more about God and how amazing it is to be able to share your thoughts and feelings with Him – anytime, anywhere.
If you continue reading Matthew 6, Jesus gives us a model for how to pray… and the Apostle Paul tells us to talk to God throughout the day and make this our prayer. But Jesus did not intend for “The Lord’s Prayer” itself to become our mainstay as a means to communicate with our Heavenly Father. I hope that everyone will truly get this!
Prayer is a deeply personal – and critical – component of our Christian walk. I have to admit that my prayer life was pretty shallow for a good many years… filled with rote recitations and generally based in desperation – as in, “LORD… I need you… NOW!” Much of the rest of the time, I didn’t have a whole lot to say to God. I didn’t understand the importance of talking to Him and expressing my gratitude on the days when things were going pretty well. When we come to the point in our discipleship where prayer is as familiar to us as breathing, we have turned a corner.
Praying aloud over someone who has asked for your intercession can be a blessing for the recipient – and a privilege for you. Reciting The Lord’s Prayer as a group in a worship setting can be a profoundly intimate experience… all of God’s children coming together to speak to Him as one body. But we need to develop a strong, private, running conversation with God… communication that is honest, at times raw, and deeply personal between the two of you.
There is a fine line between talking to God in public as a show of unity… and merely putting on a show. Be sure that you know – and exercise - the difference!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 22, 2012
Matthew 6:1-4
When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off. If you do, you won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven.
When you give to the poor, don’t blow a loud horn. That’s what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
When you give to the poor, don’t let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret, and he will reward you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few weekends ago, my mom and her husband had dinner at a local restaurant. When they went to the register to pay the bill, it had already been covered anonymously. I heard a recent news story about a patron who tried to use her credit card at a Target store, and the card was denied. A stranger standing nearby paid the bill in full – more than $160. The Target employee who handled the transaction said the lady whose bill was covered dissolved into tears. She could not figure out why anyone would do something so generous for a person they didn’t even know. The employee said that the “Good Samaritan” who had stepped up to pay the bill told her, “I’ve been there. We’ve all had hard times and needed help at some point.”
These are just two examples of people who fully understand how to do a good deed without showing off. You may know of countless others… or have been the recipient of someone else’s kindness yourself. Such actions do not have to be directed at someone who is financially poor - i.e. lacking money. In one way or another, we are all the “poor” at one time or another… with needs that are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. And God is calling us to meet the needs of others – regardless of their form – and to do so in secret.
I don’t know about you, but I get almost giddy when I do something for another person without any prompting or fanfare. God blesses me far more than the recipient. I’ve given money to those in need before, but there are so many other ways we can minister to the “hungry” among us. We can bless, encourage and uplift in countless ways… and here are just a few:
©2012 Debbie Robus
When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off. If you do, you won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven.
When you give to the poor, don’t blow a loud horn. That’s what show-offs do in the meeting places and on the street corners, because they are always looking for praise. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
When you give to the poor, don’t let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what is done in secret, and he will reward you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few weekends ago, my mom and her husband had dinner at a local restaurant. When they went to the register to pay the bill, it had already been covered anonymously. I heard a recent news story about a patron who tried to use her credit card at a Target store, and the card was denied. A stranger standing nearby paid the bill in full – more than $160. The Target employee who handled the transaction said the lady whose bill was covered dissolved into tears. She could not figure out why anyone would do something so generous for a person they didn’t even know. The employee said that the “Good Samaritan” who had stepped up to pay the bill told her, “I’ve been there. We’ve all had hard times and needed help at some point.”
These are just two examples of people who fully understand how to do a good deed without showing off. You may know of countless others… or have been the recipient of someone else’s kindness yourself. Such actions do not have to be directed at someone who is financially poor - i.e. lacking money. In one way or another, we are all the “poor” at one time or another… with needs that are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. And God is calling us to meet the needs of others – regardless of their form – and to do so in secret.
