Daily Devotional for October 31, 2010

Job 8:11-13
Papyrus reeds grow healthy only in a swamp, and if the water dries up, they die sooner than grass. Such is the hopeless future of all who turn from God.

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

Have you ever picked a flower or a leaf out in the yard, brought it inside, and forgotten about it for a few hours? Most likely when you found it again, it had withered, shriveled, and begun to dry up and die. Had you put the flower or leaf in water right away, it might still be beautiful and healthy … filled out and flourishing. And maybe, if you were fortunate, you could revive the withered flower or leaf by giving it a big dose of sustenance in the form of water – and possibly other plant nutrients.

It’s amazing how quickly we begin to wither, fade and falter when we step away from God’s Living Waters. When we turn our backs on Him and decide we know more about how to run our lives than He does, we start having problems very quickly. And pretty soon, we are like the flower and leaf – or the papyrus reeds in a swamp that has gone dry… we are weak and dried up - done in, hopeless and helpless.

The good news for us is that we can rejuvenate and restore ourselves by returning to right relationship with God. He stands ready to revive us with His Living Water… to give us His sustenance and nutrients in the form of His Holy Word. Communication with God through prayer, Bible study, and spending time with His disciples will soon have us nourished, healthy, and standing tall and sturdy in the winds of life.

Where are you these days? Are you withering like a flower or leaf left on the kitchen counter? Or are you thriving and healthy, enjoying the joys of a life that is filled with the light of our Heavenly Father? Are you serving the One who gives us daily sustenance that feeds our body and our soul? Or have you stepped out of the Water? The choice is ours… and the solution is an easy one. Where are you standing today?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 30, 2010

Proverbs 23:19
Listen to me, my children! Be wise and have enough sense to follow the right path.

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

Recently some former schoolmates of mine were having a discussion on Facebook about climbing Sugar Loaf. One of them said she had never made the climb, and she had heard it is quite dangerous. The rest of us remarked that yes, the climb could possibly be dangerous if you took the wrong path or tried to ascend to the top in the wrong divide in the rocks.

Honestly, the path is pretty clear. There is very little room for error… until you get to the rock outcropping. If you venture too far, you’ll find yourself at a crevice that is too steep and treacherous to climb… and there is a faint path that leads in this direction (probably from those who have so frequently gone too far!). We suggested to this friend that she take someone with her who is familiar with the mountain and has made the climb… a seasoned guide who can “show her the ropes.”

I know you see where I’m going with this. The path to living for Jesus is pretty clear, but there are times we need a Guide to help us with the more difficult areas or to keep us on the right course… and we have One! All we have to do is listen to God… to follow His lead and stay on the path He shows us, and we will “ascend to the top” safely and with relative ease. But so often, we are not sensible. We listen to the voice of the devil whispering in our ear that “our way is better, or more fun, faster, or easier.” And the next thing you know, we’ve made a huge mess of things.

We need to learn to listen to God. We need to pay attention to His guidance and stick to His pathway. He will NEVER steer us wrong. He will ALWAYS keep us safe. And as a bonus, the “views at the Top” are amazing! Who are you listening to these days? Do you have enough sense to follow the right path?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 29, 2010

Jeremiah 2:19
Your own sins will punish you, because it was a bitter mistake for you to reject me without fear of punishment. I, the LORD All-Powerful, have spoken.

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

On TV’s “The Biggest Loser,” contestants sometimes make crazy choices. This is a game, so a contestant may weigh the pros and cons of choosing to participate in a “challenge” where the participants have to eat a lot of calorie-laden sweets to have a chance at “immunity.” Or… a contestant may deliberately attempt to keep from losing weight in an effort to “throw” the results of the weigh-in at the end of each show. In all cases, the trainers inevitably come back to these contestants with one question… “Was it worth it?”

Very seldom do these choices work out well. One contestant had a “extra weight” card that he could use any week he chose. This card would allow him to add pounds to his weight-loss total for the week, and it increased exponentially with each passing week. He opted not to use the card at a weigh-in, and his weight loss was not all that great. He could have used another 3-pound loss to stay in the game. As it was, he lost… and his fellow contestants voted him off and sent him home.

I know that “The Biggest Loser” is just a game… and these people are hoping to win up to $250,000 at the end of the season. But they are also risking their lives, in a sense, because these are morbidly obese people with serious health issues. Losing this weight could also mean the difference between life and death for them.

“But I’m not overweight,” you may be saying… “and I’m certainly not morbidly obese… what does this have to do with me?” We are no different from the contestants on “The Biggest Loser” when it comes to life decisions. We gamble every day with all sorts of choices that affect our relationship with God… choices that could have Eternal consequences.

Just like thinking we will eat cupcakes today and worry about the weight tomorrow, we decide we will “live for today,” and worry about our salvation later. We choose to “sow wild oats” and, in our mind, enjoy our life on our own terms, with little to no regard for the long-term effect on our lives, the lives of those around us… and our Eternal life.

The question of “The Biggest Loser” trainers applies to this situation, as well… “Was it worth it?” What are we thinking to turn our back on God for even one second? None of us are promised tomorrow… a second chance. Like the contestant on the show who gambled with his “bonus card” and lost, we risk losing something far more important… our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Let’s take a look at our lives today and see where we are “living outside the box” and excluding God in the process. Let’s ask God to show us where we need to make changes and better choices - and re-align ourselves with His plan. Let’s make sure we are “winners” where it really matters – not for $250,000 or the title of “The Biggest Loser” – but in the race to the cross, where we find the ultimate Prize… life everlasting with our Heavenly Father.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 28, 2010

Proverbs 23:15-16
My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy, and if you are truthful, I will really be glad.

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

Watching a child master something you have taught him/her is incredibly rewarding. I remember countless times when I was teaching kindergarten and first grade students and a child would master a task or skill… learning to tie his/her shoes, being able to write his/her name legibly, counting to twenty or more, reading a passage in a book and understanding the meaning… so many accomplishments. Each one was a victory for the child… but also for me as I watched this child grow and develop with my guidance.

I related to someone recently how my husband and I have observed the little boy we sponsor through Compassion International go from drawing self-portraits that consisted of a circle with two big eyes and a smile and stick arms and legs protruding to intricately detailed drawings of himself, cars, buildings, and more… all in the span of four years. We can physically see the growth and development that is occurring in Kodjo, and we are proud of all he is accomplishing.

God takes the same kind of pride in seeing us grow… mentally, physically, and spiritually. And as we develop a deeper relationship with Him and truly start to “get it,” He is delighted. But the real joy comes when we begin to share His truths with others… and to genuinely walk in them and speak them.

It’s one thing to love God and want to serve Him, but it’s quite another to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with Him… one where He is front and center, and the focus of your very being is to serve Him truthfully in everything you say and do. Imagine the joy you can experience, knowing that you are pleasing God. Envision His joy and pride in you, as you serve Him truthfully, with good sense!

This should be our goal as Christian disciples. Once we get to a point (or closer to it) where we operate totally from a desire to please God… to always use good sense and speak His truths… doors open, opportunities to serve Him even more appear, and blessings flow. Ask God to show you how you can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. Ask Him to give you common sense and the wisdom to always speak His truths. He will be glad you asked… and so will you.

©2010 Debbie Robus

To learn more about Compassion, International - or to sponsor your own child - visit www.compassion.com.

Daily Devotional for October 27, 2010

Philippians 2:14-16
Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything that they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life. Then on the day when Christ returns, I can take pride in you. I can also know that my work and efforts were not useless.

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

I’ve been watching episodes of CBS’s Undercover Boss. Inevitably, the “boss” will go undercover and be paired with an employee who has a job that is either incredibly hard, boring, physically or mentally challenging, or a combination of all of these. Yet the employee does the work with a smile, enthusiasm, and a great attitude.

More than once, the “boss” has discovered that this cheerful employee also had a lot to be unhappy or unpleasant about away from the job. As if his/her work wasn’t difficult enough, the employee had to go home to a child or spouse with an illness, a sub-standard living situation or several hungry children, or some other challenge. One 26-year-old motel clerk with a 10-year-old son said her mom kicked her out of the house the day she announced she was pregnant. The “boss” asked, “Where did you live?” She replied, “For quite a while, I lived in my car.”

Similar stories are prevalent on other television shows. And we wonder, “How do these people continue to live such lives of joy, enthusiasm, positive energy, and determination in the midst of these incredible odds?” Could it be that these folks have tapped into the power of Philippians 2:14-16?

Maybe these people have learned, like the Apostle Paul, to be content in whatever circumstances they find themselves. Maybe they have figured out that the worst day with Jesus is better than the best day without Him. Maybe they understand that we are called to serve Jesus Christ… to go into the world and share His message with others… to set the example for truly living in Him.

Every one of us has days when we don’t really want to get up and “do it all over again.” We all have times when there are things we would rather not do… like work, school, housekeeping, yard maintenance, and other chores. There are moments when life is boring at best, or downright drudgery. There are events we don’t want to attend, people we don’t want to be around, and choices we don’t want to have to make.

But in the life of a Christian, grumbling and arguing, complaining and misbehaving are really not part of the deal. If we want to truly make Jesus proud… if we honestly want to bring Him joy and honor His sacrifice… we must shine as lights among the other people in this world, as we hold firmly to His message of salvation and Eternal Life. Living this way isn’t easy, for sure. But the “stakes” are high – and the reward is great. And the more we begin to operate in joy and contentment - “no matter our circumstances”… the more we begin to focus on pleasing and serving Jesus, the easier it gets.

Isn’t it worth a shot? Don’t you want to honor Jesus and make Him proud? Are you willing to try? If Jesus is your “Undercover Boss”… are you working for Him with a smile and a “can-do” attitude?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 26, 2010

Proverbs 19:20
Pay attention to advice and accept correction, so you can live sensibly.

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

It doesn’t matter what age we are, many of us would rather learn the hard way than take advice or correction from someone else. Toddlers are told, “You’re going to pinch your fingers in that door,” and until they do, they will probably keep sticking them there. Teenagers and young adults are told, “We aren’t trying to run your lives, but we’ve ‘been there, done that,’ and this is what happens,” yet they sometimes have to discover for themselves that this is the outcome Older adults are told, “If you don’t slow down and take it easy, you are going to fall and end up breaking a hip,” and they continue trying to do things just as they did them twenty years earlier… and often end up having hip replacement surgery and rehab – or going to a nursing home.

It seems that our definition of “sensibly” is often something far different from the other guy’s – and certainly that of scripture. So it’s no wonder that we are no more willing to take the advice and correction found in the Bible, is it?!

The trouble with this logic is that the advice and correction of other humans may help us short-term, but the teachings of the Bible have ramifications for Eternity. Yes, God wants us to live sensibly on this earth, but He is far more concerned with what we are building for our heavenly future. If we are spinning our wheels making one mistake after another, we are not honoring God and serving Him as we should… and it’s possible we may miss the mark completely and fail to accept the salvation of Jesus Christ. In turn, this could mean that we do not receive the gift of Eternal Life – and the promise of a future in heaven.

I’m not saying this is where you are today, but we humans are stubborn know-it-alls sometimes… especially in our spiritual walk. Are you sure you are listening to God and paying attention to His advice and correction? Are you merely assuming your friends and relatives have accepted Jesus and will join you in heaven someday? Have you made sure that those in your “circle” have had exposure to the scriptures and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ? Have you shared the advice of God and His Holy Word with others?

Is it time for us to have a talk with God and ask for His advice and correction, so that we “get it together”? Just how sensibly are we living these days?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 25, 2010

Psalm 119:9
Young people can live a clean life by obeying your word.

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

I’ve been reading in Oswald Chambers’ book My Utmost for His Highest about human impulse. We humans love to act impulsively. Even on the most basic level, if your hands get dirty, your first impulse may be to wash them. When your clothes are stained or you’ve worn them for a while, you feel the urge to wash them.

When something goes wrong in your life, is your first impulse often to run to God and pray? Is one of your immediate thoughts…”Lord, I need you to fix this… to ‘clean’ up this mess!”? Often, our next “impulse” is that we have to correct this situation as fast as possible… we are embarrassed, ashamed, panicked, and fearful… all tools that Satan loves to wield in our direction.

Chambers says that God doesn’t pay any attention to our impulses. In fact, He ignores them. God doesn’t want us to act impulsively in our relationship with Him. He is waiting for us to get so deeply ingrained in His word… to develop such a constant, abiding relationship with Him… that He is not even “second nature” to us – but rather, first nature. God wants us to relate to Him so deeply that living a clean life is a no-brainer, because we are totally immersed in obeying His word and teaching, and we don’t know how to act otherwise.

In order to keep our clothes clean, we would have to sit perfectly still and never move. Even sitting still would not prevent our bodies from becoming dirty over time. But we can keep our spiritual body clean and remove any need for impulse… or desperation. In our relationship with God, we can grow beyond the human confines of such emotions and behaviors as impulse… and in doing so, remove the need to operate in the realm of Satan’s fear, guilt and shame.

No matter what age you are, it’s not too late to start digging deeper into God’s word. It’s never too late to start cultivating a more intimate relationship with Him – one where His presence is as vital and constant as the air you breathe. Young people of all ages can “come clean” today and begin to remove the opportunity for impulsiveness, as you grow closer to God. Are you ready to clean up your act?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 24, 2010

Proverbs 6:20-22
Obey the teaching of your parents -- always keep it in mind and never forget it. Their teaching will guide you when you walk, protect you when you sleep, and talk to you when you are awake.

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

Recently, my grandmother was involved in a car accident, and she was treated at our local hospital emergency room for a bruised sternum. This was not a life-threatening injury, but at her age, the ER staff told me she would be woozy the first night and needed someone to stay with her. So I went home with her and spent the night.

My grandmother keeps a very warm house, and I was anything but chilly. However, the next morning, she got up and said, “I woke up in the night and thought… ‘I bet that kid is cold.’” At 53, I scarcely consider myself a kid, but I guess I still am to someone who is 98! And I had to laugh that, at my age, she is still worried about me with a motherly instinct… even when I sleep!

As we watch our baby Timothy learn to walk and run and talk… and we stand over him as he sleeps to make sure he is warm and cozy and safe… I find myself thinking about our Heavenly Parent – our Father God – and how He is constantly looking out for us. He is always teaching us… always talking with us and walking with us … even when we sleep.

Doesn’t this make everything better? Doesn’t it give you a laugh to think that the God of the Universe still considers you His kid and cares about the smallest details of your life? Doesn’t this make you want to live smarter, walk and talk better, and represent Him with honor and glory at every turn?

My prayer today is that we would recognize how God is monitoring our every breath … that we would remember His teachings and strive to continually grow closer to Him in every aspect of our daily living. Always keep God in your mind, and never forget Him. He will never leave your side… even when you sleep… and you will always be His kid.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 23, 2010

Proverbs 10:11
Stay away from stupid and senseless arguments. These only lead to trouble, and God's servants must not be troublemakers. They must be kind to everyone, and they must be good teachers and very patient.

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

Lately, it seems like I’ve had one stupid and senseless argument after another with my grandmother. And I admit, many of them are a direct result of my impatience. At almost 98 years of age, things in her world are changing rapidly, and everything I say is viewed as a direct challenge. But knowing when I should speak and when to keep quiet has been quite difficult… especially in recent years.

A few weeks ago, I was driving her to the beauty shop, and she was upset with me over something I had said. She told me, “Y’all never come to see me, so you don’t know anything about how I operate.” I began to remind her that someone – I, my husband, my sister … SOMEONE had been to visit her every day that week except one. She retorted, “No you haven’t!” As we got out of the car at the beauty shop, she said, “I’m frustrated,” and I told her, “I’m frustrated, too.” But I realized that arguing about this situation was not helping. Getting her to admit that someone – and often several “someones” - visits her every day was not going to make either of us feel any better.

It’s a lot like repeatedly telling Timothy he can’t touch the “pretties” that are his Aunt DebDeb’s… at some point, it is easier to put them in the closet or cabinet where he cannot reach them than to repeatedly argue over his touching them. And much the same can be said for our relationships with friends, family members and acquaintances. We have to “pick our battles,” and many of us often pick them poorly.

So we end up arguing or disagreeing over trivial, silly things that don’t matter. We get our feelings hurt over something that shouldn’t have been on our radar screen. We take things the wrong way and “make mountains out of molehills.” And all of this dishonors our role as God’s servants.

I know that my grandmother “pushes my buttons,” and she’s gotten really good at it. But I also know that I have to do better at exercising patience and holding my tongue. I must make prayerful decisions about when to speak up, and when to let something slide.

And this might be a good time for us to take stock of our lives and ask God to show us where to incorporate a lot of the lessons of these recent devos in order to serve Him better. Where and how do we need to distance ourselves from “friends” and acquaintances – and even family members – who “push our buttons?” If you can’t seem to keep from arguing with someone, then maybe you need to evaluate the time you spend with that person and see if you can make adjustments that help limit opportunities for conflict.

How can you incorporate prayer and communion with God to help diffuse troublesome situations before they even begin? Are you calling on God to guard your comments for you – to give you the right words (and the right tone of voice) to speak to others? Are you asking Him to hold your tongue when unpleasant, or argument-provoking thoughts dare to spill out in the form of a sentence? Who can mentor you in these situations? Have you asked God to direct you to wise, experienced counsel who can help you diffuse troublesome relationships – or those that have the potential for such trouble?

This is a very hard scripture passage for me to discuss, because I know I often act out of impatience… especially with my grandmother. I don’t mean to be unkind – or to argue. And sometimes, a confrontation over something like asking her to give up cooking on her stove, so that she is safe and doesn’t get burned, is inevitably going to lead to a heated discussion, at best. But there are plenty of times when I could let things go and avoid the argument… and I am working on doing so. As I’ve said many times, “I am a work in progress,” and I am grateful that we serve such a patient God will not give up on me – or any of us, if we seek His help.

Where do you need help today? Who – or what – is “pushing your buttons” and causing you to instigate needless trouble? Let’s be honest… all of this is the work of the devil, and it makes me furious to think he gets even a second of satisfaction out of my actions. So let’s agree today to keep in constant contact with God… and ask Him to guide our thoughts, our words, and our deeds. Let’s ask God to help us learn when the argument is worth it… and when we’re being stupid and senseless. Let’s pray for HUGE doses of patience and kindness… and the wisdom to be honorable servants who avoid stirring up trouble. And let’s be smart and sensible in our daily living.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 22, 2010

Proverbs 3:21-24
My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. They will help you to live a long and beautiful life. You will walk safely and never stumble; you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly.

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

Insomnia has become a huge problem in recent years for many people. Or maybe we are just more aware of how widespread this problem is for a number of people. In any case, there are now a lot of medications that are reputed to help with insomnia… from Ambien to Lunesta to over-the-counter solutions like Tylenol P.M. and more. Who knew that perhaps one of the best “cures” for insomnia could be found in Proverbs 3 … and why are we surprised?!

“But you don’t have any idea how many worries and stresses I have,” you may be saying. “When my head hits the pillow at night, my mind just races.” I do know… I’ve been there myself.

Proverbs 3:21-24 and scripture passages such as Psalm 127:2, which says in the King James Version…”It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep,” tell us clearly that God wants us to clear our mind, to give our worries and cares to HIM, and to sleep and rest soundly. I know this is hard… and I’m not saying some of us don’t need a little something to help us over the hump with this from time to time.

I do believe that we often fail to give our worries and burdens, stresses and “busyness” completely to God. We give Him our troubles to hold for a few minutes – and then we pick them back up again. As for common sense and sound judgment, I know firsthand that I make the mistake of failing to consult God often enough… in all situations. How hard would it be to stop and take five seconds to say, “Lord, help me to say the right things,” or to ask, “Lord, what should I do?” Even if you have to put down the phone, or raise your hand and say to someone, “Excuse me for a second,” then close your eyes and silently pray for guidance… imagine how this could affect the outcome!

If we spent more time involving God in our lives and consulting Him about even the smallest choices and decisions, our sleep might be more restful and sound… and come more easily. Our life would most certainly be more beautiful and peaceful, and we would stumble far less often.

My prayer for all of us is that we would commit to involving God more completely in our day-to-day living, and that we would experience more rest and peace in our sleep… and more safety, comfort, and blessings in our very lives. Do you have a few seconds to spare to communicate with God? Are you willing to see what a difference it can make?

©2010 Debbie Robus



Daily Devotional for October 21, 2010

Psalm 71:17
You have taught me since I was a child, and I never stop telling about your marvelous deeds.

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

Do you remember your first “lesson” from God? I’m not talking about a Sunday School lesson or attending church when you were little. I’m talking about the first time you saw firsthand Christian behavior or witnessed an act of God. Sadly, one of my first memories associated with church was a shouting match that occurred one evening when I was about four. There was some sort of dispute between the pastor and several church members, and a man in our congregation actually tried to “shout down” the pastor as he spoke. I can still see the man who was yelling, and I can see the pastor calmly continuing to speak. This was not one of the finer moments for our church. I can’t even tell you what caused the dispute – nor the outcome - but some nearly 50 years later, I still can vividly recall that evening service.

In contrast, I recall positive influences – the fact that my parents and all of my grandparents were faithful members of their church and attended regularly. Bibles were not only visibly displayed in all our homes … they were used regularly! My paternal grandparents had really poor television reception “out in the country,” so they spent their spare time in the evenings and on weekends reading their Bibles and listening to gospel music on the radio. My great-grandfather died when I was about ten, and I remember sitting on my great-grandmother’s lap as she reassured me that “the Lord will take care of me.”

A lot of the things that God taught me as a child, I truly didn’t recognize… much less understand… until I was a lot older. But the wisdom was there… the knowledge and the groundwork were present. And I see that now in the children I encounter… my own nieces and nephews, young cousins and the children of dear friends … and even those of you I have been blessed to serve as a Sunday School teacher.

I have been told over and over, “You are planting seeds.” I know that in actuality, God is planting the seeds – I am just the “field hand.” But the result is that someday – maybe not even in my lifetime – those seeds will grow and bear fruit. The lessons God taught all of us in our childhood stay with us forever and can continue to bless us and guide us well into adulthood.

So today, think about the lessons God has taught you since childhood – the people who have surrounded you and influenced you in your faith walk. And think about the children in your circle of influence. Are you showing them examples of God’s wisdom, love, grace and mercy? Are you behaving in a way that gives little ones a good example to follow? Children are watching us … especially the older teens and young adults they so want to emulate. They are seeking role models and gauging their faith by how we exemplify ours. So how are we doing? What sort of “field hand” are you being for God these days?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 20, 2010

Proverbs 17:28
Even fools seem smart when they are quiet.

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

How many times have you assumed you knew what someone else was thinking because that person didn’t say anything to give you another impression? Here’s an example… you are standing with a group of people, and one of them expresses a social opinion about a particular religious group. Many in the crowd speak up and agree with the comments, but a couple of people don’t say a word. How many people in the group do you suppose will assume that those who didn’t speak up are in agreement with what was said?

See, it’s not just what you say and how you say it. As this scripture points out, even foolish people can seem smart when they are not saying anything. Haven’t you ever heard someone say, “I thought Joe was really smart until he opened his mouth!”? We often make assumptions about a person based on their environment, their education level, social status, and more. But unless they communicate with us and express their thoughts and feelings, we can’t be certain of anything.

Why am I sharing this scripture? What importance does it have for us today? I believe that a lot of people are operating heavily in the realm of assumption. If you stand silent while others berate people of other races, religions, lifestyle choices and more, many will assume you endorse these opinions. I’m not saying you have to go on a verbal attack or start participating in public protests. But quite often, we feel like we simply don’t want to get involved… and by default, that’s exactly what we do.

Additionally, if we are silent about our faith, we not only waste opportunities to honor and serve Christ… we pretty well deny our own walk with Him. Not standing up - or speaking up - for the teachings of Jesus… failing to act and speak in a way that conveys our dependence upon the love, grace and mercy of the Holy Spirit and how He works in our lives… is as foolish as the actions and words of a person who says something ridiculous – or downright stupid.

The Christian life is a delicate balance. We must ask God to continually guide our thoughts, words, and deeds. But I would rather open my mouth and stand up for the teachings of my Lord and Savior – and risk seeming foolish – than to stand silent and have others assume I agree with something that denies my faith. I would rather stand up for the values I cherish and risk being ostracized or ridiculed than to remain silent and have those who think differently decide I agree with their opinions. The “delicate balance” comes in how I express my views. I must always remember to behave and speak in a manner that honors God and respects my relationship with Him.

Talk with God and ask Him to show you how and when to speak… and to give you the words and actions that honor your relationship with Him. And the next time you are with someone who remains visibly silent on an issue, do not assume you know what he/she is thinking or feeling. Silence can be a result of great wisdom – or Spiritual foolishness. Make sure you are listening to God as you choose your opportunities to speak up for Him … and the times when your silence is appropriate.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 19, 2010

Proverbs 4:13
Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you.

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

If I have learned one thing in recent months, it’s that God is continually teaching us… and we’d better be paying attention! And most recently, Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to my mind more than once as I struggled with some really tough decisions. In the King James Version, it reads, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

The teaching of these two verses alone can make all the difference in the world in our lives. These words truly can mean life for us. And there are many other examples of scriptural teaching that can give us life skills and wisdom that can make a huge difference.

At the end of a recent sermon, our pastor commented that “there’s a heartache on every pew this morning.” And he’s right. Each of us has struggles and challenges every single day. And while some are bigger than others, if they are ours, they seem pretty large, don’t they?!

This leads me back to our passage for today – a message that we are to hold firmly to the teaching of the Lord and never let it go. As I have faced some challenges the last few weeks, I have found that God has impressed the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 on my heart and into my mind more than once. I am not often good at recalling scripture verses, but these were given to me with such clarity. I “remembered” every word… and I meditated on them and clung to their promise. And you know what? God has led me over many hurdles and through several decisions… and He has granted me peace and joy, even when some of the choices I had to make were difficult and/or unpleasant.

During a worship service, we sang, “Jesus conquered the grave.” I distinctly felt the Holy Spirit saying to me, “If I can conquer the grave, surely I can manage your needs. If I can conquer the grave, I can heal bodies, broken hearts, and downtrodden spirits. If I can conquer the grave, I can bring nations together and resolve conflicts.”

This is my teaching for the moment. My God is mighty to save, and He will meet all of my needs according to His will. This is the life-giving instruction I am clinging to for now. Maybe it is yours… or maybe God is showing you another set of scriptures - or speaking to you through prayer, an experience, a fellow believer, or some other format. Whatever teaching you are receiving, hold firmly to it and never let go. Recognize the life-giving essence of God’s instruction, and trust in His power to guide your steps perfectly.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 18, 2010

Proverbs 21:23
Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.

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

Recently, a friend posted a comment on Facebook about how a couple of his college professors were two of the most despised instructors on campus. This may seem like a harmless comment, but think about it … on the off chance that one of these instructors saw your post, do you really think this would make them go easier on you?

Most of us have probably shared something with someone in confidence and asked them not to repeat it … only to discover later that the person did just that. Or, we have gotten in stressful situations where we spoke nervously and said things we regretted later. The result of both is a lousy feeling.

You have no idea how God has used this scripture to speak to me … and maybe He is doing the same with you. More than ever, we are living in an age where every word we speak can be monitored, recorded, preserved for posterity, and misconstrued. In my case, I often encounter miscommunication challenges with my grandmother and her friends. I say one thing … she hears another. Or, she forgets what I told her and repeats her version of the conversation to family members and friends. In this situation, even watching what you say can still result in trouble!

For many of you, the current challenge is watching what you say online, via text and chat, and in social settings with your friends. Many innocent statements made using electronic media take on a completely different connotation when posted. Context is lost. Voice tone and inflection are not present … and the words take on a very different meaning. So “jokes” passed back and forth on a friend’s Facebook wall are seen by others and taken as an insult. A seemingly harmless rant about a college professor gets shown to him/her, and chances are good that things will be more difficult for you in that class.

Worse yet, trusting a wide circle of “friends” and sharing every detail of your personal life can lead to misunderstandings, gossip, and potentially hurtful untruths being spread. A good example is when you start dating someone. Sure, you want to get to know the person – especially if you really like him/her. But sharing your whole life history on the first few dates is probably going too far and could cause serious heartache and trouble down the road - particularly if this relationship doesn’t last.

I have been having a serious conversation with God in recent days, asking Him to help me to moderate my speech – and to give me more wisdom and discernment in this area. I am asking Him to show me how to be more cautious, less trusting, and far less naïve. I am asking for wisdom in my communication, so that my words and their meaning are not misunderstood or misconstrued by others. And I am asking that what I speak would always be the truth, spoken with love, care and respect … and exactly what HE wants me to say.

I have a long ways to go, but I know that God can perform miracles where I make messes. I know that He can accomplish things I never dreamed possible. And I know that He can guide our thoughts, our words, and how they are interpreted by others. The key is to ask for His help … and then to listen for His guidance - and take it! This honors our relationship with God, which should be motivation enough. But if this also keeps us from getting into trouble, wouldn’t you agree that it’s even more worth the effort?

Even if you don’t feel this is an issue for you, I invite you to ask God to “double-check your work” – and your thoughts and speech. Make sure He is guiding your words and keeping you in agreement with His plans … and safe from the trouble that comes from dropping your guard.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 17, 2010

1 Corinthians 15:33
Don't fool yourselves. Bad friends will destroy you.

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

One of the hardest things to do in life is to ditch a friend. Even on Facebook, where there is some semblance of anonymity, deleting a friend can be a daunting challenge. But there are times when we must recognize that people who appear to be our “friends” really are not.

Let’s face it ... Satan does a good job of making sinful activities, thoughts and behaviors fun and enjoyable. So when He introduces us to bad friends, it’s often hard to let them go. This is why people who go to prison for getting involved in drugs, gang activity, and other crimes return home and go right back to their old crew of friends. This is why spouses and children sometimes can’t leave abusive situations. During the times when there is no abuse – or there is an “apology” for the vile behavior – the abuser can be a lot of fun or really enjoyable.

A friend who enables you – or “drags you down” in some way can do a lot of damage that you don’t even recognize. That “friend” who encourages you to pig out on junk food every time you are together, even though you are struggling with your weight… or party excessively… or even to wallow in self-pity and negative thinking… is not really a good friend.

We must prayerfully ask God to show us the truth about our friends. First, we must surround ourselves with Godly friends – people who share our faith and trust in Him to guide our every step. That doesn’t mean that every friend we have must be a believer. We need to befriend unbelievers from time to time in order to disciple them and share the love of Christ with them. But our dearest friends and support group should be strong, faith-filled Christians who encourage us and build us up in our daily walk with Jesus.

We don’t have to be rocket scientists to recognize “bad friends” in our lives. But we do have to call on the power of God to strengthen us in our resolve to distance ourselves from those who can potentially destroy us. If you need a good model of the perfect friend, look no further than your Forever Friend – Jesus Christ. All others will fall short of His example, but His model will give you standards and marks to which your friends can aspire … and clear indications of who is missing them.

Spend some time with God and ask Him to show you which friends He wants you to cultivate – and which ones need to be kicked to the curb. Who you choose for friends and associates is serious business. Your health and well-being – mentally, physically, and spiritually – depend on choosing wisely.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 16, 2010

Proverbs 15:28
Good people think before they answer, but the wicked speak evil without ever thinking.

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

I watched an episode of The View recently where one of the guests was a television commentator who has written a new book. I won’t name him here, because I don’t feel he deserves further recognition. I will preface my comments by saying that I understand that controversial talk show guests sell books and boost ratings. But this man made such vile statements about certain people in relation to the events of 9.11 that two of the hosts of The View – Joy Behar and Whoopi Goldberg – stood and left the studio in protest. While they may have used language and behavior that was less than stellar themselves, their visible protest to the wicked statements of this man were the only recourse they felt possible at the moment.

Aside from the fact that what the man said was wrong – and he did somewhat apologize and rephrase his remarks – the basic intent of his statements was evil. This man didn’t necessarily think about what he was saying … at least I hope he didn’t. He didn’t give his answer to the interviewers’ questions any thought … he just spouted off an opinion and comments he thought would be popular among the viewers – or generate controversy. His comments were designed to sell books and promote his own agenda.

Do you know people who do this? Do you know people who make outlandish statements, and when called on them, defend them with comments like, “Well, it’s true,” (whether they know it is or not) or “That’s what I heard!” It’s sort of like the crazy things that are printed on those tabloids sold in the supermarket check-out aisles. You know those claims are ridiculous. You know that those words are designed to sell the rags on which they are printed. You know that the claims are hurtful, absurd, and downright evil. But people still buy these publications – and buy into the lies they contain.

We’re seeing a lot of this in e-mails about the state of our country, politics and politicians, and personal lifestyle choices. We’re hearing a lot of this on those “comedy” shows on cable television. Sadly, we’ve elevated some of those “comedians” to the status of “expert analyst” and begun to actually listen to their opinions. And worse yet, we’re learning from them in many cases – and beginning to speak without thinking, just as they do.

It’s time for us to “get a grip” – on the hand of Jesus. It’s time for us to firmly root ourselves in the word of God and time spent in His presence … to ask for wisdom, discernment, patience and a protective cover over our mouths as we speak. We need to ask God to protect us from the wicked speech and evil thinking of others as Satan attempts to permeate our mind and our heart with it. We should be busy every day asking God to fill us with His love, grace, mercy, kindness, and peace … and to control our every thought and word accordingly.

Quite frankly, more of us need to stand and walk out of the room (albeit quietly and without profanity) when we are confronted with the evil speech of others. At best, we should become confident in the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and lovingly let the person speaking know that we do not agree. I have had to say to others, “I do not agree with you on this,” or “We will have to agree to disagree on this subject and talk about something else.” We do not have to tolerate evil or wicked speech in our presence, but we cannot descend to the level of such talk in an effort to confront it.

Ask God to guide your thoughts and your speech. Ask Him to send the Holy Spirit to fill your heart, guide and protect you as you go about your day. And pray for those who speak evil without thinking. Ask God to change their hearts and minds, to fill them with His presence and goodness … and to give each of us loving, positive thoughts and words to share with others.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 15, 2010

Psalm 141:3
Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.

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

Every single one of us has said something we regret. Some of us make a career out of doing this. This doesn’t necessarily make us bad people … but it does reflect on our character – and our maturity. “But I know people in their 80’s and 90’s who are continually speaking their mind and saying hurtful things,” you may say. So do I … but age is no excuse for misbehaving!

The maturity of which I speak is not the kind that comes with age or experience. I am speaking of a maturity and character that comes from spending time in the presence of God. I can tell you from personal experience that the closer I get to God, the easier it becomes for me to check my words before I speak them. This doesn’t mean I never say things I shouldn’t … or speak without thinking. But I can say that I do this far less often than I once did.

More than once I have opened my mouth to say something to someone and stopped short. I’m still a work in progress, but I’m learning that often what I am about to say is not something I should be saying … or telling … or discussing. I’m learning that sometimes I need to re-evaluate the words I am about to speak and figure out a better way to say it – or keep it to myself. And again, I am a work in progress!

We cannot do this on our own. God may use our personal experiences and time to direct us in this area. But truly, the only way to guard your mouth and the words you speak is to stay close to God … to vocally seek His help with this … to study the scriptures and learn how to call on the Holy Spirit at all times as you go about your daily living.

This is a wonderful scripture to commit to memory … and committing to keeping it could have amazing results – for yourself and everyone you encounter. Imagine if we all began to guard our words more closely. Even better, imagine if GOD were guarding our words and helping us choose them. Are you willing to give this a try? Let’s do this together and see where God takes us. Let’s expect great things and give Him praise when He delivers. I’m in … are you?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 14, 2010

Proverbs 12:6
Bad advice is a deadly trap, but good advice is like a shield.

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

If you have ever trapped a “critter” – even a mouse, you know that one of the key components of a successful trap is good bait. Raw bacon works particularly well for several varmints, because it is enticing, yet slippery and hard to grab without getting caught. Contrast the image of a trap for a pesky critter with the pen or cage in which you keep your pet, perhaps to keep him/her safe from other animals (even the two-legged kind!) outside. Maybe you even have a dog house or shed that serves as a shield for your pet against the elements of everyday weather … sun, rain, heat, cold, and more.

Now think about receiving bad advice – and acting on it versus the benefits of good advice - and how it affects your life. If you have ever received – and taken – bad advice, you know it can affect you as seriously as a deadly trap and may cause you mental, emotional, and/or physical ruin. Good advice, though, can protect you from making costly mistakes. Good advice can bring you blessings and joy and positive outcomes and shield you from the hardships of life.

Learning to recognize whether advice is good or bad often comes with experience and maturity. But praying about advice – before you give it or take it – can make a huge difference. Asking yourself if the advice lines up with the word of God also helps. Asking God to guide your steps and give you wisdom and discernment is another vital component.

Often, bad advice looks good on the surface. Sometimes we want to take bad advice, even when we know we shouldn’t … like when a friend says, “C’mon … go to the party… what can it hurt?” or your boss says, “If anybody asks, you don’t know anything about this,” or even when someone tells you, “Trust me … I’ll take care of everything,” and you know this is really never going to happen.

We must learn to analyze advice based on wisdom and discernment – and prayerful guidance from God … not the whims and desires of our heart. This is the “bacon” in Satan’s traps … and it will get us caught in a life of disappointment, misery, and possibly serious trouble. Whether we are taking advice from someone else – or doling it out ourselves – we need to prayerfully consider every angle and make sure that God is in the details … and shielding us all the way.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 13, 2010

Ecclesiastes 11:9
Be cheerful and enjoy life while you are young! Do what you want and find pleasure in what you see. But don't forget that God will judge you for everything you do.

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

You’ve probably heard the term “sowing wild oats” – and maybe you’ve even sown a few! Some people think that testing the waters … doing a few things that are considered by others to be taboo, immoral, or even illegal … is just part of growing up. But just this week, a friend of ours was talking about how her daughter (who is now a mother of soon-to-be-teenage children) was now saying, “Remember the time I did such-and-such? Sorry, Mom.” And “Remember when I dropped out of college and ran off with my boyfriend? Sorry, Mom.”

A lot of the things that seemed like so much fun and such a good idea when we were young seem fairly foolish – or like huge mistakes – now that we are adults. And if you are still a fairly young person, you may laugh and say, “That won’t be me.” But somehow, I have a feeling it could be.

The worst part of looking back and regretting any “wild oats” you may have sown is the embarrassment and shame of realizing that what you did was displeasing to God. And that’s where this passage from Ecclesiastes comes into play. See, God wants us to enjoy our youth. He wants us to have fun – to try new things and have wonderful adventures and experiences. But believe it or not, all of this can be done morally, legally, and without sin.

I will be the first to tell you that there is a delicate balance to all of this. There were things that I was warned not to try (like dancing) because the members of the church I attended did not approve of this activity. I have told you before that I grew up quite convinced that many of the adventures and experiences I had as a teenager and a young adult would result in standing someday before God as He wielded a whip and a chain in my direction! I now know that this is not the case.

I’ve come to understand that the God I serve is loving, kind, and merciful. Yes, I do and say things that disappoint Him. Yes, He will ask me about these things some day when I stand before Him. But because of the blood of Jesus, I will have to account for them … and then God will wash every one of my sins away and mark the debt paid in full. What a wonderful, comforting assurance! What an awesome, amazing God we serve!

Hear me well… your salvation is not a license to “sow wild oats” willy-nilly and do whatever you please, assured that God will forgive you in the end. I can’t think of anything worse in this world or the next than doing and saying things I know will disappoint God! The message is that being a Christian is FUN! Being cheerful and enjoying life – and the adventures and abilities you have when you are young – is God’s gift. And it can all be accomplished within the parameters of your faith … and in a way that brings honor to God - not shame and disappointment.

And one more thing… there are a lot of people who no longer consider themselves young who are walking around acting pretty miserably. In God’s eyes, we are all children … and as such, He expects us to be happy and cheerful and drinking in all the blessings of this life He has given us. If you are moping around, acting and talking negatively, dragging those around you down and sharing a message of despair and discouragement, STOP IT! This is not the attitude of a Christian – at any age. Find pleasure in what you see … remember that God has blessed us immensely – even when we can’t seem to see it. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get busy living! Just be sure you honor God with how you do it!

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 12, 2010

Proverbs 12:18
Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal.

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

About a year ago, my husband and I went to the Historic Arkansas Museum in downtown Little Rock. One of the permanent exhibits there is a collection of knives and swords from around the world. Some are centuries old. I am not a big fan of swords, but the intricacy and detail presented in some of these specimens was truly amazing … particularly in light of their age and the methods that must have been employed to create them. Someone put a lot of time and energy into creating something meant to be used as a lethal weapon!

Conversely, many of us don’t spend much time and effort at all thinking about what we say to others, so our words are often painful, cutting, or even lethal, i.e. they destroy the heart and soul of the person who hears them. And we toss them out without any care for how they will affect the other person. Or maybe we do care … but not as we should. Sometimes, we mean for our words to be hurtful and “cut like a sword.”

Just recently, I received a message from a young woman to whom I had sent a note of sympathy and encouragement a few years ago when she miscarried. She told me…”The words were perfect and I still have it. I read it from time to time and cry every time. It brought me a lot of comfort.” Today, she and her husband are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl. I don’t remember exactly what I said, but I think I acknowledged the pain of their loss and assured her that God understood … and that their unborn baby would be waiting for them in heaven. The point is that whatever God laid on my heart to say to this young woman helped her to heal from her grief.

God gives us wisdom in many forms – through our own life experiences, through His word, through prayer, through study and fellowship with others. And we can prayerfully use this wisdom to help others in their struggles and even their daily living. God can use our words of wisdom to heal others. But words of wisdom do not come easily – they require as much time and energy as is needed for the craftsmanship of ancient swords.

We have a choice… lethal words that cut like a knife, or healing words filled with the wisdom of our Heavenly Father. From time to time, we all choose both. My prayer is that we devote the time and energy necessary to gain wisdom and cultivate a life filled with healing words … not those that hurt. Ask God to help you in this area. Let’s start to build up a community of believers who speak positive, healing, wise, faith-filled messages of hope and promise. Let’s leave the sharp words in the past and move ahead with care and kindness.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 11, 2010

1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity.

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

More times than I can count, I’ve been the “young kid on the block.” I was barely 20 when I got my first teaching assignment. The older teachers, particularly those who had been my elementary school teachers, thought some of my ideas and teaching methods were wacky. More than one rolled her eyes at me and said, “That will never work!” And I’ve heard a version of that phrase many times through the years … “You’re young … you’ll learn. When you get to be my age, you will see. You’re just too young to understand.”

The truth is that age is just a number. There are many teenagers and young adults who understand far more than some octogenarians. There are many young Christians who have a closer, more vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit than some who accepted Christ decades ago. There are countless young people who are far more mature and set a better example than many people three, four or five times their age!

The point is that you are never to young to start living for Jesus – and conducting yourself in a manner that honors your faith. Sure, we all make stupid mistakes along the way – say and do things that we shouldn’t – and sometimes this happens more frequently to young people who lack maturity and experience. But this is no excuse. And older, supposedly more “mature” adults can behave badly just as often. Some even say, “I’m old – I can say and do what I please.” This is stinkin’ thinkin’!!

Ask God to show you what to say and do in all situations – to be your Compass throughout the day. Ask Him to help you share love, faith and purity with others and to be a shining example of how His children should behave. When you do make a mistake in judgment, ask God to forgive you and help you to dust yourself off and get going again. Don’t use your age as a crutch – regardless of the number.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 10, 2010

Proverbs 15:2
Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise; fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.

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.

Years ago, an elderly cousin took my mother, my sister and me to a place located just northeast of Wilburn where my great-grandmother and her family lived when she was a child. The home was near a wet-weather spring that my cousin called “Slate Springs.” He had been there earlier in the morning and dug back leaves and debris in the creek to reveal a slab of slate in a creek bed where the water bubbled forth, clean and clear. According to this cousin, my great-grandmother’s family lived in a house up on the hill above this spring and hiked down to collect water for their daily use. Why they lived so far from the spring itself is a mystery … the climb back to the house with a heavy pail of water must have been exhausting.

Equally mysterious and intriguing to me is how the water bubbles forth from the ground as a spring. I know in scientific terms what causes this, but I am still in awe of the process, the force, and the result. On the other hand, there is no mystery about the frustration and aggravation of a dripping, leaky faucet! So when you think of knowledge and the words of a wise person as like a spring of clear, clean water versus the talk of a foolish person resembling the irritation of a leaky dripping faucet, you get the picture, don’t you?

For my great-grandmother and her family, the spring represented life. It provided the water they needed for everyday living. And the words of someone who speaks prayerfully and carefully add much to life, as well. On the other hand, those who speak without thinking or say unkind, irritating things… those who drone on incessantly without saying anything of substance or merit … are like the nagging faucet drip.

Which one represents you these days? Do you think before you speak? Do you offer encouraging, positive, hope-filled messages to others that convey your faith in Jesus and your joy in His salvation? Or do you rant and rave, criticize and gossip, speak unkindly and use unsavory language – and irritate the dickens out of everyone you meet?

The next time you speak, think of the spring and the faucet. Choose your words carefully … choose knowledge and wisdom over nonsense. Choose the bubbling spring over the dripping faucet, and bless others rather than irritate them. You will honor God in the bargain … and that is the biggest blessing of all!

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 9, 2010

Mark 4:13-20
Jesus told them: If you don't understand this story, you won't understand any others. What the farmer is spreading is really the message about the kingdom. The seeds that fell along the road are the people who hear the message. But Satan soon comes and snatches it away from them. The seeds that fell on rocky ground are the people who gladly hear the message and accept it right away. But they don't have any roots, and they don't last very long. As soon as life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up.

The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. The seeds that fell on good ground are the people who hear and welcome the message. They produce thirty or sixty or even a hundred times as much as was planted.

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

This passage is the last part of a parable Jesus told in which he talks about a farmer and what happened to seeds he scattered in various places – some eaten by birds, some falling on rocky ground, some that dried up from the scorching sun, some that fell into thorny bushes… and some that found fertile ground. Of course, Jesus wasn’t talking about a farmer and seeds at all. He was talking about us! GOD is the “farmer” – we are the “seeds!”

There is an old saying, “Bloom where you are planted.” But if you plant yourself in bad soil, among “thorns,” on rocky ground or out in the hot scorching sun, you don’t have much of a chance – if any – to “bloom!”

This means we must think about who we choose to be associated with – in all walks of life. We must choose our friends carefully – and our more significant relationship partners even more so. We must think about where we go, and what we say and do. It all counts! We must ask ourselves constantly if our choices are God’s choices … or Satan’s … and we need to pay attention to what we discover.

We need to wake up each morning and ask God to guide our thoughts, our choices, and our steps. And each night we need to thank Him for His guidance. We need to be sure that we are always firmly rooted in “good ground” – God’s ground. Don’t get caught off guard or in poor soil. Don’t wind up among the thorns or exposed to the elements. Stick with God, listen to His instruction, and ask Him to continually plant you where you can truly bloom for His glory!

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 8, 2010

Proverbs 29:20
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

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

All you have to do is turn on the television to one of the news outlets and listen for a few minutes, and you will probably hear someone who speaks – or has spoken – without thinking. So we have dozens of “video clips” of people saying things they truly wish they hadn’t. “I didn’t know I would be running for office when I said that,” or “I didn’t know the microphone was on,” or “I was just a kid” are common excuses.

We all “open mouth, insert foot” on occasion. But some people seem to have made a career out of doing this. And I like the way Proverbs 29:20 analyzes this… “there is more hope for a fool” than people who speak without thinking.

Surely we don’t want others to think of us as foolish. I would hope that we want to be people of substance – people who are careful and thoughtful with our speech and consider what we are going to say before we say it! Ask God to guide your thoughts… which is the first step… and then the words that follow.

When we let our communication with God lapse and begin to try to “go it alone,” we get into trouble. We tend to say and do stupid things. It may seem like a farfetched correlation, but truly, staying close to God – through prayer, Bible study, and listening for His voice in every hour of your day – can directly affect what comes out of your mouth… and how seldom you speak without thinking!

Today, let’s ask God to guide our thoughts and our words. Let’s ask Him to keep us from “acting a fool,” and help us act and speak thoughtfully and in a way that honors our relationship with Him. Let’s do things God’s way instead of ours… and see what a difference He can make in the outcome!

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 7, 2010

Psalm 52
You people may be strong and brag about your sins, but God can be trusted day after day.

You plan brutal crimes, and your lying words cut like a sharp razor. You would rather do evil than good, and tell lies than speak the truth. You love to say cruel things, and your words are a trap.

God will destroy you forever! He will grab you and drag you from your homes. You will be uprooted and left to die.

When good people see this fearsome sight, they will laugh and say, "Just look at them now! Instead of trusting God, they trusted their wealth and their cruelty."

But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever. I will always thank God for what he has done; I will praise his good name when his people meet.

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

As Timothy nears the year-and-a-half mark, he is becoming increasingly independent. He doesn’t want me to keep my arm around him while we nap – he pushes me away. He wants to brush his own teeth and has a fit when I take away his toothbrush. He is starting to try to feed himself more than just cheerios and cut up fruit pieces. He wants to do it himself!

We’re a lot like a toddler… we often want to do it ourselves. We want to “make our own way.” That is fine if we are talking about being responsible for our daily upkeep – getting a job or doing the work at school and at home, paying our bills, being a decent and moral human being. But when we try to handle matters of the heart and mind on our own without God’s influence, we get into major trouble.

Matters of the heart and mind include things like choosing friends and “significant others,” choosing a major in college, deciding which job to take or where to live, making major purchases and investments, and choosing a church family. These are major choices in our lives, but even smaller, seemingly insignificant decisions are important, too. Often, we “fly by the seat of our pants,” and make decisions fairly quickly… think “love at first sight,” or “we just clicked,” or “it was too good of a deal to pass up,” or even, “I liked the music at their worship service.”

What we often fail to do is to stop and ask God, “Lord, is this right for me? Are you guiding me to this choice?” Equally bad is our tendency to ignore God. We receive the signs … we hear His voice at every turn as we receive advice from others … that little “intuitive” nudge that we are on the right or wrong path, and more… and we forge ahead. Then we wonder where we went wrong or why things didn’t work out well.

Or, you may be saying, “I’ve operated this way for a long time, and I’ve done okay. I have great friends, a good job, plenty of money. All my bills are paid, and life is good!” The problem is that many people are lulled into a false sense of security … and a misguided confidence that “I did it my way.” And if you are thinking of people who seem to “get by with murder,” trust me… they don’t!

There used to be an advertising slogan … “Things go better with Coca-Cola!” I can assure you, things go better with GOD! No matter how well you believe your life is going, everything will go even better if you acknowledge God. When you consult God about the choices and decisions in your life, the outcomes will be better. When troubles come – and they will – you will be better equipped to handle them, if you are in close communication with God on a daily basis. Your “highs” will be higher, and your “lows” will be much more manageable.

The arrogance of “doing it myself” is for toddlers. Be a grown-up in your Christian faith and recognize the power of God to make everything better. Praise His good name … thank Him for what He has done … count on His love forever and ever … and stay firmly rooted in His blessings.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 6, 2010

Exodus 20:16
Do not tell lies about others.

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

The other day, my grandmother was mad at me, and she told me that her “Meals on Wheels” didn’t ever contain cornbread. She said, “They never send cornbread.” I told her that was interesting, because I’ve gone with my husband several times to deliver the meals, and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen cornbread on the trays. “Well,” she backed up, “they don’t send any that’s fit to eat!”

This reminds me of the time our great-nephew filled his aunt’s garden tub full of hot water and then claimed he didn’t know how it happened, saying, “I didn’t touch the hot water … just the cold!”

In both of these cases, I can’t truly say that my grandmother and our little great-nephew were telling lies. But both were certainly stretching the truth! And that’s what we tend to do over and over again. The trouble is … we blur the lines, and before we know it, lying comes quite easy for some of us. Or, we are so driven to succeed – or accomplish/acquire something – that we will go to any lengths to get it … even telling lies about others.

My grandmother will soon be 98. Our great-nephew was about four when he filled the tub. While both stretched the truth, they do have age as a bit of an excuse … one older and desperate to maintain an independent lifestyle, and the other too young to fully know better – although he knew enough to try to explain how the water got into the tub! But we know better! If we don’t realize what we are doing at the time and how we are essentially lying, we’re fooling ourselves.

Lies about anything – particularly other people – help no one. They have the potential to hurt a lot of people. Do not tell lies about others – or lie about anything. Be honest, straightforward, morally upright, and pleasing to God. This is not a license to be cruel or unkind to others in an effort to tell the truth. If someone is dressed unattractively, you don’t have to tell them how bad they look. But if they ask if they look okay, you need to find a kind, tactful way to tell the truth.

If you back into something with your vehicle, don’t pretend you have no clue how the dent got in your car fender. If your friends are participating in activities that are illegal or immoral, don’t give them the idea you are okay with it when you aren’t – or worse yet, cover for them with authorities and others. Don’t try to build yourself up by telling lies and cutting down others. Don’t lie for your boss, your job, your spouse, your friends, or even your parents!

One more thing… those who become known for telling lies and/or stretching the truth develop a reputation for being unreliable. Don’t you know people for whom it’s said, “You can’t believe a thing he/she says!”? You do not want to become one of these people!

Tell the truth … always. This may not make you the most popular person in the world, but it will garner you top billing with God. He wants honest servants who don’t tell lies – or even stretch the truth. He will guide you and protect you in your honesty, and He will show you how to speak the truth with tact and kindness. God will bless those known for their honesty and make them men and women of character and sound reputation. Be one of these people. Honor your faith and your relationship with God by telling the truth … and never anything less.

©2010 Debbie Robus