John 15:11-17
I have told you this to make you as completely happy as I am. Now I tell you to love each other, as I have loved you. The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. And you are my friends, if you obey me. Servants don't know what their master is doing, and so I don't speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me.
You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. So I command you to love each other.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were in elementary school – or maybe even older – and you played games that involved choosing teams? Were you ever the last person chosen… or somewhere near the bottom? Do you remember how that felt? It was as if nobody wanted you, yet someone had to take you for their team, and the feeling of being unwanted was uncomfortable at best – and possibly quite miserable.
I hate to tell you, but we do this all the time as Christians. We say we love everyone… but then we treat some people well – and others like dirt under our feet. We are quite eager to minister to one family who is in need, sick, or hurting… but another in our immediate “circle of friends” is completely ignored. It even happens in families… we treat those we like kindly, but those we find hard to love or who don’t agree with all of our viewpoints are given the cold shoulder – or even treated rudely and with disdain. I’m afraid on any given day, a lot of us who claim to be Disciples of Christ are anything but a friend to many in our midst!
I hope you will read this passage several times. Let it soak in that Jesus is a friend to all of us. Yes, He is our master, but He does not lord that over us… He clearly says that He considers us more than servants... we are friends! We are so undeserving of this love and kindness… yet Jesus showers us with His friendship. Doesn’t it make sense that we should offer this to others? If we are to truly serve Jesus… be His Disciples… bear good fruit… shouldn’t we follow His example?
Think about the people in your path today… and those on the outskirts. Think about choosing “Team Jesus” and how you make those feel as you make your selections. Does the last person chosen feel just as loved and valued as the first? Isn’t this how it should be? Where do you need to make adjustments in your attitude and the way you treat others today? Ask God to show you how to do this… and love others as Jesus loves us. Bear good fruit in His name… and trust God to bless you with friends who love you unconditionally, as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 30, 2011
John 15:7-10
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered. When you become fruitful disciples of mine, my Father will be honored. I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Twenty-six years ago, I was in my eighth year of teaching kindergarten/first grade. My principal was retiring, and his assistant was slated to become his replacement. This woman had once been a fellow teacher… now she was a tyrant who abused all of her former “friends” on a daily basis. I needed a change in more ways than one… and I started seeking an exit strategy. I interviewed in another building for a position as a fifth grade teacher. The principal had asked me in my interview, “What makes you think you can transition from 5-and-six-year-olds to fifth graders?” I assured him I could do it. Everyone who was “in the know” told me the job was mine, and I eagerly anticipated the call from the principal to welcome me… and the subsequent move to another school on the opposite end of town.
One morning the secretary called over the intercom to tell me I had a phone call, and I hurried to the library next door to my classroom. The principal from the other school informed me he had hired someone else. My heart sank, and a huge lump formed in my throat as I thanked him for calling. I phoned my husband, and through tears, I delivered my news. My husband said his first instinct was to drive straight to the school, collect me, and tell everyone that I was quitting – then and there! But in retrospect, we both realized this solved nothing.
After lots of discussion, careful planning, and a lot of prayer, we both decided I should teach for one more year. At that time, I could not see how on earth I would survive it, but I stuck it out… and I think knowing that I was checking the weeks off the calendar (and an exceptionally great class of kiddos!) helped me to persevere. Looking back, that was one of my best years of teaching, in many ways. And because I hung in there and made the most of it, I was blessed more than I can express.
Teaching one more year added more savings to our “nest egg” so that we could both leave our jobs, move back home, and start our own business. Teaching one more year taught me countless lessons in honoring commitments, fighting through hard times, and making the most of even a really stressful situation. By staying that last year, I developed lifelong relationships with some great people and actually had many truly happy experiences. And I learned a lot about trusting God to see me through the rough patches… and use me in spite of the circumstances.
I am sharing this because you may be going through your own rough patch. Things may not be working out like you had hoped or desired… or you may be struggling right now and wondering if your situation will ever improve. I am here to tell you it can – and it will – if you will stay faithful to God. Let Him nurture you and feed you. Allow Him to sustain you in the darkest hours… and to teach you in ways you can’t begin to imagine. Ask God, “Which direction should I take, and how should I get where you want me to go?” Let Him guide your steps and strengthen you throughout the journey.
If someone had been able to show me my life as it is today when I was so frustrated in 1985, I would have found it very hard to believe them, at best. But I know what God can do. I have seen how He can bless. I am learning more every day about how He rewards faithful servants who stick with Him and allow Him to guide them… even through the roughest patches. Our God is so powerful and all-encompassing. What He does for me, He will most certainly do for you, too.
As I share this message of hope with you today, I am reminding myself of the same things. We all need a reminder once in a while that God can handle anything and give us all of the desires of our heart – according to His perfect will. We just have to stick closely to Him and believe in His promises. I’m in… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered. When you become fruitful disciples of mine, my Father will be honored. I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Twenty-six years ago, I was in my eighth year of teaching kindergarten/first grade. My principal was retiring, and his assistant was slated to become his replacement. This woman had once been a fellow teacher… now she was a tyrant who abused all of her former “friends” on a daily basis. I needed a change in more ways than one… and I started seeking an exit strategy. I interviewed in another building for a position as a fifth grade teacher. The principal had asked me in my interview, “What makes you think you can transition from 5-and-six-year-olds to fifth graders?” I assured him I could do it. Everyone who was “in the know” told me the job was mine, and I eagerly anticipated the call from the principal to welcome me… and the subsequent move to another school on the opposite end of town.
One morning the secretary called over the intercom to tell me I had a phone call, and I hurried to the library next door to my classroom. The principal from the other school informed me he had hired someone else. My heart sank, and a huge lump formed in my throat as I thanked him for calling. I phoned my husband, and through tears, I delivered my news. My husband said his first instinct was to drive straight to the school, collect me, and tell everyone that I was quitting – then and there! But in retrospect, we both realized this solved nothing.
After lots of discussion, careful planning, and a lot of prayer, we both decided I should teach for one more year. At that time, I could not see how on earth I would survive it, but I stuck it out… and I think knowing that I was checking the weeks off the calendar (and an exceptionally great class of kiddos!) helped me to persevere. Looking back, that was one of my best years of teaching, in many ways. And because I hung in there and made the most of it, I was blessed more than I can express.
Teaching one more year added more savings to our “nest egg” so that we could both leave our jobs, move back home, and start our own business. Teaching one more year taught me countless lessons in honoring commitments, fighting through hard times, and making the most of even a really stressful situation. By staying that last year, I developed lifelong relationships with some great people and actually had many truly happy experiences. And I learned a lot about trusting God to see me through the rough patches… and use me in spite of the circumstances.
I am sharing this because you may be going through your own rough patch. Things may not be working out like you had hoped or desired… or you may be struggling right now and wondering if your situation will ever improve. I am here to tell you it can – and it will – if you will stay faithful to God. Let Him nurture you and feed you. Allow Him to sustain you in the darkest hours… and to teach you in ways you can’t begin to imagine. Ask God, “Which direction should I take, and how should I get where you want me to go?” Let Him guide your steps and strengthen you throughout the journey.
