July 31 ~ John 5:37-40
The Father who sent me also speaks for me, but you have never heard his voice or seen him face to face. You have not believed his message, because you refused to have faith in the one he sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me, but you refuse to come to me for eternal life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I really love a good cookbook. I can sit and read the recipes for hours and dream of creating wonderful casseroles and soups… rich, calorie-laden desserts… delicious, fragrant breads… and even something light, healthy, and tasty. But most of the time, I slide the cookbook back onto the shelf and cook the same old standards in my “culinary repertoire.” This is partly because I don’t want to expend the time and effort required to create these dishes. But there is also a part of me that fears a poor result – a part that lacks faith and confidence in my ability to deliver the outcome promised in the cookbook!
Let’s be honest. Watching cooking shows on TV, buying the fancy knives and utensils, and reading recipes does not make one a great cook! There is a commitment involved… a determination to accept the challenge, do the work, and step out in faith that the delicious dishes detailed and photographed in the cookbooks can indeed be accomplished by a “regular Joe or Jane”.
I’m afraid we are a often a lot like that in our Spiritual life. We read the scriptures and give ourselves a pep talk… “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! He’s got the answers. We really ought to follow Him and share His Good News with others.” Or we read the Psalms and think, “LORD, this surely sounds good… You are our rock… You can handle all of our cares.” We read the stories of courage and faith in the Old Testament and the incredibly sound advice of the Proverbs… we read the letters of the Apostle Paul and hear Him encouraging us to live for Jesus.
Then we shelve our Bible, say a quick prayer and go back to life as usual. We never fully commit to the cross. We never leave our old, sinful, burdened life at the feet of Jesus and let His blood wash over them. We talk a good talk… but we never fully embrace the walk. In part, we are afraid and lacking in faith. In part, we are just plain stubborn and lazy! But in total, we are totally missing out on all that Jesus offers… and some of us are even risking the opportunity to spend Eternity with Him in heaven.
Our life in Christ is no recipe, and the Bible is no cookbook. This is serious business, and operating in faith is critical. It’s time we “hitched up our britches” and stepped up and out toward Jesus. It’s time we completely acknowledged that we truly can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us. We may have never seen Him in the flesh, but He is completely with us… even in the air we breathe… and His message is, “Come to Me. Open your heart and let me inside… I will give you peace, comfort – and Eternal Life!”
What are you waiting for? Isn’t it time you stopped merely reading and talking about your Christian faith and took action? Isn’t it time to truly come to Jesus and believe in Him completely? Your future depends on how you choose… what will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 30, 2011
July 30 ~ John 5:30
I cannot do anything on my own. The Father sent me, and he is the one who told me how to judge. I judge with fairness, because I obey him, and I don’t just try to please myself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all heard the term, “play God.” Most likely, we all know someone who at least likes to think that the general rules do not apply to him/her. These people are only concerned with pleasing themselves. If we are honest, we must admit that the person who drinks or takes drugs and then drives is “playing God.” He/she is taking the risk of harming others in the name of feeling good. The person who hacks into your computer and steals your credit card number is “playing God.” He/she is not thinking about anyone else… how you will pay your bills and feed your kids.
The person who spreads gossip and tarnishes the reputation of others is “playing God.” This person doesn’t care about anything but looking good… big… important… and tearing down others is the chosen method to accomplish this. The person who picks out who they will love in the name of Jesus… only those who are of a certain race, socio-economic bracket, sexual orientation, level of intellect, and good looking are acceptable… is essentially “playing God.” Those who fall outside these parameters – borders of the individual’s own making – are given the brush-off… judged inferior and unpleasant.
The point is… even JESUS said, “I cannot do anything on my own.” Even our LORD and Savior recognized that all power and authority comes from God… and only from God. Unless He is telling us what to think… who to judge… how to behave – and we are listening carefully – we are pretty well operating on our own.
How do we know when we are hearing from God and operating under His authority? A good “litmus test” is to ask yourself two questions: 1) Is this what I really want to do… and was that my primary motivation? and… 2) What does the Bible say about this? What has God shown me in scripture and prayer about these situations? The odds are pretty good that you know the correct answers… and the true will of God in these instances. The question then becomes… upon whose authority will you act…your own, or that of our Heavenly Father?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I cannot do anything on my own. The Father sent me, and he is the one who told me how to judge. I judge with fairness, because I obey him, and I don’t just try to please myself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all heard the term, “play God.” Most likely, we all know someone who at least likes to think that the general rules do not apply to him/her. These people are only concerned with pleasing themselves. If we are honest, we must admit that the person who drinks or takes drugs and then drives is “playing God.” He/she is taking the risk of harming others in the name of feeling good. The person who hacks into your computer and steals your credit card number is “playing God.” He/she is not thinking about anyone else… how you will pay your bills and feed your kids.
The person who spreads gossip and tarnishes the reputation of others is “playing God.” This person doesn’t care about anything but looking good… big… important… and tearing down others is the chosen method to accomplish this. The person who picks out who they will love in the name of Jesus… only those who are of a certain race, socio-economic bracket, sexual orientation, level of intellect, and good looking are acceptable… is essentially “playing God.” Those who fall outside these parameters – borders of the individual’s own making – are given the brush-off… judged inferior and unpleasant.
The point is… even JESUS said, “I cannot do anything on my own.” Even our LORD and Savior recognized that all power and authority comes from God… and only from God. Unless He is telling us what to think… who to judge… how to behave – and we are listening carefully – we are pretty well operating on our own.
How do we know when we are hearing from God and operating under His authority? A good “litmus test” is to ask yourself two questions: 1) Is this what I really want to do… and was that my primary motivation? and… 2) What does the Bible say about this? What has God shown me in scripture and prayer about these situations? The odds are pretty good that you know the correct answers… and the true will of God in these instances. The question then becomes… upon whose authority will you act…your own, or that of our Heavenly Father?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 29, 2011
July 29 ~ John 5:1-9
Later, Jesus went to Jerusalem for another Jewish festival. In the city near the sheep gate was a pool with five porches, and its name in Hebrew was Bethzatha. Many sick, blind, lame, and crippled people were lying close to the pool. Beside the pool was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw the man and realized that he had been crippled for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to be healed?"
The man answered, "Lord, I don't have anyone to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up. I try to get in, but someone else always gets there first."
Jesus told him, "Pick up your mat and walk!" Right then the man was healed. He picked up his mat and started walking around. The day on which this happened was a Sabbath.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I come from a fairly long line of impatient people. All of my life, my grandmother telephoned to summon us for some chore, and by the time we got to her house, she had done it herself! “Well, I decided y’all weren’t coming!” she would say, whether we arrived in three hours or thirty minutes! I grew up around a number of people who could not wait for much of anything. So it is no surprise that I often gave Christmas and birthday gifts ahead of the date, because I couldn’t wait. I grew terribly impatient as time drew near for our wedding, anxiously marking off each day on a giant multi-month calendar I had made.
When I had surgery years ago – and again when I broke my ankle – I couldn’t sit back and just chill out for the required multi-week recovery period. I tried to speed up the process… I fidgeted and fumed… and I felt like time was standing still and I would never be well again!
So when I read about a man who waited at a “healing pool” for thirty-eight years, I am truly impressed. I am amazed at his patience… and his confidence that one day, his turn would come. I am also humbled by this lesson, because as I read this passage, I clearly heard God saying, “Be patient. Trust my timing. My answers really are on the way.” And I know this… I’ve seen it over and again. If I wait – as patiently as is possible for me! – and remain faithful and fervent in asking God to answer… and trusting that He will… He does exactly that. And often, I am caught off-guard… but in the very best way!
Do we have the faith and patience of the man at the pool of Bethzatha? Or are we fidgeting and fuming and trying to hurry things along on our own timetable? When will we realize that this makes no sense – and doesn’t have any effect on God’s timetable? It’s time to learn to remain faithful and patient… and to believe that our time in the “healing pool” will surely arrive. And everything about it will be perfect!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Later, Jesus went to Jerusalem for another Jewish festival. In the city near the sheep gate was a pool with five porches, and its name in Hebrew was Bethzatha. Many sick, blind, lame, and crippled people were lying close to the pool. Beside the pool was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw the man and realized that he had been crippled for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to be healed?"
The man answered, "Lord, I don't have anyone to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up. I try to get in, but someone else always gets there first."
Jesus told him, "Pick up your mat and walk!" Right then the man was healed. He picked up his mat and started walking around. The day on which this happened was a Sabbath.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I come from a fairly long line of impatient people. All of my life, my grandmother telephoned to summon us for some chore, and by the time we got to her house, she had done it herself! “Well, I decided y’all weren’t coming!” she would say, whether we arrived in three hours or thirty minutes! I grew up around a number of people who could not wait for much of anything. So it is no surprise that I often gave Christmas and birthday gifts ahead of the date, because I couldn’t wait. I grew terribly impatient as time drew near for our wedding, anxiously marking off each day on a giant multi-month calendar I had made.
When I had surgery years ago – and again when I broke my ankle – I couldn’t sit back and just chill out for the required multi-week recovery period. I tried to speed up the process… I fidgeted and fumed… and I felt like time was standing still and I would never be well again!
So when I read about a man who waited at a “healing pool” for thirty-eight years, I am truly impressed. I am amazed at his patience… and his confidence that one day, his turn would come. I am also humbled by this lesson, because as I read this passage, I clearly heard God saying, “Be patient. Trust my timing. My answers really are on the way.” And I know this… I’ve seen it over and again. If I wait – as patiently as is possible for me! – and remain faithful and fervent in asking God to answer… and trusting that He will… He does exactly that. And often, I am caught off-guard… but in the very best way!
Do we have the faith and patience of the man at the pool of Bethzatha? Or are we fidgeting and fuming and trying to hurry things along on our own timetable? When will we realize that this makes no sense – and doesn’t have any effect on God’s timetable? It’s time to learn to remain faithful and patient… and to believe that our time in the “healing pool” will surely arrive. And everything about it will be perfect!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 25, 2011
July 25 ~ John 4:46-53
Now he was back in Cana of Galilee, the place where he made the water into wine. Meanwhile in Capernaum, there was a certain official from the king's court whose son was sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and asked that he come down and heal his son, who was on the brink of death. Jesus put him off: "Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe."But the court official wouldn't be put off. "Come down! It's life or death for my son." Jesus simply replied, "Go home. Your son lives." The man believed the bare word Jesus spoke and headed home. On his way back, his servants intercepted him and announced, "Your son lives!"
He asked them what time he began to get better. They said, "The fever broke yesterday afternoon at one o'clock." The father knew that that was the very moment Jesus had said, "Your son lives." That clinched it. Not only he but his entire household believed.
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.
So much of what we do in life is based on proof. We want our significant others to prove that they love us by showering us with affection, gifts, endearing words and more. We want our bosses to prove that we are doing a good job by praising us and rewarding our efforts. We want coaches and teachers to prove that they believe we have learned what they taught by giving us good grades. We want others to prove their friendship by always being available - even at a moment’s notice. We want the doctor to prove that we really are healed by showing us the x-rays and lab results that verify this.
Even in simple things, we require proof… if the car dealer says his vehicle gets the best gas mileage and goes from zero to sixty in a certain amount of time, we want documentation and a test drive. If a detergent promises to get out any stain, we’ll give it a try on our toughest ones before we believe the claim. Acne medications better deliver those almost-overnight results, or we want our money back! Even in the movies, we hear, “Show me the money!” So it should come as no surprise that most people demand proof in their Spiritual life, also.
But unlike the mortal world, where proof is required – and often justifiable – demanding proof from Jesus demonstrates immature faith, at best. And it may be an indication that we really have no faith at all! Look back at the scripture passage and review Jesus’ words to this effect… "Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe." I’m afraid this applies to most of us much of the time. We want fireworks and lightning bolts, disappearing tumors and bills that are mysteriously paid in full… and a whole lot more. We want that unexpected bonus check in the mail and the “A” we didn’t see coming on our biology test… and we want God to, essentially, “show us the money!”
In reality, what we need is more faith… the persistent faith of this court officer. We need to be saying, “C’mon, God… I am counting on You to do what only YOU can do! I will not give up. I’m believing that what You promised, You will deliver. I know that you can perform miracles and wonders in my life, if You choose. But I also know that every day You bless me, that is miracle enough! I will recognize Your presence and power in my life in all things… and I will trust You to know what I need and how - and when - to deliver it.”
What about you… do you require the dazzle of a major miracle? Must Jesus turn water into wine for you… or is it enough that He gives you His Living Water every day? Must you have a major breakthrough, financial windfall, or incredible healing… or are you dazzled that He breathes into you the Breath of Life? What is your faith level… do you have real faith in Jesus in the first place? Isn’t it time you started believing in Him and acknowledging everything He does for you every minute of the day? Isn’t this dazzle enough?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Now he was back in Cana of Galilee, the place where he made the water into wine. Meanwhile in Capernaum, there was a certain official from the king's court whose son was sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and asked that he come down and heal his son, who was on the brink of death. Jesus put him off: "Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe."But the court official wouldn't be put off. "Come down! It's life or death for my son." Jesus simply replied, "Go home. Your son lives." The man believed the bare word Jesus spoke and headed home. On his way back, his servants intercepted him and announced, "Your son lives!"
He asked them what time he began to get better. They said, "The fever broke yesterday afternoon at one o'clock." The father knew that that was the very moment Jesus had said, "Your son lives." That clinched it. Not only he but his entire household believed.
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.
So much of what we do in life is based on proof. We want our significant others to prove that they love us by showering us with affection, gifts, endearing words and more. We want our bosses to prove that we are doing a good job by praising us and rewarding our efforts. We want coaches and teachers to prove that they believe we have learned what they taught by giving us good grades. We want others to prove their friendship by always being available - even at a moment’s notice. We want the doctor to prove that we really are healed by showing us the x-rays and lab results that verify this.
Even in simple things, we require proof… if the car dealer says his vehicle gets the best gas mileage and goes from zero to sixty in a certain amount of time, we want documentation and a test drive. If a detergent promises to get out any stain, we’ll give it a try on our toughest ones before we believe the claim. Acne medications better deliver those almost-overnight results, or we want our money back! Even in the movies, we hear, “Show me the money!” So it should come as no surprise that most people demand proof in their Spiritual life, also.
But unlike the mortal world, where proof is required – and often justifiable – demanding proof from Jesus demonstrates immature faith, at best. And it may be an indication that we really have no faith at all! Look back at the scripture passage and review Jesus’ words to this effect… "Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe." I’m afraid this applies to most of us much of the time. We want fireworks and lightning bolts, disappearing tumors and bills that are mysteriously paid in full… and a whole lot more. We want that unexpected bonus check in the mail and the “A” we didn’t see coming on our biology test… and we want God to, essentially, “show us the money!”
In reality, what we need is more faith… the persistent faith of this court officer. We need to be saying, “C’mon, God… I am counting on You to do what only YOU can do! I will not give up. I’m believing that what You promised, You will deliver. I know that you can perform miracles and wonders in my life, if You choose. But I also know that every day You bless me, that is miracle enough! I will recognize Your presence and power in my life in all things… and I will trust You to know what I need and how - and when - to deliver it.”
What about you… do you require the dazzle of a major miracle? Must Jesus turn water into wine for you… or is it enough that He gives you His Living Water every day? Must you have a major breakthrough, financial windfall, or incredible healing… or are you dazzled that He breathes into you the Breath of Life? What is your faith level… do you have real faith in Jesus in the first place? Isn’t it time you started believing in Him and acknowledging everything He does for you every minute of the day? Isn’t this dazzle enough?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 23, 2011
July 23 ~ John 4:1-3
Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that he and John performed (although his disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning him and John into rivals in the eyes of the people. So Jesus left the Judean countryside and went back to Galilee.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When David Letterman opens his segment, “Stupid Pet Tricks,” he says, “Remember… this is not a competition – it is an exhibition. Please… no wagering.” We would do well to remember this in our Christian living. The life of a Christian is not a competition… we are not in a race to see who can witness to the most people or serve more in need. God is not counting how many people we mention in prayer each day… and He is certainly not comparing our life to that of the next guy!
Our Christian life is not an exhibition in the context of serving God “for show.” But our Christian life is an exhibition in the sense that we are to exhibit the characteristics that please God… love and service to others, worship and celebration of Him, grace and forgiveness, and an effort to grow in knowledge and wisdom.
We must begin to realize that God is more concerned with quality than quantity. In other words, instead of trying to mention three dozen names on a prayer list in your morning visit with God, earnestly pray over a dozen… then bring another dozen before Him later in the day. Instead of trying to add more names to your church’s membership roster… consider choosing a handful of people in your present congregation to nurture and encourage.
I’m not saying witnessing and bringing in new members isn’t important. What I am saying is that living for Jesus is not a “numbers game.” And for heaven’s sake, quit comparing your life to someone else’s. Just because Joe seems to be on every committee and visiting needy families three times a week while holding down two jobs doesn’t mean that God is calling you to do this!
Notice in this scripture passage that Jesus was so irritated by the competition factor and the troubles it created that he physically removed Himself. If this doesn’t send a signal to us that Jesus is displeased by this type of behavior, nothing will.
Ask God to show you how He wants you to serve… and where. Ask Him to give you wisdom with regard to your daily living. Seek Him earnestly as you pray – and pray with conviction… not the methodical actions of a robot. Consciously examine every action of your day and see where you are genuinely operating out of a love for Christ and a faith in Him… and where you are playing the “numbers game.” Make a concerted effort to remember… your life in Christ is not a competition… it is an exhibition of your love and gratitude for what He has done in your life. With Jesus, everybody is a winner… and that is a wager we can afford to make!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that he and John performed (although his disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning him and John into rivals in the eyes of the people. So Jesus left the Judean countryside and went back to Galilee.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When David Letterman opens his segment, “Stupid Pet Tricks,” he says, “Remember… this is not a competition – it is an exhibition. Please… no wagering.” We would do well to remember this in our Christian living. The life of a Christian is not a competition… we are not in a race to see who can witness to the most people or serve more in need. God is not counting how many people we mention in prayer each day… and He is certainly not comparing our life to that of the next guy!
Our Christian life is not an exhibition in the context of serving God “for show.” But our Christian life is an exhibition in the sense that we are to exhibit the characteristics that please God… love and service to others, worship and celebration of Him, grace and forgiveness, and an effort to grow in knowledge and wisdom.
We must begin to realize that God is more concerned with quality than quantity. In other words, instead of trying to mention three dozen names on a prayer list in your morning visit with God, earnestly pray over a dozen… then bring another dozen before Him later in the day. Instead of trying to add more names to your church’s membership roster… consider choosing a handful of people in your present congregation to nurture and encourage.
I’m not saying witnessing and bringing in new members isn’t important. What I am saying is that living for Jesus is not a “numbers game.” And for heaven’s sake, quit comparing your life to someone else’s. Just because Joe seems to be on every committee and visiting needy families three times a week while holding down two jobs doesn’t mean that God is calling you to do this!
Notice in this scripture passage that Jesus was so irritated by the competition factor and the troubles it created that he physically removed Himself. If this doesn’t send a signal to us that Jesus is displeased by this type of behavior, nothing will.
Ask God to show you how He wants you to serve… and where. Ask Him to give you wisdom with regard to your daily living. Seek Him earnestly as you pray – and pray with conviction… not the methodical actions of a robot. Consciously examine every action of your day and see where you are genuinely operating out of a love for Christ and a faith in Him… and where you are playing the “numbers game.” Make a concerted effort to remember… your life in Christ is not a competition… it is an exhibition of your love and gratitude for what He has done in your life. With Jesus, everybody is a winner… and that is a wager we can afford to make!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 22, 2011
John 3:34-36
"The One that God sent speaks God's words. And don't think he rations out the Spirit in bits and pieces. The Father loves the Son extravagantly. He turned everything over to him so he could give it away—a lavish distribution of gifts. That is why whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever! And that is also why the person who avoids and distrusts the Son is in the dark and doesn't see life. All he experiences of God is darkness, and an angry darkness at that."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I was a child, the annual Old Soldiers Reunion was a huge deal in our town. Held the first weekend of August, the event is still celebrated today, but with much less fanfare than before. In my “day,” we had a parade on Thursday, complete with floats, bands, horses, and the beauty contestants who would participate in that evening’s “Miss Cleburne County” pageant. On Friday, there was a “kiddie parade,” which was filled with children who were riding on floats, peddling bicycles and tricycles decorated with crepe paper, and more bands and ponies.
One year, my sister and I rode in a float that resembled a big shoe with a giant Panama hat for our “roof” – we were “Tan Shoes and Pink Shoelaces”… a reference to a song popular in the early 1960s. Another year, we rode in a buggy pulled by my aunt’s pony, Tuffy. One year we dressed my cousin as Mickey Mouse, and he pedaled his tricycle... and my mom says that my brother peddled his toy tractor one year dressed as “Farmer Brown.”
The parade on Friday showcased contestants in that evening’s “Little Miss Cleburne County” pageant. As fun and exciting as these parades were, there was an even more exciting component to the Friday pageant. It was a rite of passage for every five-year-old girl in the area to participate in this event. We practiced in hooped petticoats that gave us a “feel” for our overly poufy evening gowns made from taffeta and netting. We rehearsed our talents. And we traveled downtown to a store front on Main Street to review the “loot” that would be presented to the winners. The prizes were extensive… toys, dolls, games, and even a U.S. Savings Bond… all waiting for the queen and her first and second runners-up. You didn’t have to pick one prize… you got them all. For a five-year-old child, this was a “lavish distribution of gifts.”
Now that I am grown, I see that this was really quite ridiculous. As many as twenty or more little girls “competed” in this annual ritual… yet only three were awarded prizes. And lest you think I have “sour grapes,” I must tell that you I won in 1962… cardboard glitter crown, prizes, and all. When we returned home after the pageant, my extended family gathered to celebrate, and I was given money by most of them. The “gifting” continued… and the following year it was much the same for my sister. Still, I think of those equally cute and talented little girls who participated with us. How must they have felt afterward? What must it have been like to see all of that loot in the store windows and know you wouldn’t be getting it?
The Good News of Jesus Christ is that all who believe in Him are winners. Each and every one of us can have the “lavish distribution of gifts” that God has prepared. Not a single one of us needs to be disappointed. Nobody has to feel left out or less than First Place in God’s eyes. Do we have to win a contest to attain this? Do we have to have the best talent or walk better in our fancy clothing? Absolutely not! All we have to do is accept Jesus and trust in Him.
You may win the lottery, beauty contests, sweepstakes, and other competitions. But you will never win anything else as big as what God is offering. There is no entry fee or practice… acceptance and trust are all that He requires. Nothing could be easier to accomplish… and more vital to your eternal future. I don’t know if your prizes will include a cardboard crown with glitter…or even a parade… but I know that you don’t want to miss this! Have you chosen to participate and receive the extravagance of the Holy Spirit? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
"The One that God sent speaks God's words. And don't think he rations out the Spirit in bits and pieces. The Father loves the Son extravagantly. He turned everything over to him so he could give it away—a lavish distribution of gifts. That is why whoever accepts and trusts the Son gets in on everything, life complete and forever! And that is also why the person who avoids and distrusts the Son is in the dark and doesn't see life. All he experiences of God is darkness, and an angry darkness at that."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When I was a child, the annual Old Soldiers Reunion was a huge deal in our town. Held the first weekend of August, the event is still celebrated today, but with much less fanfare than before. In my “day,” we had a parade on Thursday, complete with floats, bands, horses, and the beauty contestants who would participate in that evening’s “Miss Cleburne County” pageant. On Friday, there was a “kiddie parade,” which was filled with children who were riding on floats, peddling bicycles and tricycles decorated with crepe paper, and more bands and ponies.
One year, my sister and I rode in a float that resembled a big shoe with a giant Panama hat for our “roof” – we were “Tan Shoes and Pink Shoelaces”… a reference to a song popular in the early 1960s. Another year, we rode in a buggy pulled by my aunt’s pony, Tuffy. One year we dressed my cousin as Mickey Mouse, and he pedaled his tricycle... and my mom says that my brother peddled his toy tractor one year dressed as “Farmer Brown.”
The parade on Friday showcased contestants in that evening’s “Little Miss Cleburne County” pageant. As fun and exciting as these parades were, there was an even more exciting component to the Friday pageant. It was a rite of passage for every five-year-old girl in the area to participate in this event. We practiced in hooped petticoats that gave us a “feel” for our overly poufy evening gowns made from taffeta and netting. We rehearsed our talents. And we traveled downtown to a store front on Main Street to review the “loot” that would be presented to the winners. The prizes were extensive… toys, dolls, games, and even a U.S. Savings Bond… all waiting for the queen and her first and second runners-up. You didn’t have to pick one prize… you got them all. For a five-year-old child, this was a “lavish distribution of gifts.”
Now that I am grown, I see that this was really quite ridiculous. As many as twenty or more little girls “competed” in this annual ritual… yet only three were awarded prizes. And lest you think I have “sour grapes,” I must tell that you I won in 1962… cardboard glitter crown, prizes, and all. When we returned home after the pageant, my extended family gathered to celebrate, and I was given money by most of them. The “gifting” continued… and the following year it was much the same for my sister. Still, I think of those equally cute and talented little girls who participated with us. How must they have felt afterward? What must it have been like to see all of that loot in the store windows and know you wouldn’t be getting it?
The Good News of Jesus Christ is that all who believe in Him are winners. Each and every one of us can have the “lavish distribution of gifts” that God has prepared. Not a single one of us needs to be disappointed. Nobody has to feel left out or less than First Place in God’s eyes. Do we have to win a contest to attain this? Do we have to have the best talent or walk better in our fancy clothing? Absolutely not! All we have to do is accept Jesus and trust in Him.
You may win the lottery, beauty contests, sweepstakes, and other competitions. But you will never win anything else as big as what God is offering. There is no entry fee or practice… acceptance and trust are all that He requires. Nothing could be easier to accomplish… and more vital to your eternal future. I don’t know if your prizes will include a cardboard crown with glitter…or even a parade… but I know that you don’t want to miss this! Have you chosen to participate and receive the extravagance of the Holy Spirit? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 21, 2011
2 Samuel 12:16-23
So David went without eating to show his sorrow, and he begged God to make the boy well. David would not sleep on his bed, but spent each night lying on the floor. His officials stood beside him and tried to talk him into getting up. But he would not get up or eat with them.
After the child had been sick for seven days, he died, but the officials were afraid to tell David. They said to each other, "Even when the boy was alive, David wouldn't listen to us. How can we tell him his son is dead? He might do something terrible!"
David noticed his servants whispering, and he knew the boy was dead. "Did my son die?" he asked his servants. "Yes, he did," they answered.
David got up off the floor; he took a bath, combed his hair, and dressed. He went into the LORD's tent and worshiped, then he went back home. David asked for something to eat, and when his servants brought him some food, he ate it.
His officials said, "What are you doing? You went without eating and cried for your son while he was alive! But now that he's dead, you're up and eating.
David answered: While he was still alive, I went without food and cried because there was still hope. I said to myself, "Who knows? Maybe the LORD will have pity on me and let the child live." But now that he's dead, why should I go without eating? I can't bring him back! Someday I will join him in death, but he can't return to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever prayed for something specific, and God answered in a different way? How did you react? Did you pout… rant and rave… or mope around feeling sad and mistreated because God didn’t answer as you had wished?
We have clear examples in the Bible of God answering prayers… but not always in the way we want or expect. David had done some terrible things, and he was told that God would allow him to live… his baby boy would die because of his sin. David begged and pleaded with God not to take the baby… but that is exactly what God did.
In the New Testament, we read that Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and asked God if there was any other way to accomplish His will without the crucifixion. Jesus prayed so hard he sweated blood! But in this case… as in the case of David… God answered differently… and both got up, dusted themselves off, and moved forward.
There is a great example here for each of us, and it has two components. First, we must always pray for God’s will… not our own. Beyond this, we must accept God’s answers – with dignity and grace. To do otherwise belies our faith. If we walk around saying, “I asked God to heal me, but I’m still sick,” we’re saying, “I don’t believe in God’s wisdom… I don’t trust His outcomes.” If we say, “I begged God not to let such-and-such happen, but it did anyway,” we are saying, “I know better than God how things ought to go. He should have listened to me!” Instead, we should be saying, “I prayed for God’s will. I will trust Him for the right outcome,” or “I asked God to heal me according to His will… and I know He will do just that!” The difference is a shift in attitude… operating in faith rather than specific requests and results.
There is nothing wrong with praying, “Lord, please dissolve this tumor,” or “Father, please protect my children.” But we must always follow with “… according to your will.” More than this, we must mean what we say. We must truly ask God to be present in our lives according to His will, and when He speaks, we must do as David did… dust ourselves off, dress and move ahead. We must look at Jesus’ example and put one foot in front of the other, regardless of what God calls us to endure.
I will be the first to admit that God has not always answered my prayers as I would like. In fact, He often answers quite differently. I’m learning to look at God’s answers and see that His outcomes are always better. Notice I didn’t say they were easier… but somewhere down the road, I can almost always see that He had a better plan. And honestly, it doesn’t matter whether I see the plan or not… what matters is that I trust God for His perfect outcome.
Think about what you are asking God for these days. Consider what you are expecting… is it His will – or your own? Where do you need to shift your attitude… and your level of trust? Have you dusted off your clothes and stepped out in faith for God’s answers lately? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
So David went without eating to show his sorrow, and he begged God to make the boy well. David would not sleep on his bed, but spent each night lying on the floor. His officials stood beside him and tried to talk him into getting up. But he would not get up or eat with them.
After the child had been sick for seven days, he died, but the officials were afraid to tell David. They said to each other, "Even when the boy was alive, David wouldn't listen to us. How can we tell him his son is dead? He might do something terrible!"
David noticed his servants whispering, and he knew the boy was dead. "Did my son die?" he asked his servants. "Yes, he did," they answered.
David got up off the floor; he took a bath, combed his hair, and dressed. He went into the LORD's tent and worshiped, then he went back home. David asked for something to eat, and when his servants brought him some food, he ate it.
His officials said, "What are you doing? You went without eating and cried for your son while he was alive! But now that he's dead, you're up and eating.
David answered: While he was still alive, I went without food and cried because there was still hope. I said to myself, "Who knows? Maybe the LORD will have pity on me and let the child live." But now that he's dead, why should I go without eating? I can't bring him back! Someday I will join him in death, but he can't return to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever prayed for something specific, and God answered in a different way? How did you react? Did you pout… rant and rave… or mope around feeling sad and mistreated because God didn’t answer as you had wished?
We have clear examples in the Bible of God answering prayers… but not always in the way we want or expect. David had done some terrible things, and he was told that God would allow him to live… his baby boy would die because of his sin. David begged and pleaded with God not to take the baby… but that is exactly what God did.
In the New Testament, we read that Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and asked God if there was any other way to accomplish His will without the crucifixion. Jesus prayed so hard he sweated blood! But in this case… as in the case of David… God answered differently… and both got up, dusted themselves off, and moved forward.
There is a great example here for each of us, and it has two components. First, we must always pray for God’s will… not our own. Beyond this, we must accept God’s answers – with dignity and grace. To do otherwise belies our faith. If we walk around saying, “I asked God to heal me, but I’m still sick,” we’re saying, “I don’t believe in God’s wisdom… I don’t trust His outcomes.” If we say, “I begged God not to let such-and-such happen, but it did anyway,” we are saying, “I know better than God how things ought to go. He should have listened to me!” Instead, we should be saying, “I prayed for God’s will. I will trust Him for the right outcome,” or “I asked God to heal me according to His will… and I know He will do just that!” The difference is a shift in attitude… operating in faith rather than specific requests and results.
There is nothing wrong with praying, “Lord, please dissolve this tumor,” or “Father, please protect my children.” But we must always follow with “… according to your will.” More than this, we must mean what we say. We must truly ask God to be present in our lives according to His will, and when He speaks, we must do as David did… dust ourselves off, dress and move ahead. We must look at Jesus’ example and put one foot in front of the other, regardless of what God calls us to endure.
I will be the first to admit that God has not always answered my prayers as I would like. In fact, He often answers quite differently. I’m learning to look at God’s answers and see that His outcomes are always better. Notice I didn’t say they were easier… but somewhere down the road, I can almost always see that He had a better plan. And honestly, it doesn’t matter whether I see the plan or not… what matters is that I trust God for His perfect outcome.
Think about what you are asking God for these days. Consider what you are expecting… is it His will – or your own? Where do you need to shift your attitude… and your level of trust? Have you dusted off your clothes and stepped out in faith for God’s answers lately? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2011
John 3:31-33
"The One who comes from above is head and shoulders over other messengers from God. The earthborn is earthbound and speaks earth language; the heavenborn is in a league of his own. He sets out the evidence of what he saw and heard in heaven. No one wants to deal with these facts. But anyone who examines this evidence will come to stake his life on this: that God himself is the truth.
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.
There is a show on NBC called “Who Do You Think You Are?” that follows celebrities as they examine their family tree and learn about their ancestors. In one episode, actress and singer Vanessa Williams traced her roots and discovered that her great-great grandfather had fought in the Civil War as a free man. For a black man to travel into the South as a member of the Union Army took great courage. This was incredibly dangerous… the orders were to shoot these men on sight!
Another ancestor of Williams’ was a school teacher in Tennessee… and one of the first black legislators in that state, just after the end of the Civil War. Williams recognized that a common thread in her family’s legacy was education… both of her parents were also teachers.
Williams was able to “connect the dots” and learn a lot by tracing the lineage of her family. She discovered values and characteristics that were handed down through the generations…ethics that defined the generations who came before her – ethics that were deeply ingrained in her own personality. While visiting the room where her great-great grandfather made laws with fellow Tennessee legislators, she noted that she had made history as the first black Miss America… but her ancestors had already paved the way with history-making actions of their own. Williams was incredibly humbled by the accomplishments of her predecessors.
While our earthly ancestors may have helped to shape who we are today, we have another lineage with a far bigger impact. Jesus, the Son of our Heavenly Father, revealed the glory of Heaven. His time on earth gave us evidence of what lies ahead for those who take a leap of faith and believe in Him. We find it fairly easy to believe the data we uncover as we trace the lineage of our earthly ancestors… but we are often less eager to embrace what Jesus has to say. We sometimes seem more eager to listen to the teachings, promises and prophecy of human beings than those of God’s only Son.
As much as we long to know who we are in terms of our human lineage, it is more important for us to know who we are in Christ. As we read in this passage, Jesus is in a league of His own… His legacy is the one that really matters. Jesus represents our hope and a future for all eternity. There is nothing wrong with looking back at our past… learning about where we came from… but we must also look forward. We must study Jesus’ teachings and communicate with Him… learn all we can about what lies ahead… and strive to “make history” in the context of the Kingdom of God.
Truly, who we are only matters in terms of our heavenly lineage. What is your legacy? Are you working on building your family “Tree of Life in Christ?” Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
"The One who comes from above is head and shoulders over other messengers from God. The earthborn is earthbound and speaks earth language; the heavenborn is in a league of his own. He sets out the evidence of what he saw and heard in heaven. No one wants to deal with these facts. But anyone who examines this evidence will come to stake his life on this: that God himself is the truth.
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.
There is a show on NBC called “Who Do You Think You Are?” that follows celebrities as they examine their family tree and learn about their ancestors. In one episode, actress and singer Vanessa Williams traced her roots and discovered that her great-great grandfather had fought in the Civil War as a free man. For a black man to travel into the South as a member of the Union Army took great courage. This was incredibly dangerous… the orders were to shoot these men on sight!
Another ancestor of Williams’ was a school teacher in Tennessee… and one of the first black legislators in that state, just after the end of the Civil War. Williams recognized that a common thread in her family’s legacy was education… both of her parents were also teachers.
Williams was able to “connect the dots” and learn a lot by tracing the lineage of her family. She discovered values and characteristics that were handed down through the generations…ethics that defined the generations who came before her – ethics that were deeply ingrained in her own personality. While visiting the room where her great-great grandfather made laws with fellow Tennessee legislators, she noted that she had made history as the first black Miss America… but her ancestors had already paved the way with history-making actions of their own. Williams was incredibly humbled by the accomplishments of her predecessors.
While our earthly ancestors may have helped to shape who we are today, we have another lineage with a far bigger impact. Jesus, the Son of our Heavenly Father, revealed the glory of Heaven. His time on earth gave us evidence of what lies ahead for those who take a leap of faith and believe in Him. We find it fairly easy to believe the data we uncover as we trace the lineage of our earthly ancestors… but we are often less eager to embrace what Jesus has to say. We sometimes seem more eager to listen to the teachings, promises and prophecy of human beings than those of God’s only Son.
As much as we long to know who we are in terms of our human lineage, it is more important for us to know who we are in Christ. As we read in this passage, Jesus is in a league of His own… His legacy is the one that really matters. Jesus represents our hope and a future for all eternity. There is nothing wrong with looking back at our past… learning about where we came from… but we must also look forward. We must study Jesus’ teachings and communicate with Him… learn all we can about what lies ahead… and strive to “make history” in the context of the Kingdom of God.
Truly, who we are only matters in terms of our heavenly lineage. What is your legacy? Are you working on building your family “Tree of Life in Christ?” Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 19, 2011
John 3:19-21
The light has come into the world, and people who do evil things are judged guilty because they love the dark more than the light. People who do evil hate the light and won't come to the light, because it clearly shows what they have done. But everyone who lives by the truth will come to the light, because they want others to know that God is really the one doing what they do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I started selling online, I had a lot of trouble with photographs. One of the keys to successful online selling is having good pictures that showcase your product and its best features. For a long time, mine were pretty hit and miss. Once in awhile, I’d have what I considered to be a good photo. But there was no consistency. I did some research and studied the work of other online sellers, and I discovered that one of my biggest problems was my light source.
I knew better than to try to photograph my items in darkness. I didn’t want to hide the products – I wanted to feature them prominently! At first I tried natural daylight. But I learned that ordinary light… although fairly bright and clear… still left room for shadows and the potential for areas of darkness. When I created a setting with a direct light source to shine on exactly what I wanted to feature, I began to have beautiful, pleasing results!
In our daily living, a lot of us are walking around in broad daylight most of the time. We’re not necessarily hiding in the darkness and doing evil things. But even in the daylight, there are areas of our lives in the shadows… a bad habit we need to kick to the curb, rough language, gossip, unkind thoughts and behaviors toward others, and more. We need to study the examples of faith-filled Christians… and God’s word… and discover how to move closer to the pure Light of Jesus Christ.
Our goal should be to live in such a manner that the Light of Christ shines on us from any angle and produces beautiful results. We need to grow in our “Disciple skills” and learn how to showcase God’s work in and through us more consistently. We need to become more comfortable in the direct Light Source… and to expect better results as we serve God and help to further His Kingdom.
Which light are you operating in these days? Do you still have areas that function in the shadows? Are you ready for “full exposure” in the bright Light of Christ? Isn’t it time you were?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The light has come into the world, and people who do evil things are judged guilty because they love the dark more than the light. People who do evil hate the light and won't come to the light, because it clearly shows what they have done. But everyone who lives by the truth will come to the light, because they want others to know that God is really the one doing what they do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I started selling online, I had a lot of trouble with photographs. One of the keys to successful online selling is having good pictures that showcase your product and its best features. For a long time, mine were pretty hit and miss. Once in awhile, I’d have what I considered to be a good photo. But there was no consistency. I did some research and studied the work of other online sellers, and I discovered that one of my biggest problems was my light source.
I knew better than to try to photograph my items in darkness. I didn’t want to hide the products – I wanted to feature them prominently! At first I tried natural daylight. But I learned that ordinary light… although fairly bright and clear… still left room for shadows and the potential for areas of darkness. When I created a setting with a direct light source to shine on exactly what I wanted to feature, I began to have beautiful, pleasing results!
In our daily living, a lot of us are walking around in broad daylight most of the time. We’re not necessarily hiding in the darkness and doing evil things. But even in the daylight, there are areas of our lives in the shadows… a bad habit we need to kick to the curb, rough language, gossip, unkind thoughts and behaviors toward others, and more. We need to study the examples of faith-filled Christians… and God’s word… and discover how to move closer to the pure Light of Jesus Christ.
Our goal should be to live in such a manner that the Light of Christ shines on us from any angle and produces beautiful results. We need to grow in our “Disciple skills” and learn how to showcase God’s work in and through us more consistently. We need to become more comfortable in the direct Light Source… and to expect better results as we serve God and help to further His Kingdom.
Which light are you operating in these days? Do you still have areas that function in the shadows? Are you ready for “full exposure” in the bright Light of Christ? Isn’t it time you were?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 18, 2011
Proverbs 22:8, 10
Troublemakers get in trouble, and their terrible anger will get them nowhere.
Arguments and fights will come to an end, if you chase away those who insult others.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was having a conversation with a friend recently about Facebook. We noted that there are some people who have expressed certain views and opinions – or used language we don’t condone – and we have had to block or remove them from our “Friends” list. I don’t want others who read my wall to see these types of posts and assume I approve of the content. Like it or not, we are quite often known by the company we keep!
A lot of people post comments on Facebook that are controversial at best… and downright offensive to many. They do this to get a rise out of others… because of their own anger… and quite honestly, out of fear – both imagined and justified. And it’s not just on Facebook. People do this in e-mail messages, letters to the editor of a local newspaper, face-to-face conversations, from the pulpit and the lecturn, and at table discussions at the local coffee shop or break room. A case in point is the “evangelist” whose rant I recently saw on a TV news show. She claimed that there was a connection with Spiritual ramifications between the blackbirds falling from the sky in Beebe, Arkansas… an Arkansas governor named Beebe… and a former Arkansas governor who supported “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” She tried to tie all of this into a neat package to suggest that the “end times were near”… and this was our sign!
As Christians, we have to change the channel on such nonsense! We have to “unfriend” those who choose to post insults and obscenities on Facebook. We must delete the e-mail messages that spread vicious lies and insults. And at times, we must stand up to those who send or say such things and say, “This is offensive to me… I do not like what you are saying and doing. I encourage you to stop… but at least stop including me in your messages/circle.”
If you couple these scripture verses with those in the New Testament where Jesus often confronted those who were causing trouble, you see that we are called to do our part to diffuse troublemakers and potentially volatile situations. There are times that ignoring angry outbursts and vile comments is the appropriate action. There are also times when we must confront those who are causing trouble… but always in a loving, caring manner – never insulting or being angry in return.
Simply blocking or avoiding those with angry tempers and troublesome behaviors may not be enough… and this could signal to others that you are on board. Ask God to help you discern when to be silent… and when to challenge troublemakers and disruptive behaviors. Ask God to give you understanding and compassion for those who are operating in fear… and to show you how to encourage them to seek His direction as they express their feelings. And while you are at it, ask God to give you the right attitude… and sense and sensibility in your own conduct.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Troublemakers get in trouble, and their terrible anger will get them nowhere.
Arguments and fights will come to an end, if you chase away those who insult others.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was having a conversation with a friend recently about Facebook. We noted that there are some people who have expressed certain views and opinions – or used language we don’t condone – and we have had to block or remove them from our “Friends” list. I don’t want others who read my wall to see these types of posts and assume I approve of the content. Like it or not, we are quite often known by the company we keep!
A lot of people post comments on Facebook that are controversial at best… and downright offensive to many. They do this to get a rise out of others… because of their own anger… and quite honestly, out of fear – both imagined and justified. And it’s not just on Facebook. People do this in e-mail messages, letters to the editor of a local newspaper, face-to-face conversations, from the pulpit and the lecturn, and at table discussions at the local coffee shop or break room. A case in point is the “evangelist” whose rant I recently saw on a TV news show. She claimed that there was a connection with Spiritual ramifications between the blackbirds falling from the sky in Beebe, Arkansas… an Arkansas governor named Beebe… and a former Arkansas governor who supported “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” She tried to tie all of this into a neat package to suggest that the “end times were near”… and this was our sign!
As Christians, we have to change the channel on such nonsense! We have to “unfriend” those who choose to post insults and obscenities on Facebook. We must delete the e-mail messages that spread vicious lies and insults. And at times, we must stand up to those who send or say such things and say, “This is offensive to me… I do not like what you are saying and doing. I encourage you to stop… but at least stop including me in your messages/circle.”
If you couple these scripture verses with those in the New Testament where Jesus often confronted those who were causing trouble, you see that we are called to do our part to diffuse troublemakers and potentially volatile situations. There are times that ignoring angry outbursts and vile comments is the appropriate action. There are also times when we must confront those who are causing trouble… but always in a loving, caring manner – never insulting or being angry in return.
Simply blocking or avoiding those with angry tempers and troublesome behaviors may not be enough… and this could signal to others that you are on board. Ask God to help you discern when to be silent… and when to challenge troublemakers and disruptive behaviors. Ask God to give you understanding and compassion for those who are operating in fear… and to show you how to encourage them to seek His direction as they express their feelings. And while you are at it, ask God to give you the right attitude… and sense and sensibility in your own conduct.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 17, 2011
Proverbs 22:7
The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don't borrow and put yourself under their power.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anytime a person borrows from another, he/she is supposed to pay back the loan… often with interest. Many people have gotten in such a rut with borrowing that they now have credit cards just to pay off other credit card bills… and because of high interest rates, they will never be paid in full! Far too many people are at the mercy of lenders. Whether these people are literally breathing down the necks of those in their debt or not, those who borrow may feel like they are. And I have seen and heard enough to know that many view their creditors as “the enemy” – or at best, as someone whom they fear and/or dislike because of their perceived – or real – power. We’ve all heard the reference, “The wolf is at the door!”
This is a miserable way to live. And let me clarify – there is nothing wrong with obtaining a home loan or a car loan – if you are certain you can adequately meet the loan requirements… make all payments on time, and continue to put food on your table. There is a time and place for obtaining a loan responsibly. But for many, living on credit has become the norm… and the cycle is vicious and seems to have no end.
Now let’s switch gears for a minute. Suppose God was the “banker,” and we were the borrowers. Suppose we had to borrow our grace, mercy, love and blessings… and each had to be repaid in kind. What if every time God helped you out of a jam, He expected you to do something big and miraculous for His glory as payment?
What if He healed your body of a disease, and you had to do mission work for a certain amount of time to repay Him? What if you could have salvation… and the promise of a life in Heaven… but you had to carry a cross on your shoulders everywhere you went for the rest of your life? See, I didn’t even say you had to be nailed to it… just think if you simply had to carry it with you!
What if we looked at God as our “rich lender” who held our debts over our heads all the time? How would we feel? Would this be a joy-filled existence? Would peace and comfort be in our vocabulary? Would we always be worried about how we were going to “make ends meet” and pay back the debts? Would we live in fear of the “wolf at the door?”
Yes, God wants us to serve Him… and to serve others in His name. But He doesn’t require this in an itemized fashion for every single time He has blessed us. God operates in gifts, not in loans… and aren’t we glad?
I encourage you to be responsible in every area of your life. Remember the words of William Shakespeare… “Neither a borrower or lender be…” and operate as much in “cash” and “pay-as-you-go” as possible. When you do have to borrow… be sure you can repay the loan. And always… always thank God that He does not operate in loans. Thank Him for the good gifts He provides for us… and show your love an appreciation by living for Him each and every day.
©2011 Debbie Robus
The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don't borrow and put yourself under their power.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anytime a person borrows from another, he/she is supposed to pay back the loan… often with interest. Many people have gotten in such a rut with borrowing that they now have credit cards just to pay off other credit card bills… and because of high interest rates, they will never be paid in full! Far too many people are at the mercy of lenders. Whether these people are literally breathing down the necks of those in their debt or not, those who borrow may feel like they are. And I have seen and heard enough to know that many view their creditors as “the enemy” – or at best, as someone whom they fear and/or dislike because of their perceived – or real – power. We’ve all heard the reference, “The wolf is at the door!”
This is a miserable way to live. And let me clarify – there is nothing wrong with obtaining a home loan or a car loan – if you are certain you can adequately meet the loan requirements… make all payments on time, and continue to put food on your table. There is a time and place for obtaining a loan responsibly. But for many, living on credit has become the norm… and the cycle is vicious and seems to have no end.
Now let’s switch gears for a minute. Suppose God was the “banker,” and we were the borrowers. Suppose we had to borrow our grace, mercy, love and blessings… and each had to be repaid in kind. What if every time God helped you out of a jam, He expected you to do something big and miraculous for His glory as payment?
What if He healed your body of a disease, and you had to do mission work for a certain amount of time to repay Him? What if you could have salvation… and the promise of a life in Heaven… but you had to carry a cross on your shoulders everywhere you went for the rest of your life? See, I didn’t even say you had to be nailed to it… just think if you simply had to carry it with you!
What if we looked at God as our “rich lender” who held our debts over our heads all the time? How would we feel? Would this be a joy-filled existence? Would peace and comfort be in our vocabulary? Would we always be worried about how we were going to “make ends meet” and pay back the debts? Would we live in fear of the “wolf at the door?”
Yes, God wants us to serve Him… and to serve others in His name. But He doesn’t require this in an itemized fashion for every single time He has blessed us. God operates in gifts, not in loans… and aren’t we glad?
I encourage you to be responsible in every area of your life. Remember the words of William Shakespeare… “Neither a borrower or lender be…” and operate as much in “cash” and “pay-as-you-go” as possible. When you do have to borrow… be sure you can repay the loan. And always… always thank God that He does not operate in loans. Thank Him for the good gifts He provides for us… and show your love an appreciation by living for Him each and every day.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 16, 2011
Proverbs 22:6
Point your kids in the right direction— when they're old they won't be lost.
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.
Put on your “thinking cap” and recall at least one positive “life lesson” you have learned from one of your parents or grandparents. Two come to mind for me… both from my grandmothers… “Blood is thicker than water,” and “The LORD will take care of me.” I’ve heard my grandmothers say these phrases countless times, and they resonate with me. My mom used to always tell us, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” All three of these phrases are good “life lessons” – ones that I have never forgotten!
I can also name a few negative “life lessons” that colored my thinking… though not necessarily in a negative way. I learned the hazards of cigarette smoking by watching more than one beloved adult in my family die from its effects. I learned not to judge a person by their appearance or the word of someone else by listening to elders do just that… and I learned later that the person of whom they spoke and thought poorly was really pretty nice! I discovered that not all Christians belong to the same denomination… and those who attend a church down the street are loved just as much by Jesus as those who worship in my own sanctuary!
If we think people in general are watching what we say and do… children are watching even more closely. A great case in point is my little cousin Owen and my nephew Timothy. We have observed both of them mimic our behaviors… from repeating what we say with the same tone and inflection to wearing their hats cocked at the same angle as their dad and Uncle Greg… and much more.
So what does this have to do with you? If you want to really make a difference in someone’s life – regardless of your age - spend some time with a child! If nothing else, be a good and Godly example for children who may cross your path. Watch your language, your habits, your behaviors. Think about what you say – and how you say it.
If you are given a chance to mentor a child, take it. That one morning you spend rocking babies in a church nursery… or the evening you take the neighbor kid out in the yard and throw a ball… may have lifelong ramifications. Send a greeting card to a child who is having a birthday, did well at the swim meet, or won a chess tournament at school. This child may not even know your name, but he/she might remember that someone loved and cared for them… if only for a few minutes. And it could make a huge difference.
God holds a special place in His heart for children… I’m convinced of this! And I believe any time we spend serving children pleases Him doubly. God knows that we are building future generations. We are sowing the seeds of His love in that child… we are creating the opportunity for growth in him/her… and into others exponentially. And while it may seem that our efforts were wasted or miniscule… we need to leave the depth and breadth of their effects up to God. It’s not our job to determine the outcome… just to take the first step.
So my challenge to you today is to find a child to love and nurture. You don’t have to become a foster parent… or volunteer to work in Vacation Bible School or an after-school program of some sort. You don’t have to become a Scout leader or coach Little League… although all of these are worthy projects! All you have to do is be the best role model, friend, parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or neighbor God has called you to be. He will use you to inspire and influence the children in your lives.
God’s efforts are never wasted… and yours on His behalf won’t be, either!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Point your kids in the right direction— when they're old they won't be lost.
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.
Put on your “thinking cap” and recall at least one positive “life lesson” you have learned from one of your parents or grandparents. Two come to mind for me… both from my grandmothers… “Blood is thicker than water,” and “The LORD will take care of me.” I’ve heard my grandmothers say these phrases countless times, and they resonate with me. My mom used to always tell us, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” All three of these phrases are good “life lessons” – ones that I have never forgotten!
I can also name a few negative “life lessons” that colored my thinking… though not necessarily in a negative way. I learned the hazards of cigarette smoking by watching more than one beloved adult in my family die from its effects. I learned not to judge a person by their appearance or the word of someone else by listening to elders do just that… and I learned later that the person of whom they spoke and thought poorly was really pretty nice! I discovered that not all Christians belong to the same denomination… and those who attend a church down the street are loved just as much by Jesus as those who worship in my own sanctuary!
If we think people in general are watching what we say and do… children are watching even more closely. A great case in point is my little cousin Owen and my nephew Timothy. We have observed both of them mimic our behaviors… from repeating what we say with the same tone and inflection to wearing their hats cocked at the same angle as their dad and Uncle Greg… and much more.
So what does this have to do with you? If you want to really make a difference in someone’s life – regardless of your age - spend some time with a child! If nothing else, be a good and Godly example for children who may cross your path. Watch your language, your habits, your behaviors. Think about what you say – and how you say it.
If you are given a chance to mentor a child, take it. That one morning you spend rocking babies in a church nursery… or the evening you take the neighbor kid out in the yard and throw a ball… may have lifelong ramifications. Send a greeting card to a child who is having a birthday, did well at the swim meet, or won a chess tournament at school. This child may not even know your name, but he/she might remember that someone loved and cared for them… if only for a few minutes. And it could make a huge difference.
God holds a special place in His heart for children… I’m convinced of this! And I believe any time we spend serving children pleases Him doubly. God knows that we are building future generations. We are sowing the seeds of His love in that child… we are creating the opportunity for growth in him/her… and into others exponentially. And while it may seem that our efforts were wasted or miniscule… we need to leave the depth and breadth of their effects up to God. It’s not our job to determine the outcome… just to take the first step.
So my challenge to you today is to find a child to love and nurture. You don’t have to become a foster parent… or volunteer to work in Vacation Bible School or an after-school program of some sort. You don’t have to become a Scout leader or coach Little League… although all of these are worthy projects! All you have to do is be the best role model, friend, parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or neighbor God has called you to be. He will use you to inspire and influence the children in your lives.
God’s efforts are never wasted… and yours on His behalf won’t be, either!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 15, 2011
Psalm 98:1-2
Sing a new song to the LORD! He has worked miracles, and with his own powerful arm, he has won the victory. The LORD has shown the nations that he has the power to save and to bring justice.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You have probably seen news footage of the overtime “header” that USA women’s soccer forward Abby Wambach made on July 10 against Brazil to win the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup in Dresden, Germany. You may have even been watching the game on television at the time. After the score, Wambach let out a loud scream and slid into the corner, pumping her fists as she was mobbed by her teammates. While Wambach’s point may not have truly been miraculous, it definitely sealed the victory for the USA. ESPN even named this Wambach’s overtime point as its “Best Play” at the 2011 Espy awards.
When it comes to giving awards for miracles and power, Jesus wins every time… or at least, He should! For every time “our team” has shown others throughout the country – or even the world – how powerful and mighty we are, Jesus has demonstrated power and might “in spades!” And to top it all off, our LORD is fair! Justice and fairness are the end result of His power and might. The devil tries to defeat us at every turn… but Jesus sets things right again. He wins… and so do we, when we are members of His “team.”
There are probably thousands of little girls across America who are now aspiring to be like Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, or Lauren Cheney. They are probably dreaming of growing up to participate in games that leave the crowd breathless and receiving accolades from throughout the world. But I can tell you, the real winners are those on Team Jesus! The true miracles happen in the lives of people whose victories may not be as widely reported – but are far more significant in terms of life on this earth and into eternity. And at the center of all of this… the One who truly deserves our praise and adoration… is JESUS!
Sing a new song to the LORD! He has worked miracles… and with His own powerful arm, He has won the victory. Are you a member of His team?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Sing a new song to the LORD! He has worked miracles, and with his own powerful arm, he has won the victory. The LORD has shown the nations that he has the power to save and to bring justice.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You have probably seen news footage of the overtime “header” that USA women’s soccer forward Abby Wambach made on July 10 against Brazil to win the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup in Dresden, Germany. You may have even been watching the game on television at the time. After the score, Wambach let out a loud scream and slid into the corner, pumping her fists as she was mobbed by her teammates. While Wambach’s point may not have truly been miraculous, it definitely sealed the victory for the USA. ESPN even named this Wambach’s overtime point as its “Best Play” at the 2011 Espy awards.
When it comes to giving awards for miracles and power, Jesus wins every time… or at least, He should! For every time “our team” has shown others throughout the country – or even the world – how powerful and mighty we are, Jesus has demonstrated power and might “in spades!” And to top it all off, our LORD is fair! Justice and fairness are the end result of His power and might. The devil tries to defeat us at every turn… but Jesus sets things right again. He wins… and so do we, when we are members of His “team.”
There are probably thousands of little girls across America who are now aspiring to be like Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, or Lauren Cheney. They are probably dreaming of growing up to participate in games that leave the crowd breathless and receiving accolades from throughout the world. But I can tell you, the real winners are those on Team Jesus! The true miracles happen in the lives of people whose victories may not be as widely reported – but are far more significant in terms of life on this earth and into eternity. And at the center of all of this… the One who truly deserves our praise and adoration… is JESUS!
Sing a new song to the LORD! He has worked miracles… and with His own powerful arm, He has won the victory. Are you a member of His team?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 14, 2011
John 3:16-18
"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was watching a movie recently about a family of con artists. One day there was a knock at the door, and one of the children saw a policemen standing there. She froze… scared to open the door. The father opened the door and had a pleasant, innocent conversation with the policeman who was merely making a courtesy call. Afterward, the father told his family, “People in this neighborhood don’t fear the police… the police are their friends!” He added that most people in that neighborhood had no reason to expect something bad when the policeman knocked on their door… they had not done anything wrong, so they knew that nothing was going to happen.
If you don’t get anything else today from this writing, get this… God didn’t send Jesus to condemn us… to wag his finger and tell us how perfectly awful we are. We have every reason to be like those who feared the policeman. We’ve done wrong, and we know it… yet that is not why Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts. That is not why He gave His very life on the cross for us. If you don’t understand anything else today, try as hard as you can to see how much Jesus loves you! He wants you to be with Him – now and forever. He doesn’t want to see you condemned – to hell… or to an existence akin to hell on earth. He wants to capture your heart and fill you with hope and peace and joy.
The thing of it is… we will never be forced to choose Jesus. It’s all up to us. God sent Him to earth to save us… but only if we wish to be rescued. Choosing Jesus changes everything. Choosing Jesus says, “I love you for loving me.”
There are a zillion other reasons to choose Jesus… but what could be better than pure love - His… and ours in return? Have you chosen Jesus?
©2011 Debbie Robus
"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was watching a movie recently about a family of con artists. One day there was a knock at the door, and one of the children saw a policemen standing there. She froze… scared to open the door. The father opened the door and had a pleasant, innocent conversation with the policeman who was merely making a courtesy call. Afterward, the father told his family, “People in this neighborhood don’t fear the police… the police are their friends!” He added that most people in that neighborhood had no reason to expect something bad when the policeman knocked on their door… they had not done anything wrong, so they knew that nothing was going to happen.
If you don’t get anything else today from this writing, get this… God didn’t send Jesus to condemn us… to wag his finger and tell us how perfectly awful we are. We have every reason to be like those who feared the policeman. We’ve done wrong, and we know it… yet that is not why Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts. That is not why He gave His very life on the cross for us. If you don’t understand anything else today, try as hard as you can to see how much Jesus loves you! He wants you to be with Him – now and forever. He doesn’t want to see you condemned – to hell… or to an existence akin to hell on earth. He wants to capture your heart and fill you with hope and peace and joy.
The thing of it is… we will never be forced to choose Jesus. It’s all up to us. God sent Him to earth to save us… but only if we wish to be rescued. Choosing Jesus changes everything. Choosing Jesus says, “I love you for loving me.”
There are a zillion other reasons to choose Jesus… but what could be better than pure love - His… and ours in return? Have you chosen Jesus?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 13, 2011
John 3:11-12
I tell you for certain that we know what we are talking about because we have seen it ourselves. But none of you will accept what we say. If you don't believe when I talk to you about things on earth, how can you possibly believe if I talk to you about things in heaven?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
How many times have you tried to tell someone something, and they simply refused to believe you? I bet I’ve shown our little Timothy several dozen times that his square block doesn’t go in the hole for the one with the triangular shape. Yet he still seems to try to force the wrong blocks in the wrong openings. I don’t get upset with him – he will learn. But for now, it can be somewhat frustrating… especially when I just showed him the correct place for each block shape.
As we grow, we are still told things that we don’t believe. Sometimes we have to make mistakes for ourselves in order to truly learn the lesson involved… and some of those lessons are really difficult ones! If we never mature to a level where we can accept certain truths – much less believe what others tell us – how will we ever believe in something as nebulous as heaven?
A lot of us have been reading the book Heaven is for Real lately. This is the story of a four-year-old boy who had a near-death experience and “went to heaven.” He tells in vivid detail of his encounter with Jesus and loved ones – and how glorious everything was. As my mother-in-law said, “I surely hope he’s right!” We won’t know for sure until we get there. But I have to admit, I’ve been greatly encouraged by this little boy’s account.
Why is it that I am more willing to believe after hearing a “firsthand” account than I was by merely reading the accounts in the Bible? Does this truly make heaven any more real because a four-year-old child supposedly saw it and can speak from experience about what he observed there? Do we have to wait until Jesus stands right in front of us and shows us his hands and feet before we believe He truly died on the cross for our sins? What does this say about our faith? Do we even have any?
I am not ashamed to say that I was encouraged by the account of heaven given in the book Heaven is for Real. But I am not dependent on such “physical proof” in order to believe that heaven exists… or that Jesus lived and died for me and waits there to welcome each of us home. I cannot see the Holy Spirit, but I know that He is with me every second of the day.
The miracles, signs and wonders of God are all around us… and some are more readily recognizable than others - though not necessarily more significant. Until we “believe in unseen things” with God, we are not fully enjoying a deep, abundant relationship with Him based on unabashed faith. This is where He delights… this is what pleases God… when we unconditionally trust Him – especially for that which we have not seen. What is your level of faith these days? Do you need physical proof before you can truly believe… or is God’s word and promise good enough?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I tell you for certain that we know what we are talking about because we have seen it ourselves. But none of you will accept what we say. If you don't believe when I talk to you about things on earth, how can you possibly believe if I talk to you about things in heaven?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
How many times have you tried to tell someone something, and they simply refused to believe you? I bet I’ve shown our little Timothy several dozen times that his square block doesn’t go in the hole for the one with the triangular shape. Yet he still seems to try to force the wrong blocks in the wrong openings. I don’t get upset with him – he will learn. But for now, it can be somewhat frustrating… especially when I just showed him the correct place for each block shape.
As we grow, we are still told things that we don’t believe. Sometimes we have to make mistakes for ourselves in order to truly learn the lesson involved… and some of those lessons are really difficult ones! If we never mature to a level where we can accept certain truths – much less believe what others tell us – how will we ever believe in something as nebulous as heaven?
A lot of us have been reading the book Heaven is for Real lately. This is the story of a four-year-old boy who had a near-death experience and “went to heaven.” He tells in vivid detail of his encounter with Jesus and loved ones – and how glorious everything was. As my mother-in-law said, “I surely hope he’s right!” We won’t know for sure until we get there. But I have to admit, I’ve been greatly encouraged by this little boy’s account.
Why is it that I am more willing to believe after hearing a “firsthand” account than I was by merely reading the accounts in the Bible? Does this truly make heaven any more real because a four-year-old child supposedly saw it and can speak from experience about what he observed there? Do we have to wait until Jesus stands right in front of us and shows us his hands and feet before we believe He truly died on the cross for our sins? What does this say about our faith? Do we even have any?
I am not ashamed to say that I was encouraged by the account of heaven given in the book Heaven is for Real. But I am not dependent on such “physical proof” in order to believe that heaven exists… or that Jesus lived and died for me and waits there to welcome each of us home. I cannot see the Holy Spirit, but I know that He is with me every second of the day.
The miracles, signs and wonders of God are all around us… and some are more readily recognizable than others - though not necessarily more significant. Until we “believe in unseen things” with God, we are not fully enjoying a deep, abundant relationship with Him based on unabashed faith. This is where He delights… this is what pleases God… when we unconditionally trust Him – especially for that which we have not seen. What is your level of faith these days? Do you need physical proof before you can truly believe… or is God’s word and promise good enough?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 12, 2011
John 3:5-8
Jesus answered: I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit. Humans give life to their children. Yet only God's Spirit can change you into a child of God. Don't be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have friends who were adopted. Some have found their birth parents, while others have no desire to do this… claiming that their “real” parents are the ones who adopted them. Even some of those who found their birth mother will say, “She gave birth to me, but she is not my ‘mother’ in the full sense of the word.” And I truly believe that you don’t have to give birth to a baby in order to love him/her with a bond as strong as that of any devoted birth parent.
What makes the difference is just that… the bond and relationship that is formed with the child. And this is exactly how it is with God’s Holy Spirit. We all have human parents. Most of us recognize God as our Heavenly Father. But there is much more to a deep, abiding relationship with God. We must acknowledge His Holy Spirit and invite Him to live in our heart.
It took me a long time to fully understand this. I loved Jesus… I invited Him to be LORD of my life… I believed fully in God’s power and promises. But when I recognized the power of the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and be my constant companion… when I bonded with Him and embraced His grace, mercy, and unconditional love… I was overwhelmed by His power and presence in my life. And everything changed.
What about you? Have you acknowledged God as your Heavenly Father? More to the point, have you invited His Holy Spirit to fill your heart… have you bonded with God’s Spirit and built a full, rich relationship with Him on a daily basis? Have you recognized the depth of God’s love for you and His desire to be a part of every single breath you take? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus answered: I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit. Humans give life to their children. Yet only God's Spirit can change you into a child of God. Don't be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have friends who were adopted. Some have found their birth parents, while others have no desire to do this… claiming that their “real” parents are the ones who adopted them. Even some of those who found their birth mother will say, “She gave birth to me, but she is not my ‘mother’ in the full sense of the word.” And I truly believe that you don’t have to give birth to a baby in order to love him/her with a bond as strong as that of any devoted birth parent.
What makes the difference is just that… the bond and relationship that is formed with the child. And this is exactly how it is with God’s Holy Spirit. We all have human parents. Most of us recognize God as our Heavenly Father. But there is much more to a deep, abiding relationship with God. We must acknowledge His Holy Spirit and invite Him to live in our heart.
It took me a long time to fully understand this. I loved Jesus… I invited Him to be LORD of my life… I believed fully in God’s power and promises. But when I recognized the power of the Holy Spirit to dwell in my heart and be my constant companion… when I bonded with Him and embraced His grace, mercy, and unconditional love… I was overwhelmed by His power and presence in my life. And everything changed.
What about you? Have you acknowledged God as your Heavenly Father? More to the point, have you invited His Holy Spirit to fill your heart… have you bonded with God’s Spirit and built a full, rich relationship with Him on a daily basis? Have you recognized the depth of God’s love for you and His desire to be a part of every single breath you take? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 11, 2011
John 2:23-25
During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didn't entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn't need any help in seeing right through them.
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.
A friend of ours is a great story teller. He can entertain us for a long time with tales from his past… and all who know and love him know that he has a penchant for weaving embellishments into his facts. So when my husband asked him recently how he was doing after gallbladder surgery, he replied that was feeling great, and “… they removed 42 pounds of gallstones.” Now, my husband knew that this was an astonishing number, but the man told it with fairly convincing sincerity. However, a mutual friend who was listening said, “That amount has increased every time you tell the story.” In truth, the gallstones weighed about 2 ounces! Everyone laughed, and it was all in good fun.
But so much of what we are told… and what we believe… contains lies and insincerity sold to us as the truth and genuine sentiment. I’m reminded of the phrase said of some… “If his lips are moving, he’s lying.” Lots of people talk a good talk, but there is nothing sincere to back up their outward speech and appearance. And unless we are continually awake and alert – we are frequently duped.
Don’t let it be said of you that your “talk” about your faith and service to Jesus doesn’t match your “walk.” Don’t do things in Jesus’ name just to look important… don’t say things you don’t mean. Others may be fooled, but I assure you… Jesus is not! At the end of the day… sincere, genuine faith and service are what matter to God… and ultimately to others, too.
It is better to do the very least God asks of you… and do it with a pure heart and genuine motives of pleasing Him… than to try to “tackle the world” in name only – or simply to make yourself look better and more important. Jesus wants us to be “the real deal” for Him. He wants us to love Him out of a deep desire for relationship with Him… to serve Him out of our longing to please Him and further His kingdom.
When Jesus looks at you, does He see someone He can trust? Are you the “real deal” for Jesus? Isn’t it time you were?
©2011 Debbie Robus
During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didn't entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn't need any help in seeing right through them.
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.
A friend of ours is a great story teller. He can entertain us for a long time with tales from his past… and all who know and love him know that he has a penchant for weaving embellishments into his facts. So when my husband asked him recently how he was doing after gallbladder surgery, he replied that was feeling great, and “… they removed 42 pounds of gallstones.” Now, my husband knew that this was an astonishing number, but the man told it with fairly convincing sincerity. However, a mutual friend who was listening said, “That amount has increased every time you tell the story.” In truth, the gallstones weighed about 2 ounces! Everyone laughed, and it was all in good fun.
But so much of what we are told… and what we believe… contains lies and insincerity sold to us as the truth and genuine sentiment. I’m reminded of the phrase said of some… “If his lips are moving, he’s lying.” Lots of people talk a good talk, but there is nothing sincere to back up their outward speech and appearance. And unless we are continually awake and alert – we are frequently duped.
Don’t let it be said of you that your “talk” about your faith and service to Jesus doesn’t match your “walk.” Don’t do things in Jesus’ name just to look important… don’t say things you don’t mean. Others may be fooled, but I assure you… Jesus is not! At the end of the day… sincere, genuine faith and service are what matter to God… and ultimately to others, too.
It is better to do the very least God asks of you… and do it with a pure heart and genuine motives of pleasing Him… than to try to “tackle the world” in name only – or simply to make yourself look better and more important. Jesus wants us to be “the real deal” for Him. He wants us to love Him out of a deep desire for relationship with Him… to serve Him out of our longing to please Him and further His kingdom.
When Jesus looks at you, does He see someone He can trust? Are you the “real deal” for Jesus? Isn’t it time you were?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 10, 2011
Luke 2:13-22
When the Passover Feast, celebrated each spring by the Jews, was about to take place, Jesus traveled up to Jerusalem. He found the Temple teeming with people selling cattle and sheep and doves. The loan sharks were also there in full strength.
Jesus put together a whip out of strips of leather and chased them out of the Temple, stampeding the sheep and cattle, upending the tables of the loan sharks, spilling coins left and right. He told the dove merchants, "Get your things out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a shopping mall!" That's when his disciples remembered the Scripture, "Zeal for your house consumes me."
But the Jews were upset. They asked, "What credentials can you present to justify this?" Jesus answered, "Tear down this Temple and in three days I'll put it back together."
They were indignant: "It took forty-six years to build this Temple, and you're going to rebuild it in three days?" But Jesus was talking about his body as the Temple. Later, after he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this. They then put two and two together and believed both what was written in Scripture and what Jesus had said.
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.
A lot can happen in three days. Babies can be born, people can die and be buried, natural disasters can wipe out entire communities, high school and college careers can be completed, couples can marry and start new lives together… and a lot more. It’s the building – and rebuilding – that can take much longer… creating a lifetime of memories with a new addition, moving forward with life after the loss of a loved one, restoring a community and starting over with businesses and homes, beginning that “next chapter” of life... or getting “life” back on track.
The impact of three days in the life of Jesus had worldwide ramifications for generations to come and into Eternity. His crucifixion, death and resurrection changed everything… forever! And while our restorations and rebuilds often take more than three days, simply by nature of the fact that we are mere human beings. If we are living for Jesus, this time has importance, as well. Our actions and choices may not appear to affect the world at large – or future generations. But truly, everything we do in Jesus’ name has potential for great impact. And even the “little things” matter more than we like to think.
You’ve heard me say many times that “People are watching.” If we think of our lives… our bodies and our minds… as temples of God, then everything we say and do has tremendous value – and impact on others. We can be a positive, Godly influence… or we can, in essence, totally ruin everything with our witness and our conduct. If we think of our Christian faith and our church body as the Temple of God… what we say and do as church members, in worship, and on behalf of the church itself has an incredible power – either positively or negatively. We may think that we are insignificant… or that what we are saying and doing doesn’t really matter that much. But it does!
Three days in the life of Jesus changed the world for all of us. What does this mean for you? What do three days in your life do – for you, for others… and for Jesus?
©2011 Debbie Robus
When the Passover Feast, celebrated each spring by the Jews, was about to take place, Jesus traveled up to Jerusalem. He found the Temple teeming with people selling cattle and sheep and doves. The loan sharks were also there in full strength.
Jesus put together a whip out of strips of leather and chased them out of the Temple, stampeding the sheep and cattle, upending the tables of the loan sharks, spilling coins left and right. He told the dove merchants, "Get your things out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a shopping mall!" That's when his disciples remembered the Scripture, "Zeal for your house consumes me."
But the Jews were upset. They asked, "What credentials can you present to justify this?" Jesus answered, "Tear down this Temple and in three days I'll put it back together."
They were indignant: "It took forty-six years to build this Temple, and you're going to rebuild it in three days?" But Jesus was talking about his body as the Temple. Later, after he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this. They then put two and two together and believed both what was written in Scripture and what Jesus had said.
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.
A lot can happen in three days. Babies can be born, people can die and be buried, natural disasters can wipe out entire communities, high school and college careers can be completed, couples can marry and start new lives together… and a lot more. It’s the building – and rebuilding – that can take much longer… creating a lifetime of memories with a new addition, moving forward with life after the loss of a loved one, restoring a community and starting over with businesses and homes, beginning that “next chapter” of life... or getting “life” back on track.
The impact of three days in the life of Jesus had worldwide ramifications for generations to come and into Eternity. His crucifixion, death and resurrection changed everything… forever! And while our restorations and rebuilds often take more than three days, simply by nature of the fact that we are mere human beings. If we are living for Jesus, this time has importance, as well. Our actions and choices may not appear to affect the world at large – or future generations. But truly, everything we do in Jesus’ name has potential for great impact. And even the “little things” matter more than we like to think.
You’ve heard me say many times that “People are watching.” If we think of our lives… our bodies and our minds… as temples of God, then everything we say and do has tremendous value – and impact on others. We can be a positive, Godly influence… or we can, in essence, totally ruin everything with our witness and our conduct. If we think of our Christian faith and our church body as the Temple of God… what we say and do as church members, in worship, and on behalf of the church itself has an incredible power – either positively or negatively. We may think that we are insignificant… or that what we are saying and doing doesn’t really matter that much. But it does!
Three days in the life of Jesus changed the world for all of us. What does this mean for you? What do three days in your life do – for you, for others… and for Jesus?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 9, 2011
John 2:1-11
Three days later there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. Jesus and his disciples were guests also. When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother told him, "They're just about out of wine."
Jesus said, "Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don't push me."
She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it."
Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus ordered the servants, "Fill the pots with water." And they filled them to the brim.
"Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host," Jesus said, and they did.
When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!"
This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Has your mom or grandmother ever “volunteered” you for something that you didn’t want to do? Maybe she told someone you would drive them somewhere… or that you would taxi her to an event you were really not interested in attending. Maybe she said, “Bill will be happy to help you move,” or “Steve knows all about computers. I’m sure he’d be glad to take a look at yours.” And just maybe, your mom or grandmother promised something on your behalf that seemed like it would take nothing short of a miracle to accomplish! Mothers (and grandmothers) sometimes exaggerate the capabilities of their children… and we dare not embarrass them by failing to deliver!
It seems that not even Jesus was immune to this. His mom noticed a problem at the wedding, and she called on her son to fix it. He protested… just as many of us may have done with our own mothers. But in the end, He delivered. And the result was not only the best wine of the party… but Jesus’ first miracle. It was also a turning point in His ministry that caused many of the Disciples to truly believe in Him.
How many times have you felt God nudge you to do something… and you protested? “But LORD,” you may have said, “there’s no way I can do that! I’m not able to accomplish this!” Or maybe you have said, “LORD, please… I really don’t want to do this!” Or you may have even suggested, “This just isn’t my thing, Father… please find someone else!”
Somehow, I think we often find it easier to refuse our Heavenly Father than our own mother or grandmother! We don’t have a problem telling God “No!” Yet He is the very One we should aim to please! When God calls on us to accomplish something, we should stand up straight, and say, “Yes, Sir!” We should realize that whatever God asks us to do – whatever assignment He gives us – He will fully equip us to complete it!
God is expecting us to serve Him in ways great and small… and He wants us to be ready and willing to do whatever He asks. Most likely, He will never ask us to turn water into wine, cast demons out of people, or bring people back from the dead… but He certainly could if He chose to! Regardless of the scale of what God calls us to do… we must be ready and willing. We can do anything God asks of us… knowing that He is with us every step of the way. What will you do when God calls on you? Will you offer protests? Or will you gladly accept His assignment? Will others recognize you as an obedient, willing servant… and see true faith in action? Will your response to God be embarrassing or disappointing… or will He be pleased and glorified? The choice is ultimately our own… what will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Three days later there was a wedding in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there. Jesus and his disciples were guests also. When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother told him, "They're just about out of wine."
Jesus said, "Is that any of our business, Mother—yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don't push me."
She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it."
Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus ordered the servants, "Fill the pots with water." And they filled them to the brim.
"Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host," Jesus said, and they did.
When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened but the servants, of course, knew), he called out to the bridegroom, "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best till now!"
This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Has your mom or grandmother ever “volunteered” you for something that you didn’t want to do? Maybe she told someone you would drive them somewhere… or that you would taxi her to an event you were really not interested in attending. Maybe she said, “Bill will be happy to help you move,” or “Steve knows all about computers. I’m sure he’d be glad to take a look at yours.” And just maybe, your mom or grandmother promised something on your behalf that seemed like it would take nothing short of a miracle to accomplish! Mothers (and grandmothers) sometimes exaggerate the capabilities of their children… and we dare not embarrass them by failing to deliver!
It seems that not even Jesus was immune to this. His mom noticed a problem at the wedding, and she called on her son to fix it. He protested… just as many of us may have done with our own mothers. But in the end, He delivered. And the result was not only the best wine of the party… but Jesus’ first miracle. It was also a turning point in His ministry that caused many of the Disciples to truly believe in Him.
How many times have you felt God nudge you to do something… and you protested? “But LORD,” you may have said, “there’s no way I can do that! I’m not able to accomplish this!” Or maybe you have said, “LORD, please… I really don’t want to do this!” Or you may have even suggested, “This just isn’t my thing, Father… please find someone else!”
Somehow, I think we often find it easier to refuse our Heavenly Father than our own mother or grandmother! We don’t have a problem telling God “No!” Yet He is the very One we should aim to please! When God calls on us to accomplish something, we should stand up straight, and say, “Yes, Sir!” We should realize that whatever God asks us to do – whatever assignment He gives us – He will fully equip us to complete it!
God is expecting us to serve Him in ways great and small… and He wants us to be ready and willing to do whatever He asks. Most likely, He will never ask us to turn water into wine, cast demons out of people, or bring people back from the dead… but He certainly could if He chose to! Regardless of the scale of what God calls us to do… we must be ready and willing. We can do anything God asks of us… knowing that He is with us every step of the way. What will you do when God calls on you? Will you offer protests? Or will you gladly accept His assignment? Will others recognize you as an obedient, willing servant… and see true faith in action? Will your response to God be embarrassing or disappointing… or will He be pleased and glorified? The choice is ultimately our own… what will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2011
John 1:29-34
The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said:
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I told you about when I said, "Someone else will come. He is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born." I didn't know who he was. But I came to baptize you with water, so that everyone in Israel would see him.
I was there and saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven. And the Spirit stayed on him. Before this I didn't know who he was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water had told me, "You will see the Spirit come down and stay on someone. Then you will know that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." I saw this happen, and I tell you that he is the Son of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to an airport – particularly one in a major city – you have probably seen people standing at the gates holding signs that say things like “Smith” or “Adams Party” or ones that bear the name of a business, like XYZ Company. The driver holding the sign does not know the people he/she is collecting, but the people needing a ride will recognize this person by the sign bearing their name. Perhaps you have been given directions to someone’s office or place of business, and someone said to you, “You’ll know him right away – he has a dark beard, thick glasses, and dark curly hair.” Or maybe someone said, “Look for the tall girl with the blond hair,” or “Ask for Tom – tell them Bill sent you.”
Maybe you have said later, “I would have known So-and-so anywhere – your description was spot on!” Or maybe you have said to someone you just met, “Your reputation precedes you… XYZ has told me a lot about you already!”
We’ve been told a lot about Jesus… as much or more than John the Baptist! The question is… would we – do we – recognize Him? We see artists’ renderings of Jesus… how they believe He looked as a mortal man. Yet in the book Heaven is for Real, 4-year-old Colton Burpo looked at picture after picture and insisted, “That’s not Jesus!” When he was shown a painting by a 10-year-old girl who had experienced her own brush with death and a visit to heaven, he was so excited and told his parents that this was the picture of Jesus!
Now, I don’t know if Colton is right… I’ve seen a copy of the painting, and it is compelling – but I don’t know if it’s really Jesus in the flesh. But I do know this… when I get to heaven, I will know Him instantly! Meanwhile, I want to know Him now…to recognize when He speaks to me… to hear His instructions and follow His lead. I want to feel His arms embracing me even today… and to bask in His comfort, joy and peace. I hope you want this, too.
We have “signs and wonders” all around us. We have information and indications from Jesus about how to manage every single minute of the day… but we have to recognize Him and acknowledge His presence. Just as John knew about Jesus… just as he recognized God’s anointing of Him – the sign of the dove - we must recognize Jesus now… the “signs” of His presence and His power in our own lives. Are you hearing from God? Do you know Jesus… do you really know Him? Are you paying attention? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said:
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I told you about when I said, "Someone else will come. He is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born." I didn't know who he was. But I came to baptize you with water, so that everyone in Israel would see him.
I was there and saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven. And the Spirit stayed on him. Before this I didn't know who he was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water had told me, "You will see the Spirit come down and stay on someone. Then you will know that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." I saw this happen, and I tell you that he is the Son of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to an airport – particularly one in a major city – you have probably seen people standing at the gates holding signs that say things like “Smith” or “Adams Party” or ones that bear the name of a business, like XYZ Company. The driver holding the sign does not know the people he/she is collecting, but the people needing a ride will recognize this person by the sign bearing their name. Perhaps you have been given directions to someone’s office or place of business, and someone said to you, “You’ll know him right away – he has a dark beard, thick glasses, and dark curly hair.” Or maybe someone said, “Look for the tall girl with the blond hair,” or “Ask for Tom – tell them Bill sent you.”
Maybe you have said later, “I would have known So-and-so anywhere – your description was spot on!” Or maybe you have said to someone you just met, “Your reputation precedes you… XYZ has told me a lot about you already!”
We’ve been told a lot about Jesus… as much or more than John the Baptist! The question is… would we – do we – recognize Him? We see artists’ renderings of Jesus… how they believe He looked as a mortal man. Yet in the book Heaven is for Real, 4-year-old Colton Burpo looked at picture after picture and insisted, “That’s not Jesus!” When he was shown a painting by a 10-year-old girl who had experienced her own brush with death and a visit to heaven, he was so excited and told his parents that this was the picture of Jesus!
Now, I don’t know if Colton is right… I’ve seen a copy of the painting, and it is compelling – but I don’t know if it’s really Jesus in the flesh. But I do know this… when I get to heaven, I will know Him instantly! Meanwhile, I want to know Him now…to recognize when He speaks to me… to hear His instructions and follow His lead. I want to feel His arms embracing me even today… and to bask in His comfort, joy and peace. I hope you want this, too.
We have “signs and wonders” all around us. We have information and indications from Jesus about how to manage every single minute of the day… but we have to recognize Him and acknowledge His presence. Just as John knew about Jesus… just as he recognized God’s anointing of Him – the sign of the dove - we must recognize Jesus now… the “signs” of His presence and His power in our own lives. Are you hearing from God? Do you know Jesus… do you really know Him? Are you paying attention? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 7, 2011
Psalm 96:10-13
Get out the message—God Rules!
He put the world on a firm foundation;
He treats everyone fair and square.
Let's hear it from Sky,
With Earth joining in,
And a huge round of applause from Sea.
Let Wilderness turn cartwheels,
Animals, come dance,
Put every tree of the forest in the choir—
An extravaganza before God as he comes,
As he comes to set everything right on earth,
Set everything right, treat everyone fair.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“It’s not fair!” If you have never uttered this sentence, you must be an alien from another planet! We all feel that life isn’t fair at some point… that we have not been treated well… that the world is spinning off its axis. And we complain loudly to anyone and everyone who will listen – especially God!
What we often fail to recognize is that many of the indignities and injustices we feel are being imposed on us are very much like those we impose on God! We go days/weeks/months without speaking to Him. We disappoint… speak unkindly… even lie to create the situation we prefer over that we know is honorable to God… we manipulate, whine, complain, disrespect, and more. And remember… any time we do this to another living being, we are doing these things to God, too!
Still, God comes and sets everything right. This is not a license to take Him for granted, but rather, a call to recognize His power, grace and mercy. God treats everyone fairly… He loves each of us and orchestrates the events of our lives - often showering us with undeserved blessings.
Much of life is not fair… or conducted on our terms. And I’m learning that often, when I call out to God, “This is not fair!” or “I am hurt and upset by this,” He answers… “Now you know how I feel sometimes.” I’m not saying God wants us to be hurt or feel mistreated… but sometimes these experiences humble us to the “log in our own eye,” so to speak, and help us to see how we are treating others… and God. When we realize how merciful He is to us in spite of our behavior that, frankly, is often quite awful… we see how much He loves us… how worthy He is of our constant praise.
Today, examine areas of your life where you feel you have been treated unfairly – and where you might have doled out that same treatment to others. Think about how you treat God… how much of your time and attention you give Him (and I’m talking about time spent loving, praising, and worshipping – not asking for something from Him). Praise God for loving us so well… treating us so fairly… and setting everything right on earth.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Get out the message—God Rules!
He put the world on a firm foundation;
He treats everyone fair and square.
Let's hear it from Sky,
With Earth joining in,
And a huge round of applause from Sea.
Let Wilderness turn cartwheels,
Animals, come dance,
Put every tree of the forest in the choir—
An extravaganza before God as he comes,
As he comes to set everything right on earth,
Set everything right, treat everyone fair.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“It’s not fair!” If you have never uttered this sentence, you must be an alien from another planet! We all feel that life isn’t fair at some point… that we have not been treated well… that the world is spinning off its axis. And we complain loudly to anyone and everyone who will listen – especially God!
What we often fail to recognize is that many of the indignities and injustices we feel are being imposed on us are very much like those we impose on God! We go days/weeks/months without speaking to Him. We disappoint… speak unkindly… even lie to create the situation we prefer over that we know is honorable to God… we manipulate, whine, complain, disrespect, and more. And remember… any time we do this to another living being, we are doing these things to God, too!
Still, God comes and sets everything right. This is not a license to take Him for granted, but rather, a call to recognize His power, grace and mercy. God treats everyone fairly… He loves each of us and orchestrates the events of our lives - often showering us with undeserved blessings.
Much of life is not fair… or conducted on our terms. And I’m learning that often, when I call out to God, “This is not fair!” or “I am hurt and upset by this,” He answers… “Now you know how I feel sometimes.” I’m not saying God wants us to be hurt or feel mistreated… but sometimes these experiences humble us to the “log in our own eye,” so to speak, and help us to see how we are treating others… and God. When we realize how merciful He is to us in spite of our behavior that, frankly, is often quite awful… we see how much He loves us… how worthy He is of our constant praise.
Today, examine areas of your life where you feel you have been treated unfairly – and where you might have doled out that same treatment to others. Think about how you treat God… how much of your time and attention you give Him (and I’m talking about time spent loving, praising, and worshipping – not asking for something from Him). Praise God for loving us so well… treating us so fairly… and setting everything right on earth.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 6, 2011
Psalm 97:10-12
God loves all who hate evil,
And those who love him he keeps safe,
Snatches them from the grip of the wicked.
Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people,
Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
So, God's people, shout praise to God,
Give thanks to our Holy 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.
Through the magic of television, many around the world have been glued to the Casey Anthony trial, in which a young mother was accused of murdering her small child, Caylee, and covering up the death for 31 days. I have heard a few bits and pieces of information, but I chose not to follow the minute coverage of this trial. And I guess because so many did watch every single second of testimony on the airwaves, they feel that they have an “informed” opinion about whether this young mother is guilty or not. I find the whole situation very sad and heartbreaking. But honestly, I do not have an opinion one way or the other about this woman’s guilt or innocence… and that is not the point of this devotional.
I have a different “take” on some things. My perspective changed greatly when I read The Shack by William P. Young. In his fictional story, Young tells of a little girl who disappeared from her family while they are on a camping trip. Her body was never found, but the authorities did find her blood-soaked red dress, and a little “ladybug” pin – the signature “calling card” of a serial killer. The guilt-ridden father goes on a Spiritual journey that culminates in a healing experience for him, as he makes several profound discoveries about God and his faith… that God never left this child… that He was right beside her through all of the brutality… and that He swept her into His arms and carried her safely to heaven… and that the father must forgive all involved – including himself – in order to truly heal.
As I listened to the snippets of coverage about this latest trial, I was reminded over and over that God was with little Caylee Anthony every step of the way. He shielded her in ways we can’t even imagine from the horror of the events… He swept her up, kept her safe, and snatched her from the grip of evil and wickedness that might have been her life on this earth. In The Shack, Young writes as if he were speaking as God… “Nobody knows what horrors I have saved the world from ‘cuz people can’t see what never happened. All evil flows from independence, and independence is your choice. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don’t. If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all.” We don’t know why God allowed this to happen. But we do know that God never stops loving us… even in the midst of evil.
I would never venture to suggest to any of you how you should feel about this trial or any other event. But I do suggest that you spend some time in prayer for all concerned… and thank God that He is still in control. God knows every detail surrounding this horrific tragedy, and He will mete out perfect justice to everyone involved. Little Caylee Anthony is safe and whole in His arms. Any lies, cover-ups, deceit, and evil that occurred before, during, and after her death will be dealt with as only God can.
Regardless of how you are feeling about this particular case, be joyful that in the end, evil will not win. God always has the last say… and He will prevail. He will mete out perfect justice to those who embrace evil… and He will bless and keep those who are innocent. Praise God for His fairness, grace and mercy… praise Him for loving each of us… and for always meeting our needs.
©2011 Debbie Robus
God loves all who hate evil,
And those who love him he keeps safe,
Snatches them from the grip of the wicked.
Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people,
Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
So, God's people, shout praise to God,
Give thanks to our Holy 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.
Through the magic of television, many around the world have been glued to the Casey Anthony trial, in which a young mother was accused of murdering her small child, Caylee, and covering up the death for 31 days. I have heard a few bits and pieces of information, but I chose not to follow the minute coverage of this trial. And I guess because so many did watch every single second of testimony on the airwaves, they feel that they have an “informed” opinion about whether this young mother is guilty or not. I find the whole situation very sad and heartbreaking. But honestly, I do not have an opinion one way or the other about this woman’s guilt or innocence… and that is not the point of this devotional.
I have a different “take” on some things. My perspective changed greatly when I read The Shack by William P. Young. In his fictional story, Young tells of a little girl who disappeared from her family while they are on a camping trip. Her body was never found, but the authorities did find her blood-soaked red dress, and a little “ladybug” pin – the signature “calling card” of a serial killer. The guilt-ridden father goes on a Spiritual journey that culminates in a healing experience for him, as he makes several profound discoveries about God and his faith… that God never left this child… that He was right beside her through all of the brutality… and that He swept her into His arms and carried her safely to heaven… and that the father must forgive all involved – including himself – in order to truly heal.
As I listened to the snippets of coverage about this latest trial, I was reminded over and over that God was with little Caylee Anthony every step of the way. He shielded her in ways we can’t even imagine from the horror of the events… He swept her up, kept her safe, and snatched her from the grip of evil and wickedness that might have been her life on this earth. In The Shack, Young writes as if he were speaking as God… “Nobody knows what horrors I have saved the world from ‘cuz people can’t see what never happened. All evil flows from independence, and independence is your choice. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don’t. If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all.” We don’t know why God allowed this to happen. But we do know that God never stops loving us… even in the midst of evil.
I would never venture to suggest to any of you how you should feel about this trial or any other event. But I do suggest that you spend some time in prayer for all concerned… and thank God that He is still in control. God knows every detail surrounding this horrific tragedy, and He will mete out perfect justice to everyone involved. Little Caylee Anthony is safe and whole in His arms. Any lies, cover-ups, deceit, and evil that occurred before, during, and after her death will be dealt with as only God can.
Regardless of how you are feeling about this particular case, be joyful that in the end, evil will not win. God always has the last say… and He will prevail. He will mete out perfect justice to those who embrace evil… and He will bless and keep those who are innocent. Praise God for His fairness, grace and mercy… praise Him for loving each of us… and for always meeting our needs.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 5, 2011
Proverbs 22:4
When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it-- be smart and hide.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was returning home from a trip to the grocery store, and I came upon a car wreck. Emergency personnel were on the scene - attending to those who were injured and clearing the debris - and traffic was at a standstill. There was nowhere to turn off the road… no side routes for a detour… so I had to sit in the line of traffic and wait for a deputy to signal that I could proceed forward and past the collision area.
When something like this happens, some people stupidly turn and head directly toward the accident scene… we sometimes call them “rubberneckers.” They enjoy seeing the trouble of others. Others simply are not paying attention. They heard sirens… they saw ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks whiz past them… yet they forged ahead and drove right into the heart of the chaos and found themselves caught up in it. Still others sometimes unwittingly end up in troublesome situations, through no fault of their own.
There are lots of situations that fall somewhere between the rubberneckers and those who are not paying attention. Many of us get involved in things that are none of our business… or we end up “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” We become embroiled in others’ arguments and drama… we find ourselves in the car with someone who is drinking - or covering for someone in a lie… we interject our own feelings and opinions and make a bad situation much worse.
We all have our “moments,” but God wants us to be awake and alert… and seeking His will and guidance at all times. He can help us avoid many of the “minefields” of life… the troublesome situations in which we do not – or should not – have a part! He helps us look for side roads and detours to take in order to bypass direct involvement in a collision or conflict.
How do you handle trouble… or the potential for a troubling situation? Do you ask God to guide your steps, or do you drive blindly forward and “let the chips fall where they may”? Are you seeking the guidance and wisdom of The One who can help you live in harmony… and bring glory and honor to His name? Isn’t it about time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it-- be smart and hide.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was returning home from a trip to the grocery store, and I came upon a car wreck. Emergency personnel were on the scene - attending to those who were injured and clearing the debris - and traffic was at a standstill. There was nowhere to turn off the road… no side routes for a detour… so I had to sit in the line of traffic and wait for a deputy to signal that I could proceed forward and past the collision area.
When something like this happens, some people stupidly turn and head directly toward the accident scene… we sometimes call them “rubberneckers.” They enjoy seeing the trouble of others. Others simply are not paying attention. They heard sirens… they saw ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks whiz past them… yet they forged ahead and drove right into the heart of the chaos and found themselves caught up in it. Still others sometimes unwittingly end up in troublesome situations, through no fault of their own.
There are lots of situations that fall somewhere between the rubberneckers and those who are not paying attention. Many of us get involved in things that are none of our business… or we end up “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” We become embroiled in others’ arguments and drama… we find ourselves in the car with someone who is drinking - or covering for someone in a lie… we interject our own feelings and opinions and make a bad situation much worse.
We all have our “moments,” but God wants us to be awake and alert… and seeking His will and guidance at all times. He can help us avoid many of the “minefields” of life… the troublesome situations in which we do not – or should not – have a part! He helps us look for side roads and detours to take in order to bypass direct involvement in a collision or conflict.
How do you handle trouble… or the potential for a troubling situation? Do you ask God to guide your steps, or do you drive blindly forward and “let the chips fall where they may”? Are you seeking the guidance and wisdom of The One who can help you live in harmony… and bring glory and honor to His name? Isn’t it about time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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