Daily Devotional for March 31, 2020 – No cheating…serving Jesus with honesty and integrity in ALL matters

Luke 16:1-10
Jesus now told this story to his disciples: “A rich man hired an accountant to handle his affairs, but soon a rumor went around that the accountant was thoroughly dishonest.

“So his employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about your stealing from me? Get your report in order, for you are to be dismissed.’

“The accountant thought to himself, ‘Now what? I’m through here, and I haven’t the strength to go out and dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. I know just the thing! And then I’ll have plenty of friends to take care of me when I leave!’

“So he invited each one who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’ ‘My debt is 850 gallons of olive oil,’ the man replied. ‘Yes, here is the contract you signed,’ the accountant told him. ‘Tear it up and write another one for half that much!’

“‘And how much do you owe him?’ he asked the next man. ‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ was the reply. ‘Here,’ the accountant said, ‘take your note and replace it with one for only 800 bushels!’

“The rich man had to admire the rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the citizens of this world are more clever in dishonesty than the godly are. But shall I tell you to act that way, to buy friendship through cheating? Will this ensure your entry into an everlasting home in heaven? No! For unless you are honest in small matters, you won’t be in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In recent weeks, much has been made of people who are hoarding everything from toilet paper to hand sanitizer. We heard reports of the person who had “forethought” to purchase thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer before the pandemic became widespread in America – and then tried to sell them at a hefty profit when store supplies ran low. Some would argue that this was “free enterprise”…that this person was merely “thinking ahead” and looking out for himself. Others see it as dishonesty and a way to take advantage of people in need, while lining one’s own pockets.

We’ve all seen children play together where one child gathers as many of the toys or snacks to himself/herself as possible…while the others in the circle may have little to none. This is perhaps an early indicator of “survival of the fittest”. But as the adult in the room, haven’t you scrambled to admonish the child to “share with the others” and be kind to them? Is it possible that you even said, “There is plenty for everyone!” and reminded the children that no one will go hungry or be shortchanged? And maybe, just maybe, you’ve watched that “hoarding child” just a little closer to make sure that he/she did not continue this behavior.

Jesus is clear in this passage that those who cheat even a little cannot be trusted. We know that there are some among us who have proven themselves unworthy of our trust – even while claiming to love and serve the Master. We learn in this passage from Luke 16 that it is not possible to truly serve Christ and cheat others – even in the smallest of matters.

Consider where in your life you may have said, “This little bit won’t hurt.” Or perhaps you have lulled yourself into thinking that, “I have to look out for Number 1, because no one else will.” Where have you “kept a little for yourself” and justified that this was okay – even necessary (perhaps with some encouragement from the devil)? Have a conversation with Jesus today and “come clean”. Vow to do better…to be honest, genuine and fair in all matters – even those that may seem insignificant.

Ask Jesus to help you always “do the right thing” and serve His Kingdom well. We cannot buy the friendship and trust of others…and we certainly cannot get ahead with Jesus by operating in dishonesty and deception – on any scale. Make this the day that you “clean up your act” and determine that you are representing Christ in the best possible way. Share His love with others by always being kind and truthful – in every way. You can count on Jesus to help you with this…can He count on you?

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 30, 2020 – Learning to love as Christ loves…”stinkers” and all!

Luke 15:25-33
The older son had been out in the field. But when he came near the house, he heard the music and dancing. So he called one of the servants over and asked, “What’s going on here?”

The servant answered, “Your brother has come home safe and sound, and your father ordered us to kill the best calf.” The older brother got so angry that he would not even go into the house.

His father came out and begged him to go in. But he said to his father, “For years I have worked for you like a slave and have always obeyed you. But you have never even given me a little goat, so that I could give a dinner for my friends. This other son of yours wasted your money on prostitutes. And now that he has come home, you ordered the best calf to be killed for a feast.”

