Proverbs 20:29
Young people take pride in their strength, but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone paid me a compliment recently, and in thanking them, I said, “I have had some great role models.” From my grandmother and her peers, to my mother and mother-in-law and many of their friends, to dear ladies (and gentlemen) I know who attend our church and the church in which I grew up… I am surrounded by Godly influences. Many, like my grandmother, have aged to a point where the tables have turned in terms of strength. I am now more able bodied and help her with things that are no longer easily accomplished… from driving, to paying bills and balancing the checkbook, to shopping and more.
By keeping Timothy so often – and caring for my grandmother – I recognize that many of the things I do for him are things she and my mother did for me not so long ago. Now I am repaying them, somewhat, by paying it forward. And this is where you come in... it is your turn to start sharing your blessings and wisdom with others in your own path.
As you go about your day, I assure you that people are watching… from the little kid down the street who sees you in the driveway and observes your demeanor to the older folks who meet you in the grocery store or the aisle at church. They notice when you are polite… and when you are not. They see your body language and your overall appearance… they hear the language that comes out of your mouth… they determine what sort of person you are by how you conduct yourself – even in the privacy of your own yard! For those of us who are older and (supposedly) wiser, we can easily become discouraged when we see that the kindness and “sage wisdom” we impart to younger people seems to be ignored. We can get upset and feel like those we tried to nurture have failed to live up to our expectations – or even brought us major disappointment.
This is rotten thinking on our part. Our job is not to love others with any expectations or desired outcomes. That’s why it’s called unconditional love. We are to nurture others… to live as an example of the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ… and leave the outcomes to God Almighty. While I occasionally may think to myself, “What would So-and-so think if he/she saw me now?”… for the most part, I never give a second thought to the opinions of my role models. I know that they love me me no matter what. They might disapprove of my methods or actions once in awhile… and yes, a few have voiced their opinions from time to time in that regard… but mostly, they just go about the business of living a life that reflects their love and devotion to Jesus.
I told you about my hero, Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry, and how she influenced me so much. What I didn’t tell you was that MawMac had a set of “internal rules” by which she lived. I can’t tell you what all of them were, but I know there were certain things that she felt simply were not done. For instance, after one of her falls, she was unable to wear her high-heeled pumps and a dress to church – and for awhile, she had to wear slacks and sandals (which meant she could not wear stockings). She considered this terribly inappropriate for church attendance. I have to tell you, as I sat at a funeral in her church’s sanctuary lately on a 100+ degree day, wearing sandals and bear legs with my dress, I thought, “MawMac would not approve!” In her honor, I will wear stockings with my dress to her funeral… even if the temperatures are scorching!
Now this may seem like a minor, silly thing… but it is only one small example of how we are influenced by our elders – and how what we do matters to those around us. We may never see the “fruits of our labor”… it may seem like we are not making a difference at all. But in truth, our wisdom and influence matters greatly. I have 40-year-old first graders who still talk about their “guitar-playing first grade teacher” on a regular basis. I had no clue that singing songs in a crowded classroom would make such an impact… and you have no clue what you are saying and doing that is influencing others, too!
Check your attitudes… your behaviors… your appearance and demeanor. Make sure that you are exhibiting the traits of a Disciple of Christ. Share wisdom and Christian behavior for others on a daily basis… and be a good role model – even if those gray hairs are still years away.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 30, 2011
Psalm 108:1-5
Our God, I am faithful to you with all my heart, and you can trust me. I will sing and play music for you with all that I am. I will start playing my harps before the sun rises. I will praise you, LORD, for everyone to hear; I will sing hymns to you in every nation. Your love reaches higher than the heavens, and your loyalty extends beyond the clouds. Our God, may you be honored above the heavens; may your glory be seen everywhere on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Everybody needs a hero, and I’ve had a dandy. For more than fifty-four years, I’ve been encouraged and nurtured by a remarkable lady who shared my birthday. Yesterday, she went to heaven… less than 48 hours after her beloved baby girl died. “MawMac,” as I called her, was really Geraldine McCurry. She took great pride in being the wife of the local Chevrolet dealer, Andrew McCurry… and mother to three girls - Andrea, Marsha, and Mary.
As Andrea wrote in Mary’s obituary, “…a tragic accident at birth caused her to be severely physically handicapped by cerebral palsy. Because of her condition, she was never able to walk, talk, use her hands or be able to care for herself in any way. However, she devised a method of communication when she was about a year and a half old using her eyes. For those who took the time to learn to "talk" with Mary, they found a warm, loving, rather bawdy personality with a little streak of the devil.” Mary would have been 60 this October. Mary’s family and all who knew her loved her dearly. And in a time when many children with cerebral palsy were hidden away in institutions, the McCurrys never treated Mary with such disdain. MawMac and her family were ahead of their time in recognizing that Mary was a bright girl trapped in a body that betrayed her… and they did all they could to make life as “normal” as possible for this precious girl.
As further proof of this, a friend recalled on Facebook the Sunday that Mrs. McCurry wheeled Mary to the front of our church sanctuary, where she said Mary was wishing to make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and be baptized. MawMac said, “I just couldn’t hold her back any longer… she insisted on coming to the altar.” That was our MawMac… dedicated to her children… and to her God. She was also fiercely patriotic. I like to joke that I am a “Firecracker Baby” because of my July 4th birthday… but MawMac truly was… and she had a collection of red/white/blue memorabilia that defies belief – down to a life-sized “Uncle Sam!” This past July 4th, she wore a new blouse fashioned by her daughters to fit her 4-ft frame… featuring red/white/blue stars, of course! She wore it with red/white/blue shoes, and – what else? – a headband with shooting stars that bobbled along! Did I mention that MawMac was 93 on her last birthday?
If you didn’t get a chance to know Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry in this lifetime, you will hopefully meet her in heaven. She will be the one standing with Jesus, tall and stately, healed from the osteoporosis that shrunk her tiny frame by almost 5 inches… and she will be talking and greeting everyone who enters the Pearly Gates! MawMac taught me a lot about life and overcoming challenges and obstacles… but she taught me more about faith and devotion. She hardly ever missed a church service (or anything else in our community, for that matter!), and she was one of the most devoted Christians I ever knew. She wasn’t preachy or one of those who spouted scripture and lectured about sinful behaviors. She merely modeled the teachings of Jesus… every single day of her life.
I know MawMac wasn’t perfect. I’m sure she had her moments. But I never saw them. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that she and Mary are dancing with Jesus… two faithful women who were loyal to Him without fail. This scripture passage is so fitting for Geraldine and Mary. I know they are having a celebration to end all celebrations… and because of this, I feel like singing and dancing, too – in spite of my sadness.
The more of my loved ones who pass on and go to heaven, the more real heaven becomes to me. It’s a glorious resting place for those who have chosen to follow Jesus, and I am so looking forward to joining the party there. Will you be along? Do you know Jesus in the way MawMac and Mary know Him? Do you live for Him each day – and will you dance and sing His praises even into Eternity? You can! Who – or what – is holding you back? Isn’t it time you raced down the altar, so to speak, like Mary did… and secured your place at the party?
I ask you to please stop and thank God today for heroes like MawMac… for Godly women who are devoted to their Heavenly Father, their family, church and community. Pray for those who will miss her… and thank God for welcoming her and Mary to His banquet table. I’m sure they’ve saved a seat nearby for me… and I am looking forward to seeing them again someday. Won’t you join us?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Our God, I am faithful to you with all my heart, and you can trust me. I will sing and play music for you with all that I am. I will start playing my harps before the sun rises. I will praise you, LORD, for everyone to hear; I will sing hymns to you in every nation. Your love reaches higher than the heavens, and your loyalty extends beyond the clouds. Our God, may you be honored above the heavens; may your glory be seen everywhere on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Everybody needs a hero, and I’ve had a dandy. For more than fifty-four years, I’ve been encouraged and nurtured by a remarkable lady who shared my birthday. Yesterday, she went to heaven… less than 48 hours after her beloved baby girl died. “MawMac,” as I called her, was really Geraldine McCurry. She took great pride in being the wife of the local Chevrolet dealer, Andrew McCurry… and mother to three girls - Andrea, Marsha, and Mary.
As Andrea wrote in Mary’s obituary, “…a tragic accident at birth caused her to be severely physically handicapped by cerebral palsy. Because of her condition, she was never able to walk, talk, use her hands or be able to care for herself in any way. However, she devised a method of communication when she was about a year and a half old using her eyes. For those who took the time to learn to "talk" with Mary, they found a warm, loving, rather bawdy personality with a little streak of the devil.” Mary would have been 60 this October. Mary’s family and all who knew her loved her dearly. And in a time when many children with cerebral palsy were hidden away in institutions, the McCurrys never treated Mary with such disdain. MawMac and her family were ahead of their time in recognizing that Mary was a bright girl trapped in a body that betrayed her… and they did all they could to make life as “normal” as possible for this precious girl.
As further proof of this, a friend recalled on Facebook the Sunday that Mrs. McCurry wheeled Mary to the front of our church sanctuary, where she said Mary was wishing to make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and be baptized. MawMac said, “I just couldn’t hold her back any longer… she insisted on coming to the altar.” That was our MawMac… dedicated to her children… and to her God. She was also fiercely patriotic. I like to joke that I am a “Firecracker Baby” because of my July 4th birthday… but MawMac truly was… and she had a collection of red/white/blue memorabilia that defies belief – down to a life-sized “Uncle Sam!” This past July 4th, she wore a new blouse fashioned by her daughters to fit her 4-ft frame… featuring red/white/blue stars, of course! She wore it with red/white/blue shoes, and – what else? – a headband with shooting stars that bobbled along! Did I mention that MawMac was 93 on her last birthday?
If you didn’t get a chance to know Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry in this lifetime, you will hopefully meet her in heaven. She will be the one standing with Jesus, tall and stately, healed from the osteoporosis that shrunk her tiny frame by almost 5 inches… and she will be talking and greeting everyone who enters the Pearly Gates! MawMac taught me a lot about life and overcoming challenges and obstacles… but she taught me more about faith and devotion. She hardly ever missed a church service (or anything else in our community, for that matter!), and she was one of the most devoted Christians I ever knew. She wasn’t preachy or one of those who spouted scripture and lectured about sinful behaviors. She merely modeled the teachings of Jesus… every single day of her life.
I know MawMac wasn’t perfect. I’m sure she had her moments. But I never saw them. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that she and Mary are dancing with Jesus… two faithful women who were loyal to Him without fail. This scripture passage is so fitting for Geraldine and Mary. I know they are having a celebration to end all celebrations… and because of this, I feel like singing and dancing, too – in spite of my sadness.
The more of my loved ones who pass on and go to heaven, the more real heaven becomes to me. It’s a glorious resting place for those who have chosen to follow Jesus, and I am so looking forward to joining the party there. Will you be along? Do you know Jesus in the way MawMac and Mary know Him? Do you live for Him each day – and will you dance and sing His praises even into Eternity? You can! Who – or what – is holding you back? Isn’t it time you raced down the altar, so to speak, like Mary did… and secured your place at the party?
I ask you to please stop and thank God today for heroes like MawMac… for Godly women who are devoted to their Heavenly Father, their family, church and community. Pray for those who will miss her… and thank God for welcoming her and Mary to His banquet table. I’m sure they’ve saved a seat nearby for me… and I am looking forward to seeing them again someday. Won’t you join us?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 29, 2011
August 29 ~ John 8:1-11
Jesus walked out to the Mount of Olives. Then early the next morning he went to the temple. The people came to him, and he sat down and started teaching them. The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses brought in a woman who had been caught in bed with a man who wasn't her husband. They made her stand in the middle of the crowd. Then they said, "Teacher, this woman was caught sleeping with a man who isn't her husband. The Law of Moses teaches that a woman like this should be stoned to death! What do you say?"
They asked Jesus this question, because they wanted to test him and bring some charge against him. But Jesus simply bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger.
They kept on asking Jesus about the woman. Finally, he stood up and said, "If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!" Once again he bent over and began writing on the ground. The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone. Jesus stood up and asked her, "Where is everyone? Isn't there anyone left to accuse you?" "No sir," the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, "I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don't sin anymore."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I would love to know what Jesus wrote in the sand. I’ve done some searching on the Internet, and some suggest He was merely doodling. Others say he was drawing a circle in which the accused stood for stoning. Anyone in the circle when it was completed was subject to stoning – maybe He thought some of the Pharisees wouldn’t move fast enough! Still others say Jesus was listing the sins of every person present… who else hadcommitted adultery – and with whom. Even another suggested that Jesus was writing out the law that said that this woman could only be stoned if the sinless person cast the first blow, because inability to comply would be the only thing that would cause the leaders to dissipate.
At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter what Jesus wrote… but the fact that He was less than fully present in the activities of making accusations and berating this woman matters greatly. See, we are all this woman, in some manner, because we are all sinners. And lest you start protesting that her sins were so much greater than yours, let me remind you again that sin is sin… and we are all sinners – except for Jesus.So when Jesus let this woman go and said, “I’m not going to accuse you, either,” He granted her grace and mercy far beyond anything any of us deserve. He told each of us the same thing, in essence, when He died on the cross for our sins. He took our burden upon Himself, and we are charged to “go now, but don’t sin anymore.” There is every chance we won’t be able to hold up to our end of the bargain, but we must try. When we fall short, we must confess, pick ourselves up, ask forgiveness, and move ahead, glorifying God for His grace, mercy, and unending love.