I don’t know about you, but I get almost giddy when I do something for another person without any prompting or fanfare. God blesses me far more than the recipient. I’ve given money to those in need before, but there are so many other ways we can minister to the “hungry” among us. We can bless, encourage and uplift in countless ways… and here are just a few:
- Offer to help a neighbor or friend with a project – yard work, painting and repairs, pet sitting, spring cleaning, or even running errands.
- Send a note of encouragement to someone – “just because”.
- Share your extra baked goods – or double your casserole and take the extra to someone you know could probably use it… a busy family, an elderly person, someone who is recovering from an injury or illness.
- Offer to give someone a ride.
- When you are talking to someone who expresses worries or concerns, offer to pray for them.
- Donate to local charities… and offer your time and talents along with your money.
- Take time to stop and thank someone you encounter frequently – the checker at the grocery store…your pharmacist, hairdresser, or your child’s teacher or daycare worker…the server at your coffee shop or restaurant…your mail carrier. Tell them how grateful you are for their service.
- Clean your closet and donate clothing and other items you never use/wear to your favorite charity – or offer them to someone who you feel could use them.
- Spend some time with an elderly person or shut-in who doesn’t get much company.
- Check on your neighbors. Ask if there is anything you can do for them… and mean it!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 21, 2012
Matthew 5:43-48
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
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.
There are a lot of so-called child experts who say if a small child bites you, bite him/her back. “They need to understand how this feels,” the experts tell us. And you may agree. My opinion is that biting a child who bites only sets up a contest to see who can bite the hardest – or who is stronger. If the child happens to stop biting as a result, I believe this is merely coincidence. Equally as many “experts” will tell you that “the punishment must fit the crime,” which is why I am personally opposed to spanking. Does hitting a child for hitting someone – or for any other misbehavior – really do anything except “show him/her who is boss?”
Let’s be honest, we learn very quickly to retaliate when challenged. Just watch a few toddlers at play. You’ll see biting, hitting, scratching, and more in order to claim a position as “Top Dog.” If we do not take measures early on to instill in children a sense of loving one another, sharing, and showing kindness even when we don’t want to, we soon end up with youngsters who have learned to feel – and exhibit – disdain for their “enemy.”
Don’t misunderstand me… showing love and kindness toward someone who has offended or hurt us in some way is really, really hard. I have encountered several people in my lifetime that I found it very difficult to pray for and offer compassion. Certainly, as we hear more and more about bullies among us – in all age groups – we see that there are some pretty unlovely and unlovable people out there! But as Christians, we are better than this… by God’s grace. We who are completely unlovely ourselves… filled with sin and totally unworthy of God’s love… are shown incredible grace, mercy and compassion by our Heavenly Father. And we must pass this on to others in our path.
The writer of these verses is right… it is time to grow up in our faith. If we claim to be heirs to God’s kingdom, we have to act like them. We must exhibit the same love and kindness that God bestows upon us to everyone in our midst… not just to those who are nice to us. It may take some time to get this right, but we have to try… and with God’s help, we can do it. Ask Him to give you strength and courage…to fill you with His Holy Spirit and equip you with grace, mercy, and true tenderness for your fellow man. Practice this every day. Learn to love your friends…and your enemies… and live out your God-created identity.
©2012 Debbie Robus
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”
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.
There are a lot of so-called child experts who say if a small child bites you, bite him/her back. “They need to understand how this feels,” the experts tell us. And you may agree. My opinion is that biting a child who bites only sets up a contest to see who can bite the hardest – or who is stronger. If the child happens to stop biting as a result, I believe this is merely coincidence. Equally as many “experts” will tell you that “the punishment must fit the crime,” which is why I am personally opposed to spanking. Does hitting a child for hitting someone – or for any other misbehavior – really do anything except “show him/her who is boss?”
Let’s be honest, we learn very quickly to retaliate when challenged. Just watch a few toddlers at play. You’ll see biting, hitting, scratching, and more in order to claim a position as “Top Dog.” If we do not take measures early on to instill in children a sense of loving one another, sharing, and showing kindness even when we don’t want to, we soon end up with youngsters who have learned to feel – and exhibit – disdain for their “enemy.”