His father replied, “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

We probably all know of a parent who has welcomed a wayward child and treated him/her like royalty, while the siblings looked on in bewilderment. Or maybe you know someone who is a terrible friend, co-worker or acquaintance…and yet, others treat this person with kindness well beyond what you feel he/she deserves. Perhaps YOU have been on the receiving end of thoughtfulness from someone you treated poorly…and you wondered why on earth the other person would offer you such generosity.

Clearly, these actions are not a sign of weakness…but rather grace and mercy in action. And there are some take-aways for us in this message from Luke 15. Jesus is showing us that He never gives up on a single one of us – and neither should we. Understand that this doesn’t mean we should condone illegal or immoral behavior…or stick around for physical or mental abuse. But we must never stop loving others or praying for them. We must never stop being kind and considerate – even when this is not the treatment we receive in return.

The other “lesson” in this passage is that there is nothing that can separate you and me from God. We have all made mistakes and fallen far short of His expectations and desires. When we correct course and return to God, He “kills the fatted calf” and welcomes us with open arms and an epic celebration. It is not God’s desire that even a single one of us should come to harm or miss out on the privilege of becoming part of His Kingdom.

I know there are “stinkers” among us. I understand that there are people we feel do not deserve God’s grace and mercy. I also know that this judgment is not ours to make…and when you get right down to it, the same accusations could be leveled at you and me at one time or another. I am grateful for God’s never-ending love, grace and mercy. I am thankful that Jesus presented these lessons and showed us the way to live – and love. I don’t get it right much of the time, but I am trying…and these scriptures remind me today how incredibly important it is to love all others with the love of Christ. I have a lot more work to do…what about you?

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 29, 2020 – Storing the right kind of “treasure”…are you focused on the right “stuff”?

Luke 12:22-34
Jesus said to his disciples:

I tell you not to worry about your life! Don’t worry about having something to eat or wear. Life is more than food or clothing. Look at the crows! They don’t plant or harvest, and they don’t have storehouses or barns. But God takes care of them. You are much more important than any birds. Can worry make you live longer? If you don’t have power over small things, why worry about everything else?

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 these flowers. God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith!

Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink. Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father knows what you need. But put God’s work first, and these things will be yours as well.

My little group of disciples, don’t be afraid! Your Father wants to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give the money to the poor. Make yourselves moneybags that never wear out. Make sure your treasure is safe in heaven, where thieves cannot steal it and moths cannot destroy it. Your heart will always be where your treasure is.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Earlier this week, a photo went viral on social media of a young physician in Jonesboro, Arkansas, standing outside the “storm door” that provided entry to his home. Pressed against the other side was his toddler. The father is quarantined because of his potential exposure to COVID-19. So this is how he keeps in touch with his family…or it was until yesterday, when a violent tornado destroyed the family’s home. Thankfully, everyone is safe…but the house is a total loss.

In a matter of weeks, our priorities have completely changed. Not all that long ago, I was shopping for candy to fill Easter eggs at our church’s egg hunt…and earlier this week, I was almost giddy when Greg came home from the grocery store with milk, eggs, bread and other staples to get us through the next several weeks. Less than a month ago, Grandma E and I were still visiting the community pool, wondering if each trip would be our last for a while. Indeed, all public city facilities are now closed because of the virus. In the last few days, I’ve taken several walks in our neighborhood to get some fresh air and exercise. I’ve marveled at the “opulence” of spring…trees and shrubs that are flowering with breathtaking beauty…tiny seed pods that resemble helicopter rotors and feathery jewels…intricate, yet miniscule flowers on the ground that rival the most expensive orchid when viewed through a camera’s zoom lens.

God cares about us more than we can ever begin to fathom. Jesus reminds us of this in these verses from Luke 12. He suggests that if God pays attention to the minute details of a little wildflower springing from the ground, surely He will see that our needs are met. If God cares that the animals of the forest are fed, He must certainly desire that we eat, as well. If God is concerned with the return of spring and puts so much effort into the tiniest aspects – like pollen-producing flowers and seeds with wings that ensure their dispersal – there is no question that He cares about what happens to us each day.