I don’t know about you, but when I find myself in the circle, being accused (even by my own conscience) of my sins and shortcomings, I’m so happy to know that Jesus is standing beside me – drawing in the sand. I’m grateful that He does not condemn me… and that because of my salvation through Him, I am forever set upright and given another chance. If you have asked Jesus to become LORD of your life and invited His Holy Spirit to live in your heart, you can enjoy this same grace, mercy and salvation.
So the question of the day is… “What is Jesus writing in the sand beside your circle?”
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus walked out to the Mount of Olives. Then early the next morning he went to the temple. The people came to him, and he sat down and started teaching them. The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses brought in a woman who had been caught in bed with a man who wasn't her husband. They made her stand in the middle of the crowd. Then they said, "Teacher, this woman was caught sleeping with a man who isn't her husband. The Law of Moses teaches that a woman like this should be stoned to death! What do you say?"
They asked Jesus this question, because they wanted to test him and bring some charge against him. But Jesus simply bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger.
They kept on asking Jesus about the woman. Finally, he stood up and said, "If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!" Once again he bent over and began writing on the ground. The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone. Jesus stood up and asked her, "Where is everyone? Isn't there anyone left to accuse you?" "No sir," the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, "I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don't sin anymore."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I would love to know what Jesus wrote in the sand. I’ve done some searching on the Internet, and some suggest He was merely doodling. Others say he was drawing a circle in which the accused stood for stoning. Anyone in the circle when it was completed was subject to stoning – maybe He thought some of the Pharisees wouldn’t move fast enough! Still others say Jesus was listing the sins of every person present… who else hadcommitted adultery – and with whom. Even another suggested that Jesus was writing out the law that said that this woman could only be stoned if the sinless person cast the first blow, because inability to comply would be the only thing that would cause the leaders to dissipate.
At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter what Jesus wrote… but the fact that He was less than fully present in the activities of making accusations and berating this woman matters greatly. See, we are all this woman, in some manner, because we are all sinners. And lest you start protesting that her sins were so much greater than yours, let me remind you again that sin is sin… and we are all sinners – except for Jesus.So when Jesus let this woman go and said, “I’m not going to accuse you, either,” He granted her grace and mercy far beyond anything any of us deserve. He told each of us the same thing, in essence, when He died on the cross for our sins. He took our burden upon Himself, and we are charged to “go now, but don’t sin anymore.” There is every chance we won’t be able to hold up to our end of the bargain, but we must try. When we fall short, we must confess, pick ourselves up, ask forgiveness, and move ahead, glorifying God for His grace, mercy, and unending love.
I don’t know about you, but when I find myself in the circle, being accused (even by my own conscience) of my sins and shortcomings, I’m so happy to know that Jesus is standing beside me – drawing in the sand. I’m grateful that He does not condemn me… and that because of my salvation through Him, I am forever set upright and given another chance. If you have asked Jesus to become LORD of your life and invited His Holy Spirit to live in your heart, you can enjoy this same grace, mercy and salvation.
So the question of the day is… “What is Jesus writing in the sand beside your circle?”
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 28, 2011
John 7:21-24
Jesus answered: I worked one miracle, and it amazed you. Moses commanded you to circumcise your sons. But it wasn't really Moses who gave you this command. It was your ancestors, and even on the Sabbath you circumcise your sons in order to obey the Law of Moses. Why are you angry with me for making someone completely well on the Sabbath? Don't judge by appearances. Judge by what is right.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, most stores were not open on Sunday. There was a law, known as the “Blue Law” that prohibited the sale of certain items on Sunday, including groceries, clothing, and other items. We could go to a restaurant and eat, but we couldn’t go to a grocery store and buy a gallon of milk and a hunk of bologna! Sunday was truly considered a day of rest for many. I remember my mother finding me at the sewing machine one Sunday afternoon when I was a young teenager, and she asked, “You’re sewing on Sunday?”
While it’s too bad that some people have to work every single Sunday and have limited opportunities to attend church services, it’s also pretty hypocritical to say that it is okay for restaurant staff to serve us a meal… or for doctors and nurses to treat us in a hospital on Sunday, but it is wrong for people to sell baby food and other groceries, clothing, medicine, and more. Why was it acceptable for my grandfather to feed his livestock on Sunday morning before church, but considered questionable for me to spend Sunday afternoon between services sewing a new garment? I will tell you that my mother has changed her thinking about this through the years… as have many.
The bigger question… as posed by Jesus in Judea… is “Who are we to judge?” Do we assume that someone who works on Sunday doesn’t care about their faith? Just because we know someone who doesn’t attend services every time the doors are open, do we think they are a lesser Christian? Do we make all sorts of assumptions about those who don’t appear to be as active in the church as others? In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren says some of the most important service ever done for the LORD is some of the seemingly most insignificant…and certainly least visible. In truth, is our judgment of someone who works on Sunday masking a more deep-seated judgment of that person in general? Like the people of Judea who were challenging Jesus, do we have a hidden agenda?
We cannot make judgments based on what day it is, or what we observe and hear. There is always so much more that we do not know. So often, we don’t have all the facts. Jesus is reminding us in this passage to judge what is right… to look at the outcome – the end result. Never judge based on appearance. Always remember that you don’t have all the facts and cannot assume anything. At the end of the day, only God can decide whether another is doing the right thing… living correctly and making the best use of his/her time.
I don’t know about you, but I’m glad I can dash into the store after church on Sunday and pick up bread and milk. I’m thankful that there are people willing to work weekends… and I pray that they have a Sunday off here and there to be with their family and attend church if they wish. I’m grateful that someone is running a gas station, in case I need to fuel up on the Sabbath… and I honestly don’t think God minds if I spend my Sunday afternoon shopping instead of napping.
It is important that we know where we stand with God… and that we behave in a way that models the teachings of Jesus. But at the end of the day, nobody knows our heart but us and God. Surely we want others to remember this when they begin to judge us… and we must do the same in return.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus answered: I worked one miracle, and it amazed you. Moses commanded you to circumcise your sons. But it wasn't really Moses who gave you this command. It was your ancestors, and even on the Sabbath you circumcise your sons in order to obey the Law of Moses. Why are you angry with me for making someone completely well on the Sabbath? Don't judge by appearances. Judge by what is right.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, most stores were not open on Sunday. There was a law, known as the “Blue Law” that prohibited the sale of certain items on Sunday, including groceries, clothing, and other items. We could go to a restaurant and eat, but we couldn’t go to a grocery store and buy a gallon of milk and a hunk of bologna! Sunday was truly considered a day of rest for many. I remember my mother finding me at the sewing machine one Sunday afternoon when I was a young teenager, and she asked, “You’re sewing on Sunday?”
While it’s too bad that some people have to work every single Sunday and have limited opportunities to attend church services, it’s also pretty hypocritical to say that it is okay for restaurant staff to serve us a meal… or for doctors and nurses to treat us in a hospital on Sunday, but it is wrong for people to sell baby food and other groceries, clothing, medicine, and more. Why was it acceptable for my grandfather to feed his livestock on Sunday morning before church, but considered questionable for me to spend Sunday afternoon between services sewing a new garment? I will tell you that my mother has changed her thinking about this through the years… as have many.
The bigger question… as posed by Jesus in Judea… is “Who are we to judge?” Do we assume that someone who works on Sunday doesn’t care about their faith? Just because we know someone who doesn’t attend services every time the doors are open, do we think they are a lesser Christian? Do we make all sorts of assumptions about those who don’t appear to be as active in the church as others? In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren says some of the most important service ever done for the LORD is some of the seemingly most insignificant…and certainly least visible. In truth, is our judgment of someone who works on Sunday masking a more deep-seated judgment of that person in general? Like the people of Judea who were challenging Jesus, do we have a hidden agenda?
We cannot make judgments based on what day it is, or what we observe and hear. There is always so much more that we do not know. So often, we don’t have all the facts. Jesus is reminding us in this passage to judge what is right… to look at the outcome – the end result. Never judge based on appearance. Always remember that you don’t have all the facts and cannot assume anything. At the end of the day, only God can decide whether another is doing the right thing… living correctly and making the best use of his/her time.
I don’t know about you, but I’m glad I can dash into the store after church on Sunday and pick up bread and milk. I’m thankful that there are people willing to work weekends… and I pray that they have a Sunday off here and there to be with their family and attend church if they wish. I’m grateful that someone is running a gas station, in case I need to fuel up on the Sabbath… and I honestly don’t think God minds if I spend my Sunday afternoon shopping instead of napping.
It is important that we know where we stand with God… and that we behave in a way that models the teachings of Jesus. But at the end of the day, nobody knows our heart but us and God. Surely we want others to remember this when they begin to judge us… and we must do the same in return.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 27, 2011
John 7:14-19
With the Feast already half over, Jesus showed up in the Temple, teaching. The Jews were impressed, but puzzled: "How does he know so much without being schooled?"
Jesus said, "I didn't make this up. What I teach comes from the One who sent me. Anyone who wants to do his will can test this teaching and know whether it's from God or whether I'm making it up. A person making things up tries to make himself look good. But someone trying to honor the one who sent him sticks to the facts and doesn't tamper with reality. It was Moses, wasn't it, who gave you God's Law? But none of you are living it. So why are you trying to kill me?"
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.
Friends on Facebook have been contributing to a page about recollections of our home town when we were kids. More than one has remembered Whitaker Drug Store, were we could sit at the counter and order fountain sodas and other treats. And many have remembered getting a drink there called a “suicide.” Basically, the ladies behind the counter put in a little bit of every syrup available and added carbonated water for “fizz.” I don’t remember if I ever drank a “suicide,” but I know plenty of times that I – and others – have tried to create our own culinary concoction with less than stellar results!
I will experiment a little here and there when cooking, but I’ve pretty well learned from a few mistakes in the kitchen. Now I mostly stick to the recipe and leave the tampering to someone more adventuresome! I am content to have people enjoy my cooking, and I will gladly give the credit to whatever cookbook author or good cook willing to share recipes deserves the recognition. And hopefully, people are comfortable eating what I prepare… confident that I’ve not made things up as I went along! I never went to culinary school… but I had good teachers who taught me how to navigate the kitchen and produce a tasty meal.
Now if I were to continually strike out and create dishes of my own invention, would I have the right to be mad at Julia Child, Betty Crocker, or the Southern Living cooks because my results were poor? Would it make sense to be angry at someone who shared a recipe with me if I changed the ingredients and didn’t follow the cooking directions… and the result was inedible? So why do we think we can study God’s word and receive His guidance and instruction, then “have it our way?”
Why are we persuaded by sinful friends and acquaintances who clearly are not behaving in a Christ-like manner? Why do we choose “Spiritual suicide” when we already know that the results are going to leave a bad taste in our mouth and have horrendous consequences? What right do we have to be mad at God when things don’t go the way we want?
When will we learn? When will we begin to recognize the power and authority of God Almighty? When will we see that God sent Jesus to show us how to live… how to conduct ourselves in all sorts of situations… how to resist temptation… how to love others in His name… how to spread the Gospel and model Christ-like behavior for others? When will we realize that fakes and phonies are a dime a dozen… but Jesus is the Real Deal?
Remember John 3:16 – God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that we could live – forever! All we have to do is believe in Him… all we have to do is acknowledge that Jesus is truly who He said He was, ever since “back in the day”… and commit our heart and soul to living for Him continually in the “now!” Jesus brought us the recipe for success, joy, and Eternal Life! Are you ready to follow Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
With the Feast already half over, Jesus showed up in the Temple, teaching. The Jews were impressed, but puzzled: "How does he know so much without being schooled?"
Jesus said, "I didn't make this up. What I teach comes from the One who sent me. Anyone who wants to do his will can test this teaching and know whether it's from God or whether I'm making it up. A person making things up tries to make himself look good. But someone trying to honor the one who sent him sticks to the facts and doesn't tamper with reality. It was Moses, wasn't it, who gave you God's Law? But none of you are living it. So why are you trying to kill me?"
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.
Friends on Facebook have been contributing to a page about recollections of our home town when we were kids. More than one has remembered Whitaker Drug Store, were we could sit at the counter and order fountain sodas and other treats. And many have remembered getting a drink there called a “suicide.” Basically, the ladies behind the counter put in a little bit of every syrup available and added carbonated water for “fizz.” I don’t remember if I ever drank a “suicide,” but I know plenty of times that I – and others – have tried to create our own culinary concoction with less than stellar results!
I will experiment a little here and there when cooking, but I’ve pretty well learned from a few mistakes in the kitchen. Now I mostly stick to the recipe and leave the tampering to someone more adventuresome! I am content to have people enjoy my cooking, and I will gladly give the credit to whatever cookbook author or good cook willing to share recipes deserves the recognition. And hopefully, people are comfortable eating what I prepare… confident that I’ve not made things up as I went along! I never went to culinary school… but I had good teachers who taught me how to navigate the kitchen and produce a tasty meal.
Now if I were to continually strike out and create dishes of my own invention, would I have the right to be mad at Julia Child, Betty Crocker, or the Southern Living cooks because my results were poor? Would it make sense to be angry at someone who shared a recipe with me if I changed the ingredients and didn’t follow the cooking directions… and the result was inedible? So why do we think we can study God’s word and receive His guidance and instruction, then “have it our way?”
Why are we persuaded by sinful friends and acquaintances who clearly are not behaving in a Christ-like manner? Why do we choose “Spiritual suicide” when we already know that the results are going to leave a bad taste in our mouth and have horrendous consequences? What right do we have to be mad at God when things don’t go the way we want?
When will we learn? When will we begin to recognize the power and authority of God Almighty? When will we see that God sent Jesus to show us how to live… how to conduct ourselves in all sorts of situations… how to resist temptation… how to love others in His name… how to spread the Gospel and model Christ-like behavior for others? When will we realize that fakes and phonies are a dime a dozen… but Jesus is the Real Deal?
Remember John 3:16 – God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that we could live – forever! All we have to do is believe in Him… all we have to do is acknowledge that Jesus is truly who He said He was, ever since “back in the day”… and commit our heart and soul to living for Him continually in the “now!” Jesus brought us the recipe for success, joy, and Eternal Life! Are you ready to follow Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 26, 2011
John 6:61-65
Jesus sensed that his disciples were having a hard time with this and said, "Does this throw you completely? What would happen if you saw the Son of Man ascending to where he came from? The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don't make anything happen. Every word I've spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making. But some of you are resisting, refusing to have any part in this." (Jesus knew from the start that some weren't going to risk themselves with him. He knew also who would betray him.) He went on to say, "This is why I told you earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own. You get to me only as a gift from the Father."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Many people take life-saving medications every single day. It may be a blood pressure pill, or insulin for diabetes… an anti-convulsant, something to lower your cholesterol, or a drug that regulates your thyroid. Those with some form of cancer may take chemotherapy that causes cancer cells to shrink, decrease, or even disappear forever.
While these medications are working inside us, we cannot see them. We trust they are there, doing what we want them to do… but we don’t have any “physical” proof aside from feeling better, not having a heart attack or going into a diabetic coma - or suffering the effects of whatever the drugs are supposed to cure or control. In general, we don’t question this process… we merely accept it.
As our Great Physician, Jesus brings us the life-saving “medication” of God’s Holy Spirit. We can accept this gift and invite the Holy Spirit to live within us… but we have to fully trust that He will heal us and make us right. Just like our medications that we readily put into or on our bodies, we cannot see God at work through His Holy Spirit. But also like the medications, we can see the end results. What happens “in between” is a matter of faith and trust.
We seem more than willing to trust that a pill, injection or topical cream will help us feel better. So why can’t we trust that the “prescription” offered by Jesus Christ can heal us, too? Why do we resist the One who could possibly heal us of everything? Why is faith – the most important component of a Christian life – the most difficult concept to embrace? Most of us would never even think of skipping our daily medications, so why would we ever even consider a day without the Holy Spirit?
Isn’t it time to “let go and let God?” Isn’t it time to recognize that sheer muscle and will power will not get you into heaven? Only faith and trust in God - and salvation through the blood of Jesus - can accomplish this. Take the “medicine” that can bring Eternal life! Trust in God today… invite Jesus into your heart. If you have done so already, maybe you need to “refill your prescription” and renew your faith.
Now is the time for us to start to believe in the unseen… to trust that God is working in and through us – from the inside out… and offering us the best “medicine” we could ever hope to receive.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus sensed that his disciples were having a hard time with this and said, "Does this throw you completely? What would happen if you saw the Son of Man ascending to where he came from? The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don't make anything happen. Every word I've spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is life-making. But some of you are resisting, refusing to have any part in this." (Jesus knew from the start that some weren't going to risk themselves with him. He knew also who would betray him.) He went on to say, "This is why I told you earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own. You get to me only as a gift from the Father."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Many people take life-saving medications every single day. It may be a blood pressure pill, or insulin for diabetes… an anti-convulsant, something to lower your cholesterol, or a drug that regulates your thyroid. Those with some form of cancer may take chemotherapy that causes cancer cells to shrink, decrease, or even disappear forever.
While these medications are working inside us, we cannot see them. We trust they are there, doing what we want them to do… but we don’t have any “physical” proof aside from feeling better, not having a heart attack or going into a diabetic coma - or suffering the effects of whatever the drugs are supposed to cure or control. In general, we don’t question this process… we merely accept it.
As our Great Physician, Jesus brings us the life-saving “medication” of God’s Holy Spirit. We can accept this gift and invite the Holy Spirit to live within us… but we have to fully trust that He will heal us and make us right. Just like our medications that we readily put into or on our bodies, we cannot see God at work through His Holy Spirit. But also like the medications, we can see the end results. What happens “in between” is a matter of faith and trust.
We seem more than willing to trust that a pill, injection or topical cream will help us feel better. So why can’t we trust that the “prescription” offered by Jesus Christ can heal us, too? Why do we resist the One who could possibly heal us of everything? Why is faith – the most important component of a Christian life – the most difficult concept to embrace? Most of us would never even think of skipping our daily medications, so why would we ever even consider a day without the Holy Spirit?
Isn’t it time to “let go and let God?” Isn’t it time to recognize that sheer muscle and will power will not get you into heaven? Only faith and trust in God - and salvation through the blood of Jesus - can accomplish this. Take the “medicine” that can bring Eternal life! Trust in God today… invite Jesus into your heart. If you have done so already, maybe you need to “refill your prescription” and renew your faith.
Now is the time for us to start to believe in the unseen… to trust that God is working in and through us – from the inside out… and offering us the best “medicine” we could ever hope to receive.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 25, 2011
Proverbs 20:4
If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The other day I caught part of a commercial for yet another fat-burning solution that comes in a little capsule. No exercise is necessary… no dietary changes are needed. All we have to do is take these little capsules, and they will miraculously attach to our belly fat and burn it into oblivion for us! Yippee!!! As my “personal trainer” Jillian Michaels says, this is a message of lethargy and laziness… and it won’t work. She also says that so many people truly do not show up their own lives. In other words, they don’t take responsibility for their actions… or the outcomes. And she is right! We want the harvest, but we don’t want to plow!
We see this in every arena of life. Some students never study and barely get by then wonder why their GPA is so poor and they can’t get into good graduate schools - or potential employers are less than impressed. People apply for job after job and wonder why nobody will hire them... yet they fail to realize they present a lazy, “I-could-care-less” attitude and a sloppy appearance. We all know someone who has been on one diet after another, joined every gym in town and has a cabinet full of workout videos – right next to the treadmill/clothes rack. Every Monday is going to be the first day of a diet… until Monday actually arrives.
We also see this in the lives of many Christians. We make excuses with comments like, “I have nothing to offer. I’m not smart/capable/talented/outgoing… and more. I don’t have time. I don’t want to be a pest.” Sometimes, these are code for “I’m too lazy to get involved.” We often hear God nudging us into service and witness, but we either tune Him out or turn away. Some of us are so out of step with God that we really, truly don’t recognize His voice when He speaks and gives us an assignment!
The time has come for us to show up… to be truly present in our own lives… and as Christians and Disciples of Christ. We need to get up and get going… to clean up our act, polish our appearance, and get in line to accept whatever challenges we are presented… with all of the enthusiasm and energy we can muster. If you are really ready for a harvest, are you ready to plow?
©2011 Debbie Robus
If you are too lazy to plow, don't expect a harvest.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The other day I caught part of a commercial for yet another fat-burning solution that comes in a little capsule. No exercise is necessary… no dietary changes are needed. All we have to do is take these little capsules, and they will miraculously attach to our belly fat and burn it into oblivion for us! Yippee!!! As my “personal trainer” Jillian Michaels says, this is a message of lethargy and laziness… and it won’t work. She also says that so many people truly do not show up their own lives. In other words, they don’t take responsibility for their actions… or the outcomes. And she is right! We want the harvest, but we don’t want to plow!
We see this in every arena of life. Some students never study and barely get by then wonder why their GPA is so poor and they can’t get into good graduate schools - or potential employers are less than impressed. People apply for job after job and wonder why nobody will hire them... yet they fail to realize they present a lazy, “I-could-care-less” attitude and a sloppy appearance. We all know someone who has been on one diet after another, joined every gym in town and has a cabinet full of workout videos – right next to the treadmill/clothes rack. Every Monday is going to be the first day of a diet… until Monday actually arrives.
We also see this in the lives of many Christians. We make excuses with comments like, “I have nothing to offer. I’m not smart/capable/talented/outgoing… and more. I don’t have time. I don’t want to be a pest.” Sometimes, these are code for “I’m too lazy to get involved.” We often hear God nudging us into service and witness, but we either tune Him out or turn away. Some of us are so out of step with God that we really, truly don’t recognize His voice when He speaks and gives us an assignment!
The time has come for us to show up… to be truly present in our own lives… and as Christians and Disciples of Christ. We need to get up and get going… to clean up our act, polish our appearance, and get in line to accept whatever challenges we are presented… with all of the enthusiasm and energy we can muster. If you are really ready for a harvest, are you ready to plow?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 24, 2011
Proverbs 20:24
The very steps we take come from GOD; otherwise how would we know where we're going?
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 few weeks ago, Timothy and his family moved to Texas, so we didn’t see our little guy for seven weeks. Now, you may be saying that this is not such a long time, but for us, it seemed like seven years. I was reminded to cherish every moment with him. Now that he is here for an extended stay, I’m doing just that! If he doesn’t take a nap when I want, I try to enjoy watching him wind down – even if he’s fussy. When he wakes me at 4:45 a.m. and says “Jack!” as in “Jack’s Big Music Show,” I try to realize that 2-year-olds have no clock, and he has no clue that grownups are still trying to sleep at this hour!
All too soon, this little guy will be too old for his Aunt DebDeb and Uncle Greg, and our chances to nurture and dote on him will be greatly diminished. We will never get back the cute giggles… the day he first started stringing sentences together… or all of those wonderful, sticky hugs and kisses he has for us now. And it’s not just little ones… last week my grandmother tearfully said to me, “Things are changing.” At nearly 99, she sees her time slipping away, and so do we. Before you know it, she will be off to heaven, and we will no longer have the opportunity to benefit from her presence – and her wisdom and wit.
My point is that God has numbered our steps. If it weren’t for God showing us the way and guiding us, we wouldn’t have a clue how to act or what to do… and for most of us, the results would be disastrous! I believe that God is calling us to slow down, to quit dreaming that hot summer days would give way to fall. I believe He is saying, “Don’t wish it were winter… or next week or next year! Enjoy the day I have given you… this day… this hour. Do what I am calling you to do in this time frame - whether it’s playing with a toddler, spending time with an elderly loved one, or standing in line at the grocery store.”
I believe God wants us to be more present in the moment… to be awake and alert for His blessings and opportunities to serve in His name at all times… not just when it’s convenient, we’re rested, and all of the stars align in the universe!
How are you living these days? Are you aware Who numbers your steps? Are you wishing your life away and rushing through things, or are you truly present in the moment… serving God and praising Him for each second of the day? How do you know where you are going?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The very steps we take come from GOD; otherwise how would we know where we're going?
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 few weeks ago, Timothy and his family moved to Texas, so we didn’t see our little guy for seven weeks. Now, you may be saying that this is not such a long time, but for us, it seemed like seven years. I was reminded to cherish every moment with him. Now that he is here for an extended stay, I’m doing just that! If he doesn’t take a nap when I want, I try to enjoy watching him wind down – even if he’s fussy. When he wakes me at 4:45 a.m. and says “Jack!” as in “Jack’s Big Music Show,” I try to realize that 2-year-olds have no clock, and he has no clue that grownups are still trying to sleep at this hour!
All too soon, this little guy will be too old for his Aunt DebDeb and Uncle Greg, and our chances to nurture and dote on him will be greatly diminished. We will never get back the cute giggles… the day he first started stringing sentences together… or all of those wonderful, sticky hugs and kisses he has for us now. And it’s not just little ones… last week my grandmother tearfully said to me, “Things are changing.” At nearly 99, she sees her time slipping away, and so do we. Before you know it, she will be off to heaven, and we will no longer have the opportunity to benefit from her presence – and her wisdom and wit.
My point is that God has numbered our steps. If it weren’t for God showing us the way and guiding us, we wouldn’t have a clue how to act or what to do… and for most of us, the results would be disastrous! I believe that God is calling us to slow down, to quit dreaming that hot summer days would give way to fall. I believe He is saying, “Don’t wish it were winter… or next week or next year! Enjoy the day I have given you… this day… this hour. Do what I am calling you to do in this time frame - whether it’s playing with a toddler, spending time with an elderly loved one, or standing in line at the grocery store.”
I believe God wants us to be more present in the moment… to be awake and alert for His blessings and opportunities to serve in His name at all times… not just when it’s convenient, we’re rested, and all of the stars align in the universe!
How are you living these days? Are you aware Who numbers your steps? Are you wishing your life away and rushing through things, or are you truly present in the moment… serving God and praising Him for each second of the day? How do you know where you are going?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 23, 2011
August 23 ~ John 6:43-46
Jesus said, "Don't bicker among yourselves over me. You're not in charge here. The Father who sent me is in charge. He draws people to me—that's the only way you'll ever come. Only then do I do my work, putting people together, setting them on their feet, ready for the End. This is what the prophets meant when they wrote, 'And then they will all be personally taught by God.' Anyone who has spent any time at all listening to the Father, really listening and therefore learning, comes to me to be taught personally—to see it with his own eyes, hear it with his own ears, from me, since I have it firsthand from the Father. No one has seen the Father except the One who has his Being alongside the Father—and you can see me.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My sister and her husband and I attended a funeral visitation recently for Leon McAnear, the father of our lifelong friends, Lesa and Laura. There was a huge crowd of people who came to visit with this family and pay their respects to a wonderful, Godly man. My little great-nephew Timothy came with his grandparents, and he was in awe of all of the people. As we sat on pews in the funeral home chapel, Timothy snuggled into the relative safety of my lap and watched the crowd. And when someone would come by and speak, he would smile and maybe say “Hi!” or “Bye!” When they would laugh, he would laugh. When someone waved, he waved. He was drawn into the activity and made an attempt to fit in by mimicking the behaviors of others.
We all do this, to some degree. Most of us have a deep desire to fit in… to be a part of things. And we are naturally drawn to those who seem to exhibit characteristics we like… or who appear to have what we want. God sent Jesus to teach us about Him. Part of God’s plan is for us to be drawn to Jesus… to want what He has… to mimic His behavior. And as Disciples of Christ, we are in turn agents for our Heavenly Father.
We are to live in such a way that others see Jesus in us… that they want what we have. I don’t mean this in a materialistic sense… or even that others want to be like us in terms of personality, mannerisms, or even how we think in general. But God does want others to see the glory and salvation offered through Jesus Christ… He wants others to look at us and say, “If that’s living for Jesus, sign me up!” He wants us to model Christian behavior... not with Oscar-winning performances, but out of a deep, genuine love for Him and a desire to live out our faith every single day.
Leon McAnear was one of the most faithful Christians I ever knew. At his service, a friend and fellow church member spoke about Leon’s life and demeanor. He said that in recent months, Leon visited his office, and this friend said he knew Leon was not well, yet he seemed happy and upbeat. The friend asked, “Leon, how do you do it? I never see you down. I know you don’t feel well, yet you are always so happy.” Mr. McAnear replied, “I choose to count my blessings every day.” The friend concluded that we were better for having known this faithful servant of God.
My question is… are people better for having known you? Do you count your blessings every day? Do others see Jesus in you and desire to experience for themselves the same relationship with Him that you enjoy? Have you truly seen the Father through Jesus Christ… and do others see Him through you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus said, "Don't bicker among yourselves over me. You're not in charge here. The Father who sent me is in charge. He draws people to me—that's the only way you'll ever come. Only then do I do my work, putting people together, setting them on their feet, ready for the End. This is what the prophets meant when they wrote, 'And then they will all be personally taught by God.' Anyone who has spent any time at all listening to the Father, really listening and therefore learning, comes to me to be taught personally—to see it with his own eyes, hear it with his own ears, from me, since I have it firsthand from the Father. No one has seen the Father except the One who has his Being alongside the Father—and you can see me.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My sister and her husband and I attended a funeral visitation recently for Leon McAnear, the father of our lifelong friends, Lesa and Laura. There was a huge crowd of people who came to visit with this family and pay their respects to a wonderful, Godly man. My little great-nephew Timothy came with his grandparents, and he was in awe of all of the people. As we sat on pews in the funeral home chapel, Timothy snuggled into the relative safety of my lap and watched the crowd. And when someone would come by and speak, he would smile and maybe say “Hi!” or “Bye!” When they would laugh, he would laugh. When someone waved, he waved. He was drawn into the activity and made an attempt to fit in by mimicking the behaviors of others.
We all do this, to some degree. Most of us have a deep desire to fit in… to be a part of things. And we are naturally drawn to those who seem to exhibit characteristics we like… or who appear to have what we want. God sent Jesus to teach us about Him. Part of God’s plan is for us to be drawn to Jesus… to want what He has… to mimic His behavior. And as Disciples of Christ, we are in turn agents for our Heavenly Father.
We are to live in such a way that others see Jesus in us… that they want what we have. I don’t mean this in a materialistic sense… or even that others want to be like us in terms of personality, mannerisms, or even how we think in general. But God does want others to see the glory and salvation offered through Jesus Christ… He wants others to look at us and say, “If that’s living for Jesus, sign me up!” He wants us to model Christian behavior... not with Oscar-winning performances, but out of a deep, genuine love for Him and a desire to live out our faith every single day.
Leon McAnear was one of the most faithful Christians I ever knew. At his service, a friend and fellow church member spoke about Leon’s life and demeanor. He said that in recent months, Leon visited his office, and this friend said he knew Leon was not well, yet he seemed happy and upbeat. The friend asked, “Leon, how do you do it? I never see you down. I know you don’t feel well, yet you are always so happy.” Mr. McAnear replied, “I choose to count my blessings every day.” The friend concluded that we were better for having known this faithful servant of God.
My question is… are people better for having known you? Do you count your blessings every day? Do others see Jesus in you and desire to experience for themselves the same relationship with Him that you enjoy? Have you truly seen the Father through Jesus Christ… and do others see Him through you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 22, 2011
John 6:34-40
The people said, "Lord, give us this bread and don't ever stop!"
Jesus replied: I am the bread that gives life! No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who has faith in me will ever be thirsty. I have told you already that you have seen me and still do not have faith in me. Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won't turn any of them away.
I didn't come from heaven to do what I want! I came to do what the Father wants me to do. He sent me, and he wants to make certain that none of the ones he has given me will be lost. Instead, he wants me to raise them to life on the last day. My Father wants everyone who sees the Son to have faith in him and to have eternal life. Then I will raise them to life on the last day.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A youth pastor friend of mine conducted an experiment recently. He asked all of the youth in his group to do without certain things each day for eight days, in order to get a feel for those who are less fortunate. Here was their schedule:
• Day one: No bed
• Day two: Eat rice only
• Day three: Beg for lunch
• Day four: No shower/hygiene products
• Day four part two: No relying on parents/No eating out (they must take care of themselves)
• Day five: No media (no cell phones, no radio, no computer, no TV)
• Day six: No cars (you can bum a ride with someone else, bike or walk, but no cars)
• Day seven: Wear the same clothes you wore yesterday
• Day eight: Fast all day
At best, this experiment was mildly uncomfortable for the participants… and maybe it opened a few eyes to the challenges that many face every day. We cannot fathom needing food and water. We do not understand the concept of needing water… we truly have plenty of food to eat and water to drink. It probably doesn’t occur to us often – if at all – that others clamor for even one cup of water, or a small bowl of mealy mush to eat each day.
The GOOD NEWS is that there is not a single person on the planet who cannot have plenty of the “Bread of Life” and “Living Water” offered by Jesus Christ. Whether lying on a bare church floor with no bedding…or on the hot dusty desert floor of Somalia… we can all be assured that Jesus will never turn us away. He loves all of us and cares deeply about us.
What we don’t grasp… and what eluded the people in this passage from John… is that physical needs and Spiritual needs are not the same. “Why,” we ask…”must people go hungry and thirsty? Why must there be poor and needy among us? Why do bad things happen to good people?” I don’t have the whole answer… and maybe we’re not supposed to understand this fully. But what I do know is that sometimes, through our physical needs and suffering, we are better able to see the Spiritual food and provisions that God offers us through Jesus. Let’s remember, Jesus suffered, too. He understood hunger, thirst, abuse, and murder… firsthand!
What I want you to take away from this message today is that God offers us “food and water” that defies physical man… the sustenance that permeates our soul and matters for all eternity. This life, no matter how many years we are granted, is truly only a blip on the screen. But life in the presence of Almighty God lasts forever. I want in on it… don’t you? And I want to take as many people with me as I possibly can! I am grateful that I will probably never know true physical hunger or thirst. But I am even more grateful that, by God’s grace, I won’t know these needs Spiritually. Can you say the same?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The people said, "Lord, give us this bread and don't ever stop!"
Jesus replied: I am the bread that gives life! No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who has faith in me will ever be thirsty. I have told you already that you have seen me and still do not have faith in me. Everything and everyone that the Father has given me will come to me, and I won't turn any of them away.
I didn't come from heaven to do what I want! I came to do what the Father wants me to do. He sent me, and he wants to make certain that none of the ones he has given me will be lost. Instead, he wants me to raise them to life on the last day. My Father wants everyone who sees the Son to have faith in him and to have eternal life. Then I will raise them to life on the last day.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A youth pastor friend of mine conducted an experiment recently. He asked all of the youth in his group to do without certain things each day for eight days, in order to get a feel for those who are less fortunate. Here was their schedule:
• Day one: No bed
• Day two: Eat rice only
• Day three: Beg for lunch
• Day four: No shower/hygiene products
• Day four part two: No relying on parents/No eating out (they must take care of themselves)
• Day five: No media (no cell phones, no radio, no computer, no TV)
• Day six: No cars (you can bum a ride with someone else, bike or walk, but no cars)
• Day seven: Wear the same clothes you wore yesterday
• Day eight: Fast all day
At best, this experiment was mildly uncomfortable for the participants… and maybe it opened a few eyes to the challenges that many face every day. We cannot fathom needing food and water. We do not understand the concept of needing water… we truly have plenty of food to eat and water to drink. It probably doesn’t occur to us often – if at all – that others clamor for even one cup of water, or a small bowl of mealy mush to eat each day.
The GOOD NEWS is that there is not a single person on the planet who cannot have plenty of the “Bread of Life” and “Living Water” offered by Jesus Christ. Whether lying on a bare church floor with no bedding…or on the hot dusty desert floor of Somalia… we can all be assured that Jesus will never turn us away. He loves all of us and cares deeply about us.
What we don’t grasp… and what eluded the people in this passage from John… is that physical needs and Spiritual needs are not the same. “Why,” we ask…”must people go hungry and thirsty? Why must there be poor and needy among us? Why do bad things happen to good people?” I don’t have the whole answer… and maybe we’re not supposed to understand this fully. But what I do know is that sometimes, through our physical needs and suffering, we are better able to see the Spiritual food and provisions that God offers us through Jesus. Let’s remember, Jesus suffered, too. He understood hunger, thirst, abuse, and murder… firsthand!
What I want you to take away from this message today is that God offers us “food and water” that defies physical man… the sustenance that permeates our soul and matters for all eternity. This life, no matter how many years we are granted, is truly only a blip on the screen. But life in the presence of Almighty God lasts forever. I want in on it… don’t you? And I want to take as many people with me as I possibly can! I am grateful that I will probably never know true physical hunger or thirst. But I am even more grateful that, by God’s grace, I won’t know these needs Spiritually. Can you say the same?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 21, 2011
John 6:30-33
They replied, "What miracle will you work, so that we can have faith in you? What will you do? For example, when our ancestors were in the desert, they were given manna to eat. It happened just as the Scriptures say, `God gave them bread from heaven to eat.' "Jesus then told them, "I tell you for certain that Moses wasn't the one who gave you bread from heaven. My Father is the one who gives you the true bread from heaven. And the bread that God gives is the one who came down from heaven to give life to the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us are probably familiar with the scene in the movie “Jerry Maguire” where Cuba Gooding, Jr. screams, “Show me the money!” Gooding portrays a pro football player who is disgruntled with his contract. As his agent (played by Tom Cruise) tries to appease him, Gooding’s character is totally dissatisfied with the explanation. He wants proof of what Cruise’s character is promising… he wants more… he wants Cruise to “show me the money!”
Isn’t this how we operate with God many times? If we are really honest, don’t we want God to “show me the money!”? Oh, I don’t mean we literally want money… though some do! We are not satisfied with the things God does for us every minute of the day… the subtle mercies He offers us… the way He loves us when we don’t deserve it… the grace He extends as we muddle through our lives. We want Him to bring lightning bolts and thunder and pull out the BIG guns and really do miraculous things that are clearly visible. Maybe then we will really recognize Him and give Him due credit!
Does this sound familiar? How many times have you said, “LORD, I need a miracle!”? We fail to recognize that the fact that God loves us in the first place is probably one of the biggest miracles ever! Beyond this, we don’t stop to acknowledge all of the countless ways He is present in our lives on a daily basis. In essence, we don’t really recognize GOD! Unless He “shows us the money” in a grand way that makes a spectacular production for the world to see, we aren’t interested.
Look around. Take a good, hard look at your life in the light of what God has done – and continues to do – for you every day. See His hand in the smallest of events, as well as those larger ones. Get a grip on how much God loves us, and understand that He really does “show you the money” every minute of the day. Now humble yourself and thank Him… really thank Him for His tender love, grace and mercy… and start to operate in a spirit of full awareness of His presence – and gratitude for His blessings.
