Daily Devotional for June 23, 2024 – Humbling ourselves before God and humanizing others…it’s time to “wash some feet!”

John 13:12-17
After Jesus had washed his disciples’ feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again. Then he said:

Do you understand what I have done? You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you. I tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their master, and messengers are not greater than the one who sent them. You know these things, and God will bless you, if you do them.

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

Greg and I watched a segment today on CBS Sunday Morning about a former Israeli soldier and member of Hamas who is now part of a group called Combatants for Peace. The purpose of this group is to humanize all parties and give space for each faction to cultivate understanding of the other. One of the comments that the veteran made truly stood out to me. He noted that a primary aim of this group is to promote human understanding…“Because you have to dehumanize someone in order to kill them.”
 
As I read this passage from John where Jesus, our Lord and Master, washed the feet of His disciples (a gesture of incredible humility and subservience), I thought about the full impact of what Christ did and said. He saw each person present as a human being…precious to God (and to Him)…not one of them greater than the other. Jesus knew that Judas was among these disciples…and He knew what this man would do in a matter of hours. Jesus knew the “good, bad, and ugly” about each person – and yet He saw their humanity, their need to be treated with love and dignity, and their value to God – and to others. This is what we are commanded to do today.
 
If we are honest, we dehumanize others every day. We may not be murderers in the literal sense, but we often do our dead-level best to “kill the soul” or reputation of another through critical talk, divisiveness, biases, and hateful rhetoric or actions. We pit one person against another for a myriad of reasons…he’s a Democrat…she’s a lesbian…they are Black, Asian, or Hispanic…this person is a Muslim, Jew, or Buddhist…that family is “white trash.” Even when we feel our intentions are noble…we dislike or criticize someone because of his/her own rhetoric or unkind words and actions – we are dehumanizing this person on some level. It’s hard to separate a person’s behavior from that person. And once we have dehumanized someone, it is easier to hate them…or even kill them.
 
Jesus is calling us to wash the feet of others…maybe not literally, but surely by treating them with utmost humility and respect as precious children of God. We are called to see others as human beings…sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, individuals with hope and dreams like you and me, and spiritual brothers and sisters. This will require a shift in our thinking – and our attitude. We will have to humble ourselves before God and think before we speak and act. But we can do this! 
 
Whether we are successful in our efforts to get along and love one another with the love of Christ is not the point…it’s all about the effort and genuine, humble, faithful obedience. Washing Judas’ feet didn’t change him…but Jesus demonstrated His unconditional love with the gesture and put His commands into action. You and I must make every effort to demonstrate Christ’s love in our own lives…unadulterated and unconditionally. Then we must give God room to work and trust Him to do so perfectly. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 20, 2023 – Are you serving God with humble, faithful obedience? It’s time for a self-exam!

Ephesians 5:5
You can be sure that using people or religion or things just for what you can get out of them—the usual variations on idolatry—will get you nowhere, and certainly nowhere near the kingdom of Christ, the kingdom of 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.

I wrote recently about the book I’ve been reading, Dear George, Dear Mary, written by Mary Calvi. This is a historical novel based on the letters and poems exchanged between George Washington and Mary Philipse. I have read other accounts and watched documentaries about George Washington, and this was an enlightening account of the General’s early life that truly “humanized” him for me. In the process, I realized that greed, idolatry, and immorality are truly nothing new.
 
This book left me with the sense that sinful, greedy people intervened to corrupt and derail the relationship between George Washington and Mary Philipse…to the point that Mary Philipse was deemed a “Loyalist” (to Britain) and a traitor guilty of attainder (treason). By “law” this allowed the Commissioners of Forfeiture of the New York Colony to not only confiscate her entire estate, but also to sentence her to death! In fact, three women were sentenced to death for committing a high treason during the Revolutionary War. Mary Philipse was one of these, but she managed to escape to England and lived to the age of 96.
 
If even half of the “story” of this historical novel is accurate and true, significant measures were made to keep George Washington and Mary Philipse apart…and to smear their names and reputations in the process. At the crux of it all was a hunger for power, money, and property. It seems that twisting and turning facts and operating in manipulation and outright maltreatment of others has been justified by some for centuries as “a means to an end.” I cannot say this made me feel better about the world we live in today. Clearly, we don’t learn from the mistakes of our past!
 
