Daily Devotional for January 6, 2023 – Christ cleared the way for us – how will we respond?

Galatians 3:13-14
Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse. And now, because of that, the air is cleared and we can see that Abraham’s blessing is present and available for non-Jews, too. We are all able to receive God’s life, his Spirit, in and with us by believing—just the way Abraham received it.

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 morning, I read news reports about former Arkansas Razorbacks running back, Peyton Hillis, who subsequently played several years in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns. Hillis is unconscious in a hospital ICU in Pensacola, Florida, after he saved two young family members from drowning. Further details have not been offered, except to say the children are safe and healthy, while Hillis appears to have damage to his lungs and kidneys. Peyton’s uncle reported that he is improving, thankfully.

Decades ago, the daughter of my husband’s first cousin donated a kidney to her brother, who subsequently became a successful Iowa pediatrician and father of two now-grown sons. Indeed, both cousins are doing well today. I could cite countless incidents where people have sacrificed for others…some with their very lives. While we are hopeful that Peyton Hillis will survive this accident, we know of those who gave their very lives trying to save others. Their courage and selflessness is duly noted.

As humbling and honorable as these sacrifices were, they pale in comparison to what Jesus did for us on the cross. As you read in this passage from Galatians 3, Jesus took on the sins and curses of the world along with “human” suffering and humiliation, so that you and I could receive redemption and the blessings that God designed and desired for us. Jesus completely and irrefutably took our sins upon Him. We are all able to enjoy God’s life and Spirit…and the only thing we have to do is to acknowledge His supremacy, confess that we have sinned, and determine to follow Jesus for the rest of our days.

I am praying for Peyton Hillis. I pray for all who step up and put their lives on the line for others, and I commend their bravery and unselfishness. I am also praying that many will realize the magnitude of what Jesus did for us on the cross, humbly surrender to Him and His will, and emulate His teachings and commands. Jesus has sacrificed everything for each of us…how will we receive and honor this incredible gift?

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 2, 2023 – Feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit – and operating in His blessings

2 Corinthians 2:14
This is why only someone who has God’s Spirit can understand spiritual blessings. Anyone who doesn’t have God’s Spirit thinks these blessings are foolish.

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

Someone posted on a Facebook local group page and asked if there were any haunted houses in the area they could visit. They wanted to look for spirits. Several people weighed in and mentioned a few old homes in our community and cited incidents such as the television turning on every Sunday at a certain hour and the channel changing to a televised service. He said his family got to where they left the TV on this channel and let the service play. The funniest one was a comment that three ladies at the First Baptist Church saw a water faucet in the restroom turn itself on spontaneously. The mental image of this – and the idea that this was done by a “spirit” made me laugh out loud.

I honestly don’t know whether either of these stories are true. I am not sure why a TV would inexplicably turn on and change channels every Sunday. I don’t know what (if anything) these ladies saw – or how it happened. And I cannot say that the church building – or any other structure – is not inhabited at times by spirits. But I do know this…the only “Spirit” that interests me is the Holy Spirit…and I can totally vouch for His power and presence.

As Paul tells the Corinthians, I know that there are plenty of people who laugh at claims of the Holy Spirit in action just as I laughed about these two experiences with “spirits.” But I could cite chapter and verse where the Holy Spirit has shown up in my life…and I knew it – then and now! I know He came to me one Christmas Eve night when I sat in a hospital chapel. I asked God to take care of a seemingly impossible situation involving my grandmother, who lay in an ER exam room suffering from a concussion – and almost instantly, a precious nurse offered the perfect solution. I know that the Holy Spirit was with me when I sat with my brother, mother, and grandmother in the last hours of their earthly lives. I know that the Holy Spirit was with me when my sister died suddenly one Saturday morning – and as I drove to a nearby city to be with Greg when Grandma E left for heaven.

I know the Holy Spirit was with me on a mountain-top in the middle of Greers Ferry Lake one sunny March morning…and again as I stood atop Hawksbill Crag in the Arkansas Ozarks last winter and surveyed the majesty and vastness of the wooded valley below me. I felt the Holy Spirit with Greg and me as we peered over the edge of Loonbeam Cutoff – and stood atop Mt. Nebo and Petit Jean Mountain after hiking there. And just yesterday, I felt the blessings and presence of the Holy Spirit as we stood along the banks of the Little Red River, almost within view of our house – yet seemingly miles away. In the stillness and calm of that moment, with birds and squirrels chirping and the river gently gurgling, I heard the Spirit whisper, “I will be with you every step of this New Year.”

Not everyone feels the presence of the Holy Spirit. This saddens me…not that I feel superior in some manner, but because I want everyone to know His presence, power, and peace. I want my children to feel Him with them as they navigate these next few years of teenage challenge and angst. I want my adult family members to know Him as they face the worries and struggles of “life” – and as they minister to others in the name of Jesus. I want those who are so filled with hate, selfishness, ego, and evil to feel the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, so that they might be satisfied and empowered by something so much more significant than their own desires or the whims of the devil.

My prayer this second day of a New Year is that many might sit quietly and listen for the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit…that He might become the largest, most prevalent presence and Guiding Force in their lives. I pray that others might experience – and recognize – the blessings that God bestows exclusively by way of His Holy Spirit. He is here…He is available to all who will call on Him and recognize His presence. I pray you are in this number – today and every day to come. And if He happens to turn on the TV and change the channel to a church service, I pray we will have sense enough to stop and watch! Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 18, 2022 – Behold Jesus, the Light of the World! Seek and serve Him with every word and action!

Luke 2:8-12
There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

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.

As I read this passage in Luke 2 and thought about what happened to those shepherds…and what is happening all around us today, I heard God telling me very clearly… “Behold the Savior, who will make everything right.”

This is not about you…or me. It’s not about one pastor – or a handful. It’s not about our gender, age, race, bank account, sexual orientation, political affiliation, ethnic background, or level of education. It’s not about the car we drive, the clothes we wear, or where we live. It’s most certainly not about one person or group over another. It is all about our Savior, who came to us as a poor baby, born to an unwed mother in a barn.

I am heartbroken about the words and actions of those who wish to discriminate or delineate in some manner. I am deeply saddened that at even a young age, social class lines are drawn…and in churches, classrooms, and on “playgrounds” across the world, there is a clear distinction between the “haves” and the “have-nots.” I have lived through personal and public divisions that pitted believers in Jesus Christ against each other in ugly confrontations – and this is happening even today, even in many houses of worship. I have heard more than one person say that they are done with organized “church” because of all the ugliness…and I totally understand this.

But again, as I read this passage about the blaze of glory that overcame the shepherds as an angel announced, “Don’t be afraid. A Savior has just been born – a Savior who is Messiah and Master” – I was reminded of what and WHO is truly important. What I love equally about this message is the next part of it… “you’re to look for a baby wrapped in a blanket lying in a manger.”  The Savior of the World…the Redeemer of our sins…was born in a filthy stable among the livestock. And He is still with us and rules this day.

Today, I am focusing on the Savior born in a manger…the One who came to save all who will call on His name and believe in Him. I cannot fix the problems of this world – or the hatred and divisiveness that surrounds us. But Jesus can…and my eyes are set unwaveringly on Him. If you have made any part of your life about something or someone other than Jesus Christ, this lowly baby born in a manger who lived and died for our sins, make this the day that you fall to your knees and ask Him to forgive you.

Call on Jesus to not only set up upright – but to show you how to speak and act from this day forward. Behold Jesus, the Light of the World! He has come that we might be set free – and live. Let’s get busy serving and representing Him – and no one else. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 3, 2022 – Treating others as you wish to be treated…it’s time to put your hand over someone else’s!

Matthew 7:12
“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.”

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.

On our most recent lake outing, our neighbor wanted the kids to try out a different inflatable tube. This one was smaller and flat on top, as opposed to the first two, which resembled a big easy chair and a donut. So the children had to hang on to handles atop this flat round tube while lying on their stomachs. Nathan absolutely loved this little tube. He rode solo, and then he shared the tube with his big brother. Timmy did not like it at all…he felt too vulnerable without the “enclosure” that the other tubes had provided. And when a bumpy wake flipped the boys off, Timmy was done with tubing for the day.

Zola was nervous at first. But she agreed to ride with Nathan, who was by now feeling quite confident. You could see the uncertainty on Zola’s face as they bounced across the wake and waves. Nathan reached out and put his hand atop Zola’s and helped her hold onto the handle. And you could see the relief wash over her face. She relaxed and had fun…and we practically had to pry the two them off the tube when it was time to quit for the day.

Sometimes, we just need someone else to put their hand over ours. We need to know that someone is thinking of us. Rather than narrow our focus to what is right in front of us…or what makes us happy, you and I need to consider “the other guy.” We need to think about how certain situations might make this person feel. We need to check our comments on social media and see if what we are saying might be hurtful or insulting to someone or a particular group. We need to welcome a stranger who slips into the pew near us on Sunday morning – or sits near us in the bleachers at a ballgame.

We need to think about the clerk at the grocery store, discount store or gas station who helps others all day while struggling to afford to put food on the table at home. Perhaps if they had a nickel for every customer they helped that griped about the cost of food and gas (which is beyond their control), these folks would be able to afford to better pay their own bills. The other day, I spent several hours in the kitchen doing prep work and getting certain things ready to round out our meals for the week. I thought about working mothers and the struggle it must be just to find time to prepare meals, pack lunches, do laundry, bathe and feed kids while also trying to manage a job and balance “family life.” I made a mental note to look for ways to help my niece and other parents in my “circle”…and to let them know that I am empathetic.

We surely need to think about the elderly who are lonely, tired, and often unwell. A friend who manages a low-income housing unit posted a message on social media last week to say that some of her tenants were in this boat…and they needed a “wellness check” from family and friends. I have seen firsthand the loneliness and frustration of elderly friends and loved ones who feel abandoned and ignored. I also know that caregivers of all ages quite often feel this same isolation…and they could really use our encouragement and nurture. Still others just need a friendly ear for a few minutes. They need to talk to someone about the circumstances of their day – and know that someone hears them.

These are only a handful of suggestions for how to treat others as we wish to be treated. The bottom line is that Jesus has commanded us to stop thinking only of ourselves and consider others as we go about our daily living. Be thoughtful, considerate, and deliberately present and caring. In other words, put your hand over someone else’s, and let them know you love them – and you are there for them. Honor the countless ways Jesus shows up in your life by sharing His love and care with others as often as possible. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 2, 2022 – Perspective is everything…it’s time to decide which Master we will serve!

Matthew 6:19-26
“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

“Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a musty cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!

“You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money both.

“If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

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.

Yesterday after school, Greg and I picked up the kids and took them to the lake. There we met our neighbor, who the children call “Mr. Steve,” who has a lovely new party barge and several “toys.” Steve enjoys having friends accompany him on his boat outings. So we have served as his “test subjects” while he learned about his boat, tubes and accessories this summer. This was our third trip to tube on the lake in the last couple of months.

On the way home, we drove past our Community Center, and Nathan asked, “When can we go back to the pool, because I’m really missing that place!” We have not been to the pool since before the pandemic began almost 3 years ago. I noted that after tubing on the lake, the pool might seem rather boring – especially now that the kids are older. Nathan and Zola quickly informed me that now they would be able to really swim to the deep end and “dive” for the plastic pool toys…and it would be great! Sometimes, perspective is everything…and bigger is not always better.

A friend said to me last week, “I like nice things…but I don’t have to have expensive things.” There is nothing wrong with money. Lots of people make plenty of money and stay humble. They buy what they need – and even what they want – but they make sure to help others along the way wherever and whenever possible. They don’t always have to have the most expensive possessions just because they are expensive. Let’s be honest…the wire whisk from Walmart or Dollar Tree will whip your egg whites just as well as the fancy version from Williams-Sonoma! And do not misunderstand me…we have thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of our neighbor and the fun times we’ve had on his boat!

During this pandemic, we started sitting outside on our back porch more – and paying closer attention to the birds and wildlife. I can tell you – this “show” is often far superior entertainment to anything you will watch on television – or two hours spent viewing the newest movie release. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than the Painted Bunting, American Goldfinch, woodpeckers, hawks and songbirds of all kinds – and the majestic American Bald Eagle that soars over our backyard.

None of these birds gives a second thought to whether their plumage is “designer” (although it is “Designer!” People often ask us what brand of birdseed we buy. I honestly don’t think the birds care about “brand” – as long as their bellies are filled! Some of my best “worship” moments have come while sitting in the glider on my back porch, observing wildlife and watching a church service online. My cousin Jan said it best, “COVID taught us that we don’t have to see and be seen.”

I share all of these observations to say that Jesus has told us to get our priorities straight…and yet, we are often looking for the next best thing. We need to get back to basics…to search for God in the “conversation” of Black-capped Chickadees and House Finches at a bird feeder…to feel His presence and the promise of heaven as we watch a Bald Eagle soar above us. We need to appreciate the fun and excitement of a tube ride behind a fast boat on beautiful Greers Ferry Lake…but we need to also acknowledge the joy of “diving” for plastic toys in a community pool and celebrating the accomplishment of being old enough and able to swim to the deep end successfully and without fear.

We need to realize that true worship of God does not require a large auditorium, flashing lights and amplified music shared with hundreds to thousands of your “closest friends.” We need to stop asking, “What’s in it for me?” and start asking, “Lord, what would You have me do with the blessings and resources You have given me?”  It is time we settled once and for all Who our true Master is…and start serving Him with complete confidence and abandon. The God who cares for the birds and numbers the feathers on a sparrow surely cares for each of us – and deserves our faithful, obedient, and humble service. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 1, 2022 – No more “Tit-for-Tat” for followers of Jesus…it’s time to live generously!

Matthew 5:38-42
“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.”

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 has been more than 35 years since I was a public-school teacher. I still remember so many things about the eight years I taught as if they happened yesterday. I especially remember a handful of children that lived in dire – even dangerous – circumstances, and how a group of us came together to try to make a difference in their lives. Sometimes, it seemed like the more we gave, the more their parents/guardians took. I know I have shared the story of the dad who called his child’s social worker and demanded to be provided with a car. Facetiously, the social worker asked him, “What color would you like?”

I also remember a child whose mother had died. Ladies in a local church took this little girl and her siblings to worship services each Sunday. The children lived with an elderly, ailing grandmother who did her best to care for them. The ladies bought clothing for the children, yet each Sunday, the children were wearing no underwear when collected for church. Rather than berate the grandmother, these sweet ladies bought extra underpants and had them handy in their cars to put on the children on Sunday mornings.

It would have been easy to throw in the towel with some of these situations. But for weeks and months, many people persevered and kept giving. It frustrated us greatly to see our efforts squandered and/or abused…but we loved these children and felt God telling us to keep going. So we kept feeding, clothing, and nurturing them. When we wanted to lash out at the parents/guardians and “set them straight” or ask, “What on earth are you thinking?!” we held our tongues and kept working behind the scenes to provide a safe, loving, and nurturing environment for these children whenever we had the chance.

I think about these children who kept me awake at night with worry. I wonder where they are and what happened to them. And I pray that in some small way, they remember the love and care we gave them – and it matters. Just this morning, I read another devotional written by a woman who recalled teachers throughout her life who nurtured her…those who recognized that there was perhaps a “story” behind her failing grades or introverted behavior…the ones who asked questions and gave of themselves beyond the regular school hours or classroom period. She listed at least four teachers that truly practiced the servant’s life and made a difference in her own.

My question for all of us today is this…“Are we living generously?” Where do we need to look past insults and injuries and anticipate that there might be more to the story? Even if the other person is operating in hatred, bias or discrimination and has no remorse for the hurtful, unloving things he/she has said or done, how we react and respond is a reflection of our love for others – not their unkindness. I am not suggesting that we all become doormats and let others walk all over us. There are legitimately times when we must walk away, “unfriend” someone, or severe the ties of a relationship. But we don’t have to do this with vengeance – or fanfare.

People are watching. They see how we treat others. They notice our reactions and responses to insults and injuries…whether we attempt to retaliate or respond with more grace than the other guy has merited. More importantly, Jesus is watching to see what we will do…whether we will serve Him with faithful obedience or succumb to our own selfish desires and attitudes. Scripture is quite clear that there are two critical commands for followers of Jesus…to love God with your whole heart, mind and soul – and to love others as you love yourself. We all have work to do in this area, so let’s get going!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 27, 2022 – God so loved the world…paying forward His “debt forgiveness.”

John 3:16-18
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.”

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.

Someone asked me how I felt about forgiveness of student loans. The actual question was along the lines of, “Wouldn’t it make you mad to think you worked hard to pay off your debts, and now you have to pay off the loans of someone else?” The implication was that our taxes will increase to cover the cost of this “forgiveness.” My response was that I look around at how blessed I am…the abundance of my life. I see people struggling to make ends meet – including teachers who borrowed money to get a degree and are now teaching our children on minimal pay – and doctors, nurses, and emergency service workers who are working so hard, especially during this pandemic, while trying to pay off the debt of their education and training. Many take a second and third job to help cover their living expenses and pay off loans. Anything I can do to help even a little to relieve their hardship is a blessing and honor, in my opinion.

I realize that you may disagree. And it is not my intention to “get political” in this space. But hear me out on this…God sent Jesus for all of us. His desire is that every single person would come to know Christ as their Savior, repent of their sins, and have their name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life for all Eternity. God doesn’t say – “He is too evil,” or “She is lazy and doesn’t try.” God doesn’t decide that He will bless some abundantly and leave others to suffer and struggle – or wallow in their sins. God says, “ALL are welcome. ALL are worthy and eligible of redemption and Eternal Life.” God sent Jesus to pay for the sins of every single human being – and to offer each one the promise of Heaven.

Have you ever owed someone money – even for a cup of coffee – and the person said, “Forget it!” and waved you away? Have you ever forgiven the debt of someone else? Do you remember how it made you feel? Maybe the “amount” you forgave was substantial…even caused you to have to sacrifice something to cover this cost. Do you remember how you felt afterward? If the person went on to pay this forward in some manner or had an easier time as a result of your generosity and kindness, didn’t you delight in knowing that you had loved so extravagantly? If someone did this for you, weren’t you in awe of their unconditional care and concern for you?

This is how God loves us. This is how He commands us to love others. It is time for us to count our blessings instead of our “assets.” We need to be asking, “How can I love others in a way that will further the Kingdom of Heaven and honor Christ’s sacrifice for me?” We need to thank God continually for loving us so generously and seek opportunities to pay this forward. We need to live and love like Jesus…and share the good news of a whole and lasting life with everyone we meet. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 26, 2022 – No excuses or gray areas…Jesus demands that we love one another!

August 26 ~ John 15:17
“But remember the root command: Love one another.

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 morning, I saw a video on Facebook from Ophelia Nichols, the TicToc celebrity whose son Randon Lee, was murdered in Mobile, Alabama, a few weeks ago. An arrest was made in the case yesterday. Nichols said when she saw the mug shot of the young man who is accused of shooting her son, she thought of his mother. She noted that two families are hurting now…and she wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone. Teachers have commented that the accused assailant was a good student…and a sweet kid. She acknowledged that she felt sure these comments were true – of both this young man and her son. She added that neither young man should have been in this situation…buying and selling marijuana and engaging in activities that proved to be deadly.

Nichols repeatedly expressed care and concern for this young man’s family. She also noted that people in her community have been vocal and critical of her son…that she has overheard the talk in the grocery store and elsewhere as Randon has been disparaged and criticized for his activities and life choices. Ophelia Nichols noted that this had been deeply hurtful to her…and she hoped and prayed this didn’t happen to the accused shooter’s mother and other family members.

I have found it hard to be loving toward those who disparage one of my family members or friends. I am amazed and inspired by Ophelia Nichol’s concern for the parents and family members of the young man who is accused of shooting her “baby child,” as she refers to her son, Randon. Many would find it impossible to demonstrate genuine love and concern for someone who killed their loved one…or even someone who bullied their child or a friend. I struggle with those who disparage members of the LGBTQ community, knowing how hurtful this was to my own brother – and how it breaks the hearts – and spirits – of many people I love in this group today. I bristle when people criticize programs to help those who are economically disadvantaged, because I know that mos of these people are not lazy or trying to get something for nothing.

In some translations of this Bible verse, it reads that Jesus demands that we love one another. Truly, this is His “root command” – and there is no room for exceptions or excuses. All around us, there are people who follow this command to the letter. There are also many who are picking and choosing when and where to implement love. And this is wholly unacceptable. Let’s make this the day that we turn the corner and truly begin to love others with the love of Christ. We don’t have to like what they say and do. We don’t have to agree. We just have to love. I’m going to try – will you?

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 25, 2022 – Love others the way Jesus loves us…does your talk line up with your actions?

John 15:11-15
“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father.”

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.

When I first read today’s scripture passage, the immediate question I asked myself was this…“Do you love like Jesus?” Understand that Jesus is not asking us to literally die for someone else – or even to be willing to die for another person. But Jesus is commanding us to love others even when it means making a sacrifice of some sort. He is telling us to love others when we would rather do something else. Jesus is telling us to love others when they are not loveable…and to be creative and figure out ways to show others how much they are loved, even while we are telling them.

My mother used to say that “Love is an action, not a feeling.” She also said, “Talk is cheap.” In other words, people who readily tell others “I love you,” may not live in a way that lines up with this claim. They may say they love others, but their actions may show something totally different. Think, “I love all people…but I don’t want XYZ to move into my neighborhood or attend my church.” Consider how you treat those who are unlike you in some way – from political affiliation to skin color – to sexual orientation and religious beliefs. Do we really love one another the way Jesus loves us?

The other thing Jesus tells us in this passage is that He is no longer asking us to love in this way…He is commanding us to do so. If we are committed to Jesus, and we are really ready to serve as His disciples and be considered His friends, we have to fully emulate Him and follow His directives to the letter.

There can be no more excuses! If we have committed to Jesus, we must obey His commands. Jesus has been more than plain that we are to love others as He loves us. This means that we can no longer say with our tongue that we love a person or group, then walk away and demonstrate otherwise. Our talk has got to match our actions…and there must be plenty of both as we love others as Jesus commands. We’ve got a lot of work to do…and not a minute to spare.

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 20, 2022 – It’s time to set aside our differences…and truly love one another!

John 13:34-35
“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”

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.

When my brother, Tim, died in 1998, people swarmed my parents’ house…especially their dearest friends and the ladies and men who belonged to their Sunday school classes. My closest friend at the time barely left my side for at least three days. She drove me wherever I needed and often just sat and quietly held my hand. For several days, someone arrived at the crack of dawn to put on coffee and set out breakfast pastries…and the last person to leave in the evening mopped the kitchen floor on her way out the door!
 
Nobody asked for this…these people just came and served out of love for us, and as a demonstration of Christ’s love. I can tell you that political and social attitudes and opinions were shelved. Nobody stayed away because my brother was gay. Nobody said, “He/she is not a member of my political party, so I cannot support them.” My mother’s dear Catholic friend was there to greet and serve alongside her Baptist friends. The then-pastor at the Methodist church who had befriended my parents and Tim on Tuesday buffet night at Pizza Hut came to visit often in Tim’s last days – and conducted his funeral and consoled us in the end.

All these people returned almost a year later when my dad passed. Once again, they “set up camp” at my parents’ house and carried us through our hardest days. I saw this repeated when my grandmother Polly died in 2013. It had been years since she had been able to physically attend church, but fellow church members rallied to prepare a meal for us on the day of Mam-ma’s service…and they showered us with cards, hugs and offers to help however they could in the days before and after the funeral.

I realize there has been a pandemic, and we are not as “social” as we were even a few years ago. But it seems to be more than this. Somewhere, somehow, in the last few years, we have become not only more isolated, but also more insulated. We don’t reach out to others in love like we once did. We are more polarized. Before we share the love of Christ with someone, we must assess their political leanings, their social attitudes, and their church affiliation. Even within our church families, we’ve become more selective…almost like a country club, sorority, or fraternity. If you’re not in our group…you’re not on our “radar” and/or entitled to our attention and care.

Do not misunderstand. I am not pointing fingers – or having a pity party. I am telling you that we can do better…and we must! Jesus did not command us to qualify our demonstrations of love for one another. He didn’t say we were to only love those in our immediate circle…or those who agree with us on everything! These days, it seems like people are seeking to only associate with those who believe exactly as they do. In this process, they miss not only the true intention of Jesus’ commands, but they also lose out on countless blessings that come with learning to work together and appreciate each other as God’s amazing creatures.

Yes, there are “stinkers” in this world that are truly hard to love. I get that! But often, we use a “difference” as a reason to withhold our care and concern. We try to justify this to Jesus…and I can tell you, He’s not having it! So let’s get busy looking for ways to love others with the love of Christ. Let’s get over ourselves and look for opportunities to love one another – and let God sort out the rest. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus