Daily Devotional for May 29, 2024 – If you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 
O Lord, hear me praying; listen to my plea, O God my King, for I will never pray to anyone  Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don’t see many of “the brightest and the best” among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn’t it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That’s why we have the saying, “If you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

This time of year, I always think about my first car. My parents could not afford much, which was evidenced by the original vehicle Daddy brought home for me. I think it was a 1953 Chevy, and it was horrible – basically a rusted shell of a car that needed engine work – and also a new interior. My dad said he was going to restore this old car, but then he found a mint green (1962, I think) Dodge Lancer that actually ran – and was in better shape. Think pale pistachio ice cream – but not that pretty! The paint job was terrible, and Daddy said we would get the car repainted. 
 
While I was away for two weeks at band camp, the paint job was completed. I had selected a nice blue color. Daddy had the car repainted its original ugly green to save money! I was devastated! But that old car got me where I needed to go for the rest of my high school years. I drove myself and my siblings to school and back in it each day – and the summer Greg and I married, I drove myself and a friend back and forth to the University of Central Arkansas in it daily for one summer term. We dubbed the car “The Green Weenie!”
 
I can tell you…this experience certainly made me appreciate subsequent vehicles…especially my first brand new car in my name, which we purchased a couple of years ago. I feel like a queen every time I drive it! The vehicle is safe, probably smarter than I am – and it is a beautiful, frosted-white that reminds me of a pearl. Now, I could get from Point A to Point Be in both vehicles. Yes, the newer car is more comfortable, but I would venture to say the gas mileage is nowhere near as good as that of the “Green Weenie!” And that old car was surely less complicated…no computer control board, no “Siri” or voice-activated controls, and no “memory”…just a “three-on-the-tree” standard transmission, manual windows, a heater, and a clean car that protected us from wind and rain – and ran most days!
 
In the scheme of things, does it matter what car we drive? Yes, Greg and I enjoy the comfort and safety of my new vehicle…the roominess when we are going on a trip (especially with all three kiddos in tow). But does driving it make me more valued to God? No. And neither do a lot of the things on which we humans place such importance. God doesn’t see us as the sum of who we are or what we own…He sees us as the precious, potential-filled beings He created us to be. And I will tell you…some of the people I grew up with who drove true clunkers turned out to be far nicer human beings than those who were gifted brand new cars and the latest and greatest of everything. Some of the most faith-filled Christians I have ever known were (and are) “nobodies” by the world’s standards…and they inspire me to be a better servant.
 
I am grateful for the life I have…and the abundant blessings I enjoy. Greg and I worked hard to be able to afford and enjoy such things as a nice home and a new car. But these do not define us…and I hope that nobody ever looks at us and sees anything but humble, faithful servants of God Almighty. And to paraphrase Paul’s words in The Message, I hope the only “horn” we ever blow is a trumpet for God.” Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 10, 2023 – The Gift of Christ is all you need

1 Corinthians 1:3-9
May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours.

Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives.

Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.

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.

Last night, Greg and I drove the boys to a University in a nearby city to enjoy the Christmas lights on its campus – and to attend a play produced by the school’s theater department. On the drive over, Nathan talked about doing extra chores to earn more money. He is saving to buy a 3D printer. But he also noted that he needed money “to buy everyone Christmas presents.” I told him that was very sweet, but he doesn’t have to do this…he’s only eleven – no one expects a gift from him. Nathan said, “But Debbie, I want to – it’s what you do!”  
 
In that moment, I was a young kid again – maybe not eleven, but not much older. I remember saving my babysitting money – and making several gifts for others. This was in the days before Walmart – and certainly before Amazon and stores like Dollar Tree! So I would trek down Main Street to our local hobby shop for art supplies…paints, canvases – and even a wooden jewelry box once – to turn into gifts for family members.
 
I remember one year when an aunt and uncle gave my siblings and me each a five dollar bill for Christmas – and I gave mine to my mother to reimburse her for a sweater I selected for my then-boyfriend-now-husband (it was the 70s, and $5 went a lot farther!)! And more times than I can count, I gave these recipients their gifts before Christmas. I was so excited about how they would feel that I couldn’t wait! So, I am trying hard not to dampen Nathan’s enthusiasm – or to change his heart.
 
I don’t share this to play the martyr or out of arrogance. Our children know that Greg and I have all we need – and all we want! They are not inclined to give to us out of lack, but out of love. And in the “Love Department,” I have always lived in abundance. I recently reminded Timothy that I was his age (14) when Greg and I started dating. He replied, “Yes, and here we are – more than 50 years later!” Truly, I have known the incredible gift of love from my husband…but also from family members and friends. This “gift” is invaluable and immeasurable – and truly among my greatest treasures.
 
At the same time, the love of these human beings pales in comparison to the love of God. The gifts I will receive on this earth will never come close to matching the magnitude and blessings of God’s Gift of Jesus Christ. This truly is the “Gift that keeps on giving” forever and ever…and my most prized treasure. My prayer this Christmas is that as we think about gifts, we will remember Jesus. As we think about what we might want or need, let’s realize that the one and only Gift we truly need – the One we should all want most of all – is already at our fingertips. He came to earth long before we were even an idea…and He is with us forever and ever…no batteries required…no warranty to expire…no metals to tarnish or parts to wear out and stop working!
 
Every time I think of my earthly loved ones, I do give God thanks. I treasure each person and my relationship with him/her. I realize these souls were put in my life as a “love gift” by the One who makes all things possible. Jesus is truly the “Gift that keeps on giving,” and I am forever thankful and grateful to God for sending Him. I don’t know what will be in my stocking this year – or under the tree – but it does not matter in the least. In the words of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians…“May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours.”
 
The Gift of Jesus is everything. “Just think – you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all!” Praise be to God! Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 11, 2023 – Corvettes, Camaros, and serving God with humility…the first must be the very last!

November 11 ~ Mark 9:35
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

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.

An interview with Ed Welburn on CBS Saturday Morning caught my attention today. According to information posted on the CBS News website, Welburn “spent 44 years designing vehicles [for General Motors], rising through the ranks to become the company’s first head of global design and the highest-ranking African-American man in the industry.”  Welburn worked on over 550 car models – from the Chevy Camaro to the Cadillac Escalade. The very first African-American hired by GM to design cars proudly showed examples of his “work” to CBS correspondent, Michelle Miller.

At one point, a well-meaning supervisor told Welburn (who had designed pace cars for the Indy 500, a high-speed research car that set world records, and worked on the Cutlass Supreme) that “the company will never make a black person an executive. So you need to make a big decision to stay at the level you are at – or take a look at working somewhere else.” Welburn stayed, and he became GM’s first Global Design Chief in 2005. Welburn was responsible for “greenlighting” the new generation of Chevy Corvettes.
 
Welburn also talked about his work on Presidential limousines. He noted that for years, a sedan (usually a Cadillac) was modified – and mainly lengthened – to accommodate the security needs of our nation’s leader and staff. Welburn came up with a model known as “The Beast” which is wider and roomier on the inside – and by his description, “HUGE!”

As I read this passage and thought about Mark 9:35, I considered the contributions and “service” this man has rendered. Basically, Ed Welburn was told early on that he would never be “first.” And he was apparently okay with that. Yes, Welburn achieved a good deal of success and recognition. But it appears that he did this while working hard and serving as a support for others who stepped into the spotlight and took more of the glory. This is what God is calling on us to do.
 
Ed Welburn has received accolades and recognition for his work in recent years. And you and I will receive the greatest “reward” of all someday when we stand before God and hear His review of our service. What matters in the meantime is not who we are…but how we get where we are going! We may not face the discrimination and bias that befell Ed Welburn, but there will be challenges, pitfalls, and letdowns. How we handle these as we do what God asks of us will determine our “accolades” in Heaven. If you ever feel defeated in this world, consider what lies ahead. If you are ever made to feel “less than” – or like a loser – as you serve God according to His will, remember that your “reward” is coming…and it will be amazing!
 
Never lose sight of the fact that serving God is not a “give-to-get” proposition – or it shouldn’t be. We should serve out of an abundance of faithful obedience and gratitude for all that God does for us – and a passion to honor Him. We should serve God to the best of our ability, knowing that our efforts may never be recognized – or appreciated – in this lifetime. Our service to God should be borne of love…for Him, for His people, and for the work He calls us to do. The understanding that we are serving as God desires should be more than enough. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 15, 2023 – Asking God how to manage your gifts…serving Him with everything you got!

Deuteronomy 28:47-48
You will become slaves to your enemies because of your failure to praise God for all that he has given you. The Lord will send your enemies against you, and you will be hungry, thirsty, naked, and in want of everything. A yoke of iron shall be placed around your neck until you are destroyed!

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

Years ago, I patronized a salon whose owner loved to go to Tunica, Mississippi, to gamble. Because she and her family visited the casinos often, they were provided “free” limo to drive them there and back – as well as rooms, meals, and drinks. I loved this woman dearly, but we never could convince her that none of this was “free” – she paid plenty for these “perks.” I recall one trip when she recounted that someone in her party won more than $10,000. Before the night ended, this person was “in the hole” several hundred dollars (maybe more – that was all she would admit). We salon patrons would listen to these stories and just shake our heads.
 
On the other hand, I also know people who “tithe” on the proceeds from a garage sale! Honestly, it has never occurred to me to do this, although I have at times donated my proceeds – and PLENTY of good, usable items – to charities and thrift stores. And I don’t think that it is necessary to be this literal about giving back to God. But I do think you and I must be aware that He is the Source of everything we have. And God is neither honored – or pleased – when we take Him for granted.
 
So, what does this mean for you and me? Are we not allowed to enjoy the “fruits of our labor” and have nice things? Is it wrong to spend money on a good meal…maybe even splurge? Should we literally “go and sell everything you have and give the money to the poor” as Jesus commands in Matthew 19:21? The answer that makes sense to me is, “Ask God what He wants.”
 
God does not want to deny His children “creature comforts” – or even “nice things.” God doesn’t want us to live in lack – much less poverty. But God wants us to think of Him and what benefits His Kingdom first…and then think of ourselves. So, if you are constantly looking for the next best thing…or spending your last dime on things that are here today and gone tomorrow, you might want to check with God and see what He says about this. And it’s not just money and material possessions…this goes for relationships, your time and talents, hobbies…the whole gamut. God doesn’t want just a part of your life…He wants us to be all in for Him.
 
Let’s be clear…there may be those who seem to skate by and “live the dream” without any consequences or difficulties. But don’t be fooled – or envious. I assure you…God sees everything about us, and He knows when we serve Him wholeheartedly – and when we squander our blessings. Focus on doing the right thing in your own life and serving God with all you have. This is our mission and our ministry. God may not send a limo or lavish us with fancy meals, rooms, and drinks, but He will bless our efforts more than we can imagine. We will know that we served faithfully and obediently – and this is the ultimate reward. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 11, 2023 – Remembering those who “did the work” – and honoring God with our own efforts

Colossians 3:23-24
Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for.

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 is a beautiful day in Arkansas, much like the morning of September 11, 2001. If you are like my husband and me, you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when the planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. You remember much of what took place that day as another plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania…and a fourth plane made a direct hit on the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

 As we watched the events unfold on television, many of us knew someone who was at least potentially in harm’s way. My mother was conducting seminars at a workshop in Pittsburgh, PA, less than 90 minutes west of Shanksville. A classmate of Greg’s was doing legislative work in Washington, D.C., and he emailed us a harrowing photo of people running from the Pentagon in terror. We worried and prayed over our loved ones as they “hunkered down” and tried to figure out next steps – and how to safely get home (and they did). But for others, this day is seared into their memories in a different and even more profound way…people like a woman I “met” via email and Internet shortly after this tragic day.

Veronica was the mother of two toddlers, ages 1 and 2…and she was pregnant with Baby #3. Her husband, Keith Glascoe, was a NYC Firefighter for Ladder Co. #21 in “Hell’s Kitchen.” As this tragedy unfurled, Keith and his company rushed toward the Twin Towers to do their job – to do what they could to save lives and property. And in this effort, Keith and almost a dozen of his crew – along with hundreds of other firefighters and emergency personnel – lost their lives. In all, some 3000 people would die that day. I hesitate to give an exact number, because many died subsequently – from illness or injury incurred because of this event. Rescue workers from across the nation trekked to New York City to help wherever and however they could…and some of them perished as well.

Many of the people who died that day were at work – or headed to work or some work-related event. These people were simply doing their job. There are dozens of stories of heroism among those who worked in the towers and did all they could to save or minister to co-workers. I still remember a harrowing video of a NYC shop owner that frantically ushered people who were fleeing the rubble and debris into his store for safety, just in the nick of time. There are countless stories of valor among the emergency workers that rushed in to try to protect or rescue others. On my hearth, I have a book titled Dog Heroes of September 11th: A Tribute to America’s Search and Rescue Dogs. The book features accounts and photos of 80 search and rescue dog-and-handler teams that worked at every site directly affected by these horrible crashes.

As I read these verses in Colossians 3, I thought about the “sanctity” and dignity of all work. I have often said that I wish as a 20-something kindergarten teacher, I had realized even more profoundly that the work I did every day was “holy”. I know God put me there to teach those children, but also to nurture them and be the Light of Christ in their lives for about eight hours each weekday. I know that as surely as my teaching was sacred, so was the work of the janitor who kept our building clean, the cafeteria workers who fed us, and the bus drivers who transported students safely to and from school.

I know that as much as we value the critical work of emergency personnel, law enforcement, and certain other professions, any work that God calls us to is “holy” and blessed. As Paul reminds us…we do not “work” in service to ourselves – or even a “boss”…we truly work for Jesus Christ as we serve as His hands and feet on this earth. And the work never ceases. Even as retirees, every meal we prepare or room we clean, every yard we mow or car we wash, every friend we visit – or grandchild, niece and nephew we entertain – represents a mission and ministry…to do our best to be cheerful and diligent, and to glorify our Master with every word and action.

I thank God for our heroes…for those who put aside any thought of themselves and rushed into burning buildings – or did what was necessary on a plane to stop hijackers from accomplishing their true mission. I thank God for those who have sacrificed their very lives in service to others. And I thank Him for my own missions and ministries…and yours. Together, we can accomplish great things in service to our Heavenly Father. Sometimes we just need to adjust our perspective and be reminded of Who we truly serve. May God bless and sanctify the work that we do…and may He wrap His arms around the families and friends of the heroes of 9/11 as we pause this day to remember them. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 23, 2020 – Recognizing and using God’s gifts…are you doing your part?

1 Corinthians 12:4-11
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.

The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. Some of us can speak with wisdom, while others can speak with knowledge, but these gifts come from the same Spirit. To others the Spirit has given great faith or the power to heal the sick or the power to work mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognize when God’s Spirit is present. Others can speak different kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean. But it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us.

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

As I’ve transcribed my Mam-ma Polly’s journal, I have discovered several entries where she talked about the people who helped her along the way. She described the gifts of teachers, mentors…women who served as her “baby doctors”…a man who employed my grandfather – and became like a father/grandfather to my Mam-ma and my dad…beloved relatives who were kind to children and teenagers – and made an otherwise hard life more fun and entertaining…and precious friends and loved ones who were always ready, willing and able to help in any way possible.

The story of my grandmother’s life could have been an earlier version of the book, It Takes a Village, since she chronicles how so many people came together to share their gifts and assist her throughout her life. The ironic thing is that I can’t think of much my grandmother couldn’t do of her own accord. She was something of a “one-woman village” at times. Ever eager to serve, she seemed to be overflowing with skills and abilities…and she always gave God all the credit.

There are a lot of skilled and talented people in this world. And some of them will gladly tell you just how capable they are – and take full credit for their gifts. Others humbly recognize Who is really in charge! We must all do whatever God has equipped us to do…and use the skills, abilities and talents He has assigned to us as He directs. We must also be careful to always recognize the true Power behind these gifts.

Spend some time in prayer and reflection, and ask God to show you how and where to serve…to reveal the gifts He has bestowed upon you – and guide their use. Remember to acknowledge those who make up your “village” – especially God Almighty. Praise Him for His wisdom and care in creating a purpose for your life and equipping you to accomplish His missions and ministries. Vow to give Him your very best…and to do your part to further His kingdom. Acknowledge the people God has placed in your “village” – and the “gifts” they bring to the table. We all have a critical role to play…are you doing your part?

©2020 Debbie Robus