So, what does this have to do with you and me? I believe we have allowed these sins to creep into our own daily living, and we may not even realize this has happened. This is a call for us to examine our lives – even down to the daily minutiae that comprise our routines. Ask God to show you where you are compromising your values to fit in with others – or where you may be operating in outright greed. It is easy to fall into a trap of considering, “What’s in this for me?” – and to become selfish in the process. We all want to belong…to be accepted by others and treated well. Sometimes, we become so focused on this that we sacrifice our faithful obedience to God in the process.
 
Money talks – especially when you don’t have a lot of it. The temptation is there to do what it takes to make a quick buck. But this is a slippery slope. Too often, small success in this area leads to greed and words or actions that are designed to add even more “wealth” to the coffers. There is no substitute for hard work…and God rewards those who operate with honesty, fairness, and diligence in even the smallest of tasks.
 
Others get carried away with power and authority. God desires humble servants who strive to get along with all others. Too many people these days either seek to be “in charge” – or they want to be closely associated with people who appear to be running the show. Again, God does not play favorites. God genuinely ordains the authority, missions, and ministries of certain people. But His calling on your life is no less significant. And even those who are given authority are not autonomous. They must still listen to our Heavenly Father and seek His will and direction.
 
I could “name names” and point fingers, but the sad truth is that you and I are likely guilty of these sins in some manner, as well. We are responsible for our own discipleship and witness…the “work” begins at home! Make this a day that you ask God to reveal your weaknesses and shortcomings – and to show you how to make all necessary adjustments. Imagine the ripple effect if we all do this, especially if we trust God to multiply our efforts. Do the work…examine your heart, mind, words, and actions, and commit to serving God in every instance. Let’s see where He takes us when we come together to serve humbly, faithfully, and with full obedience. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 10, 2023 – Watch what God does…and love like that!

Ephesians 5:1-2
Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like 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.

Several summers ago, my cousins gathered at my house one afternoon to make new pillows for our porches. My cousin Olivia, (who was then about 14) had learned to sew, and since osteo-arthritis makes sewing difficult for me, I somewhat “passed the torch” to her. I suggested that I order fabric and supplies and talk her through the actual construction of these pillows. Olivia brought along her grandmother, Janette, who is like a sister to me (and also an excellent seamstress)…and later, her mother also joined us to help with the final stuffing and stitching of the pillows.

As we put together the first pillow, I showed Olivia what to do – how to guide the fabric through the machine feed and catch all the layers, and how to make the corded trim for the edges. Janette said to Olivia, “Watch her hands. Pay close attention to how she moves the fabric along. Don’t just think about sewing the material together…watch her hands and how she works it.” I have thought about this several times since. As I taught Zola to crochet, she watched my hands and how I made the stitches. Now as she crochets, I see a lot of my actions in hers.

When I showed the children how to make my grandmother Polly’s homemade bread and rolls, I demonstrated how to work the dough and flour. I probably even said to them, “Watch my hands.” And as I read this passage from Ephesians 5 today, I heard God saying, “Watch My hands.”  God wants us to watch what He does, and then do it. He wants us to love others, just as Christ commands. God wants us to love to give, not to get…He wants us to treat others as we wish to be treated and love them extravagantly.

In other words, don’t judge, ridicule, exclude or disparage. Love with patience, grace, mercy, compassion, and abundance. Watch what God does and how He loves us…and “love like that” as Paul tells us. Just as there is so much more to making a nice pillow than simply sewing two pieces of fabric together, there is more to serving God than claiming to know and love Him and follow His commands. The proof is in our words and actions…and plenty of people are watching! As we watch God and mimic what He does, let’s remember to demonstrate the love of Christ at every turn. Watch what God does…and then you do it! Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 5, 2023 – Listening to Jesus and following His commands…it’s time to “Just love everyone!”

February 5 ~ Colossians 2:8-10
Watch out for people who try to dazzle you with big words and intellectual double-talk. They want to drag you off into endless arguments that never amount to anything. They spread their ideas through the empty traditions of human beings and the empty superstitions of spirit beings. But that’s not the way of Christ. Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.

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

My friend Beth texted me a photo this morning of a magnetic sign outside “Walnut Grove Baptist Church” (actual location unknown) that read…

“Just love everyone. I’ll sort ‘em out later. – God”

Considering this scripture passage, I thought the sign was timely. Haven’t we had enough endless arguments? Aren’t we tired of the “he said/she said” and the empty traditions and superstitions? I don’t know about you, but I’m over the double-talk. I am done with human interpretations of what Jesus did or didn’t say. I want no more of the minute dissection of every single word and action from those who have decided they have cornered the market on what is true and best for all concerned – especially when these notions clearly favor particular biases and personal benefit in some manner.

It is time for us to let God “sort ‘em out later.” It is time for us to sit with Jesus and ask, “What do YOU say?” It is time to listen to His response – and act accordingly. In the words of the magnetic sign, I believe Jesus is telling us to “Just love everyone.” While this sounds like a simple command, it is quite broad and all-encompassing. If we truly make an effort to follow these three words to the letter, we will be amazed at what Jesus does. Truly, His power extends over everything. Isn’t it time we gave Him room to work?

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 28, 2023 – “Talk to me, LORD!” Put God to the test and see for yourself how His mercies shower down on all who trust Him!

Psalm 34:7-8 
For the Angel of the Lord guards and rescues all who reverence him.

Oh, put God to the test and see how kind he is! See for yourself the way his mercies shower down on all who trust in him.

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, the Arkansas United Methodist Conference welcomed a new Bishop, Laura Merrill at an installation service held in Little Rock, Arkansas. In her remarks to those in attendance and watching online, Bishop Merrill began by saying, “Sometimes we wonder…do you ever wonder when things might calm down?! Maybe we don’t let ourselves wonder that anymore. There aren’t any words anymore, really, for the swirling, the disorienting times that we’re living through. We’ve even worn out the word ‘unprecedented. [We] can’t even use it anymore! So, I’m not going to try to describe what it’s been like for me to become a Bishop in January 2023, at this time in the life of our church and the nation. I don’t really have words for that. I do, however, have a lot of other words.”

Bishop Merrill went on to talk about gratitude and love…how God blesses and cares for us. She noted, “It is a joy and a privilege to know ourselves as named and claimed by God of Love, and that knowing is where our unity lives. It’s not in being the same – it’s in having the same Source of Life.”

Here’s where the “test” that the psalmist mentioned comes into play. We are called to look at the pain, suffering, dissension, and violence that takes our breath – and turn to Jesus for solutions. He will always supply us perfectly with what we need. Bishop Merrill also noted that the body of Christ is the “Living Word” – and we are called to be part of this body and help bring Christ’s love and healing to the world. She told those listening that…”Our words of gentleness count, our spirit of humility count, our risks that we take for the sake of love and justice count.”  She added that God can use us to shift the balance…whether for one person or for many.

Yesterday, as I walked, I knew that the videos were soon to be released showing the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols by five Memphis policemen. All accounts were that these images were highly disturbing – and these reports were accurate. As I have said in this space many times, the news is so horrible and dark most days that it is almost unbearable to listen to or read the reports. So as I started down the street, earbuds in, I said, “Talk to me, LORD.”

Almost instantly, the songs that played had messages of “God is with you. You can do this!” and “Don’t give up!” The more I walked, the lighter my steps became. Here’s the crazy thing…this morning, I tried to find titles of some of these songs on my playlist to share with you, and it is as if they have disappeared. Perhaps I am just not recognizing them…or maybe God sent an angel to tune my playlist to exactly the songs I needed in that moment! He could do that, you know! Regardless of how it happened…I know that God’s angels attended to me.

You and I are tested every day in some way – from illness and injury to relationship issues, to discrimination, challenges at work, bills to pay, the rigors of aging, and the constant barrage of news about shootings, hateful rhetoric, and war – and so much more. Through all of this and more, God is with us. Jesus stands in the gap, His hands outstretched, and says, “Grab on! Trust Me! I came that you might have abundant life, and the Father will see to this.”

As the installation service concluded this morning with Holy Communion, the organist played, “It Is Well With My Soul.” And the congregation began to sing along spontaneously. It was as if God’s angels were wafting through the congregation and spurring them to demonstrate their trust and gratitude. God will show up and show out in ways we cannot imagine when we trust Him and offer our gratitude. He might even shuffle your playlist. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 23, 2023 – Cats, comics, and the commands of Jesus…it’s time to share His word, will, love and hope with others

Psalm 119:89-100
Forever, O Lord, your Word stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, like the earth you created; it endures by your decree, for everything serves your plans.

I would have despaired and perished unless your laws had been my deepest delight. I will never lay aside your laws, for you have used them to restore my joy and health. I am yours! Save me! For I have tried to live according to your desires. Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind upon your promises.

Nothing is perfect except your words. Oh, how I love them. I think about them all day long. They make me wiser than my enemies because they are my constant guide. Yes, wiser than my teachers, for I am ever thinking of your rules. They make me even wiser than the aged.