We need to be reminded of this…especially now. As COVID-19 rages throughout our country – and a violent tornado ravaged one of the communities in our state just last evening – we need to be reminded that God still cares about our every need…and that a lot of what we value so greatly is truly “just stuff”. I would bet that this is what the young physician and his wife would tell you. As I write this, it appears that no one perished in this horrific tornado. Perhaps social distancing kept people at home, where they could more readily seek safety. If you have seen any photos of the damage to public spaces, you are surely astounded that dozens are not dead or seriously injured.

Spend some time today contemplating God’s hand in your life. See how He is orchestrating the events to bring about any number of “positives”. Recognize that God is keeping you “fed, clothed, and sustained” in every way that really matters. Stop and thank Him for this “treasure”…and for His continued goodness and mercy over each of us. Reflect on what is truly important…and thank God for sharing His Kingdom with us. Count your blessings (because we all have them!) and give Him all the glory and praise! Amen, and AMEN!

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 28, 2020 – We’ve been warned!

Luke 12:1-8
As thousands of people crowded around Jesus and were stepping on each other, he told his disciples:

Be sure to guard against the dishonest teaching of the Pharisees! It is their way of fooling people. Everything that is hidden will be found out, and every secret will be known. Whatever you say in the dark will be heard when it is day. Whatever you whisper in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops.

My friends, don’t be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do. God is the one you must fear. Not only can he take your life, but he can throw you into hell. God is certainly the one you should fear!

Five sparrows are sold for just two pennies, but God doesn’t forget a one of them. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.

If you tell others that you belong to me, the Son of Man will tell God’s angels that you are my followers.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

We’ve been warned! Over and again, weather forecasters have told us when storms are coming. With today’s technology, we often know the exact path a storm will take…down to the streets that will be affected in any given community. Anyone with access to an electronic device really has no excuse for getting caught off guard. Many of us have alerts set up on our devices to further signal when danger is eminent.

Jesus offers us warnings, too. They don’t generally come with an obnoxious loud buzz that interrupts our activities and thoughts and announces that we need to

take cover or pay close attention. He doesn’t present us with a physical map outlining the affected areas. So we have to be paying a little closer attention, perhaps. Still…His advice is sound and life-saving!

Jesus tells us to avoid false prophets…they can get you killed. I read just yesterday about a Virginia pastor/traveling musician who advised people not to worry about COVID-19…that people were just “pumping out fear”. Now he has died from the virus. Others want to claim that this pandemic or other natural disasters are God’s punishment for various thoughts and behaviors. I am left to wonder if we read the same Bible!

At the same time, Jesus warns us not to live with a spirit of fear…to believe in God and trust that He numbers the hairs on our head. It is not God’s desire that any of us would suffer – mentally, physically, or emotionally. You may ask, “Then why are people dying of this virus?” I don’t know with certainty…but I do know that God is not wasting these days. He is knitting together something big in the background. Perhaps someday we will look back and list hundreds of good things that came about because of this heartbreaking time in our world. Maybe we will have a clear vision of how this strengthened our faith and made us better people overall. Or maybe we will have to wait until we get to Heaven to truly answer these questions. Either way, I am certain that God is at work and has a plan!

The point is that Jesus has given us clear roadmaps in the New Testament for how to live, what to believe, and WHO to serve. He has warned us against things that can trip us up – like fear, belief in false prophets, and a lack of trust in God Almighty. He has shown us how to live and serve with faith, hope, and complete obedience to His teachings and directives. And He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide, assure, and comfort us on this journey.

The devil is really, really busy these days. He would love nothing better than to confuse us and make us doubt God. Jesus has warned us against such things…are we paying close attention?

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 27, 2020 – Lessons from an old cat…persistent pursuit of Jesus is a GOOD thing!