Don’t misunderstand me… showing love and kindness toward someone who has offended or hurt us in some way is really, really hard. I have encountered several people in my lifetime that I found it very difficult to pray for and offer compassion. Certainly, as we hear more and more about bullies among us – in all age groups – we see that there are some pretty unlovely and unlovable people out there! But as Christians, we are better than this… by God’s grace. We who are completely unlovely ourselves… filled with sin and totally unworthy of God’s love… are shown incredible grace, mercy and compassion by our Heavenly Father. And we must pass this on to others in our path.
The writer of these verses is right… it is time to grow up in our faith. If we claim to be heirs to God’s kingdom, we have to act like them. We must exhibit the same love and kindness that God bestows upon us to everyone in our midst… not just to those who are nice to us. It may take some time to get this right, but we have to try… and with God’s help, we can do it. Ask Him to give you strength and courage…to fill you with His Holy Spirit and equip you with grace, mercy, and true tenderness for your fellow man. Practice this every day. Learn to love your friends…and your enemies… and live out your God-created identity.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 20, 2012
Matthew 5:21-26
You know that our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” But I promise you that if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.
So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.
Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don’t, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. I promise you that you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There are two things in our culture that seem to bring out the worst in people… sporting events and political elections! In both cases, people who claim to be obedient, filled-with-grace Christians give the impression that they are filled with anger. Name calling looks as if it is second nature. The refs are “idiots.” Candidates are called names I cannot even repeat. And the level of pure hatred that appears to emanate from every pore of many is disconcerting at best – and downright scary in some cases. You’ve heard the phrase, “If looks could kill, I’d be dead!” I’ve seen that look in the eyes of more than one person who was upset over a bad call at a ballgame – or those of someone speaking about the other party’s candidate!
I have to believe that God is so deeply disappointed in all of us. Clearly, we do not understand what Jesus has taught us… that anger is as much a sin as murder itself! And I will be the first to admit that I am not immune to name calling…as much as I would like to be. However, I have become more aware of how distasteful this is to God… how disrespectful we are when we lash out at another of His children. And I have to say, I think am doing a better job of catching myself before my thoughts and feelings become outward words and actions. It’s a step in the right direction… but I also need to corral my thoughts. And I’m betting you do, also.
We cannot “have it our way.” Jesus is not Burger King. If we are truly Disciples of Christ… if we really want to please God and serve Him honorably, we must get a handle on our anger. We must control our tongue. We must put a stop to body language that exudes disapproval, disgust, or revulsion of others. Yes, Jesus got angry. And yes, there is a time and place for anger about certain situations… abuses and mistreatments of others, for instance – or disrespect for God and His creation. But lashing out at another and calling him/her names, cursing, gesturing or even giving dirty looks does not accomplish anything except making us look like fools.
What is the solution? Jesus! When you are angry, go to a private corner and tell Him how you feel. Call on the Holy Spirit to calm you – to act like a balm on your heart and smooth out your ruffled feathers. Ask Him to show you how to proceed in a logical, loving manner that reflects the grace and mercy of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions… the words you speak – and those you write in places like social media. Make every word and action count for Jesus… and reflect your love and respect for the One who has given everything on your account.
Strive for the day when anger and hatred have no place in your heart. When you can begin to operate without these emotions, you will know that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in you… and so will everyone else.
©2012 Debbie Robus
You know that our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” But I promise you that if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.
So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.
Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don’t, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. I promise you that you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There are two things in our culture that seem to bring out the worst in people… sporting events and political elections! In both cases, people who claim to be obedient, filled-with-grace Christians give the impression that they are filled with anger. Name calling looks as if it is second nature. The refs are “idiots.” Candidates are called names I cannot even repeat. And the level of pure hatred that appears to emanate from every pore of many is disconcerting at best – and downright scary in some cases. You’ve heard the phrase, “If looks could kill, I’d be dead!” I’ve seen that look in the eyes of more than one person who was upset over a bad call at a ballgame – or those of someone speaking about the other party’s candidate!
I have to believe that God is so deeply disappointed in all of us. Clearly, we do not understand what Jesus has taught us… that anger is as much a sin as murder itself! And I will be the first to admit that I am not immune to name calling…as much as I would like to be. However, I have become more aware of how distasteful this is to God… how disrespectful we are when we lash out at another of His children. And I have to say, I think am doing a better job of catching myself before my thoughts and feelings become outward words and actions. It’s a step in the right direction… but I also need to corral my thoughts. And I’m betting you do, also.
We cannot “have it our way.” Jesus is not Burger King. If we are truly Disciples of Christ… if we really want to please God and serve Him honorably, we must get a handle on our anger. We must control our tongue. We must put a stop to body language that exudes disapproval, disgust, or revulsion of others. Yes, Jesus got angry. And yes, there is a time and place for anger about certain situations… abuses and mistreatments of others, for instance – or disrespect for God and His creation. But lashing out at another and calling him/her names, cursing, gesturing or even giving dirty looks does not accomplish anything except making us look like fools.
What is the solution? Jesus! When you are angry, go to a private corner and tell Him how you feel. Call on the Holy Spirit to calm you – to act like a balm on your heart and smooth out your ruffled feathers. Ask Him to show you how to proceed in a logical, loving manner that reflects the grace and mercy of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions… the words you speak – and those you write in places like social media. Make every word and action count for Jesus… and reflect your love and respect for the One who has given everything on your account.
Strive for the day when anger and hatred have no place in your heart. When you can begin to operate without these emotions, you will know that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in you… and so will everyone else.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 19, 2012
Matthew 5:2-12
Jesus' disciples gathered around him, and he taught them:
God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!
God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!
God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!
God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Remember the story of The Little Red Hen? She asked for help with planting, harvesting and grinding her wheat into flour, and no one was available. So she quietly and dutifully went about getting everything done. When she turned her flour into warm, tasty loaves of bread, all of those who had refused to help were suddenly interested in “helping” her eat the bread. Now I ask you, what should she do? In the story, she reminds all of her friends that they refused to help… so now they will not get to eat! She then eats the bread herself… and feeds her chicks.
Apparently the Little Red Hen didn’t read this scripture passage! The moral of the story is that “only those who work will eat.” But for Christians, there is more to the story. Can we really refuse to feed our neighbor who is hungry just because he/she won’t work? When someone fails to help us out when we are in need, does this give us license to do the same in return? Do we have the right to lie for our boss or a friend just to keep our job? Will God understand if we let our relationship with Him lapse because we are busy or preoccupied… sick or in trouble?
This passage is a wonderful outline for how to live as a disciple of Christ. Coupled with the commandments in Luke 10:27 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind,” and “Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself,” these verses give us a great road map for Christian living. When we follow these teachings, we live in a manner that pleases God and leads to incredible blessings – both on this earth and in heaven.
These guidelines are not always easy to follow. Yes, there will be ridicule, difficulty, and frustration as you strive to follow them. But as the scriptures tell us, there will also be great rewards and blessings. You will not serve alone… your efforts will not be in vain. When you get to the point where your “Little Red Hen” story includes feeding those who are hungry – even when they didn’t help – you have truly turned a corner in your Christian living. When you care more about serving God than about what others think, an entirely new world of possibilities with Christ opens up to you. When you humble yourself and begin to depend totally on God… and genuinely grieve over the sufferings of others, you discover the joys of knowing that God will more than meet your every need. He will bless and care for you in this lifetime… and for all eternity.
Where are you in your Disciple life? Are you still a “Little Red Hen” Christian who is out to get all you can for yourself and those in your circle? Or are you “in it to win it” with Jesus… totally focused on Him and allowing Him to work in and through you for His glory? Do others see Jesus in your actions and daily living? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus' disciples gathered around him, and he taught them:
God blesses those people who depend only on him. They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
God blesses those people who grieve. They will find comfort!
God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!
God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink. They will be given what they want!
God blesses those people who are merciful. They will be treated with mercy!
God blesses those people whose hearts are pure. They will see him!
God blesses those people who make peace. They will be called his children!
God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven.