©2011 Debbie Robus
They replied, "What miracle will you work, so that we can have faith in you? What will you do? For example, when our ancestors were in the desert, they were given manna to eat. It happened just as the Scriptures say, `God gave them bread from heaven to eat.' "Jesus then told them, "I tell you for certain that Moses wasn't the one who gave you bread from heaven. My Father is the one who gives you the true bread from heaven. And the bread that God gives is the one who came down from heaven to give life to the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us are probably familiar with the scene in the movie “Jerry Maguire” where Cuba Gooding, Jr. screams, “Show me the money!” Gooding portrays a pro football player who is disgruntled with his contract. As his agent (played by Tom Cruise) tries to appease him, Gooding’s character is totally dissatisfied with the explanation. He wants proof of what Cruise’s character is promising… he wants more… he wants Cruise to “show me the money!”
Isn’t this how we operate with God many times? If we are really honest, don’t we want God to “show me the money!”? Oh, I don’t mean we literally want money… though some do! We are not satisfied with the things God does for us every minute of the day… the subtle mercies He offers us… the way He loves us when we don’t deserve it… the grace He extends as we muddle through our lives. We want Him to bring lightning bolts and thunder and pull out the BIG guns and really do miraculous things that are clearly visible. Maybe then we will really recognize Him and give Him due credit!
Does this sound familiar? How many times have you said, “LORD, I need a miracle!”? We fail to recognize that the fact that God loves us in the first place is probably one of the biggest miracles ever! Beyond this, we don’t stop to acknowledge all of the countless ways He is present in our lives on a daily basis. In essence, we don’t really recognize GOD! Unless He “shows us the money” in a grand way that makes a spectacular production for the world to see, we aren’t interested.
Look around. Take a good, hard look at your life in the light of what God has done – and continues to do – for you every day. See His hand in the smallest of events, as well as those larger ones. Get a grip on how much God loves us, and understand that He really does “show you the money” every minute of the day. Now humble yourself and thank Him… really thank Him for His tender love, grace and mercy… and start to operate in a spirit of full awareness of His presence – and gratitude for His blessings.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 20, 2011
Psalm 109:21-31
Be true to your name, LORD God! Show your great kindness and rescue me. I am poor and helpless, and I have lost all hope. I am fading away like an evening shadow; I am tossed aside like a crawling insect. I have gone without eating, until my knees are weak, and my body is bony. When my enemies see me, they say cruel things and shake their heads.
Please help me, LORD God! Come and save me because of your love. Let others know that you alone have saved me. I don't care if they curse me, as long as you bless me. You will make my enemies fail when they attack, and you will make me glad to be your servant. You will cover them with shame, just as their bodies are covered with clothes. I will sing your praises and thank you, LORD, when your people meet. You help everyone in need, and you defend them when they are on trial.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I watched an episode of “Oprah” recently about a young man in Indiana named Clayton, who was locked in a 2-ft by 2-ft closet, wrapped in wire fencing material and bound with chains. Sometimes he wasn’t fed for days. Clayton was only six years old when this happened. His abusers were his own mother and stepfather. They did unbelievably cruel, horrible things to this child. Police estimate this went on for three to six months.
Clayton’s 14-year-old stepsister was kind to him. When the parents would leave, she would sometimes let him out of the closet, feed him and rub lotion on his body wounds caused by the fencing and chains. At some point, the stepsister ran away to Kentucky, and when police found her, she told them everything. An astute policeman contacted the parents and told them he had their daughter, but they must come and get her. He was hoping they would bring Clayton. They did… and the officer insisted on speaking with him privately. It was a hunch – one that paid off.
The officer in Kentucky really had no jurisdiction over a matter in Indiana. But he sat Clayton on his lap and fed him peanut butter and crackers. He said later to Clayton, “You ate a lot of peanut butter and crackers!” He realized quickly that Clayton loved his stepdad, in spite of the abuse… and even blamed himself for some of it. So the policeman said, “Your father wants you to tell me exactly what has happened.” Clayton replied, “He does?” The policeman does not regret the “white lie.” It worked. Clayton confirmed his stepsister’s story.
Clayton is now 18 years old. Since the rescue 12 years ago, he has been reared by a great-aunt, Patti, and her husband. The couple adopted Clayton and worked through the challenges of helping him overcome the nightmare of his confinement and abuse at the hands of his parents. Clayton’s stepfather and mother received the maximum sentence for their actions… four years each in prison. However, his mother only served two years and three months, and his stepfather was released from prison after 21 months. You can read more of Clayton’s story at http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Claytons-Survival-Story/7#ixzz1VXOutjdN
Clayton’s great-aunt, Patti, said she had married and moved away when Clayton was little, and she had no idea that any of this was happening. When she was told of it, she dropped to her knees in horror and despair. And I understood that completely… I can imagine how devastated I would be if something like this happened to a young child I loved. But at the same time, I began to count the ways God worked in this situation to conquer enemies and save the innocent.
God surely gave Clayton a stepsister who loved him enough to risk her own safety to let him out, tend his wounds, and feed him. I can’t help but believe that God gave that teenage girl the courage to run away and try to gain safety for herself… and for Clayton. God equipped the investigating officer with wisdom and quick thinking… and he was able to gain the confidence of the teenage sister – and then that of little Clayton. God gave Clayton to loving adoptive parents… his great-aunt Patti and her husband… and he gave them the wisdom, patience and courage to help Clayton overcome his experiences and become the productive, happy young man that he appears to be today.
Clayton has not seen his parents since he was rescued, but he has come to terms with his experiences – and grown from them. He says he tries to be especially kind to others as a result… to be better for what has happened to him. And I can’t help but believe that God orchestrated that, too.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. I don’t know what your “closet” is - or what may have caused you to lose hope. But I know Someone who can rescue you… Someone who is equipped to handle whatever you throw at Him – and He wants to do just that! I also am not going to dwell on why these horrible things happened to little Clayton. Instead, I am going to look at what God has done with this situation to bring about positive results… and how this can serve as a lesson for each of us.
Oprah first aired information about Clayton in 2000, but she didn’t use his name. She told his story, and at one point in the show, she looked into the camera and said something to the effect of, “If you or someone you know is being abused or mistreated, tell a parent. If you can’t tell a parent, go to school and tell a teacher.” A six-year-old girl who was watching did just that. She was being raped by her stepfather, and the next day, she told a teacher. The stepfather was prosecuted and sent to prison for his crime. Because of Clayton’s story – and Oprah’s sharing of it… this little girl was rescued.
My point is that God may be placing you in a situation to connect the dots about someone who is in trouble. It may not be child abuse… it could be some other form of abuse… or a struggle with alcoholism, drugs, or another addiction. Someone could be despondent or in deep trouble… desperately needing others to pick up on the signs and point them toward appropriate help. God may be counting on you to be the “stepsister in Indiana” or the “officer in Kentucky”… or you may be the “Aunt Patti.” The question is… are you paying attention? Are you tuned in to God and His calling for you? Are you ready and willing to do your part? Notice I didn’t say “able”… because if God wants you to do something, He will give you the necessary ability!
I know this message is long, but it is important that we recognize that God may be calling us to be His agents on this earth to bring about great changes… to rescue others from enemies we can’t even imagine. He may be giving us opportunities to physically demonstrate His amazing power and love… and to praise Him for the opportunity and the rescue afterward. Are you paying attention? Are you ready to do your part? Will you step up and be a rescuer in God’s name… and praise Him for the outcome?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Be true to your name, LORD God! Show your great kindness and rescue me. I am poor and helpless, and I have lost all hope. I am fading away like an evening shadow; I am tossed aside like a crawling insect. I have gone without eating, until my knees are weak, and my body is bony. When my enemies see me, they say cruel things and shake their heads.
Please help me, LORD God! Come and save me because of your love. Let others know that you alone have saved me. I don't care if they curse me, as long as you bless me. You will make my enemies fail when they attack, and you will make me glad to be your servant. You will cover them with shame, just as their bodies are covered with clothes. I will sing your praises and thank you, LORD, when your people meet. You help everyone in need, and you defend them when they are on trial.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I watched an episode of “Oprah” recently about a young man in Indiana named Clayton, who was locked in a 2-ft by 2-ft closet, wrapped in wire fencing material and bound with chains. Sometimes he wasn’t fed for days. Clayton was only six years old when this happened. His abusers were his own mother and stepfather. They did unbelievably cruel, horrible things to this child. Police estimate this went on for three to six months.
Clayton’s 14-year-old stepsister was kind to him. When the parents would leave, she would sometimes let him out of the closet, feed him and rub lotion on his body wounds caused by the fencing and chains. At some point, the stepsister ran away to Kentucky, and when police found her, she told them everything. An astute policeman contacted the parents and told them he had their daughter, but they must come and get her. He was hoping they would bring Clayton. They did… and the officer insisted on speaking with him privately. It was a hunch – one that paid off.
The officer in Kentucky really had no jurisdiction over a matter in Indiana. But he sat Clayton on his lap and fed him peanut butter and crackers. He said later to Clayton, “You ate a lot of peanut butter and crackers!” He realized quickly that Clayton loved his stepdad, in spite of the abuse… and even blamed himself for some of it. So the policeman said, “Your father wants you to tell me exactly what has happened.” Clayton replied, “He does?” The policeman does not regret the “white lie.” It worked. Clayton confirmed his stepsister’s story.
Clayton is now 18 years old. Since the rescue 12 years ago, he has been reared by a great-aunt, Patti, and her husband. The couple adopted Clayton and worked through the challenges of helping him overcome the nightmare of his confinement and abuse at the hands of his parents. Clayton’s stepfather and mother received the maximum sentence for their actions… four years each in prison. However, his mother only served two years and three months, and his stepfather was released from prison after 21 months. You can read more of Clayton’s story at http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Claytons-Survival-Story/7#ixzz1VXOutjdN
Clayton’s great-aunt, Patti, said she had married and moved away when Clayton was little, and she had no idea that any of this was happening. When she was told of it, she dropped to her knees in horror and despair. And I understood that completely… I can imagine how devastated I would be if something like this happened to a young child I loved. But at the same time, I began to count the ways God worked in this situation to conquer enemies and save the innocent.
God surely gave Clayton a stepsister who loved him enough to risk her own safety to let him out, tend his wounds, and feed him. I can’t help but believe that God gave that teenage girl the courage to run away and try to gain safety for herself… and for Clayton. God equipped the investigating officer with wisdom and quick thinking… and he was able to gain the confidence of the teenage sister – and then that of little Clayton. God gave Clayton to loving adoptive parents… his great-aunt Patti and her husband… and he gave them the wisdom, patience and courage to help Clayton overcome his experiences and become the productive, happy young man that he appears to be today.
Clayton has not seen his parents since he was rescued, but he has come to terms with his experiences – and grown from them. He says he tries to be especially kind to others as a result… to be better for what has happened to him. And I can’t help but believe that God orchestrated that, too.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. I don’t know what your “closet” is - or what may have caused you to lose hope. But I know Someone who can rescue you… Someone who is equipped to handle whatever you throw at Him – and He wants to do just that! I also am not going to dwell on why these horrible things happened to little Clayton. Instead, I am going to look at what God has done with this situation to bring about positive results… and how this can serve as a lesson for each of us.
Oprah first aired information about Clayton in 2000, but she didn’t use his name. She told his story, and at one point in the show, she looked into the camera and said something to the effect of, “If you or someone you know is being abused or mistreated, tell a parent. If you can’t tell a parent, go to school and tell a teacher.” A six-year-old girl who was watching did just that. She was being raped by her stepfather, and the next day, she told a teacher. The stepfather was prosecuted and sent to prison for his crime. Because of Clayton’s story – and Oprah’s sharing of it… this little girl was rescued.
My point is that God may be placing you in a situation to connect the dots about someone who is in trouble. It may not be child abuse… it could be some other form of abuse… or a struggle with alcoholism, drugs, or another addiction. Someone could be despondent or in deep trouble… desperately needing others to pick up on the signs and point them toward appropriate help. God may be counting on you to be the “stepsister in Indiana” or the “officer in Kentucky”… or you may be the “Aunt Patti.” The question is… are you paying attention? Are you tuned in to God and His calling for you? Are you ready and willing to do your part? Notice I didn’t say “able”… because if God wants you to do something, He will give you the necessary ability!
I know this message is long, but it is important that we recognize that God may be calling us to be His agents on this earth to bring about great changes… to rescue others from enemies we can’t even imagine. He may be giving us opportunities to physically demonstrate His amazing power and love… and to praise Him for the opportunity and the rescue afterward. Are you paying attention? Are you ready to do your part? Will you step up and be a rescuer in God’s name… and praise Him for the outcome?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 19, 2011
Psalm 107:19-22
You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. You should celebrate by offering sacrifices and singing joyful songs to tell what he has done.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend John Sykes has written a great little short story called Shirley Takes the Shot, which is available for download on Amazon Kindle for only 99 cents. Now that the shameless plug is out of the way, let me say that this is a wonderful, quick story about two men who experience a backwoods hog killing for the first time. I don’t want to give away the story, but let’s just say that the author and his “city-slicker” friend were less than comfortable in this situation, and I think it’s safe to assume that the friend probably muttered at least one prayer for rescue!
So often, we find ourselves in uncomfortable, if not troubling situations… and we mutter prayers to God and ask for a quick rescue. Many of these prayers are somewhat instinctive… spoken even subconsciously, as in “Oh, Lord, please help me.” It’s not that we don’t mean what we are asking, but we fail to recognize that these are exactly the words we need to speak… and God is indeed listening!
If we had a nickel for every time God rescues us… heals us… lifts us up out of danger and saves us from destruction… many of us would be millionaires! My point is that we take so much for granted in this life… from how bacon gets on our table for breakfast to the comforts of our homes and lifestyles – to the countless ways that God blesses and keeps us every single minute of the day.
It is time for us to be more proactive and aware of our blessings. We must start recognizing that God is watching over us and protecting us every single day. We need to be more grateful… openly and in private prayers of thanks. You often hear someone say, “I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.” In the case of our Heavenly Father, we truly cannot thank Him enough… but we can try. Are you celebrating His blessings and singing joyful praises for all He does for you? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. You should celebrate by offering sacrifices and singing joyful songs to tell what he has done.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend John Sykes has written a great little short story called Shirley Takes the Shot, which is available for download on Amazon Kindle for only 99 cents. Now that the shameless plug is out of the way, let me say that this is a wonderful, quick story about two men who experience a backwoods hog killing for the first time. I don’t want to give away the story, but let’s just say that the author and his “city-slicker” friend were less than comfortable in this situation, and I think it’s safe to assume that the friend probably muttered at least one prayer for rescue!
So often, we find ourselves in uncomfortable, if not troubling situations… and we mutter prayers to God and ask for a quick rescue. Many of these prayers are somewhat instinctive… spoken even subconsciously, as in “Oh, Lord, please help me.” It’s not that we don’t mean what we are asking, but we fail to recognize that these are exactly the words we need to speak… and God is indeed listening!
If we had a nickel for every time God rescues us… heals us… lifts us up out of danger and saves us from destruction… many of us would be millionaires! My point is that we take so much for granted in this life… from how bacon gets on our table for breakfast to the comforts of our homes and lifestyles – to the countless ways that God blesses and keeps us every single minute of the day.
It is time for us to be more proactive and aware of our blessings. We must start recognizing that God is watching over us and protecting us every single day. We need to be more grateful… openly and in private prayers of thanks. You often hear someone say, “I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.” In the case of our Heavenly Father, we truly cannot thank Him enough… but we can try. Are you celebrating His blessings and singing joyful praises for all He does for you? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 18, 2011
Psalm 107:5-15
You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice.
You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On August 5th, 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander was swimming off the coast of Washington state, just north of Long Beach. Dale was with a church group, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, when a riptide current pulled him under and began to sweep him out to sea. A 12-year-old girl with a surfboard tried to rescue Dale, but the current was too swift. When she made it to shore, she clung to the sand and said, “He’s dead. What am I supposed to do?” More rescuers retrieved Dale’s body from the waters, where he had been pulled underwater for 20-25 minutes. He was unconscious and limp. Nobody gave Dale much hope for survival. Dale’s fellow church members fell to their knees on the beach and prayed for him
In a blog established to chronicle this story – www.prayersfordale.blogspot.com – a post dated August 14th describes how Dale’s father, Chad, spoke to the congregation at church several days later:
Some of us are in some pretty strong currents, too. We have our own “riptides” pulling us under, and we are drowning a little every day. Others among us have “circled the drain” from time to time…yet God rescued us. Did we stop to thank Him? Did we even recognize His powerful hands reaching down and saving us?
Do we understand that we are often suffering under the chains and riptides of our own making… and God stands ready to save us, if only we will ask? Truly, the rescue of this 12-year-old boy is a miracle… and not all horrific events like this come to such a happy end. But so often, we fail to recognize that a rescue from our troubles is only a prayer away. We fail to see that we can ask God for anything… and He will answer perfectly. And often if we do ask, we fail to believe that God really heard us… and that help truly is on the way.
Clearly this boy’s parents prayed faithfully… trusting God for a perfect outcome. They didn’t know if that would mean life for their son on this earth – or in heaven. But they prayed and believed anyway, as did the fellow church members who were with Dale Ostrander on August 5th. The question for us is… are we praying faithfully and believing God will deliver a perfect outcome? Are we thanking Him for all of the times He has rescued us already… and trusting Him to be our lifeline in the future? Isn’t it about time we stuck out our hand and let God pull us safely to shore, so to speak? Are you ready for a rescue?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice.
You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On August 5th, 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander was swimming off the coast of Washington state, just north of Long Beach. Dale was with a church group, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, when a riptide current pulled him under and began to sweep him out to sea. A 12-year-old girl with a surfboard tried to rescue Dale, but the current was too swift. When she made it to shore, she clung to the sand and said, “He’s dead. What am I supposed to do?” More rescuers retrieved Dale’s body from the waters, where he had been pulled underwater for 20-25 minutes. He was unconscious and limp. Nobody gave Dale much hope for survival. Dale’s fellow church members fell to their knees on the beach and prayed for him
In a blog established to chronicle this story – www.prayersfordale.blogspot.com – a post dated August 14th describes how Dale’s father, Chad, spoke to the congregation at church several days later:
- “Brother Ostrander said, ‘We didn't understand, we just accepted. I knelt by his bed and put Dale on the altar, like Abraham. I told God, “You offered your son, you know how it feels. Thank you for letting us say goodbye.” We tried to let the girls know that he wasn't coming back. That night, the doctor knelt down right by Dale's ear and said, “Dale, open your eyes!” and his eyes opened! We thought, “Wow, there's hope!”’
- Today Dale got up and walked down the hall with help from the physical therapist. In Chad Ostrander's words: ‘God has shown us a miracle.’"
Some of us are in some pretty strong currents, too. We have our own “riptides” pulling us under, and we are drowning a little every day. Others among us have “circled the drain” from time to time…yet God rescued us. Did we stop to thank Him? Did we even recognize His powerful hands reaching down and saving us?
Do we understand that we are often suffering under the chains and riptides of our own making… and God stands ready to save us, if only we will ask? Truly, the rescue of this 12-year-old boy is a miracle… and not all horrific events like this come to such a happy end. But so often, we fail to recognize that a rescue from our troubles is only a prayer away. We fail to see that we can ask God for anything… and He will answer perfectly. And often if we do ask, we fail to believe that God really heard us… and that help truly is on the way.
Clearly this boy’s parents prayed faithfully… trusting God for a perfect outcome. They didn’t know if that would mean life for their son on this earth – or in heaven. But they prayed and believed anyway, as did the fellow church members who were with Dale Ostrander on August 5th. The question for us is… are we praying faithfully and believing God will deliver a perfect outcome? Are we thanking Him for all of the times He has rescued us already… and trusting Him to be our lifeline in the future? Isn’t it about time we stuck out our hand and let God pull us safely to shore, so to speak? Are you ready for a rescue?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 17, 2011
Psalm 107:1-3
Shout praises to the LORD! He is good to us, and his love never fails. Everyone the LORD has rescued from trouble should praise him, everyone he has brought from the east and the west, the north and the south.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My great-aunt Altha used to say, “Don’t borrow trouble.” And I will have to say, she practiced this motto fairly well. She chose not to dwell on unpleasant thoughts… and at least appeared to put them out of her mind. But for many of us, troubles are like an old security blanket that we wrestle and wallow and continually hold tightly to our chests. We know that God is faithful to answer our prayers. We know that He has rescued us from past troubles. But instead of praising Him and resting in the comfort of knowing that He will do this again, we worry and wallow!
I will admit that I have my moments. I want to pick up burdens and troubles and carry them around like an old, familiar blanket. But I’m learning more and more every day about trusting God and praising Him… especially in times of trouble. God has rescued me so many times. All I have to do is reflect a moment on how much He has loved me and cared for me in the past to realize that He is still in the business of being good to His children!
So stop and take a deep breath. Whatever you are going through today… and I mean whatever is troubling you… remind yourself that God is in control, and He is in the business of rescuing His children from trouble. Ask Him to take care of your burdens for you… your challenges, ailments, sorrows and grief - and your worries of all sorts. Thank Him in advance for handling these things for you. Then step out in confidence that all will be well.
This is not pie-in-the-sky dreams… this is the truth! It may seem like your world is crashing down around you… you may feel the walls caving in… but God is there to hold everything together and rescue you. All you have to do is let Him… believe in His power… and thank Him for His love.
Don’t borrow trouble… let God have it all. Give Him praise for His unfailing, amazing love and care… and thank Him for being so good to us.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! He is good to us, and his love never fails. Everyone the LORD has rescued from trouble should praise him, everyone he has brought from the east and the west, the north and the south.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My great-aunt Altha used to say, “Don’t borrow trouble.” And I will have to say, she practiced this motto fairly well. She chose not to dwell on unpleasant thoughts… and at least appeared to put them out of her mind. But for many of us, troubles are like an old security blanket that we wrestle and wallow and continually hold tightly to our chests. We know that God is faithful to answer our prayers. We know that He has rescued us from past troubles. But instead of praising Him and resting in the comfort of knowing that He will do this again, we worry and wallow!
I will admit that I have my moments. I want to pick up burdens and troubles and carry them around like an old, familiar blanket. But I’m learning more and more every day about trusting God and praising Him… especially in times of trouble. God has rescued me so many times. All I have to do is reflect a moment on how much He has loved me and cared for me in the past to realize that He is still in the business of being good to His children!
So stop and take a deep breath. Whatever you are going through today… and I mean whatever is troubling you… remind yourself that God is in control, and He is in the business of rescuing His children from trouble. Ask Him to take care of your burdens for you… your challenges, ailments, sorrows and grief - and your worries of all sorts. Thank Him in advance for handling these things for you. Then step out in confidence that all will be well.
This is not pie-in-the-sky dreams… this is the truth! It may seem like your world is crashing down around you… you may feel the walls caving in… but God is there to hold everything together and rescue you. All you have to do is let Him… believe in His power… and thank Him for His love.
Don’t borrow trouble… let God have it all. Give Him praise for His unfailing, amazing love and care… and thank Him for being so good to us.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 16, 2011
Proverbs 18:22
Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of GOD!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was looking through some things in our “wedding book,” and I found a set of “recipe cards” that were written for me at a bridal shower. The cards were mostly completed by my friends who attended…all of whom were still in high school! So it was quite funny to read their advice now… 37 years later… and hear what they had to say… their “recipes” for a good marriage. Some told me to be sure to feed my husband well. Others told me to have lots of children and avoid arguments. Still others said, “If you need a place to get away, call me.” My own sister said, “It’s not too late until 7:00 p.m. on August 16th!
The advice was fun – and much of it was humorous and given with love and a laugh. But choosing a mate is not a laughing matter… and by the grace of God, I found a “good spouse.” And yes, I have a good life. I have found the favor of God, also… I see it in the many ways He blesses me every single day. And I am grateful… for His favor and blessings… and for giving me an incredible spouse.
My advice to those who are single and seeking a spouse someday would be to let God choose. Pray for wisdom and discernment… ask God to show you who He has selected to be your life mate. Trust Him to send you the perfect partner. Focus on pleasing God… and you will please your spouse in the bargain. There may still be arguments, and you may never be a gourmet cook. And yes, you may occasionally wish you could run away to a friend’s place and chill out for awhile. But overall, your life will be good… if you let God choose your mate.
If you let God have control and keep Him first, He will grant you favor and bless you in ways you and your spouse can’t begin to imagine. I will be honest… when I got married, I lacked the spiritual maturity to fully understand this. I know I felt God’s presence – and His approval of my choice – but I can’t say I truly asked God to bring me the perfect mate… the man of His choosing. Somehow I think my criteria might have been a little more “human” and selfish in nature. I’m so glad that God “had my back” anyway. I’m truly grateful that God gave me a “good spouse” who loves Him and seeks His will for himself – and for our family.
This advice is equally sound in so many other situations besides choosing a mate. And if you are already married, I pray that you have a “good spouse” who seeks God’s will and listens for His direction. I pray that you have a good life and experience the favor of God daily. I thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful husband… and I look forward to sharing in His favor upon us for many years to come.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of GOD!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was looking through some things in our “wedding book,” and I found a set of “recipe cards” that were written for me at a bridal shower. The cards were mostly completed by my friends who attended…all of whom were still in high school! So it was quite funny to read their advice now… 37 years later… and hear what they had to say… their “recipes” for a good marriage. Some told me to be sure to feed my husband well. Others told me to have lots of children and avoid arguments. Still others said, “If you need a place to get away, call me.” My own sister said, “It’s not too late until 7:00 p.m. on August 16th!
The advice was fun – and much of it was humorous and given with love and a laugh. But choosing a mate is not a laughing matter… and by the grace of God, I found a “good spouse.” And yes, I have a good life. I have found the favor of God, also… I see it in the many ways He blesses me every single day. And I am grateful… for His favor and blessings… and for giving me an incredible spouse.
My advice to those who are single and seeking a spouse someday would be to let God choose. Pray for wisdom and discernment… ask God to show you who He has selected to be your life mate. Trust Him to send you the perfect partner. Focus on pleasing God… and you will please your spouse in the bargain. There may still be arguments, and you may never be a gourmet cook. And yes, you may occasionally wish you could run away to a friend’s place and chill out for awhile. But overall, your life will be good… if you let God choose your mate.
If you let God have control and keep Him first, He will grant you favor and bless you in ways you and your spouse can’t begin to imagine. I will be honest… when I got married, I lacked the spiritual maturity to fully understand this. I know I felt God’s presence – and His approval of my choice – but I can’t say I truly asked God to bring me the perfect mate… the man of His choosing. Somehow I think my criteria might have been a little more “human” and selfish in nature. I’m so glad that God “had my back” anyway. I’m truly grateful that God gave me a “good spouse” who loves Him and seeks His will for himself – and for our family.
This advice is equally sound in so many other situations besides choosing a mate. And if you are already married, I pray that you have a “good spouse” who seeks God’s will and listens for His direction. I pray that you have a good life and experience the favor of God daily. I thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful husband… and I look forward to sharing in His favor upon us for many years to come.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 15, 2011
Psalm 106:1-5
We will celebrate and praise you, LORD! You are good to us, and your love never fails. No one can praise you enough for all of the mighty things you have done. You bless those people who are honest and fair in everything they do.
Remember me, LORD, when you show kindness by saving your people. Let me prosper with the rest of your chosen ones, as they celebrate with pride because they belong to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last few weeks, you know that we are in full “back-to-school” mode. Everywhere you turn, there are new beginnings… first days at kindergarten, middle school, junior high, high school – and college. Some are starting new teaching careers… some are spending their first “first day” of school in decades as a newly retired teacher. There is a lot to celebrate… a whole lot of history in the making… and many things for which to thank God.
At the same time, school is not anywhere near the radar of some who are facing their own “firsts”. Some are starting their life without a loved one who has begun a “new life” in Heaven. A friend of mine just kissed her mom “Goodbye” for the last time, while another is lovingly waiting with her dad as he enters his last days on this earth. A former member of our community died in a motorcycle accident… and other friends and relatives lie in hospital beds across the country, struggling to get well again and experience a “first day” of good health.
Yet in all of these things, we give thanks and celebrate. We celebrate because those who are beginning new school years have so much ahead of them. Those who are dying or have just passed into Glory belong to God and have received the ultimate blessing… a place in His physical presence. Those who are sick are under God’s care… covered by the prayers of countless faithful believers who have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and believe He will do mighty things.
What I want you to take away from this scripture today is this… even in our darkest hours, we can celebrate God. He is with us for our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. We can choose to walk with Him… or we can choose to go through life alone. I guarantee you, the “highs” won’t be as high, and the “lows” will be almost unbearable unless you make a place for God in your life.
I don’t know what you are experiencing today – where you are on the spectrum of “highs” and “lows” – but I do know that God is ready and able to do mighty things… to bless you in ways you cannot even begin to imagine! And that is worth celebrating. Have you asked God to walk with you today – and always? Have you given Him praise for His never-ending care? How will you celebrate God today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
We will celebrate and praise you, LORD! You are good to us, and your love never fails. No one can praise you enough for all of the mighty things you have done. You bless those people who are honest and fair in everything they do.
Remember me, LORD, when you show kindness by saving your people. Let me prosper with the rest of your chosen ones, as they celebrate with pride because they belong to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last few weeks, you know that we are in full “back-to-school” mode. Everywhere you turn, there are new beginnings… first days at kindergarten, middle school, junior high, high school – and college. Some are starting new teaching careers… some are spending their first “first day” of school in decades as a newly retired teacher. There is a lot to celebrate… a whole lot of history in the making… and many things for which to thank God.
At the same time, school is not anywhere near the radar of some who are facing their own “firsts”. Some are starting their life without a loved one who has begun a “new life” in Heaven. A friend of mine just kissed her mom “Goodbye” for the last time, while another is lovingly waiting with her dad as he enters his last days on this earth. A former member of our community died in a motorcycle accident… and other friends and relatives lie in hospital beds across the country, struggling to get well again and experience a “first day” of good health.
Yet in all of these things, we give thanks and celebrate. We celebrate because those who are beginning new school years have so much ahead of them. Those who are dying or have just passed into Glory belong to God and have received the ultimate blessing… a place in His physical presence. Those who are sick are under God’s care… covered by the prayers of countless faithful believers who have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and believe He will do mighty things.
What I want you to take away from this scripture today is this… even in our darkest hours, we can celebrate God. He is with us for our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. We can choose to walk with Him… or we can choose to go through life alone. I guarantee you, the “highs” won’t be as high, and the “lows” will be almost unbearable unless you make a place for God in your life.
I don’t know what you are experiencing today – where you are on the spectrum of “highs” and “lows” – but I do know that God is ready and able to do mighty things… to bless you in ways you cannot even begin to imagine! And that is worth celebrating. Have you asked God to walk with you today – and always? Have you given Him praise for His never-ending care? How will you celebrate God today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 14, 2011
Proverbs 19:27
If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.
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.
We have been trying to teach Timothy to ride a tricycle. We’ve shown him how to put his feet on the pedals. We’ve put him on the trike and pushed him around… we’ve even shown him YouTube videos of children riding tricycles. But he still wants to do it his way… which doesn’t involve keeping his feet on the pedals and pushing!
On some of the videos, I’ve heard parents commenting, “Maybe we should tape his/her feet to the pedals!” We have opted to let Timmy flounder a while longer. After all, he is only two years old, and he has a lot of “discovering” to do.
There is nothing wrong with letting someone figure things out for themselves, especially when there is no danger of being harmed by wrong turns along the way. Certainly, if we saw Timothy trying to do something that could be harmful or cause a serious problem, we would intervene. But as we grow, people with more knowledge and/or life experiences often try to tell us things, and we quit listening. This is when real troubles can begin.
It’s hard to believe, but the summer break is ending for many, and a new school year is upon us. For some, college lies ahead… a time when many are on their own or becoming relatively independent – possibly for the first time. You are encouraged to think for yourself… explore new philosophies… broaden your horizons. And while “self-discovery” and expressing your own ideas and opinions is important - and a natural part of growth and maturation - you must remain awake and alert.
None of us ever outgrows God. We never get too old for Bible study, and certainly, none of us ever stops needing to communicate with God in prayer. Notice I said “communicate with God”… because we need to do more than merely talk to Him. We need to listen! This is where a lot of us fall down… we do all the talking, and we don’t hear what God is telling us. And before we know it, we’ve struck off on our own and gotten out of our depth.
As a former teacher, this time of year seems more like the “New Year” to me than January 1st. This is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the potential for exciting experiences and growth. In large part, the key to having a successful year will lie in how you listen. If you filter all you are told and taught through communication with God, you will do well. If you decide to “wing it” without God at the helm, you are setting yourself up for potential disaster and disappointment.
My prayer is that we would all commit to making the next year a time when we put God at the forefront… a time when we don’t make a move without consulting Him first… a time when we embrace new discoveries and adventures, because we know that He is leading the way. Whether you are the mom of a child headed off to kindergarten… a college freshman… a retiree… or somewhere in between these stages… ask God to guide your steps. Listen for His wise counsel. Proceed with confidence… knowing He is leading the way. Keep God close as you “strike off on your own,” and have a great, safe, blessed year!
©2011 Debbie Robus
If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.
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.
We have been trying to teach Timothy to ride a tricycle. We’ve shown him how to put his feet on the pedals. We’ve put him on the trike and pushed him around… we’ve even shown him YouTube videos of children riding tricycles. But he still wants to do it his way… which doesn’t involve keeping his feet on the pedals and pushing!
On some of the videos, I’ve heard parents commenting, “Maybe we should tape his/her feet to the pedals!” We have opted to let Timmy flounder a while longer. After all, he is only two years old, and he has a lot of “discovering” to do.
There is nothing wrong with letting someone figure things out for themselves, especially when there is no danger of being harmed by wrong turns along the way. Certainly, if we saw Timothy trying to do something that could be harmful or cause a serious problem, we would intervene. But as we grow, people with more knowledge and/or life experiences often try to tell us things, and we quit listening. This is when real troubles can begin.
It’s hard to believe, but the summer break is ending for many, and a new school year is upon us. For some, college lies ahead… a time when many are on their own or becoming relatively independent – possibly for the first time. You are encouraged to think for yourself… explore new philosophies… broaden your horizons. And while “self-discovery” and expressing your own ideas and opinions is important - and a natural part of growth and maturation - you must remain awake and alert.
None of us ever outgrows God. We never get too old for Bible study, and certainly, none of us ever stops needing to communicate with God in prayer. Notice I said “communicate with God”… because we need to do more than merely talk to Him. We need to listen! This is where a lot of us fall down… we do all the talking, and we don’t hear what God is telling us. And before we know it, we’ve struck off on our own and gotten out of our depth.
As a former teacher, this time of year seems more like the “New Year” to me than January 1st. This is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the potential for exciting experiences and growth. In large part, the key to having a successful year will lie in how you listen. If you filter all you are told and taught through communication with God, you will do well. If you decide to “wing it” without God at the helm, you are setting yourself up for potential disaster and disappointment.
My prayer is that we would all commit to making the next year a time when we put God at the forefront… a time when we don’t make a move without consulting Him first… a time when we embrace new discoveries and adventures, because we know that He is leading the way. Whether you are the mom of a child headed off to kindergarten… a college freshman… a retiree… or somewhere in between these stages… ask God to guide your steps. Listen for His wise counsel. Proceed with confidence… knowing He is leading the way. Keep God close as you “strike off on your own,” and have a great, safe, blessed year!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 13, 2011
1 Kings 3:6-14
Solomon said, "You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—and this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.
"And now here I am: GOD, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I'm too young for this, a mere child! I don't know the ropes, hardly know the 'ins' and 'outs' of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you've chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.
"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”
God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I'll give you what you've asked for—I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for—there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life."
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.
We were sitting at the dinner table recently, and Timothy began to ask for something… but nobody understood what he was saying. He grew increasingly frustrated. We offered several options, and he would shake his little head, “No!” We could not give him what he desired, because we didn’t understand what he was saying.
So often, it’s not that God doesn’t understand what we are asking of Him… it’s more that we are asking for the wrong things! A news reporter posted the question on Facebook, “Would you give up billions of dollars so that you could marry the person you love? One woman gave up billions!” Sadly, I think many people would choose the billions over marrying the person they loved… and certainly over seeking a “God-listening heart.”
Go back and read in Genesis about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and you will see that self-centered, self-serving behavior is nothing new. But if you continue reading your Bible, you will find great examples of people who served God unconditionally… with a genuine heart for God… like David and his son, Solomon.
David and Solomon were not perfect… but God saw their hearts were pure and totally committed to Him. Do you desire a “God-listening heart” that hears His voice? Does God’s voice discern good and evil for you and help you make wise decisions? Is your eye on the life-map and God-signs? Do you listen for His leadership as you witness to others? Are you more like Solomon and David… or Adam and Eve? What – and Who – are you worshipping? Will God grant you a wise and mature heart… and more… for your faithfulness? Where is your heart these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Solomon said, "You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—and this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.
"And now here I am: GOD, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I'm too young for this, a mere child! I don't know the ropes, hardly know the 'ins' and 'outs' of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you've chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.
"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”
God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I'll give you what you've asked for—I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for—there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life."
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.
We were sitting at the dinner table recently, and Timothy began to ask for something… but nobody understood what he was saying. He grew increasingly frustrated. We offered several options, and he would shake his little head, “No!” We could not give him what he desired, because we didn’t understand what he was saying.
So often, it’s not that God doesn’t understand what we are asking of Him… it’s more that we are asking for the wrong things! A news reporter posted the question on Facebook, “Would you give up billions of dollars so that you could marry the person you love? One woman gave up billions!” Sadly, I think many people would choose the billions over marrying the person they loved… and certainly over seeking a “God-listening heart.”
Go back and read in Genesis about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and you will see that self-centered, self-serving behavior is nothing new. But if you continue reading your Bible, you will find great examples of people who served God unconditionally… with a genuine heart for God… like David and his son, Solomon.
David and Solomon were not perfect… but God saw their hearts were pure and totally committed to Him. Do you desire a “God-listening heart” that hears His voice? Does God’s voice discern good and evil for you and help you make wise decisions? Is your eye on the life-map and God-signs? Do you listen for His leadership as you witness to others? Are you more like Solomon and David… or Adam and Eve? What – and Who – are you worshipping? Will God grant you a wise and mature heart… and more… for your faithfulness? Where is your heart these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 12, 2011
Psalm 105:1-5
Praise the LORD and pray in his name! Tell everyone what he has done. Sing praises to the LORD! Tell about his miracles. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart. Trust the LORD and his mighty power. Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Let’s be honest… we’ve all been griping and complaining about the heat – and with good reason! This has been a miserable summer, with some of the highest heat indexes ever recorded. We have prayed for rain… over and again. We’ve told God what He already knows… “It’s hot and dry!” Hopefully we have also thanked Him for the rains that have come in recent days – and for cooler air that is forecasted for the week ahead.
During a couple of the recent thundershowers that came through our area, beautiful rainbows appeared in the sky… brilliantly bright and long-lasting! I took these as gentle reminders that “I am still in control. I know what you need… and when you need it!” Now, I realize that you may feel God needs a little nudge when your grass has burned up or your yard has become so dry that giant cracks begin to appear in it! But I assure you, God already knows! He decides when to send the rain, and His decisions are always fair and perfect.
I don’t know why God allows natural disasters… deadly tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, sinkholes, windstorms, droughts, heat waves, and more. I don’t know why He decides to cure one person of a disease… or save them from disaster… and allows others to perish or suffer. But I believe with all my heart that God’s ways are perfect and fair… and far beyond what I can begin to comprehend. And that’s why He is GOD!
