Daily Devotional for June 4, 2024 – Serving God with faith and humility – lessons from President Jimmy Carter

2 Samuel 22:25-32
You have been good to me because I do right; you have rewarded me for being innocent by your standards.

You are always loyal to your loyal people, and you are faithful to the faithful.

With all who are sincere you are sincere, but you treat the unfaithful as their deeds deserve.

You rescue the humble, but you look for ways to put down the proud.

Our Lord and God, you are my lamp. You turn darkness to light.

You help me defeat armies and capture cities.

Your way is perfect, Lord, and your word is correct. You are a shield for those who run to you for help.

You alone are God! Only you are a mighty rock.

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

“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something… My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” – Jimmy Carter

I’ve been thinking about President Carter lately. I remember his election to office…and how so many people ridiculed him – especially for his Christian faith. In a 2021 PBS interview, Judy Woodruff spoke with historian and author, Jonathan Alter, who argues in his book, His Very Best, that President Carter is “perhaps the most misunderstood president in American history.”
 
Jonathan Alter cites President Carter’s accomplishments at the Camp David peace talks and lauds them as “the most enduring and significant peace treaty in the world since World War II.” This inspired him to consider the accomplishments of the 39th President that are generally overlooked, such as starting a discussion about climate change…passing the Ethics in Government act to protect whistle-blowers…setting up the offices of Inspector Generals…creating FISA courts…and establishing FEMA, the Department of Education, and the Department of Energy. 
 
These accomplishments are the tip of the iceberg…but generally, they are not what many remember about President Jimmy Carter. A lot of people consider Jimmy Carter a failure because he did not bring the 63 men and women held hostage home from Iran before the 1980 Presidential election (although they were released just minutes after President Ronald Reagan was inaugurated). Alter admits that many “slimed” the former President. He claims his book is an attempt to show readers that Jimmy Carter was not a lousy President…and to detail how he accomplished more than most people realize.
 
In this psalm that David wrote in 2 Samuel, we see someone who is pouring out his heart to God and thanking Him for the blessings given to those who remain faithful and humble. I couldn’t help but think of President Carter and his beloved late wife and partner, Rosalynn. Surely they must have clung to the promises of these verses on numerous occasions. Their life and legacy stand as a modern-day illustration of living faithfully and humbly in the word and will of God…even when others ridicule – and even condemn us for it. 
 
Books may never be written about us…and “history” may never correct misconceptions and disparagement of our efforts to serve as God commands. But God will know…and He will reward us in His time and according to His perfect plans. Jimmy Carter understands this…and so should we. Make pleasing God in humble service and faithfulness your only goal…and He will take care of the rest.  Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 1, 2024 – Serving God with hope and humility…it’s time to learn to iron our “clothes”!

1 Peter 5:2-6     
Feed the flock of God; care for it willingly, not grudgingly; not for what you will get out of it but because you are eager to serve the Lord. Don’t be tyrants, but lead them by your good example, and when the Head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in his glory and honor.

You younger men, follow the leadership of those who are older. And all of you serve each other with humble spirits, for God gives special blessings to those who are humble, but sets himself against those who are proud. If you will humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, in his good time he will lift you up.

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

My daily calendar quote, for this date (attributed to the late Erma Bombeck) says, “My second favorite household chore is ironing – my first being hitting my head on the top of the bunk bed until I faint!” Now, I happen to like ironing. I like the satisfaction that comes with making the clothes crisp and wrinkle-free. I prefer starched jeans, while my husband wants his without starch. Honestly, it takes as almost much time to set up the ironing board, spray the clothing with starch, gather hangers, and get organized as it does to press the items. But in all, I take great pride in a job well done – and in wearing neatly pressed clothing.
 
A lot of folks (especially younger generations) – don’t iron their clothing – and it shows! I saw a legal “expert” who was speaking on a cable news station last week, and the collar and front placket of the shirt he wore underneath a sport jacket were so wrinkled I had to wonder, “How are we to trust someone who cannot even iron his shirt and make himself presentable?”  Yes, I know this is judgmental and maybe a little petty…but there is something about caring how we present ourselves to others that seems to align with these words in 1 Peter. 
 
We are to lead by example, which means that we are to put our best foot forward as representatives of God and disciples of Jesus. We are to be “clean and neatly pressed” in our words and actions…careful to pay attention to the details and “wrinkles,” and at the same time – never judgmental of those who are not as “put together.” We are to demonstrate quietly and humbly what it means to live, love and serve well – and always offer God our very best – even in our physical, verbal, and spiritual “appearance.”
 
Lately, I’ve seen some “Christians” go at each other on social media. While this is nothing new, it seems to be getting worse. Each “side” is ready to cram his/her opinions and rhetoric down the throat of the other. This is not how God calls on us to share the love of Christ – or to demonstrate His teachings. We do not “win friends and influence people” – or further the Kingdom of Heaven – with tyranny and a “my-way-or-the-highway” attitude. God is calling on us to “press our shirts and jeans” and humbly present a polished representation of the love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, inclusion, hope and joy of His Kingdom.
 
When we show up and offer our best on His behalf, God is glorified. In due time, He will honor our humble service and discipleship. Don’t do this for your own glory or blessings – do it because God will be pleased – and His Kingdom will be enriched. This is the goal – or it should be! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 31, 2024 – A meme, Scripture, and a National Spelling Bee… “How-to” lessons for the kid in all of us…

1 Peter 3:8-12
And now this word to all of you: You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it.

If you want a happy, good life, keep control of your tongue, and guard your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Try to live in peace even if you must run after it to catch and hold it! For the Lord is watching his children, listening to their prayers; but the Lord’s face is hard against those who do evil.

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

This morning, a friend shared a meme with a list titled “40 Old-fashioned Skills That Kids Need to Know.” I copied the list (which actually has 51 items), and here are a few that I thought were particularly good…

How to write a letter

How to make a phone call

How to take a message

How to converse with an elder

How to play with a baby

How to sew on a button

How to genuinely apologize

How to introduce yourself

How to notice the needs of others

How to make scrambled eggs

How to balance a checkbook

How to write a thank you note

How to do laundry

How to wash dishes

How to budget

How to wait and save for something

How to ask questions to get to know someone better

How to read a map

How to find a book in the library

How to seek counsel from someone more experienced

How to care for a pet

How to select a thoughtful gift

How to admit a mistake

How to iron a shirt

How to give someone the benefit of the doubt

How to weigh pros and cons

How to have good table manners

How to use a fire extinguisher

How to address and stamp an envelope

How to write a check

How to refill a stapler

How to put air in a bike tire

How to pump gas

How to change a flat tire

I was particularly struck by the ones that spoke of relationships…how to give someone the benefit of the doubt; how to weigh pros and cons; how to admit a mistake; and how to genuinely apologize. This scripture would suggest that we add…“How to be gracious and refrain from gloating” and “How to guard our tongue and avoid snapping back.” I would also add, “How to pray for those who are evil, unkind, deceitful and dishonest.” And while the Bible is filled with guidance on the “mechanics” of these…the bottom line is that we simply need to begin.
 
Pray for those who snap back and are unkind – or downright mean. Pray for those who gloat, the liars, cheats, and deceitful ones who are always looking for a scapegoat or an excuse. When things go well for you, humbly praise God for the blessing and/or victory…but don’t lord over those who disagree or find themselves on the other side of an issue or situation. 
 
I watched a news report about two 12-year-olds who squared off in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee. In the second-only “spell-off” ever, winner Bruhat Soma spelled 29 words correctly to the 20 words of Faizan Zaki. According to information at APNews.com, “Scripps said Bruhat’s winning word was ‘abseil,’ defined as ‘descent in mountaineering by means of a rope looped over a projection above.’” After his defeat, young Zaki walked over and politely shook the hand of Soma and congratulated him. I read where Zaki had shown encouragement to other students in the earlier rounds of the spell-off. He was humble in his own victory – and congratulated their efforts to make it as far as they did. 
 
We could learn a lot from these seventh graders. We could simply begin to be better people…to be kinder, more loving and gracious, and merciful. We don’t have to give anyone a “pass” for bad behavior – and there is nothing wrong with celebrating our triumphs and accomplishments. But we can be more like Christ in the way we approach and relate to others. We can love one another with tender hearts and humble minds. With God’s help, we can do this – and we must! So, let’s get started! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 30 , 2024 – It’s time to humble ourselves before God – and stop being “substantively mean!”

1 Peter 2:1-4 
So get rid of your feelings of hatred. Don’t just pretend to be good! Be done with dishonesty and jealousy and talking about others behind their backs. Now that you realize how kind the Lord has been to you, put away all evil, deception, envy, and fraud. Long to grow up into the fullness of your salvation; cry for this as a baby cries for his milk.

Come to Christ, who is the living Foundation of Rock upon which God builds; though men have spurned him, he is very precious to God who has chosen him above all others.

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 read an editorial column in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette this week from one of my favorite OpEd writers, John Brummett. He was talking about a potential Vice Presidential running mate, who he described as “less crazed and incompetent than he is substantively mean.”
 