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

Greg and I try to stay relatively current and well-informed. We read several online news reports that are delivered to our e-mail inboxes each day, and we read at least some of the articles in our state newspaper. We pay attention to television news – from a variety of outlets. And I will be honest…much of what we learn is disheartening, if not downright depressing. Sometimes, what we learn leaves us frustrated – even angry. And don’t get me started on comments we see on social media outlets. So, we look for ways to lighten the mood…brighten our day…and remain hopeful.

One of these is “Dodo” videos of cute animals and sweet stories of their rescue and rehab…and short videos of cats doing silly things! Our hikes and walks are also a great source of encouragement and peace as we enjoy nature and spend time talking with God. I also read several comic strips in the newspaper each day, and they almost always make me laugh. Spending time with family and friends, and encouraging others with notes, cards, visits, and Meals on Wheels delivery also give us a sense of purpose and restore our joy as we actively seek to “love one another.”

Before you polish our crowns, understand that on any given day, we can feel discouraged, too. Jesus never promised us an easy life…but He does offer us an opportunity to experience His joy and peace as we serve others in His name. And “experience” has been a great teacher. We have learned much in our six-plus decades of living…and we have seen how God has carried us through every single situation and circumstance, both positive and negative. We have learned to keep our focus on the promises of God, even as the “news” around us darkens. We are determined to listen to God over man…to believe in His commands, even when the “world” says otherwise.

On days when the “news” seems particularly grim, I focus even more on Jesus. I remind myself that there are always opportunities to love others…to share a word of hope and encouragement…to offer positive comments – and share a cartoon or a post of a funny kitten or two. God made these little goofballs, too – and maybe He created memes and videos of their antics just to lighten our mood and brighten our day!

I challenge you to look for the hope and joy of Jesus in unusual places…to seek His word and follow His will – even when others suggest differently. Jesus will never steer you in the wrong direction…and He is still alive and active guarding and guiding our every step! Let’s share His love wherever and whenever we can – and do our part to offer His hope and promises to others. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 22, 2023 – “Go, do, and stop whining”…it’s time to follow Christ’s commands with faithful obedience

Psalm 119:65-72
I am your servant, Lord,
and you have kept your promise
to treat me with kindness.
Give me wisdom and good sense.
I trust your commands.
Once you corrected me
for not obeying you,
but now I do obey.
You are kindhearted,
and you do good things,
so teach me your laws.
My reputation is being ruined
by conceited liars,
but with all my heart
I follow your teachings.
Those liars have no sense,
but I find happiness
in your Law.
When you corrected me,
it did me good
because it taught me
to study your laws.
I would rather obey you
than to have a thousand pieces
of silver and gold.

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

This morning, Dr. John Robbins, senior pastor at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock, shared a story about an experience early in his ministry. Dr. Robbins and his wife visited a church where he was soon to be assigned. He called it an “extraordinary promotion” to a much larger church. A member came up to him at a reception after the service and asked, “Are you our new preacher?” Dr. Robbins responded that yes, he was, and he extended his hand. The woman would not shake the minister’s hand, and she replied, “I’m gonna tell you right now…you’re too young to be the pastor of this church, and I’m not gonna like you while you’re here.” The pastor wanted to reply, “Right back atcha!” Instead, Dr. Robbins told the woman he hoped he could earn her respect.

Years later when Dr. Robbins was moving to another church, a farewell reception was held. This same woman came to him tearfully and said, “I was wrong. You’re the ‘real deal.’ Thank you for your ministry.” Dr. Robbins says he couldn’t have ever gotten a better compliment. He reminded us that Paul tells us to set an example for others…to be driven by our faith, our speech, and our conduct. This will determine the level of respect others give you – and how you share the Good News with others.

As the Psalmist notes, when we follow God’s law (and Christ’s commands), we will be ridiculed – maybe even disavowed. Some will try to smear us or make us out to be “wrong” or even evil because we love others with the love of Christ. They will sometimes distance themselves from us and decide they don’t like us because they feel we are too “whatever” – from age to race to social class and more (you fill in the blanks).

My message to you today is to stay the course. Hold your head up and serve Jesus according to His commands. Speak and act in a way that glorifies and honors Him. Remember how Jesus reacted and responded to those who criticized and abused Him. And think of the glory and joy that comes from pleasing Jesus above all others. Love one another and treat others as you wish to be treated.

Pastor Robbins also shared a story of complaining one day to an elder pastor that people were always telling him he was “too young.” The pastor basically told the young minister to quit whining and just “go and do” in the name of Jesus. I realized that I harp on the mistreatment of others in this space. I have repeatedly enumerated people and groups who are outcast and disparaged. And I have begged others to change how they speak and act toward them. It is time for me to stop whining, too.