If someone had been able to show me my life as it is today when I was so frustrated in 1985, I would have found it very hard to believe them, at best. But I know what God can do. I have seen how He can bless. I am learning more every day about how He rewards faithful servants who stick with Him and allow Him to guide them… even through the roughest patches. Our God is so powerful and all-encompassing. What He does for me, He will most certainly do for you, too.
As I share this message of hope with you today, I am reminding myself of the same things. We all need a reminder once in a while that God can handle anything and give us all of the desires of our heart – according to His perfect will. We just have to stick closely to Him and believe in His promises. I’m in… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 29, 2011
John 15:4-7
Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. If you don't stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire.
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever lost one piece to something in a set, you know how incomplete the rest becomes. Take earrings, for instance. Once in a while, it happens… you lose one of your favorite earrings. You don’t know where or how it happened, but now the other one is pretty much tossed to the back of the jewelry box and forgotten… rendered useless. Or maybe you throw away the odd piece altogether.
Another is buttons. We need buttons on our shirts and other items of clothing. But often, when we lose a button, a suitable replacement just cannot be found. So we toss the shirt into the trash or rag bin… or at best, we stick it in the back of the closet and wear it when we are doing odd jobs around the house.
Of course, we all know that leaves and fruit that fall from a tree or vine quickly wither and die without the strength and sustenance of the plant itself. And this may be exactly why Jesus chose this illustration. Apart from Him, we will wither and die… and ultimately be tossed away to join Satan in the depths of hell. I’m not saying this to scare anyone… but the fires of hell are like the fires that burn dead, dry branches – only worse – and the idea of Satan’s misery and darkness for all eternity does not interest me in the least!
The bottom line is that we must stay connected to God. We must be continually joined to Him in communication and prayer, faith and trust, service to Him and to others, and fellowship with other believers. We must never pull away or get so arrogant as to think we don’t need God… even for the smallest task or for even one minute from your day.
You wouldn’t think of wearing only one earring just because you lost the other. You probably would be uncomfortable wearing a shirt with missing buttons. Shouldn’t you be uncomfortable even thinking about spending any time apart from God? Are you attached to the Vine today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Stay joined to me, and I will stay joined to you. Just as a branch cannot produce fruit unless it stays joined to the vine, you cannot produce fruit unless you stay joined to me. I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. If you don't stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire.
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever lost one piece to something in a set, you know how incomplete the rest becomes. Take earrings, for instance. Once in a while, it happens… you lose one of your favorite earrings. You don’t know where or how it happened, but now the other one is pretty much tossed to the back of the jewelry box and forgotten… rendered useless. Or maybe you throw away the odd piece altogether.
Another is buttons. We need buttons on our shirts and other items of clothing. But often, when we lose a button, a suitable replacement just cannot be found. So we toss the shirt into the trash or rag bin… or at best, we stick it in the back of the closet and wear it when we are doing odd jobs around the house.
Of course, we all know that leaves and fruit that fall from a tree or vine quickly wither and die without the strength and sustenance of the plant itself. And this may be exactly why Jesus chose this illustration. Apart from Him, we will wither and die… and ultimately be tossed away to join Satan in the depths of hell. I’m not saying this to scare anyone… but the fires of hell are like the fires that burn dead, dry branches – only worse – and the idea of Satan’s misery and darkness for all eternity does not interest me in the least!
The bottom line is that we must stay connected to God. We must be continually joined to Him in communication and prayer, faith and trust, service to Him and to others, and fellowship with other believers. We must never pull away or get so arrogant as to think we don’t need God… even for the smallest task or for even one minute from your day.
You wouldn’t think of wearing only one earring just because you lost the other. You probably would be uncomfortable wearing a shirt with missing buttons. Shouldn’t you be uncomfortable even thinking about spending any time apart from God? Are you attached to the Vine today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 28, 2011
John 15:1-3
Jesus said to his disciples: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts away every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit. But he trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already clean because of what I have said to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last week, I brought home an African violet that belonged to my grandmother. The plant was root bound, and she wanted me to “divide” it and repot. So I took a sharp knife and sliced through the tender violet that overflowed from the tiny flower pot. As I tugged the 2 sections from the soil, several weak stems and leaves fell away… and I discovered there were at least five full-fledged violet plants all clumped together as one.
I carefully separated these plants, found some more planters and potting soil, and created five nice planters filled with violets. As I dug in the soil, I found dozens of mushy remnants of plant fertilizer stakes. It’s no wonder this plant was so prolific and healthy… my grandmother had carefully tended and nurtured the delicate flower each and every day and fertilized it to the nth degree!
My grandmother is a tough critic – and gardener extraordinaire – so I knew I had to return two really nice violets to her after the repotting. I carefully tended the two largest plants… trimming broken and weak looking leaves and stems… watering just the right amount… and making sure the soil supported the plants themselves. My husband delivered these pots to my grandmother, and she later telephone me and told me to bring her some more fertilizer stakes!
I’ll be the first to tell you that I did not inherit my grandmother’s green thumb. I get little to no pleasure out of digging in dirt and planting things. I do well to water the hardy house plants we own. But I have seen more than a half century of evidence of her love and care for botanicals of all kinds… fruits, vegetables, and especially flowers. The attention she pays to the tiny details makes the difference. And it’s the same way with God.
We are the “vine” – God is the “Vinedresser.” In other words, we are the plants and He is the gardener… and He carefully loves and nurtures each of us. Yes… when necessary, God snips and prunes… cuts away the “dead wood”. I like to think that as much as this could mean that God cuts away those who turn away from Him… it also means that when we sin and fall short, He prunes us back… clips our wings a little and reins us in, saying, “Hey there… you need to think about this!” Often we have to repot… prune… fertilize… in order to obtain maximum growth, in life and in our gardening.
My grandmother would rather cut off her right arm than give up on a plant… and I have to believe it is very much the same for God and His children. He doesn’t want to give up on a single one of us, so He continues to nurture, prune, and fertilize us with His love, grace, mercy, and constant care. And in the end - like my grandmother’s violet with its beautiful lilac blossoms - God expects “good fruit” from us.
What sort of “vine” are you these days? Are you producing good fruit for God? Are you allowing His nurture and care of you to take effect? Are there areas of your life that could use a good cleaning and pruning? Ask God to do what is necessary to make you the perfect “plant” in His garden. Thank Him for the amazing care He gives you every single day… then go and BLOOM for Him wherever He plants you!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus said to his disciples: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts away every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit. But he trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already clean because of what I have said to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last week, I brought home an African violet that belonged to my grandmother. The plant was root bound, and she wanted me to “divide” it and repot. So I took a sharp knife and sliced through the tender violet that overflowed from the tiny flower pot. As I tugged the 2 sections from the soil, several weak stems and leaves fell away… and I discovered there were at least five full-fledged violet plants all clumped together as one.
I carefully separated these plants, found some more planters and potting soil, and created five nice planters filled with violets. As I dug in the soil, I found dozens of mushy remnants of plant fertilizer stakes. It’s no wonder this plant was so prolific and healthy… my grandmother had carefully tended and nurtured the delicate flower each and every day and fertilized it to the nth degree!
My grandmother is a tough critic – and gardener extraordinaire – so I knew I had to return two really nice violets to her after the repotting. I carefully tended the two largest plants… trimming broken and weak looking leaves and stems… watering just the right amount… and making sure the soil supported the plants themselves. My husband delivered these pots to my grandmother, and she later telephone me and told me to bring her some more fertilizer stakes!
I’ll be the first to tell you that I did not inherit my grandmother’s green thumb. I get little to no pleasure out of digging in dirt and planting things. I do well to water the hardy house plants we own. But I have seen more than a half century of evidence of her love and care for botanicals of all kinds… fruits, vegetables, and especially flowers. The attention she pays to the tiny details makes the difference. And it’s the same way with God.
We are the “vine” – God is the “Vinedresser.” In other words, we are the plants and He is the gardener… and He carefully loves and nurtures each of us. Yes… when necessary, God snips and prunes… cuts away the “dead wood”. I like to think that as much as this could mean that God cuts away those who turn away from Him… it also means that when we sin and fall short, He prunes us back… clips our wings a little and reins us in, saying, “Hey there… you need to think about this!” Often we have to repot… prune… fertilize… in order to obtain maximum growth, in life and in our gardening.
My grandmother would rather cut off her right arm than give up on a plant… and I have to believe it is very much the same for God and His children. He doesn’t want to give up on a single one of us, so He continues to nurture, prune, and fertilize us with His love, grace, mercy, and constant care. And in the end - like my grandmother’s violet with its beautiful lilac blossoms - God expects “good fruit” from us.
What sort of “vine” are you these days? Are you producing good fruit for God? Are you allowing His nurture and care of you to take effect? Are there areas of your life that could use a good cleaning and pruning? Ask God to do what is necessary to make you the perfect “plant” in His garden. Thank Him for the amazing care He gives you every single day… then go and BLOOM for Him wherever He plants you!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 27, 2011
Psalm 121:5-8
The LORD is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun. You won't be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night. The LORD will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. The LORD will protect you now and always wherever you go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have very pale skin… so pale that in certain clothing and colors, people have actually asked me if I was feeling well! So I enjoyed many years of having a nice tan… until the day I found a spot on my collarbone. The doctor assured me it was probably nothing, as he sliced it off and sent it to a lab for evaluation. He called a few days later to say, “You were right to come see me. That was pre-cancerous… we got it just in time.” My deliberate tanning days were over.
This summer, my husband and I took a day trip to Mtn. View on the July 4th weekend. We walked through the craft village at the Ozark Folk Center on a very hot, sunny afternoon. I would say we spent less than 2 hours dashing from one air conditioned building to another to observe the crafters. That night when we got home, I noticed I was sporting a little sunburn that outlined where my shirt had hung. Just stepping out unprotected into the bright sunlight for a few minutes between buildings had exposed me to the dangers of the harmful rays and burned my skin.
Think about this for a minute… imagine venturing out into the world without the protection of God. If we try to make it on our own… away from God’s amazing grace and care, we are leaving room for the devil to make all sorts of inroads. And just as a few minutes in the sun left me vulnerable to a burn… even a few minutes without God’s protection leaves you wide open for all sorts of trouble.
God wants to be our shield night and day. He loves us and wants to care for us like an SPF50 sunscreen. But we have to invite Him to do so. We have to want His protection. He will not force Himself upon us.
I know we don’t want to hear this, but avoiding direct sunlight on our skin (i.e. tanning) is a good idea. I have to remember to apply sunscreen when I think I will be outside… and frankly, as we lose more and more ozone, a daily dose – just in case - is a good idea. It’s the same with God… don’t leave home without His protection. Better yet, wear it all the time! And remember to thank Him for his around-the-clock care and vigilance on your behalf. Are you protected today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD is your protector, there at your right side to shade you from the sun. You won't be harmed by the sun during the day or by the moon at night. The LORD will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. The LORD will protect you now and always wherever you go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have very pale skin… so pale that in certain clothing and colors, people have actually asked me if I was feeling well! So I enjoyed many years of having a nice tan… until the day I found a spot on my collarbone. The doctor assured me it was probably nothing, as he sliced it off and sent it to a lab for evaluation. He called a few days later to say, “You were right to come see me. That was pre-cancerous… we got it just in time.” My deliberate tanning days were over.
This summer, my husband and I took a day trip to Mtn. View on the July 4th weekend. We walked through the craft village at the Ozark Folk Center on a very hot, sunny afternoon. I would say we spent less than 2 hours dashing from one air conditioned building to another to observe the crafters. That night when we got home, I noticed I was sporting a little sunburn that outlined where my shirt had hung. Just stepping out unprotected into the bright sunlight for a few minutes between buildings had exposed me to the dangers of the harmful rays and burned my skin.
Think about this for a minute… imagine venturing out into the world without the protection of God. If we try to make it on our own… away from God’s amazing grace and care, we are leaving room for the devil to make all sorts of inroads. And just as a few minutes in the sun left me vulnerable to a burn… even a few minutes without God’s protection leaves you wide open for all sorts of trouble.
God wants to be our shield night and day. He loves us and wants to care for us like an SPF50 sunscreen. But we have to invite Him to do so. We have to want His protection. He will not force Himself upon us.
I know we don’t want to hear this, but avoiding direct sunlight on our skin (i.e. tanning) is a good idea. I have to remember to apply sunscreen when I think I will be outside… and frankly, as we lose more and more ozone, a daily dose – just in case - is a good idea. It’s the same with God… don’t leave home without His protection. Better yet, wear it all the time! And remember to thank Him for his around-the-clock care and vigilance on your behalf. Are you protected today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 26, 2011
Psalm 121:1-4
I look to the hills! Where will I find help? It will come from the LORD, who created the heavens and the earth. The LORD is your protector, and he won't go to sleep or let you stumble. The protector of Israel doesn't doze or ever get drowsy.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, one of my favorite stories was The Elves and the Shoemaker by the Brothers Grimm. In this story, elves visited the shop of a very poor shoemaker and his wife each night and created beautiful shoes for them to sell. In return, the shoemaker and his wife made beautiful clothes for the little elves.
Haven’t we all wished we had elves to come in at night and do our work for us and make everything beautiful by morning? When I awoke today and looked across the fiery hillside below our house, I thought, “God was surely up all night!” It was as if He spent the entire evening with a brush and a palette of oranges, reds, yellows and more… painting away on the trees outside our back door!
But God is no magical elf! While He often works in the background…making things better for us as the elves did for the shoemaker and his wife… the wonderful gifts and blessings that God bestows on us create riches far beyond money and material things. And the power and might of our Heavenly Father are far above and beyond mere magic!
As I looked at the hillside and valley this morning, I thought of the first verse of this passage… I considered the strength and protection God bestows on me every day… and how He never sleeps (which reminded me of the little Grimm fairy tale!). I was humbled, and blessed, to see that God not only blesses us and cares for our every need… He does it with astounding beauty and finesse!
Today, I hope your “take away” from this passage is that God cares for us beyond what we could ever imagine. I hope you remember that He never sleeps. And one more thing… as the shoemakers gave the elves new clothing, we should give back to God as much as we can - to the best of our abilities. We should be so grateful for His abundance that we are eager to do all we can for Him in return. We can never repay God – and that’s not the point! But we can do our best to show Him how much we appreciate His amazing generosity.
Look around today – look “to the hills” and up at the beautiful trees and the colors of fall – and remember Who is up all night and day caring for each of us. Take time to thank God for His love and care… go about your day with confidence that He is in complete control… and know that all will be well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I look to the hills! Where will I find help? It will come from the LORD, who created the heavens and the earth. The LORD is your protector, and he won't go to sleep or let you stumble. The protector of Israel doesn't doze or ever get drowsy.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, one of my favorite stories was The Elves and the Shoemaker by the Brothers Grimm. In this story, elves visited the shop of a very poor shoemaker and his wife each night and created beautiful shoes for them to sell. In return, the shoemaker and his wife made beautiful clothes for the little elves.
Haven’t we all wished we had elves to come in at night and do our work for us and make everything beautiful by morning? When I awoke today and looked across the fiery hillside below our house, I thought, “God was surely up all night!” It was as if He spent the entire evening with a brush and a palette of oranges, reds, yellows and more… painting away on the trees outside our back door!
But God is no magical elf! While He often works in the background…making things better for us as the elves did for the shoemaker and his wife… the wonderful gifts and blessings that God bestows on us create riches far beyond money and material things. And the power and might of our Heavenly Father are far above and beyond mere magic!
As I looked at the hillside and valley this morning, I thought of the first verse of this passage… I considered the strength and protection God bestows on me every day… and how He never sleeps (which reminded me of the little Grimm fairy tale!). I was humbled, and blessed, to see that God not only blesses us and cares for our every need… He does it with astounding beauty and finesse!
Today, I hope your “take away” from this passage is that God cares for us beyond what we could ever imagine. I hope you remember that He never sleeps. And one more thing… as the shoemakers gave the elves new clothing, we should give back to God as much as we can - to the best of our abilities. We should be so grateful for His abundance that we are eager to do all we can for Him in return. We can never repay God – and that’s not the point! But we can do our best to show Him how much we appreciate His amazing generosity.
Look around today – look “to the hills” and up at the beautiful trees and the colors of fall – and remember Who is up all night and day caring for each of us. Take time to thank God for His love and care… go about your day with confidence that He is in complete control… and know that all will be well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 25, 2011
Psalm 119:57
You, LORD, are my choice, and I will obey you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think quickly… what was the last choice you had to make? Was it what to wear to school/work this morning? Was it whether or not to get up early and work out? Or maybe you had to choose what you would eat for breakfast… or at least which cereal you wanted. We make choices each and every day… often several times an hour! Some of our choices really don’t matter. The decision to eat Cheerios© vs Kelloggs Corn Flakes© is not critical. It really won’t affect our lives so much if we have orange juice or tomato juice… or no juice!
But there is one choice that does matter… and that is whether we choose to make God the LORD of our life and follow His rules. In fact, of all the choices we make in our lives, THIS is the biggest… the most important… the most crucial.
You may be saying, “I have plenty of time… I’ll do that later!” Pick up a newspaper and read the obituaries. Kids in their teens and twenties face challenges – and even die - every day. And the Bible is filled with examples of young people who served well and made a huge difference for the Kingdom of Heaven at an early age! God doesn’t want you to wait until you are 30, 40, or older to serve Him and submit to Him. If you are past this age, it’s not too late… but if you are a young person and think you will “play now” and serve God later… this choice will be a huge mistake!
I promise you… everything gets better when serving the LORD is your choice! The struggles and hardships don’t seem so difficult… the good times seem even better… and yes, you still have fun! Choosing God is not a surrender of freedom… you are choosing to be free – from sin, guilt, shame, and the burdens of living without the Holy Spirit!
Maybe you have chosen God, but you’ve sort of slipped Him to the corner for a while… pushed Him to the back burner and decided to try things your way and see how it goes. Again, this is a poor decision… and you’re risking disaster! It really doesn’t matter if you mix plaids with stripes, choose tater tots instead of fries, or decide to cheer for the underdog. But whether you choose to follow God and obey His laws or not matters greatly. What will you decide…Who will you choose to serve?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, are my choice, and I will obey you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think quickly… what was the last choice you had to make? Was it what to wear to school/work this morning? Was it whether or not to get up early and work out? Or maybe you had to choose what you would eat for breakfast… or at least which cereal you wanted. We make choices each and every day… often several times an hour! Some of our choices really don’t matter. The decision to eat Cheerios© vs Kelloggs Corn Flakes© is not critical. It really won’t affect our lives so much if we have orange juice or tomato juice… or no juice!
But there is one choice that does matter… and that is whether we choose to make God the LORD of our life and follow His rules. In fact, of all the choices we make in our lives, THIS is the biggest… the most important… the most crucial.
You may be saying, “I have plenty of time… I’ll do that later!” Pick up a newspaper and read the obituaries. Kids in their teens and twenties face challenges – and even die - every day. And the Bible is filled with examples of young people who served well and made a huge difference for the Kingdom of Heaven at an early age! God doesn’t want you to wait until you are 30, 40, or older to serve Him and submit to Him. If you are past this age, it’s not too late… but if you are a young person and think you will “play now” and serve God later… this choice will be a huge mistake!
I promise you… everything gets better when serving the LORD is your choice! The struggles and hardships don’t seem so difficult… the good times seem even better… and yes, you still have fun! Choosing God is not a surrender of freedom… you are choosing to be free – from sin, guilt, shame, and the burdens of living without the Holy Spirit!
Maybe you have chosen God, but you’ve sort of slipped Him to the corner for a while… pushed Him to the back burner and decided to try things your way and see how it goes. Again, this is a poor decision… and you’re risking disaster! It really doesn’t matter if you mix plaids with stripes, choose tater tots instead of fries, or decide to cheer for the underdog. But whether you choose to follow God and obey His laws or not matters greatly. What will you decide…Who will you choose to serve?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2011
Psalm 119:32
I am eager to learn all that you want me to do; help me to understand more and more.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our little nephew, Timothy, spent the weekend with us, and he was sick with an upset stomach. He did not understand what was happening, and as he threw up, he would whimper and say, “DebDeb?” I tried to assure him that everything was okay… but I’m not sure he was convinced! Afterward, he asked for milk, and I could not explain why this was not a good beverage choice. I gave him a sippy cup with 7-Up instead, and he seemed satisfied. But the next morning, he awoke and asked for pizza! If you want a good lesson in “understanding,” try reasoning with a two-year-old. I managed to distract him… but the following morning, when he was feeling better and asked for ice cream, I had no good argument!
A lot of times, we are frightened, and we call out to God. We don’t understand what is happening to us, but He assures us that everything will be okay, and we trust this! I will admit, I trust Him more now than I did a few years ago… or even last week. It’s a learning process… and for some of us, the going is pretty slow!
As Timothy learns more words and phrases… as he grows in experience and using his imagination to understand things he cannot physically see and touch… he understands more and more… and he trusts us to tell him the truth and give him good instruction. And he is eager to learn.
Wouldn’t it be great if we had the hunger and eagerness of a toddler for the things of God?! What if we approached God with the attitude that anything was possible… even ice cream at 6:30 a.m.! What if we allowed Him to show us what we could and could not do… and why… and trusted His choices and rules! Why aren’t we hungrier for the things of God? Isn’t it time we looked at this passage and made it our prayer for the day… a sincere desire to learn all that God wants us to do… and a request for help to do exactly that?
What are you waiting for? What is keeping you from becoming all that you can be in your walk with God? Are you growing daily in His knowledge and wisdom… eager to learn more about Him and His plan for your life? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I am eager to learn all that you want me to do; help me to understand more and more.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our little nephew, Timothy, spent the weekend with us, and he was sick with an upset stomach. He did not understand what was happening, and as he threw up, he would whimper and say, “DebDeb?” I tried to assure him that everything was okay… but I’m not sure he was convinced! Afterward, he asked for milk, and I could not explain why this was not a good beverage choice. I gave him a sippy cup with 7-Up instead, and he seemed satisfied. But the next morning, he awoke and asked for pizza! If you want a good lesson in “understanding,” try reasoning with a two-year-old. I managed to distract him… but the following morning, when he was feeling better and asked for ice cream, I had no good argument!
A lot of times, we are frightened, and we call out to God. We don’t understand what is happening to us, but He assures us that everything will be okay, and we trust this! I will admit, I trust Him more now than I did a few years ago… or even last week. It’s a learning process… and for some of us, the going is pretty slow!
As Timothy learns more words and phrases… as he grows in experience and using his imagination to understand things he cannot physically see and touch… he understands more and more… and he trusts us to tell him the truth and give him good instruction. And he is eager to learn.
Wouldn’t it be great if we had the hunger and eagerness of a toddler for the things of God?! What if we approached God with the attitude that anything was possible… even ice cream at 6:30 a.m.! What if we allowed Him to show us what we could and could not do… and why… and trusted His choices and rules! Why aren’t we hungrier for the things of God? Isn’t it time we looked at this passage and made it our prayer for the day… a sincere desire to learn all that God wants us to do… and a request for help to do exactly that?
What are you waiting for? What is keeping you from becoming all that you can be in your walk with God? Are you growing daily in His knowledge and wisdom… eager to learn more about Him and His plan for your life? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 23, 2011
John 14:15-17
Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command. Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. The Spirit will show you what is true. The people of this world cannot accept the Spirit, because they don't see or know him. But you know the Spirit, who is with you and will keep on living in you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My sister recently started a new job. Because she began in the middle of a pay period, she had to work three weeks before she got her first paycheck. When I was teaching, payday was the 20th of each month, which meant we taught part of August and almost all of September before we received a paycheck. We did our jobs in good faith that on the appointed day, the checks would be there. And sure enough, when payday came, we got our money. But we operated in faith until that day that we would be paid for our work.
Operating in the faith that the Holy Spirit will always be with us is a far cry from believing we will get a paycheck, but you get the picture. We have a whole lot more trouble trusting Jesus to send His Holy Spirit than we do believing that we will be paid for the work we have already done in an earthly job! The irony is that Jesus is the only One we can truly trust to deliver on any and all promises! Let’s be honest, companies have gone under… and employees have been left without all of the pay they earned. Family members, friends, and acquaintances have promised all sorts of things and failed to deliver. Human promises are not always a sure thing.
When Jesus tells us He is sending His Holy Spirit, we can count on this! And once you develop a close relationship with Jesus and strive to do what He asks of you… stay in communication with Him and seek ways to honor and serve Him… you will begin to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit more strongly than ever. It won’t matter what others say or who questions your faith, strength, and courage… YOU will know Who is living within you and “driving the car” in your daily living.
Once we acknowledge the Holy Spirit and let Him guide us, everything in our lives becomes better. It took me a long, long time to understand the Holy Spirit and how He works in me. Don’t let it take that long for you. Ask Jesus what you need to do to feel His presence… invite Him to come and live in your heart. Just say, “Come Holy Spirit!” Be still and listen for Him… feel His presence and the peace and calm that He brings to every situation. Get to know the Holy Spirit for yourself and see how much better He can make every single day!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus said to his disciples: If you love me, you will do as I command. Then I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you. The Spirit will show you what is true. The people of this world cannot accept the Spirit, because they don't see or know him. But you know the Spirit, who is with you and will keep on living in you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My sister recently started a new job. Because she began in the middle of a pay period, she had to work three weeks before she got her first paycheck. When I was teaching, payday was the 20th of each month, which meant we taught part of August and almost all of September before we received a paycheck. We did our jobs in good faith that on the appointed day, the checks would be there. And sure enough, when payday came, we got our money. But we operated in faith until that day that we would be paid for our work.
Operating in the faith that the Holy Spirit will always be with us is a far cry from believing we will get a paycheck, but you get the picture. We have a whole lot more trouble trusting Jesus to send His Holy Spirit than we do believing that we will be paid for the work we have already done in an earthly job! The irony is that Jesus is the only One we can truly trust to deliver on any and all promises! Let’s be honest, companies have gone under… and employees have been left without all of the pay they earned. Family members, friends, and acquaintances have promised all sorts of things and failed to deliver. Human promises are not always a sure thing.
When Jesus tells us He is sending His Holy Spirit, we can count on this! And once you develop a close relationship with Jesus and strive to do what He asks of you… stay in communication with Him and seek ways to honor and serve Him… you will begin to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit more strongly than ever. It won’t matter what others say or who questions your faith, strength, and courage… YOU will know Who is living within you and “driving the car” in your daily living.
Once we acknowledge the Holy Spirit and let Him guide us, everything in our lives becomes better. It took me a long, long time to understand the Holy Spirit and how He works in me. Don’t let it take that long for you. Ask Jesus what you need to do to feel His presence… invite Him to come and live in your heart. Just say, “Come Holy Spirit!” Be still and listen for Him… feel His presence and the peace and calm that He brings to every situation. Get to know the Holy Spirit for yourself and see how much better He can make every single day!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 22, 2011
October 22 ~ John 14:8-14
Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father. That is all we need." Jesus replied: Philip, I have been with you for a long time. Don't you know who I am? If you have seen me, you have seen the Father. How can you ask me to show you the Father? Don't you believe that I am one with the Father and that the Father is one with me? What I say isn't said on my own. The Father who lives in me does these things.
Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do. I tell you for certain that if you have faith in me, you will do the same things that I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father. Ask me, and I will do whatever you ask. This way the Son will bring honor to the Father. I will do whatever you ask me to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Time means nothing to a toddler. Explaining to Timothy that “I will come and get you in two ‘night-nights’” doesn’t mean a thing to him. He now recognizes our voices on the telephone, but the nebulous concept that we are at our own home and not physically in his presence is almost too much for him. But take him out for a ride and drive past certain intersections, and he knows that this corner is where you turn to go to our house… or that building is where his great-great grandmother lives… or this is the street on which we turn to go to his daycare! He has seen those places… he is familiar with them. And I assure you, if you turn left when he wants to turn right, he will let you know about it!
Gosh… getting the concept of WHO Jesus really is boggles our minds, doesn’t it? For so many, the pervading question is… “But how do you KNOW He is real?” What makes us so sure that Jesus is doing all of the wonderful things in our lives, rescuing us when we are in need, healing us and keeping us steeped in blessings? Couldn’t it simply be good luck or “fate?” And I will admit… this has been a hard question for me to answer at times… at least in a manner I felt was convincing.
I will have to say, by allowing me to go through some pretty big challenges, Jesus has shown me WHO He really is. By allowing my faith to be tested… and delivering BIG TIME on His promises, I have become one of His major cheerleaders! I won’t say that I don’t ever get down or feel overwhelmed, because I do… more often than I care to admit! But I know Who has my back. I know what God can do… because I have seen Him do it! I know that more times than I can count, I have crept back with my head down in embarrassment that I allowed my faith to waver so much… and God delivered and blessed me anyway.
I’ve seen God use “little ole me” in ways I didn’t think were possible. I’ve felt the blessings of showing up at the right time with the right message… and knowing beyond a doubt that I had absolutely nothing to do with it!
Look around. Evidence of just how real God is can be seen in abundance! If you don’t see Jesus in people and places everywhere you look, you’re probably hanging with the wrong crowd… and your communication with God could use a little spit and polish! Ask Jesus to forgive your doubts and fill you with courage and confidence. Take everything to Him… your joys, sorrows, trials, and triumphs… and let Him sort them and work in and through you. Then step back and be amazed at how much He can do with the least of us. I know I am!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father. That is all we need." Jesus replied: Philip, I have been with you for a long time. Don't you know who I am? If you have seen me, you have seen the Father. How can you ask me to show you the Father? Don't you believe that I am one with the Father and that the Father is one with me? What I say isn't said on my own. The Father who lives in me does these things.
Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do. I tell you for certain that if you have faith in me, you will do the same things that I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father. Ask me, and I will do whatever you ask. This way the Son will bring honor to the Father. I will do whatever you ask me to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Time means nothing to a toddler. Explaining to Timothy that “I will come and get you in two ‘night-nights’” doesn’t mean a thing to him. He now recognizes our voices on the telephone, but the nebulous concept that we are at our own home and not physically in his presence is almost too much for him. But take him out for a ride and drive past certain intersections, and he knows that this corner is where you turn to go to our house… or that building is where his great-great grandmother lives… or this is the street on which we turn to go to his daycare! He has seen those places… he is familiar with them. And I assure you, if you turn left when he wants to turn right, he will let you know about it!
Gosh… getting the concept of WHO Jesus really is boggles our minds, doesn’t it? For so many, the pervading question is… “But how do you KNOW He is real?” What makes us so sure that Jesus is doing all of the wonderful things in our lives, rescuing us when we are in need, healing us and keeping us steeped in blessings? Couldn’t it simply be good luck or “fate?” And I will admit… this has been a hard question for me to answer at times… at least in a manner I felt was convincing.
I will have to say, by allowing me to go through some pretty big challenges, Jesus has shown me WHO He really is. By allowing my faith to be tested… and delivering BIG TIME on His promises, I have become one of His major cheerleaders! I won’t say that I don’t ever get down or feel overwhelmed, because I do… more often than I care to admit! But I know Who has my back. I know what God can do… because I have seen Him do it! I know that more times than I can count, I have crept back with my head down in embarrassment that I allowed my faith to waver so much… and God delivered and blessed me anyway.
I’ve seen God use “little ole me” in ways I didn’t think were possible. I’ve felt the blessings of showing up at the right time with the right message… and knowing beyond a doubt that I had absolutely nothing to do with it!
Look around. Evidence of just how real God is can be seen in abundance! If you don’t see Jesus in people and places everywhere you look, you’re probably hanging with the wrong crowd… and your communication with God could use a little spit and polish! Ask Jesus to forgive your doubts and fill you with courage and confidence. Take everything to Him… your joys, sorrows, trials, and triumphs… and let Him sort them and work in and through you. Then step back and be amazed at how much He can do with the least of us. I know I am!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 21, 2011
John 14:1-7
Jesus said to his disciples, "Don't be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. There are many rooms in my Father's house. I wouldn't tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. You know the way to where I am going." Thomas said, "Lord, we don't even know where you are going! How can we know the way?"
"I am the way, the truth, and the life!" Jesus answered. "Without me, no one can go to the Father. If you had known me, you would have known the Father. But from now on, you do know him, and you have seen him."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago, a major shift in my life occurred. It seemed like as many – or more – people in my immediate “circle” were in heaven than here on earth. If I stop and list all of the close family members and friends who died within a span of five years or so, I’m overwhelmed… and it may be much the same for you and your circle of loved ones. When I was in my teens or twenties, this would have probably been incredibly devastating for me. In my mid-to-late thirties and forties, the “shock” was easier to absorb.
What shifted, besides my age – and possibly my maturity level? The answer for me is this… I had gotten to know the Father better. All of my life, I heard others quote the first part of this passage. I knew that Jesus returned to heaven to “get my mansion ready.” But this really didn’t comfort me much. That sounded great – when I was ninety! But I was young, full of life… and not ready to die… and I didn’t want to “lose” anyone dear to me, either.
Now I understand so much more about how God’s plans for us are supposed to work. I didn’t get this by lightning strike or a bump on the head… this understanding came to me through prayer, Bible study, meditation on God’s word, and fellowship with other believers… and lots of all of it! When we become Christians, we don’t instantly “get it” – we have to cultivate our relationship with God – and our understanding of His plans for us. And we must continue to work on this every day!
A few years ago I attended the funeral of a man who had died at a fairly young age after a tortuous battle with cancer. The pastor who conducted his funeral said that people talk about those they have “lost”. We say, “I’m sorry for your loss” when we console those who are grieving. The pastor reminded us that we didn’t truly lose these loved ones – if they are Christians, we know exactly where they are… and quite frankly, they are living the high life!
Do not misunderstand me. This doesn’t give you license to console others with trite phrases like, “It’s God’s will,” or “They are in a better place” … or “He/she is better off than we are!” God wants us to comfort others with His love and peace… but to temper it with grace and mercy. Grieving people are hurting. Yes, we do feel a sense of loss… the person we loved and cared about is no longer with us. But somehow, knowing that they have relocated to Jesus’ heavenly home… and a room is being prepared for us there, also… is incredibly meaningful to me these days.
My grandmother will celebrate her 99th birthday on November 5th. She told me recently that she has been asking God to take her home. She is tired and weary, feeling poorly… and ready for her heavenly mansion and the company of Jesus and those she has missed so dearly. Others have told me that they encourage her to “Keep going!”… “Hang in there!”… “Don’t give up!” I have simply told her that I promise to be happy for her when God has her room ready. I know that she knows the Father… and so do I… and this makes all the difference in my perspective.