We seem to have a lot of “substantively mean” people among us these days. These people pretend to be “good” – and they may really be smart, competent people. But such people will lie, cheat, and steal to get what they want – or to get things to go their way. They will say one thing to people in certain circles – and quite another elsewhere. Think of those “Christians” who say, “We love all people” while also claiming that certain people and groups are not welcome in their places of worship or church memberships. Or think of those who are all about a good “food drive” or mission fundraiser/trip…but they disparage the needy in their own backyards and even declare that some of them should “get a job and get off welfare!”
 
God has been so good to you and me. We live in an abundance of riches. Yes, there are those in our communities and neighborhoods who are less fortunate. And we must not speak and act in a way that attempts to elevate ourselves and widen the gap. God loves all of us…and His word and will are offered for every single person. This is something those in positions of leadership and political power would do well to remember. But I firmly believe the “movement” begins with you and me. We must set the example…we must start the process and demonstrate to others how to speak, act, and live in a way that glorifies God and His abundant love and blessings over our lives.
 
Peter is right…get rid of hatred. Stop being phony liars and cheaters. Quit being so critical of others and instead speak of the amazing love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness that God offers us all through the blood of Jesus Christ. In a nutshell, stop being “substantively mean.” God despises this! We cannot be selfish, arrogant witnesses and servants. We can do better – and we should! Ask God to show you where and how to be a humble, faithful servant today and to treat others as you wish to be treated, for the glory of His Kingdom. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

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 November 23, 2023 – Give thanks, love one another, stay on track and steady in God…lessons for this Thanksgiving Day

Philippians 4:1; 4-5
My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God.

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

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.

It is late in the afternoon as I write this message, and I have just now looked at social media for the first time today. I was busy this morning baking a turkey breast and getting things ready for lunch with Greg and his brother and sister-in-law, who drove up from Little Rock to spend Thanksgiving Day with us. We talked about the years when our gatherings were much larger – and all the fun we had and being together and playing games and “cards” (Hearts!).
 
When I finally looked at Facebook, my “memory” was a picture taken 12 years ago at my grandmother Polly’s Assisted Living Facility. My sister and I were enjoying  a “Thanksgiving dinner” with Mam-ma Polly. I shared the photo and said I was sure that my sister and grandmother had cornbread dressing and a good hot roll today for their Thanksgiving Dinner in Heaven.
 
Thanksgiving Day – and all holidays – look so different these days than even 10 years ago. Our immediate family has dwindled and scattered to the point that “family gatherings” are almost a thing of the past. Yet we are no less grateful, and our love for each other is still strong. We’ve gotten creative, and we find new and different ways to celebrate and share our love for each other. Yesterday, Greg and I took the children to “Urban Air” (an indoor amusement park in a nearby city) for a day of fun. Our “Thanksgiving Meal” shared together was burgers and fries at McDonald’s…and we savored each bite and a great, lively conversation.
 
The words of Paul to the Philippians are profound and important- and I echo them today. I love each of you with the love of Christ…and I love my family and friends dearly. Truly, I want the best for each one. My prayer is that of Paul…that we would all celebrate God every day. He is so good to us – far above and beyond what we could imagine or deserve – and worthy of our praise every day of the year, not just on this one!  
 
I don’t know what Thanksgiving Day looks like for you, but wherever you are and however you are celebrating, put God at the forefront. Truly make this day – and every day – a time to reflect on His goodness and put it into practice as you interact with others. Follow the commands we have been given…love one another…and work together to further God’s Kingdom. Someday, we will all have the opportunity to sit at God’s Heavenly table and have cornbread dressing, a good hot roll, and whatever else our heart (and stomach) desires – even a burger and fries! Be ready for the Master’s return…and make sure you serve every day with words and actions that reflect your steadfast obedience and faithfulness. Happy Thanksgiving Day! Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 30, 2023 – Lessons from a little boy and a widow…giving everything we have to the One who gives us everything…

Luke 21:1-4
Jesus looked up and saw some rich people tossing their gifts into the offering box. He also saw a poor widow putting in a few cents. And he said, “I tell you that this poor woman has put in more than all the others. Everyone else gave what they didn’t need. But she is very poor and gave everything she had.”<

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

I know it’s only October 30th, but I just saw a darling Christmas commercial for Macy’s where a little boy wanders the aisles of the department store, clearly in search of the perfect gift. Amusingly, as he passes the toy section, he shields his eyes so that he won’t become distracted. Ultimately, the child approaches a Santa Claus, and he presents St. Nick with a pair of slippers, saying, “These are for after work.”
 
This really is a sweet ad, and the “subtext” is that this child truly “sees” Santa Claus. He understands what a hard job the jolly old man has and how hard he works. Rather than ask for something, the child thinks of his beloved benefactor and gives him a gift. Let’s just leave this here…don’t try to read other things into it or suggest the child has ulterior motives. Let’s enjoy this tender moment and consider it in light of today’s scripture passage.
 
Our Heavenly Father is not Santa Claus, and I do not mean to draw that parallel. At the same time, too many of us are only attuned to God for what He can give us or what He can do for us. If we must write a check and give Him a little lip service, so be it. But don’t ask us to do the heavy lifting! We seldom if ever ask God what we can do for Him in return! After all, we’re talking about GOD! What could we possibly give to Him? The answer is…everything!
 
Let’s be clear…God doesn’t want or need our money. He truly does not love us and bless us so to receive payback. God’s love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and abundance are not conditional. But when we do give to God, He is like a proud Poppa – pleased…delighted…and glorified. And when we give with humility, dedication, thoughtfulness and/or sacrifice, God is exalted.
 
This is not a call for us to “give until it hurts,” as some pastors like to say. This is truly not about money. I am suggesting that we need to step back and look at God and ask ourselves, “How can I show God how much I love Him and appreciate all He does for me?” Where are you receiving opportunities to love and serve in the name of Jesus – and turning a blind eye? Where has someone needed a kind word or smile, a hug or handshake, or just a listening ear…and you ignored them? Where have you had opportunities to physically help someone, and at best, you wrote a check or tossed a few dollars in his/her direction?
 
Unlike the boy in the commercial who shielded his face as he passed the toy section, where have you been distracted and enticed by selfish desires? Where have you chosen to “bless” yourself over someone else in need? Have you really demonstrated to God in word and deed that you are “all in” with Him?
 
We can learn a lot from the Macy’s commercial – and even more from this scripture passage about the “widow’s mite.” This is the day to examine how much we are willing to “give” to God…and make all necessary adjustments. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 29, 2023 – People are watching…so be careful what you say and do!

Luke 17:1-4 
Jesus said to his disciples: There will always be something that causes people to sin. But anyone who causes them to sin is in for trouble. A person who causes even one of my little followers to sin would be better off thrown into the ocean with a heavy stone tied around their neck. So be careful what you do.

Correct any followers of mine who sin, and forgive the ones who say they are sorry. Even if one of them mistreats you seven times in one day and says, “I am sorry,” you should still forgive that person.

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

I read a joke online about a little boy who told his dad, “I’m going to marry Grandma.” The dad told him this was not possible, and the child said, “But I love her, and she loves me. She’s a great cook, and she takes good care of me.” The father protested, “But you cannot marry my mother!” The little boy replied, “Why not?  You married mine!”  
 
People are watching! Right or wrong, observations and assumptions are being made. And Jesus tells us in these verses to be careful what we say and do, lest we cause another to sin. Can I be “real” with you for a minute? This morning, my thoughts and emotions are all over the place. I am so blessed…I have a wonderful life and abundance in every aspect of it. Most importantly, I know that I am a redeemed, anointed, precious child of the Most High God – and He guides and guards every step of my life.
 
I have no room to complain. There is nothing I cannot handle with God’s help and care. At the same time, I am unable to understand what is happening all around me. I turn on the television, and there are dozens of accounts of selfishness and hatred. There are people committing crimes and indignities against their fellow man because of mental illness or addiction…or someone told them to do this. Some observed the words and actions of a person or group who claimed some sort of “authority” or “wisdom,” and they thought, “I must act on this.” Often, it appears that many people have decided that what truly matters is pleasing themselves and fitting in with their chosen group.
 
For decades, I went along to get along. I looked the other way as people I lived alongside every day became more polarized – and more vocal about their biases and ideologies. I grew up in an all-white community in the 1960s-70s. I heard the talk of those who described people of color as “less than” in some way – and I remember cutting people of color a wide berth when shopping in Little Rock. We ignored or excused the derogatory names for people from other countries and ethnic backgrounds. We readily accepted that people who belonged to other denominations were not as “Christian” as we were – and maybe weren’t truly Christians at all. And we did all of this while attending worship services several times a week, reading the Bible, praying, and singing hymns of praise to God for His all-encompassing love, care, and redemption!
 
Let’s just say I have evolved in recent years. I now see how hypocritical I was…how judgmental much of my behavior was – and what a poor example of the love of Christ Jesus I offered to others. And I realize that I must be more cognizant of how I speak, act, and represent my Heavenly Father. I must take the words of Jesus to heart in my own life…to make sure that I do not speak and act in a way that would cause someone else to sin. I must strive every day to demonstrate the love and inclusion of Jesus to others…to show all who I encounter that I see them…I accept them as equally precious to Jesus…I hear them and recognize that they are human beings, and God loves them unconditionally.
 
In my world, all are welcome at God’s table…in His houses of worship…and in my “circle.” We are not little children who don’t understand that we can’t marry our grandparents. In the (paraphrased) words of the late poet and author, Maya Angelou…“We know better, so we must do better!” Christ is counting on us to love others as He did…to accept, forgive, and welcome them. We may be the only glimpse of Jesus another person ever sees. Make it count…and be careful what you say and do! People are watching…make sure you truly show them Jesus!  Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 13, 2023 – Don’t give up or quit….keep serving Christ with patience, persistence…and love!

Galatians 6:9-10
So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.

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

There is a cartoon in our state newspaper that I read most every day called ”The Duplex.” It features a man and his dog (who talks like a human). In today’s strip, the dog was looking at some images on the computer, and his owner noted the picture of a man with “good abs.” He then added, “I don’t know why I struggle with belly fat.” The dog suggested that his owner try drinking less beer, and the owner replied, “I’m pretty sure what you just said is a hate crime.” Sometimes, we really don’t want to hear the truth!

How many times have you started a project – or a diet – and given up when you lost interest, didn’t see results quickly enough, or simply retreated into bad habits? Even with the best intentions, we often have trouble sticking with changes of any kind. I have become reliant on my regular walks and a healthier diet. I feel terrible when I miss a day or two of walking and/or eat too many carbs and “heavy” foods. And yet, when I am tired, it is so easy to just throw up my hands and say, “What will it hurt for a day or two?!” This lapse can easily turn into three or four days – or a whole week. And soon we are right back in old habits, to our own detriment and that of others around us.

We are going to have to work hard to keep this from happening in our personal and Spiritual lives. When someone treats us with unkindness, we are going to be tempted to walk away – or retaliate! When we see hatred, discrimination, bias, bigotry, and exclusion in action, we may want to speak or act with judgment – or to cut those people completely out of our lives and circle of influence. When “life” gets too hard, we may want to retreat back into our own comfort zone and quietly go about our life. But Paul reminds us that we must not do any of these things.

We must stand tall…we must live and love for Jesus – and as He taught us. We must gently and patiently speak up for those who are oppressed and against behaviors that do not line up with Christ’s teachings. We must persevere and continue to love others – even when they are unlovely. And we must especially encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. We all struggle from time to time – and we need each other! We must be awake and alert to the needs of our fellow believers and humbly encourage them to stay strong, patient, and persistent in their discipleship.

Since we are all human, we are subject to temptation, frustration, impatience, and a spirit of defeat when the going gets tough. And some of us flat out don’t want to hear the truth – like the fact that too much of XYZ makes your belly fat! Don’t turn your back on this message from Paul. Stay the course! Keep seeking Christ’s word and will for your life and operating in His love at all times – with all people and circumstances. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 26, 2019 – Thankful prayers for others are a pleasure – and a MUST!

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about 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.

We’ve all done it. We pray for someone to turn their life around – or to get well. We ask God to bless someone with a new job, a “significant other”, or some other life-changing event. And God answers…and we move on with our lives.

How many times do you still thank God for that person He healed of cancer two years ago? How often do you lift up the grieving family whose loved one passed last month – or last week? When was the last time you thanked God for the amazing changes and salvation He brought to the life of someone for whom you prayed a dozen years ago or more?

My point is that we get so caught up in the here and now that we quickly move from one person to the next. I understand that it can be daunting to recollect every single person for whom you have ever prayed. But try this…when a person’s name pops into your head – for whatever reason – thank God for them. When you see the name of someone on social media that you have not thought about in a while, stop and pray for him/her. If you know they are in need of God’s special love and care, ask for it. If you know that God has worked in their life in a special way, thank Him.

I have sometimes noticed a name on Facebook – or someone comes to mind – that I had not thought of in quite some time. Or maybe I will bump into a person at Walmart that I have not seen in many weeks – or even months. Sometimes, when I am praying, the name of some random person will pop into my brain. I have decided this is God’s nudge for me to pray for this person. It can be as simple as “Lord, please bless So-and-So,” or “Father, You know the needs of What’s-his-name.” God hears all prayers…He accepts all praises and petitions of gratitude…He answers every request.

So keep on praying for others…whether you think they need it or not! Offer thanks to God for the wonderful work He has done in so many – and for what He continues to do. As the Apostle Paul told us…this is not just a pleasure – it is a MUST! God is at work in the hearts and lives of those we know and love…how will you thank Him today?

©2019 Debbie Robus