It is time for all of us to simply “go and do” – to speak and act with the unconditional and unqualified love of Christ toward all others. It is time for us to earn the respect of others in the name of Jesus by being like Jesus – and trust Him to bless and multiply our efforts. And we must start doing this here…now…TODAY! My prayer for each of us is that we would seek God’s will…and serve Christ in His wisdom, good sense, and love – and let our efforts speak for themselves. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 21, 2022 – We gotta do a better job of looking out for each other!”

Psalm 119:49-57
Never forget your promises to me your servant, for they are my only hope. They give me strength in all my troubles; how they refresh and revive me! Proud men hold me in contempt for obedience to God, but I stand unmoved. From my earliest youth I have tried to obey you; your Word has been my comfort.

I am very angry with those who spurn your commands. For these laws of yours have been my source of joy and singing through all these years of my earthly pilgrimage. I obey them even at night and keep my thoughts, O Lord, on you. What a blessing this has been to me—to constantly obey.

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

Yesterday, a friend shared a post on Facebook that basically said we have grown lax in checking on our neighbors, friends and loved ones. We are so busy posting memes and griping about one thing or another that we don’t take time to pick up the phone and call or text someone – if only to say, “I love you and thought of you today.” The post challenges others to share this reminder to “do better”…and since I thought the message dovetailed nicely with my scripture lessons these last few days, I put it on my own Facebook page.

Many people “liked” my post. Several responded with an “I love you,” or “We love you and Greg.” One dear friend asked, “What happened?” – as if I had posted this because something was wrong. I told her nothing was wrong – but sometimes, I think about messaging her or another loved one for several days before I actually sit down and do it – and I am sorry for that! And as lovely as it was to read all the sweet, loving comments, I did not share the post to “fish” for compliments. I thought long and hard about this and decided if it spurred even one person to action, it was worthwhile.

You see…checking on others is a command from Jesus. Remember “Love one another?”  This is love in action…calling, texting, dropping a note or stopping in for a visit. Taking time to stick around and hear someone’s response when we ask, “How are you doing?” rather than waving and dashing ahead to our next task or person is love in action. “Love one another” means really seeing others as Jesus sees them. And Jesus doesn’t see our skin color, how much money we have in our wallet, where we live and what we drive.

Jesus doesn’t see us in terms of age, education, sexual orientation, political preference, or physical attractiveness. Jesus sees each of us as a precious creation of God…a soul worthy of saving…a flawed human being for whom He died on the cross…someone He loves with all His heart. Jesus sees a person worthy of being told and shown how much he/she is loved. And you and I are called to love others as Christ loves us. And as the Psalmist indicates, when we follow the “laws,” we will be blessed and filled with joy.

Revisit Jesus’ commands. Follow the “laws” and quit worrying what other people think. Make it your aim to “love one another” however and wherever Jesus leads you. The post I shared began…“We gotta do a better job of looking out for each other…” In other words, we gotta do a better job of following Jesus’ commands! Who do you need to check on today? Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 20, 2023 – Serving God over money and status…remember WHOSE you are!

Psalm 119:35-46
Make me walk along the right paths, for I know how delightful they really are.

Help me to prefer obedience to making money! Turn me away from wanting any other plan than yours. Revive my heart toward you. Reassure me that your promises are for me, for I trust and revere you.

How I dread being mocked for obeying, for your laws are right and good. I long to obey them! Therefore in fairness renew my life, for this was your promise—yes, Lord, to save me! Now spare me by your kindness and your love. Then I will have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust your promises.

May I never forget your words, for they are my only hope. Therefore I will keep on obeying you forever and forever, free within the limits of your laws. I will speak to kings about their value, and they will listen with interest and respect.

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

When I was a child, everything revolved around money – mainly because we didn’t have any! Don’t misunderstand me…we were not “poor” by the world’s standards, and we never missed a meal. We had comfortable beds and clean clothes, and my parents both worked multiple jobs to make that happen. But we didn’t have the money for “extras.” And when you are a kid and your friends are going places and doing things that you cannot afford to do, it’s a tough pill to swallow. This is made even harder when the questions come…“Why don’t you ever buy your clothes instead of your mom and grandma making them? Why don’t you take dance lessons? Can’t you meet us at the pool? Where did you get that old car?!”

Just as hard for me were the pressures to give to the church, as if I could somehow “buy” my salvation and God’s grace. I will forever be keenly aware of the hardship and heartache we Christians place on some by constantly passing the plate and basket – or having this mission fundraiser and that one, complete with charts and graphs to mark the “progress” or even lists of those who contribute!

I am thankful for the “material comfort” that I enjoy today. I am also incredibly mindful of the hard work it took to get here. Greg and I did not compromise our values along the way. We never accepted advertising for “get-rich-quick” schemes, and we didn’t over-extend ourselves. We worked long, hard hours, but we knew the quality of the work was there…and God blessed us mightily.

This is a good day for us to focus on the purity of our faith…and how we judge others for theirs. A lot of great people who seek God’s will and do their dead-level best to serve Him in all things are made to feel “less than” for some reason – many of them economic. A lot of the “big spenders” are elevated to a position of “prominence” where others would do anything for them…not just because Jesus commands us to “Love one another,” but because we want to keep them happy – and spending!

Too many have compromised their values and the commands of Jesus just to look good in the sight of others and “play the game.” I get it…nobody wants to be ridiculed or dismissed – for whatever reason. And social media has heightened our awareness of others and “who they are” in every sense of the phrase. But I think some of us have forgotten WHO we should really be striving to please and serve.  

Ask yourself some hard questions today and figure out whether you are truly on God’s side of things. Never forget that His laws are the only ones that really matter…and when we follow them, God will bless our efforts. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 19, 2023 – Learning to follow God’s map – “Lord, don’t let me make a mess of things!”

Psalm 119:17-34
Bless me with life so that I can continue to obey you. Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell.

You rebuke those cursed proud ones who refuse your commands— don’t let them scorn me for obeying you. For even princes sit and talk against me, but I will continue in your plans. Your laws are both my light and my counselors.

I am completely discouraged—I lie in the dust. Revive me by your Word. I told you my plans and you replied. Now give me your instructions. Make me understand what you want; for then I shall see your miracles.

I weep with grief; my heart is heavy with sorrow; encourage and cheer me with your words. Keep me far from every wrong; help me, undeserving as I am, to obey your laws, for I have chosen to do right. I cling to your commands and follow them as closely as I can. Lord, don’t let me make a mess of things. If you will only help me to want your will, then I will follow your laws even more closely.

Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord. As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey. Make me walk along the right paths, for I know how delightful they really are.

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

When we traveled to our great-niece’s wedding in Missouri last weekend, we used Google Maps to guide us. For the record, Greg had already studied the maps and did not need this assistance. But I am trying to learn to use such devices to aid me, should I need to travel somewhere alone – and my astute “guide” is not with me to tell me where and when to turn or which exit to take! Greg reads maps as easily as some people read the comics. I am “map challenged!” I have a hard time transferring what I see on paper to what is physically ahead of my car.

There was one point in our drive where Google Maps suggested a “shorter” route. The voice said, “If you don’t want to take this route, say ‘no thanks!’ or something to that effect.” Greg did not hear this command, and when he looked at his online route, Google had changed to the “shorter” – but curvier path. Greg knew this was not correct – or a path we wished to travel. So, at our next stop, he re-entered the original coordinates and changed back to the original route.

When it comes to reading God’s map, I believe a lot of us are challenged. For whatever reason, some of us don’t fully understand what God is telling us – or we don’t hear His voice. For too many, we do not like His “route” and want to go our own way. Sometimes, we listen to the suggestions of others and find ourselves on a path that is wrong six ways to Sunday! Still others have tried and failed so many times – or “life” has been so difficult and disheartening that they have fallen into despair and all but given up on God. And let’s be honest…there are plenty of “bad news” stories these days to send us spiraling downward if we don’t make every effort to remain positive and hopeful.

Wherever you find yourself on this spectrum, God is waiting to help you. He will show you how and where to make necessary adjustments to get back on course. God will guide you and guard you – and give you reasons every day to be hopeful and helpful to someone and/or further His Kingdom. You just have to follow His map, charts and guides by listening for His voice and following His word. There will be others who will tell you that God’s word says something else…or that their way is the right way. As this Psalmist notes, they may even scorn you or judge you for your stance. Do not be deterred. God will deal with those who do this…and He will honor your commitment to Him and His will for your life.

I love how this passage says, “Lord, don’t let me make a mess of things.” Just like correcting course on Google Maps, you and I can “re-set our coordinates” and get back in full communion with God and His will. We can follow His lead and find ways every day to be joyful and productive…to bless others and be a blessing…and to forge ahead toward our Heavenly destination with hope and peace. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus