Daily Devotional for March 20, 2024 – Life lessons from a third grader…it’s time to “dress for success” as God’s witness – and know your worth in His Kingdom

Jeremiah 1:4-10
The Lord said to me, “I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.”

“O Lord God,” I said, “I can’t do that! I’m far too young! I’m only a youth!”

“Don’t say that,” he replied, “for you will go wherever I send you and speak whatever I tell you to. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I, the Lord, will be with you and see you through.”

Then he touched my mouth and said, “See, I have put my words in your mouth! Today your work begins, to warn the nations and the kingdoms of the world. In accord with my words spoken through your mouth I will tear down some and destroy them, and plant others, nurture them, and make them strong and great.”

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

CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman shares the best stories – often intended to uplift and inspire. And a story Greg and I recently viewed on CBS Sunday Morning was no exception. Hartman introduced us to 8-year-old third grader, James Ramage, who lives in Chelsea, Maine – just outside Augusta. Ramage loves to “dress for success” – and his regular school attire generally includes a suit and tie – sometimes with a matching vest!  James Ramage decided at this young age that this was how he preferred to dress – even as many of his peers expressed everything from skepticism to eye-rolls. 
 
As Ramage persevered in his personal style choices, other children started to give this attire a try…and it caught on big time! Today, many of James Ramage’s schoolmates and teachers participate in “Dapper Wednesdays” by dressing in their finest at least one day a week. The school principal noted that these dress-up days have improved the children’s self-esteem. One little boy said, “I feel like I’m a president!” If you read the website article about this, you will see that the school established a “Dapper Closet” so that clothing can be donated for all children to be able to participate. And little James Ramage notes that not all children want to dress this way – and that’s okay. He says he wants every kid to wear what he/she wants to wear!
 
Children teach me new things every day, and I am in awe of the “ripple effects” of the acts of one little boy who chose to bravely be who God made him to be. I believe this is a lesson that will serve him well all his life…and one we can learn from, also. The first sentences of this passage in Jeremiah 1 humble me as I think that God designed us even before the womb. He made big plans for each of us…and He is ready, willing, and able to put words in our mouth and equip us to serve as His agents on this earth. Our job is to listen and truly hear what He is telling us – and to act on this. We are not to conform to the world…or twist God’s message to fit our agenda or that of our peers. We are to boldly trust Him to guide and guard us as we go wherever He sends us – and speak however He tells us to speak.
 
Every day, it seems I become more keenly aware of how many people do not know their own worth – especially in the eyes of God. Too many are so focused on fitting in and “belonging” to a particular group – or striving to elevate themselves in stature with certain claims. As you and I understand how valuable we are to God just as He created us, we can find our worth as His beloved – and genuinely share His message with others. It comes down to a matter of knowing when we are really hearing from God…and when we are letting the influence of others cloud our thoughts, words, and actions.
 
I don’t dress up every day, but I do find that on the days when I pay attention to my appearance, I feel more confident and capable. But what truly bolsters my self-esteem and joy is the assurance that I am seeking God’s will…and doing my dead-level best to speak and act as He desires, even when this is unpopular and/or not what others want to hear! God wants us to know our worth as He designed us…and to “dress for success” every day as His agents. I pray that you know your value in God’s Kingdom – and trust Him to guide and guard you as you serve as He commands. 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 August 30, 2019 – Praying in faith – and honoring God’s response

Daniel 9:3-10; 17-19
Then, to show my sorrow, I went without eating and dressed in sackcloth and sat in ashes. I confessed my sins and earnestly prayed to the Lord my God:

Our Lord, you are a great and fearsome God, and you faithfully keep your agreement with those who love and obey you. But we have sinned terribly by rebelling against you and rejecting your laws and teachings. We have ignored the message your servants the prophets spoke to our kings, our leaders, our ancestors, and everyone else.

Everything you do is right, our Lord. But still we suffer public disgrace because we have been unfaithful and have sinned against you. This includes all of us, both far and near—the people of Judah, Jerusalem, and Israel, as well as those you dragged away to foreign lands, and even our kings, our officials, and our ancestors. Lord God, you are merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against you and rejected your teachings that came to us from your servants the prophets.

I am your servant, Lord God, and I beg you to answer my prayers and bring honor to yourself by having pity on your temple that lies in ruins. Please show mercy to your chosen city, not because we deserve it, but because of your great kindness. Forgive us! Hurry and do something, not only for your city and your chosen people, but to bring honor to yourself.

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

A few weeks ago, Greg and I watched “Inherit the Wind”, a movie made in 1960 about the Scopes “Monkey” Trial of 1925, which was centered on the argument of teaching evolution in public schools. As we watched this movie, I was struck by the parallels that could be drawn to many of the current events of today…particularly how easy it is to get people stirred up about something to the point of a “mob mentality”. The lessons of this movie were incredibly relevant for us in today’s climate of divisiveness…and I hope you will give it a look if you have the chance.

As I read this passage, I was once again struck by the relevance of this prayer for us today. We have indeed sinned, rebelled and rejected the laws and instructions of God. We have ignored His message and dishonored the teachings and commands of Jesus…particularly the all-inclusive directive to “love one another”.

But just as it was for Daniel, all is not lost for us. We can turn this around…and it begins by humbly bowing before God and asking Him to forgive us and set things right. We don’t have to fast and dress in sack cloth and ashes…but we do have to be ready to do the hard work. We cannot just pray and expect God to fix everything. God will not allow us to “fiddle while Rome burns”.

The time has come for us to earnestly seek God and beg for His forgiveness. We must be prepared to take the critical step of turning from our evil ways and selfish, unloving attitudes – and truly honor the incomparable gifts and blessings that God has bestowed upon us. In other words, if we are going to ask Him to help and heal us, we have to be willing to follow through and do our part in return. Are you ready?

©2019 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 20, 2018 – Fulfilling your mission in the Body of Believers…we all need a little help!

Romans 12:3-8
I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That’s how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.

God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully.

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

I can still clearly see my Mam-ma Polly placing fruit and nuts in the mesh stockings that hung around her fireplace for me, my sister, and my brother. I was probably about six or seven when this happened. Mam-ma noticed that I had “caught” her…and she said, “Well…Santa Claus just needed a little help.”  I have never forgotten that…I can still hear her voice.

This was a satisfactory and reasonable explanation…after all, none of us are invincible – not even Santa. I imagined how much work it must be for him to deliver all of the packages and fill every stocking in one evening. It was quite plausible that he would welcome some assistance from “Mam-ma Pollys” all over the world!

Here’s the thing…you and I are not supreme beings. Quite often, we need a little help. Paul is reminding us to function as one body for the glory of Christ…and to stay in our lane and do what we do best. He is suggesting that we pull together and “pool our resources” to get the biggest “bang for the buck”!  We are to do our best to fulfill our part…and trust others to do the same.

This is not a “pass” to sit back and do nothing. God has called each of us to a mission and ministry. You may feel that yours is rather simple or mundane…but if one person drops the ball, everyone else struggles and is burdened to pull up the slack. Don’t be the weak link!  Search your heart and spend some time asking God what He wants you to do…when and where He wants you to serve. Then serve to the best of your ability, and trust that God will multiply and perfect your efforts.

Santa does indeed need a little help…but so do your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Are you answering the call and serving to the best of your ability?  Don’t you think you should be?

©2018 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 13, 2018 – Making the most of our “earthy tent” – and looking forward to Heavenly “digs”

2 Corinthians 5:1-5
For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven—God-made, not handmade—and we’ll never have to relocate our “tents” again. Sometimes we can hardly wait to move—and so we cry out in frustration. Compared to what’s coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and we’re tired of it! We’ve been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less.

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.

Don’t you love a day when you can stay home, slouch around in comfy clothes and no makeup (for us women) and just “be”?  I have to admit, I probably look like this far more often than I should. But everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with messages to appear one way or another…to try this wrinkle cream or that diet plan, exercise gizmo or program.  We see countless commercials that suggest that we have a specific ailment – for which there is always a cure (usually at an exorbitant price – often in monthly installments!).

It is indeed enough to make us want to cry out in frustration sometimes.  The subliminal message is that we are not good enough on our own…that there is always something that needs fixing – and some mere mortal who can fix it!  But we Christians know the truth…or we should!

Someday, we will rest in the physical presence of Jesus in a new, perfect, complete, whole body.  Everything will be just as it should be – and we won’t give this a second thought.  Meanwhile, there is something to be said for our earthly condition…warts, ailments and all. We know this isn’t the end…but because of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we can certainly make the best of what we have in this moment. We know better days are coming…and that makes this leg of the journey bearable – maybe even exciting.

We know that we have a mission on this earth – to share the love and Good News of Jesus with others and to help to acquire as many more souls for the Kingdom of Heaven as possible. THIS makes our time on earth worthwhile. So we must roll up our sleeves and get busy doing the work of our Heavenly Father.

We were created for a purpose.  We were given these earthly “tents” for a reason.  Whether you have a “luxury model” or an “unfurnished, tumble-down shack”, God will equip you to serve as you are able for His glory. Someday, an “upgrade” will be waiting for you in Heaven. But for the moment, we are called to work with what we have been given. How well would you say you are doing?

©2018 Debbie Robus