Luke 11:5-13
Then Jesus went on to say:

Suppose one of you goes to a friend in the middle of the night and says, “Let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine has dropped in, and I don’t have a thing for him to eat.” And suppose your friend answers, “Don’t bother me! The door is bolted, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you something.”

He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep on asking.

So I tell you to 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. Which one of you fathers would give your hungry child a snake if the child asked for a fish? Which one of you would give your child a scorpion if the child asked for an egg? 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 the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

When I read this scripture passage, I immediately thought of our cat, Mabel. She is twenty-one now – and spoiled rotten! Let me tell you, she is persistent – and insistent on our attention when she wants it (if you know anything about cats, you know that it’s all on their terms – and sometimes they want to be left alone!). The thing is…when Mabel wants food, she will NOT stop fussing at us. She stands and wails and insists that she should be fed…right now! It’s a lot the same when she wants to go outside on our back porch. She will stand at the door and cry – and she will not stop until we get up and do something about it!

Understand that we do not mind doing things for our girl. We are crazy about her! But when she wants these things at 4:00 a.m. – or in the middle of our dinner or a movie we rented on pay-per-view…it isn’t always convenient or “fun” to accommodate her wishes. But we do it. We laugh and jokingly say that, “We are here to serve the cat!” Of course, she is 100% dependent on us for everything – food, shelter, a clean and comfortable environment, protection, affection, and more. She knows that we will see to her every need. She trusts us, and we honor her devotion with unending love and care.

I know that we are not cats…that you and I have an ability to reason and perfect our “timing”. We are sometimes more persistent with our pleas to Jesus than we need to be…He heard us the first time! On the other hand, Jesus is crazy about us! He doesn’t want us to be hesitant to call on Him…anywhere, anytime, as often as we feel necessary. In a way, this demonstrates our dependence on Him. We need His answers and attention…and we won’t stop until we get them. Persistent pursuit of Jesus is a good thing!

So my suggestion for us this day is to “be like Mabel” in your interactions with Christ. Persist in your petitions and pursuit of Jesus. Knock and ask…cry at the door if you must! Keep calling on Jesus to meet your needs – and believing that He will do exactly that, even at 4:00 a.m.! Trust that He will answer perfectly…because He will. Believe that Jesus always has your best interests at heart…because He does. Don’t give up on Jesus…because He never gives up on you! What will you ask Him for this day?

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 26, 2020 – We have questions…Jesus has answers.

Luke 10:22-24
I am the Agent of my Father in everything; and no one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then, turning to the twelve disciples, he said quietly, “How privileged you are to see what you have seen. Many a prophet and king of old has longed for these days, to see and hear what you have seen and heard!”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Recently, I shared the story of my great-grandmother’s brothers, who succumbed to the flu pandemic in a succession of days in November 1918. In talking about this with my cousin, Freeda, we’ve wondered about the details…did my great-grandmother get sick? If not, how did she and her children avoid this? Freeda related that her paternal Grandmother Turney was summoned to care for family members who were extremely ill with this flu. Freeda’s grandfather Turney took his wife and children to care for these sick people and left them there for about two weeks.

To my cousin’s knowledge, her grandmother and the children did not get the flu. She wonders if this was truly the case…and if so, why? What did they do to avoid it? Her son speculated (and I agree) that it might have been God’s mercy and protection as this woman bravely risked her very life to care for others in her family. She could not possibly have known going in that she would be safe…and we will never know for sure what really happened – or how and why she and her children appear to have been spared.

There are so many things we do not know about life events. And there are even more things that we do not fully know or understand about Jesus. We were not among the twelve disciples who walked with Him and ministered to others on a daily basis. We are not privy to the “inside scoop” that they got from being in the physical presence of Jesus. Yet we can know a lot about Christ, if we will only pay attention.

We can study Jesus’ messages and methods in scripture. We can talk to Him and ask questions…and He will lead us to the answers. We can do our best to emulate Him in our daily living. We can get still and quiet in His presence and let His Holy Spirit permeate our heart and soul. We may not be among the twelve original disciples, but we are nonetheless privileged servants of the One who gave His all for us. And He has a distinct and important mission for each of us.

In these days when we seem to have some extra time on our hands, let’s pause to reconnect with Jesus. While you are searching for a good read, pick up your Bible and thumb through the Psalms, Philippians or the book of James. Instead of channel surfing to see what’s on TV, sit quietly for a few minutes and ask Jesus what’s on His heart. Thank Him for being so present and available. Ask Him where and how He wants you to serve – even in this time of social distancing. Make this a time when you grow in your faith and understanding of Jesus. While we won’t ever have all of the answers…I have a feeling that Jesus has several He would love to share with each of us. Are you ready to hear them?

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 25, 2020 – When we whisper the name of Jesus…fighting the devil with childlike faith

Luke 10:17-21
When the seventy disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Even the demons obey us when we use your name.”

“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan falling from heaven as a flash of lightning! And I have given you authority over all the power of the Enemy, and to walk among serpents and scorpions and to crush them. Nothing shall injure you! However, the important thing is not that demons obey you, but that your names are registered as citizens of heaven.”

Then he was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the intellectuals and worldly wise and for revealing them to those who are as trusting as little children. Yes, thank you, Father, for that is the way you wanted it.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I have always marveled at the depth of understanding and acceptance Timmy, Zola and Nathan have for God. Even as a toddler, Timmy knew God. I don’t mean he knew about God…he truly knew him as best a 2-year-old can. It was evident in how he talked about him…the reverence and respect he demonstrated even when he spoke God’s name.

The children learned about God from many adults in their circle of influence, and they learned well. Early on, I told them that when we even whisper the name of Jesus, the devil “shwinks away”, as our Nathan used to say. The children have repeated this to us many times…and this assurance is confirmed in today’s scripture passage.

Notice that Jesus reminds us not to revel in the fact that we can stomp on the head of the devil and his agents. That delight must be held in reserve for celebrating our salvation and redemption by the blood of Jesus…and our guarantee as Believers that we will have a place at His Heavenly Table for all Eternity.

Make no mistake…the devil is busy every single day trying to upend our world – and our faith. But he is no match for Jesus…and for the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. I don’t know why we find it so hard to accept what young children readily believe – that a whisper of Jesus’ name sends the devil running and screaming for the hills. It’s time to trust as little children…to believe in the power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to help us overcome any and every challenge we will ever face. It’s time to whisper the name of Jesus and send the devil packing. Are you with me?

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 24, 2020 – Stay alert, pay attention…and do your part!

Luke 10:1-12
The Lord now chose seventy other disciples and sent them on ahead in pairs to all the towns and villages he planned to visit later.

These were his instructions to them: “Plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out more laborers to help you, for the harvest is so plentiful and the workers so few. Go now, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, or a beggar’s bag, or even an extra pair of shoes. And don’t waste time along the way.

“Whenever you enter a home, give it your blessing. If it is worthy of the blessing, the blessing will stand; if not, the blessing will return to you.

“When you enter a village, don’t shift around from home to home, but stay in one place, eating and drinking without question whatever is set before you. And don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, for the workman is worthy of his wages!

“If a town welcomes you, follow these two rules:

(1) Eat whatever is set before you.

(2) Heal the sick; and as you heal them, say, ‘The Kingdom of God is very near you now.’

“But if a town refuses you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We wipe the dust of your town from our feet as a public announcement of your doom. Never forget how close you were to the Kingdom of God!’ Even wicked Sodom will be better off than such a city on the Judgment Day.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

It has rained virtually every day for almost three weeks now. Sunday afternoon, the rain stopped for a while, and I ventured outside for some fresh air. I looked around our back yard and found dozens of interesting things to photograph…blooming trees, delicate little flowers in the grass…several kinds of moss, and more. I walked down the street in our neighborhood and observed trees that were just unfurling their buds and leaves…including one that resembled delicate feathers – and another that held the tiniest little “helicopter whirligigs” (and yes, I know that is not a scientific name for these maple seed pods!).

I marveled at the intricate details and beauty that God was producing all around me – even in the midst of this pandemic that has upended our world. And I had to admit…on any given day, I might walk right past these specimens. Many people never notice the minute details…and I am often anything but observant. This doesn’t make us bad people…we are all unique individuals with our own perspectives and personal style.

While we are different…there is one thing that should unite us – our Christian faith and discipleship. I don’t mean that we will all share the love of Christ in exactly the same way. In fact, this is not what God wants. If we all had a rote method of discipleship, we would miss folks who didn’t “get” our style and approach. We must all pursue our mission and ministry as commissioned by Jesus. He tells us in this passage to get going! Jesus tells us to meet people right where they are. When He says, “Eat whatever is set before you,” Jesus reminds us not to squabble over politics and custom…to focus on the person and his/her soul – not outward appearances and behaviors.

I must remind myself of this as I interact with friends who do not see things as I do. It is not my job – or yours – to change their minds. Rather, we are to let everyone we encounter know that there is room for him/her in God’s Kingdom…that there is a place at the Heavenly Table with their name on it. Additionally, we must not cram our faith down the throats of others. Jesus was clear that we are to represent Him…to share His message and demonstrate His love, grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, inclusion, patience and understanding. If it is clear that another is not receptive – or even outright rejects what we are offering – we are to “shake the dust” from our feet and keep moving.

There have been many times in my life where I felt like I failed…where what I said or did was not enough. In these instances, other believers have often reminded me that “seeds were planted”…that I will never know what impact my discipleship might have had on another. I cling to this thought and trust that our efforts are always multiplied when we serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. My prayer today is that we will keep trying…that we will stay awake and alert – and recognize the hand of God in even a feathery leaf bud or a teeny tiny maple “helicopter” seed pod. Remember WHO is in charge – and let Him lead you in everything you say and do. Jesus is alive and still doing great things…remember to always give Him all the glory. Amen!

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 23, 2020 – There are no “groups” – we’re all in this together!

Luke 9:43-50
Awe gripped the people as they saw this display of the power of God.

Meanwhile, as they were exclaiming over all the wonderful things he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Listen to me and remember what I say. I, the Messiah, am going to be betrayed.” But the disciples didn’t know what he meant, for their minds had been sealed and they were afraid to ask him.

Now came an argument among them as to which of them would be greatest in the coming Kingdom! But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he stood a little child beside him and said to them, “Anyone who takes care of a little child like this is caring for me! And whoever cares for me is caring for God who sent me. Your care for others is the measure of your greatness.” His disciple John came to him and said, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons. And we told him not to. After all, he isn’t in our group.”

But Jesus said, “You shouldn’t have done that! For anyone who is not against you is for you.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Almost every day, our state and federal leaders hold a press conference. We hear from those who are supposed to be in charge of managing the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ll be honest…I’m a little irritated when many of the speakers step to the microphone and begin their report with a praise for the leader who spoke before them, as if he/she is some sort of hero in this. The real heroes are our everyday citizens…the medical personnel, pharmacists, nursing home/assisted living staff, law enforcement and emergency personnel, store clerks, food service/restaurant workers, delivery person, mail carriers, truckers, virologists looking for a vaccine/cure, teachers who are educating online – and even moms and dads who are staying home to care for their children. The news reporters themselves are brave to continue standing in public and collecting/dispersing information. So many “ordinary” people are stepping up to keep the world going during this crisis…and God can use each and every one of them.

It shouldn’t matter on any given day who these people are…but now more than ever, we should recognize that there are several things about each of us that are completely inconsequential. I’m betting that right now, you are not at all concerned with whether your medical staff, pharmacists, store clerks, mail carriers, truckers and police/fire/EMTs are “like you”. I imagine that you are not concerned with gender, race, ethnic background, sexual identity, socio-economic status, or religious preferences. As long as you can get what you need to stay alive during this pandemic…you are glad that anyone is willing to step out and help.

So here’s what I want us to do…let’s make this an everyday attitude – for the rest of our lives. Let’s look at others and see someone Jesus loves deeply and profoundly. Let’s look at every other person as a potential servant of the Son of God…and let’s gladly embrace him/her as Christ’s messenger. Let’s quit labeling people…and stop judging them. Let’s abandon saying, “He/she isn’t in our group!” and understand that with Jesus Christ, there are no “groups”…only believer/disciples – and those lost sheep He is still pursuing to come into the fold.

If we don’t get anything else from this whole disaster, can we at least learn to love others as Christ loves us? Can we make this the Lenten Season where we draw closer than ever to Jesus and truly get to know Him – and emulate Him in our daily living? God never wastes an opportunity…and perhaps for you and me, this is His what He wants us to take away from this horrible event. Are you listening?

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 22, 2020 – Do you know what you are talking about?

Luke 9:28-36
About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James with him and went up on a mountain to pray. While he was praying, his face changed, and his clothes became shining white. Suddenly Moses and Elijah were there speaking with him. They appeared in heavenly glory and talked about all that Jesus’ death in Jerusalem would mean.

Peter and the other two disciples had been sound asleep. All at once they woke up and saw how glorious Jesus was. They also saw the two men who were with him.

Moses and Elijah were about to leave, when Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here! Let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But Peter did not know what he was talking about.

While Peter was still speaking, a shadow from a cloud passed over them, and they were frightened as the cloud covered them. From the cloud a voice spoke, “This is my chosen Son. Listen to what he says!”

After the voice had spoken, Peter, John, and James saw only Jesus. For some time they kept quiet and did not say anything about what they had seen.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

What a difference a week can make! This time last Sunday, I was in a classroom with about nine 2nd-3rd graders and learning about how much God loves us. That afternoon, our house was filled with the noise of three young children who were engaged in a myriad of activities and conversations. This morning, I watched a worship service that our church streamed on YouTube. And this house is remarkably quiet by comparison, as we are “self-distanced” from everyone – including our family members. We have gone from a Sunday morning where the topic of conversation was, “Will they close school? Should we even be here?” to a situation seven days later where…”Schools are closed indefinitely. Please go not leave your home unless you must obtain food or medical treatment and supplies.”

There is a considerable amount of information – and misinformation – about this virus. Indeed, for many, the future seems most uncertain and daunting. I just read a CNN news alert on my phone that said, “As coronavirus spreads, it fuels another dangerous contagion: a plague of bogus doomsday predictions.” We are all seeking quick answers and explanations…and some are making an even bigger mess of things in the process.

No doubt, many of us are crying out to God for guidance and rescue. And to be totally honest…more than a few are probably telling Him what to do and how to do it! This was Peter’s problem. He thought he had a perfect solution…build three shelters for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus – and keep them on earth forever and ever! As this passage tells us, Peter did not know what he was talking about. And quite often, neither do we!

This is one of the hardest lessons about Christian discipleship that I must internalize. I will tell you, I am very much a work in progress! I have had to learn the hard way that my prayer must be, “LORD, I trust You and give YOU this problem,” rather than, “LORD, this is the problem – and here’s how You fix it!” Even worse, I often step right in the middle of things and say, “I’ve got it! We’ll do ABC or XYZ!” Instead, I should be asking, “LORD, how can You use me…where should I go, and what should I do?”

We often don’t know what we are talking about, and we make a big mess of our supposed “Christian discipleship”. But we can correct course. We can seek Jesus…we can ask Him to guide our steps and fill us with His wisdom and courage. We can call on the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and minds and guide each and every step we take…every word we utter…every thought that enters our brain. We can get this right and glorify God in even the most troubling of times and circumstances.

We don’t know what we are talking about…but Jesus does! Are you seeking His word and directive in all things? Isn’t it time you were?

©2020 Debbie Robus