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Remember the story of The Little Red Hen? She asked for help with planting, harvesting and grinding her wheat into flour, and no one was available. So she quietly and dutifully went about getting everything done. When she turned her flour into warm, tasty loaves of bread, all of those who had refused to help were suddenly interested in “helping” her eat the bread. Now I ask you, what should she do? In the story, she reminds all of her friends that they refused to help… so now they will not get to eat! She then eats the bread herself… and feeds her chicks.
Apparently the Little Red Hen didn’t read this scripture passage! The moral of the story is that “only those who work will eat.” But for Christians, there is more to the story. Can we really refuse to feed our neighbor who is hungry just because he/she won’t work? When someone fails to help us out when we are in need, does this give us license to do the same in return? Do we have the right to lie for our boss or a friend just to keep our job? Will God understand if we let our relationship with Him lapse because we are busy or preoccupied… sick or in trouble?
This passage is a wonderful outline for how to live as a disciple of Christ. Coupled with the commandments in Luke 10:27 to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind,” and “Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself,” these verses give us a great road map for Christian living. When we follow these teachings, we live in a manner that pleases God and leads to incredible blessings – both on this earth and in heaven.
These guidelines are not always easy to follow. Yes, there will be ridicule, difficulty, and frustration as you strive to follow them. But as the scriptures tell us, there will also be great rewards and blessings. You will not serve alone… your efforts will not be in vain. When you get to the point where your “Little Red Hen” story includes feeding those who are hungry – even when they didn’t help – you have truly turned a corner in your Christian living. When you care more about serving God than about what others think, an entirely new world of possibilities with Christ opens up to you. When you humble yourself and begin to depend totally on God… and genuinely grieve over the sufferings of others, you discover the joys of knowing that God will more than meet your every need. He will bless and care for you in this lifetime… and for all eternity.
Where are you in your Disciple life? Are you still a “Little Red Hen” Christian who is out to get all you can for yourself and those in your circle? Or are you “in it to win it” with Jesus… totally focused on Him and allowing Him to work in and through you for His glory? Do others see Jesus in your actions and daily living? Isn’t it time they did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 18, 2012
Matthew 4:18-22
While Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two brothers. One was Simon, also known as Peter, and the other was Andrew. They were fishermen, and they were casting their net into the lake. Jesus said to them, “Come with me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.” Right then the two brothers dropped their nets and went with him.
Jesus walked on until he saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat with their father, mending their nets. Jesus asked them to come with him too. Right away they left the boat and their father and went with Jesus.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One day a few months before my grandmother moved to the assisted living facility, I drove over to her house, and she wasn’t there. The door was unlocked, her purse was where she kept it, as was her walker… but she was nowhere to be found. After several minutes of frantically searching through her house and around the yard outside, I decided she had gone somewhere with a friend. If she had left for a walk around the block, she would have taken her walker. Sure enough, in a few more minutes a truck pulled up, and my grandmother and two feeble, elderly, and most unwell friends emerged. They had all been to buy some peaches somewhere out in the countryside. I reminded my grandmother that she had agreed not to ride with these people because they were in such poor health, and she said, “… but they wanted me to go with them.”
My grandmother was a “gad-about” in her time. We had a running joke that even on her sickest day, she would get up and go with the first person who stopped by and invited her. It didn’t matter who it was or where they were going, really… or in this case, that her “driver” had no business being behind the wheel of a vehicle. Someone said, “Come with me!” And she did!
If only we were as eager to follow Jesus! If only we were eager and willing to get up on our worst day and do whatever He needed us to do! But we find all sorts of excuses, don’t we? “Not today, LORD. Maybe next week – or next year. I’m not able… I’m not well… I’m not dressed nicely enough… I’m having a bad hair day…I’m busy…I’m not interested.”
When we come to the point where we can drop what we are doing to follow Jesus and serve Him, who we are as a Christian disciple changes dramatically. Total obedience to God is one of the hardest things for Christians to attain. Part of our resistance lies in our human selfishness… and part lies in the devil’s ability to fill us with fear and to convince us that following Jesus will cost us – freedom, friends, ridicule, and more. And he’ll tell you that the last thing you want to do is to “give up” anything in your already great life.