I have experienced enough of God’s miracles to know that He deserves our praise… and our devotion. I have read enough scripture to know that all of the hardships and sufferings we endure in this lifetime may seem incomprehensible… unbearable… but in context of God’s grand scheme, we can endure them. God has not forgotten us… He is not being mean. He cares for us more deeply than we can begin to imagine. And someday, we will fully understand how He has orchestrated everything for the most perfect outcome.
The rainbows of recent days have reminded me of God’s love and care for us… and His tremendous, miraculous power and perfection. He is truly worthy of our praise… have you given Him some today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Praise the LORD and pray in his name! Tell everyone what he has done. Sing praises to the LORD! Tell about his miracles. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart. Trust the LORD and his mighty power. Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Let’s be honest… we’ve all been griping and complaining about the heat – and with good reason! This has been a miserable summer, with some of the highest heat indexes ever recorded. We have prayed for rain… over and again. We’ve told God what He already knows… “It’s hot and dry!” Hopefully we have also thanked Him for the rains that have come in recent days – and for cooler air that is forecasted for the week ahead.
During a couple of the recent thundershowers that came through our area, beautiful rainbows appeared in the sky… brilliantly bright and long-lasting! I took these as gentle reminders that “I am still in control. I know what you need… and when you need it!” Now, I realize that you may feel God needs a little nudge when your grass has burned up or your yard has become so dry that giant cracks begin to appear in it! But I assure you, God already knows! He decides when to send the rain, and His decisions are always fair and perfect.
I don’t know why God allows natural disasters… deadly tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, sinkholes, windstorms, droughts, heat waves, and more. I don’t know why He decides to cure one person of a disease… or save them from disaster… and allows others to perish or suffer. But I believe with all my heart that God’s ways are perfect and fair… and far beyond what I can begin to comprehend. And that’s why He is GOD!
I have experienced enough of God’s miracles to know that He deserves our praise… and our devotion. I have read enough scripture to know that all of the hardships and sufferings we endure in this lifetime may seem incomprehensible… unbearable… but in context of God’s grand scheme, we can endure them. God has not forgotten us… He is not being mean. He cares for us more deeply than we can begin to imagine. And someday, we will fully understand how He has orchestrated everything for the most perfect outcome.
The rainbows of recent days have reminded me of God’s love and care for us… and His tremendous, miraculous power and perfection. He is truly worthy of our praise… have you given Him some today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2011
John 6:16-29
That evening, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and started across for Capernaum. Later that evening Jesus had still not come to them, and a strong wind was making the water rough.
When the disciples had rowed for three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified. But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!" The disciples wanted to take him into the boat, but suddenly the boat reached the shore where they were headed.
The people who had stayed on the east side of the lake knew that only one boat had been there. They also knew that Jesus had not left in it with his disciples. But the next day some boats from Tiberias sailed near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread for which the Lord had given thanks. They saw that Jesus and his disciples had left. Then they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. They found him on the west side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so." "What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked.
Jesus answered, "God wants you to have faith in the one he sent."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all had someone be nice to us when they wanted something. There are some people who only come around or act interested in others when they are hoping to gain something from the interaction or relationship. I don’t mean to be cynical or skeptical, but often you can spot these people coming a mile away. And even if there is no ulterior motive, the history with this person makes it hard to believe that he/she is genuine.
It’s somewhat like when a teenager’s mom cooks his/her favorite dish, and the teen would do just about anything to get Mom to cook it again. The teenager really doesn’t notice all the wonderful, important things a mom does every day for him/her and the rest of the family (extended family, friends, community and more). It’s all about that favorite meal… personal gratification… and the teen will go to great lengths to schmooze Mom so that she will cook it again.
If we honestly look at our relationship to God, we are much the same. We pretty well always have our hand out in some manner. “LORD, please do this for me… Father, I need a miracle… God, heal me, my relationship, my family, my friends.” We’re not interested in God’s miracles and healing in the context of the world at large – much less giving back in service and dedication. We want God to feed us… to meet our needs at that very moment.
Let’s be clear… there is nothing wrong with asking God to meet our needs. He can… He will… He wants to do this for us. He wants to heal our bodies, minds, and relationships… and to do the same for those in our circle of family and friends. He wants to give us answers to our troubles and bless us each and every day. But He wants us to love and follow Him because of the Bread of Life… the gift of eternal salvation He provides to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want us to believe in Him and serve Him because He cured our cancer, helped us pass a biology test, or we ran extra fast in the 5k or cross-country event. He doesn’t want us to follow Him because He gives us a roof over our head and a good job to pay the bills. He wants us to look beyond these material, “now” things and say, “I will follow you all the days of my life because you gave me Jesus.”
For me, this was a simple – but highly powerful – illustration. Some people are following Jesus for the “fish dinner” that He provides – that “favorite meal”. They are willing to love Jesus and serve Him – and basically butter Him up – for whatever is in it for them at the moment… the “quick fix.” But God wants us to be in it for the “Daily Bread” – the meal that satisfies our soul more than our bellies... and lasts! God wants us to follow Him and serve because we love Him and desire to be a part of His Kingdom forever.
What are your motives? Do you serve Jesus for the instant miracle… the “quick fix” to your present problem? Or do you see the bigger picture? Is your faith in God based on His tremendous love and sacrifice for us… His promise to meet our needs and bless us with the Bread of Life - now and forever? Or are you only looking to your next meal or miracle? There is a difference… can you see it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
That evening, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and started across for Capernaum. Later that evening Jesus had still not come to them, and a strong wind was making the water rough.
When the disciples had rowed for three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified. But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!" The disciples wanted to take him into the boat, but suddenly the boat reached the shore where they were headed.
The people who had stayed on the east side of the lake knew that only one boat had been there. They also knew that Jesus had not left in it with his disciples. But the next day some boats from Tiberias sailed near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread for which the Lord had given thanks. They saw that Jesus and his disciples had left. Then they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. They found him on the west side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so." "What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked.
Jesus answered, "God wants you to have faith in the one he sent."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all had someone be nice to us when they wanted something. There are some people who only come around or act interested in others when they are hoping to gain something from the interaction or relationship. I don’t mean to be cynical or skeptical, but often you can spot these people coming a mile away. And even if there is no ulterior motive, the history with this person makes it hard to believe that he/she is genuine.
It’s somewhat like when a teenager’s mom cooks his/her favorite dish, and the teen would do just about anything to get Mom to cook it again. The teenager really doesn’t notice all the wonderful, important things a mom does every day for him/her and the rest of the family (extended family, friends, community and more). It’s all about that favorite meal… personal gratification… and the teen will go to great lengths to schmooze Mom so that she will cook it again.
If we honestly look at our relationship to God, we are much the same. We pretty well always have our hand out in some manner. “LORD, please do this for me… Father, I need a miracle… God, heal me, my relationship, my family, my friends.” We’re not interested in God’s miracles and healing in the context of the world at large – much less giving back in service and dedication. We want God to feed us… to meet our needs at that very moment.
Let’s be clear… there is nothing wrong with asking God to meet our needs. He can… He will… He wants to do this for us. He wants to heal our bodies, minds, and relationships… and to do the same for those in our circle of family and friends. He wants to give us answers to our troubles and bless us each and every day. But He wants us to love and follow Him because of the Bread of Life… the gift of eternal salvation He provides to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want us to believe in Him and serve Him because He cured our cancer, helped us pass a biology test, or we ran extra fast in the 5k or cross-country event. He doesn’t want us to follow Him because He gives us a roof over our head and a good job to pay the bills. He wants us to look beyond these material, “now” things and say, “I will follow you all the days of my life because you gave me Jesus.”
For me, this was a simple – but highly powerful – illustration. Some people are following Jesus for the “fish dinner” that He provides – that “favorite meal”. They are willing to love Jesus and serve Him – and basically butter Him up – for whatever is in it for them at the moment… the “quick fix.” But God wants us to be in it for the “Daily Bread” – the meal that satisfies our soul more than our bellies... and lasts! God wants us to follow Him and serve because we love Him and desire to be a part of His Kingdom forever.
What are your motives? Do you serve Jesus for the instant miracle… the “quick fix” to your present problem? Or do you see the bigger picture? Is your faith in God based on His tremendous love and sacrifice for us… His promise to meet our needs and bless us with the Bread of Life - now and forever? Or are you only looking to your next meal or miracle? There is a difference… can you see it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 10, 2011
John 5:1-9
Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem.
Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick people—blind, crippled, paralyzed—were in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, "Do you want to get well?"
The sick man said, "Sir, when the water is stirred, I don't have anybody to put me in the pool. By the time I get there, somebody else is already in."
Jesus said, "Get up, take your bedroll, start walking." The man was healed on the spot. He picked up his bedroll and walked off.
That day happened to be the Sabbath. The Jews stopped the healed man and said, "It's the Sabbath. You can't carry your bedroll around. It's against the rules."
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.
You may remember seeing this scripture passage recently. I used it for a devo on July 29th. However, I recently heard Joyce Meyer preach from this passage, and her “take-away” from the scriptures was so good that I wanted to share it. See, I think God can use the same passage in scripture to speak to us in one way one day – and in another the next… according to what we need. It’s not that one “interpretation” is right and another is wrong... God uses His word to meet our needs for each day in a truly unique manner. This is why the Bible is such a rich and vital resource in successful daily living for each of us!
As Joyce Meyer explained it, this sick man had come to the pool at Bethesda every day for 38 years. Each time the water was stirred by the angels, one person was able to dip his/her foot and be healed. Apparently this man was so sick or crippled that he had never made it to the pool ahead of the others who gathered. Joyce’s comment was something to the effect of… “Surely in 38 years this man could have scooted close enough to be the first in line to dip a toe!” What she heard in this scripture was Jesus rather impatiently saying to the man, “Don’t you want to be well?” In other words, “What have you been waiting on? Get up and get going!”
Where my message a few days ago was “be patient,” Joyce’s message was “get up and get on with it!” And both are appropriate messages. There may be a lot of us who are stuck in a rut of some sort… often of our own making… and God is telling us to get up and get going! We have all sorts of excuses… I’m too young – or too old… I need to lose 10 pounds first – or I’m not strong enough… I need to get my own life in order before I can help someone else… I don’t have enough money… I’m not smart enough or brave enough – or holy enough!
To all of these excuses… and many others… Jesus says, “Don’t you want to be well?” In other words, “Get up and get going!” Patience is a great virtue… one most of us could use more of in a healthy dose! But there is also something to be said for picking ourselves up and putting one foot in front of the other… being proactive… stepping up and out on faith in Jesus Christ – and letting Him handle the details.
So my question today for each of us is, “Don’t we want to be well? Isn’t it time we scooted closer to the pool and stuck in our toe?”
©2011 Debbie Robus
Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem.
Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick people—blind, crippled, paralyzed—were in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, "Do you want to get well?"
The sick man said, "Sir, when the water is stirred, I don't have anybody to put me in the pool. By the time I get there, somebody else is already in."
Jesus said, "Get up, take your bedroll, start walking." The man was healed on the spot. He picked up his bedroll and walked off.
That day happened to be the Sabbath. The Jews stopped the healed man and said, "It's the Sabbath. You can't carry your bedroll around. It's against the rules."
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.
You may remember seeing this scripture passage recently. I used it for a devo on July 29th. However, I recently heard Joyce Meyer preach from this passage, and her “take-away” from the scriptures was so good that I wanted to share it. See, I think God can use the same passage in scripture to speak to us in one way one day – and in another the next… according to what we need. It’s not that one “interpretation” is right and another is wrong... God uses His word to meet our needs for each day in a truly unique manner. This is why the Bible is such a rich and vital resource in successful daily living for each of us!
As Joyce Meyer explained it, this sick man had come to the pool at Bethesda every day for 38 years. Each time the water was stirred by the angels, one person was able to dip his/her foot and be healed. Apparently this man was so sick or crippled that he had never made it to the pool ahead of the others who gathered. Joyce’s comment was something to the effect of… “Surely in 38 years this man could have scooted close enough to be the first in line to dip a toe!” What she heard in this scripture was Jesus rather impatiently saying to the man, “Don’t you want to be well?” In other words, “What have you been waiting on? Get up and get going!”
Where my message a few days ago was “be patient,” Joyce’s message was “get up and get on with it!” And both are appropriate messages. There may be a lot of us who are stuck in a rut of some sort… often of our own making… and God is telling us to get up and get going! We have all sorts of excuses… I’m too young – or too old… I need to lose 10 pounds first – or I’m not strong enough… I need to get my own life in order before I can help someone else… I don’t have enough money… I’m not smart enough or brave enough – or holy enough!
To all of these excuses… and many others… Jesus says, “Don’t you want to be well?” In other words, “Get up and get going!” Patience is a great virtue… one most of us could use more of in a healthy dose! But there is also something to be said for picking ourselves up and putting one foot in front of the other… being proactive… stepping up and out on faith in Jesus Christ – and letting Him handle the details.
So my question today for each of us is, “Don’t we want to be well? Isn’t it time we scooted closer to the pool and stuck in our toe?”
©2011 Debbie Robus
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