In truth, the devil wants you to stay right where you are… to never go anywhere. He wants you stuck in a rut… focused on yourself, and operating in fear. If you really, truly drop everything and follow Jesus, be prepared for some tough times, because Satan will fight like mad to get you to quit and go home. But also get ready to experience true joy and blessings. When we are fully obedient to God, even when what He asks us to do makes no sense at all, we experience real abundance. I can’t explain it fully – you have to experience this for yourself. But the best description I can offer is that complete surrender to God will bring you a joy and peace you have never known before. Even on your worst day with God, you will feel better than you did sitting at home with the devil.
So get up… get going. When Jesus says, “Come with me,” be ready to roll! Don’t look back… look to Heaven! Don’t ask, “Why, LORD?” Ask, “What next?” Make this the day you turn the corner and truly surrender to Jesus. Operate fully in the will of God, with total abandon… and experience complete joy in the LORD. Are you ready to really follow Jesus? When He calls…will you answer?
©2012 Debbie Robus
While Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two brothers. One was Simon, also known as Peter, and the other was Andrew. They were fishermen, and they were casting their net into the lake. Jesus said to them, “Come with me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.” Right then the two brothers dropped their nets and went with him.
Jesus walked on until he saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat with their father, mending their nets. Jesus asked them to come with him too. Right away they left the boat and their father and went with Jesus.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One day a few months before my grandmother moved to the assisted living facility, I drove over to her house, and she wasn’t there. The door was unlocked, her purse was where she kept it, as was her walker… but she was nowhere to be found. After several minutes of frantically searching through her house and around the yard outside, I decided she had gone somewhere with a friend. If she had left for a walk around the block, she would have taken her walker. Sure enough, in a few more minutes a truck pulled up, and my grandmother and two feeble, elderly, and most unwell friends emerged. They had all been to buy some peaches somewhere out in the countryside. I reminded my grandmother that she had agreed not to ride with these people because they were in such poor health, and she said, “… but they wanted me to go with them.”
My grandmother was a “gad-about” in her time. We had a running joke that even on her sickest day, she would get up and go with the first person who stopped by and invited her. It didn’t matter who it was or where they were going, really… or in this case, that her “driver” had no business being behind the wheel of a vehicle. Someone said, “Come with me!” And she did!
If only we were as eager to follow Jesus! If only we were eager and willing to get up on our worst day and do whatever He needed us to do! But we find all sorts of excuses, don’t we? “Not today, LORD. Maybe next week – or next year. I’m not able… I’m not well… I’m not dressed nicely enough… I’m having a bad hair day…I’m busy…I’m not interested.”
When we come to the point where we can drop what we are doing to follow Jesus and serve Him, who we are as a Christian disciple changes dramatically. Total obedience to God is one of the hardest things for Christians to attain. Part of our resistance lies in our human selfishness… and part lies in the devil’s ability to fill us with fear and to convince us that following Jesus will cost us – freedom, friends, ridicule, and more. And he’ll tell you that the last thing you want to do is to “give up” anything in your already great life.
In truth, the devil wants you to stay right where you are… to never go anywhere. He wants you stuck in a rut… focused on yourself, and operating in fear. If you really, truly drop everything and follow Jesus, be prepared for some tough times, because Satan will fight like mad to get you to quit and go home. But also get ready to experience true joy and blessings. When we are fully obedient to God, even when what He asks us to do makes no sense at all, we experience real abundance. I can’t explain it fully – you have to experience this for yourself. But the best description I can offer is that complete surrender to God will bring you a joy and peace you have never known before. Even on your worst day with God, you will feel better than you did sitting at home with the devil.
So get up… get going. When Jesus says, “Come with me,” be ready to roll! Don’t look back… look to Heaven! Don’t ask, “Why, LORD?” Ask, “What next?” Make this the day you turn the corner and truly surrender to Jesus. Operate fully in the will of God, with total abandon… and experience complete joy in the LORD. Are you ready to really follow Jesus? When He calls…will you answer?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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