My question for you is, “How well do YOU know the Father? Do you have His peace and comfort in all situations? Are you fearful of your ‘next home’ – or excited about the move someday?” I am not asking if you have a death wish… I’m asking if you know the “peace that passes all understanding.” Do YOU know Jesus…The Way to your heavenly home? May I introduce you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus said to his disciples, "Don't be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. There are many rooms in my Father's house. I wouldn't tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. You know the way to where I am going." Thomas said, "Lord, we don't even know where you are going! How can we know the way?"
"I am the way, the truth, and the life!" Jesus answered. "Without me, no one can go to the Father. If you had known me, you would have known the Father. But from now on, you do know him, and you have seen him."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago, a major shift in my life occurred. It seemed like as many – or more – people in my immediate “circle” were in heaven than here on earth. If I stop and list all of the close family members and friends who died within a span of five years or so, I’m overwhelmed… and it may be much the same for you and your circle of loved ones. When I was in my teens or twenties, this would have probably been incredibly devastating for me. In my mid-to-late thirties and forties, the “shock” was easier to absorb.
What shifted, besides my age – and possibly my maturity level? The answer for me is this… I had gotten to know the Father better. All of my life, I heard others quote the first part of this passage. I knew that Jesus returned to heaven to “get my mansion ready.” But this really didn’t comfort me much. That sounded great – when I was ninety! But I was young, full of life… and not ready to die… and I didn’t want to “lose” anyone dear to me, either.
Now I understand so much more about how God’s plans for us are supposed to work. I didn’t get this by lightning strike or a bump on the head… this understanding came to me through prayer, Bible study, meditation on God’s word, and fellowship with other believers… and lots of all of it! When we become Christians, we don’t instantly “get it” – we have to cultivate our relationship with God – and our understanding of His plans for us. And we must continue to work on this every day!
A few years ago I attended the funeral of a man who had died at a fairly young age after a tortuous battle with cancer. The pastor who conducted his funeral said that people talk about those they have “lost”. We say, “I’m sorry for your loss” when we console those who are grieving. The pastor reminded us that we didn’t truly lose these loved ones – if they are Christians, we know exactly where they are… and quite frankly, they are living the high life!
Do not misunderstand me. This doesn’t give you license to console others with trite phrases like, “It’s God’s will,” or “They are in a better place” … or “He/she is better off than we are!” God wants us to comfort others with His love and peace… but to temper it with grace and mercy. Grieving people are hurting. Yes, we do feel a sense of loss… the person we loved and cared about is no longer with us. But somehow, knowing that they have relocated to Jesus’ heavenly home… and a room is being prepared for us there, also… is incredibly meaningful to me these days.
My grandmother will celebrate her 99th birthday on November 5th. She told me recently that she has been asking God to take her home. She is tired and weary, feeling poorly… and ready for her heavenly mansion and the company of Jesus and those she has missed so dearly. Others have told me that they encourage her to “Keep going!”… “Hang in there!”… “Don’t give up!” I have simply told her that I promise to be happy for her when God has her room ready. I know that she knows the Father… and so do I… and this makes all the difference in my perspective.
My question for you is, “How well do YOU know the Father? Do you have His peace and comfort in all situations? Are you fearful of your ‘next home’ – or excited about the move someday?” I am not asking if you have a death wish… I’m asking if you know the “peace that passes all understanding.” Do YOU know Jesus…The Way to your heavenly home? May I introduce you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 20, 2011
John 13:36-38
Simon Peter asked, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "You can't go with me now, but later on you will." Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I go with you now? I would die for you!" "Would you really die for me?" Jesus asked. "I tell you for certain that before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don't even know me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If an emergency arises on an airplane, adult passengers traveling with a child are told to put on their oxygen masks first before they mask their children. This is to ensure that they have the capability to assist their little ones. In other words, they have to save themselves first in order to be able to save anyone else.
Sometimes there is a progression that must be followed in certain situations in order to obtain the desired outcome. Peter had to go through some things to strengthen his faith. Jesus knew this. He knew that Peter would ultimately be an amazing Apostle… and He referred to him as “the rock” in Matthew 16. That’s a pretty strong endorsement in my book! Yet Peter denied Jesus – three times!! - despite his insistence that this would never happen. And we often behave in much the same manner.
Who among us has not affirmed that we were faith-filled Christians who trust God to meet our every need… then whined, cried and wrung our hands over all sorts of issues both great and small? How many of us have claimed that God is our fortress… mighty and strong… then fallen apart and said, “I just can’t take this!”? Someone said to me recently, “I just want to be happy.” My response was that sometimes we have to be unhappy for a while in order to get to “happy!” And I think this is illustrated beautifully in this scripture passage. Jesus knew that Peter was going to have to suffer and go through some things in order to come out strong and truly dependent on Him for His strength and power.
None of us thinks we would blatantly deny Jesus Christ… yet we do this every day in many ways by wavering in our faith and wallowing in fear, self-pity, and impatience. We need to take a deep breath, say a heart-felt prayer, ask God to help us with whatever is challenging us in any way… then thank Him for answering according to His will. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is still with us when we emerge from our trials and tribulations… He never deserts us… and for this we should be incredibly grateful.
We may never be “rock star” Apostles for Jesus… but we can become the most humble, devoted servants possible and witness for Him in every circumstance. We may have to go through some things and be unhappy or uncomfortable in order to become the Disciple of Christ that God desires. Or, we can continue to deny Jesus… whether we realize we are doing so or not… and wallow in the misery of the pit that Satan has designed for us. The choice is ours… how will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Simon Peter asked, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "You can't go with me now, but later on you will." Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I go with you now? I would die for you!" "Would you really die for me?" Jesus asked. "I tell you for certain that before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don't even know me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If an emergency arises on an airplane, adult passengers traveling with a child are told to put on their oxygen masks first before they mask their children. This is to ensure that they have the capability to assist their little ones. In other words, they have to save themselves first in order to be able to save anyone else.
Sometimes there is a progression that must be followed in certain situations in order to obtain the desired outcome. Peter had to go through some things to strengthen his faith. Jesus knew this. He knew that Peter would ultimately be an amazing Apostle… and He referred to him as “the rock” in Matthew 16. That’s a pretty strong endorsement in my book! Yet Peter denied Jesus – three times!! - despite his insistence that this would never happen. And we often behave in much the same manner.
Who among us has not affirmed that we were faith-filled Christians who trust God to meet our every need… then whined, cried and wrung our hands over all sorts of issues both great and small? How many of us have claimed that God is our fortress… mighty and strong… then fallen apart and said, “I just can’t take this!”? Someone said to me recently, “I just want to be happy.” My response was that sometimes we have to be unhappy for a while in order to get to “happy!” And I think this is illustrated beautifully in this scripture passage. Jesus knew that Peter was going to have to suffer and go through some things in order to come out strong and truly dependent on Him for His strength and power.
None of us thinks we would blatantly deny Jesus Christ… yet we do this every day in many ways by wavering in our faith and wallowing in fear, self-pity, and impatience. We need to take a deep breath, say a heart-felt prayer, ask God to help us with whatever is challenging us in any way… then thank Him for answering according to His will. The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus is still with us when we emerge from our trials and tribulations… He never deserts us… and for this we should be incredibly grateful.
We may never be “rock star” Apostles for Jesus… but we can become the most humble, devoted servants possible and witness for Him in every circumstance. We may have to go through some things and be unhappy or uncomfortable in order to become the Disciple of Christ that God desires. Or, we can continue to deny Jesus… whether we realize we are doing so or not… and wallow in the misery of the pit that Satan has designed for us. The choice is ours… how will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 19, 2011
Proverbs 22:4
Respect and serve the LORD! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine recently shared an amazing story with me. She said that on the morning of her aunt’s funeral, she awoke to a clear voice from the LORD saying, “Get up and make two pecan pies and TWO batches of chicken salad. Leave one salad at home… take the other to the church to be served for lunch.” She said the instructions were crystal clear. She told her sister about this and said, “I’ve made a grocery list, and we have to get busy.” Her sister trusted this word and helped make the pies and chicken salad.
When the family arrived at the church for the pre-funeral luncheon, my friend told one of the condolence committee volunteers, “I know you will think I’m crazy, but the LORD told me to bring this salad, so I did.” As it turned out, as many as twenty-five extra people showed up for lunch. Without the salad, there would not have been enough food. And as people returned to my friend’s house after the service, she served thin slices of the pecan pie and the second bowl of chicken salad to hungry guests. She told me, “I’m trying to pay attention when the LORD speaks… and I’m glad I did.”
My friend respects and serves the LORD. And while she may not be what some would consider wealthy or rich, all of her needs are met, and she lives in abundance. She is honorable… and on track to live a long, blessed life. I am taking a page from her book and listening to the LORD. I told her that I have really been trying to pay closer attention – and to do what God tells me to do. But her example has given me added inspiration to do this!
God is more than worthy of our respect and our obedience. So often we hear His voice and turn a deaf ear… or fail to pay close attention. And we miss out on so many blessings and opportunities to bless others in His name. It’s time to fine tune our listening skills. We need to open our hearts and minds to the voice of the LORD… to show Him our utmost respect… and to serve Him with everything we have. I’m in… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Respect and serve the LORD! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine recently shared an amazing story with me. She said that on the morning of her aunt’s funeral, she awoke to a clear voice from the LORD saying, “Get up and make two pecan pies and TWO batches of chicken salad. Leave one salad at home… take the other to the church to be served for lunch.” She said the instructions were crystal clear. She told her sister about this and said, “I’ve made a grocery list, and we have to get busy.” Her sister trusted this word and helped make the pies and chicken salad.
When the family arrived at the church for the pre-funeral luncheon, my friend told one of the condolence committee volunteers, “I know you will think I’m crazy, but the LORD told me to bring this salad, so I did.” As it turned out, as many as twenty-five extra people showed up for lunch. Without the salad, there would not have been enough food. And as people returned to my friend’s house after the service, she served thin slices of the pecan pie and the second bowl of chicken salad to hungry guests. She told me, “I’m trying to pay attention when the LORD speaks… and I’m glad I did.”
My friend respects and serves the LORD. And while she may not be what some would consider wealthy or rich, all of her needs are met, and she lives in abundance. She is honorable… and on track to live a long, blessed life. I am taking a page from her book and listening to the LORD. I told her that I have really been trying to pay closer attention – and to do what God tells me to do. But her example has given me added inspiration to do this!
God is more than worthy of our respect and our obedience. So often we hear His voice and turn a deaf ear… or fail to pay close attention. And we miss out on so many blessings and opportunities to bless others in His name. It’s time to fine tune our listening skills. We need to open our hearts and minds to the voice of the LORD… to show Him our utmost respect… and to serve Him with everything we have. I’m in… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 18, 2011
Proverbs 22:3
A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
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.
Timothy is tall for his age… nearly three feet in height at just 29 months. So when he started learning to walk and run, he would often pass near my piano or sofa table and wince. Sometimes he would actually bump into them, but he would make that “this is gonna hurt” face before he actually made contact. It was as if he knew he should duck or move away, but the circuit to complete that message from brain to body was not yet fully developed.
Even though most of us are a long way past two years of age, we still do this in so many ways. We get ourselves into some pretty big messes, knowing full well that we’re gonna get clobbered… yet we forge ahead anyway. We know we shouldn’t go to a party where there will be drinking and drugs. We understand on many levels the foolishness of speeding and/or drinking when driving. We often know we that we shouldn’t open our mouths and spark World War III. We are totally aware that we “don’t have a dog in the hunt,” but we stick our noses in where they don’t belong, say things that are hurtful or inappropriate… or fail to act when we know we should.
I will be the first to admit that I “open mouth, insert foot” more times than I care to count. I am often impulsive and reactionary. And yes, I often get clobbered! But I’m learning to stop and consult God first… to take a breath… count to ten… say a quick prayer… and let God lead me. Is it easy? Not always. Often I want to say, “But, God…” Yes, I am the “Burger King Christian” sometimes… I want to have things MY way. But I do get that trying to tell God how to run things is nothing short of ridiculous and absurd… and I’m working on this. Are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
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.
Timothy is tall for his age… nearly three feet in height at just 29 months. So when he started learning to walk and run, he would often pass near my piano or sofa table and wince. Sometimes he would actually bump into them, but he would make that “this is gonna hurt” face before he actually made contact. It was as if he knew he should duck or move away, but the circuit to complete that message from brain to body was not yet fully developed.
Even though most of us are a long way past two years of age, we still do this in so many ways. We get ourselves into some pretty big messes, knowing full well that we’re gonna get clobbered… yet we forge ahead anyway. We know we shouldn’t go to a party where there will be drinking and drugs. We understand on many levels the foolishness of speeding and/or drinking when driving. We often know we that we shouldn’t open our mouths and spark World War III. We are totally aware that we “don’t have a dog in the hunt,” but we stick our noses in where they don’t belong, say things that are hurtful or inappropriate… or fail to act when we know we should.
I will be the first to admit that I “open mouth, insert foot” more times than I care to count. I am often impulsive and reactionary. And yes, I often get clobbered! But I’m learning to stop and consult God first… to take a breath… count to ten… say a quick prayer… and let God lead me. Is it easy? Not always. Often I want to say, “But, God…” Yes, I am the “Burger King Christian” sometimes… I want to have things MY way. But I do get that trying to tell God how to run things is nothing short of ridiculous and absurd… and I’m working on this. Are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 17, 2011
John 13:21-30
After Jesus had said these things, he was deeply troubled and told his disciples, "I tell you for certain that one of you will betray me." They were confused about what he meant. And they just stared at each other.
Jesus' favorite disciple was sitting next to him at the meal, and Simon motioned for that disciple to find out which one Jesus meant. So the disciple leaned toward Jesus and asked, "Lord, which one of us are you talking about?" Jesus answered, "I will dip this piece of bread in the sauce and give it to the one I was talking about."
Then Jesus dipped the bread and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Right then Satan took control of Judas. Jesus said, "Judas, go quickly and do what you have to do." No one at the meal understood what Jesus meant. But because Judas was in charge of the money, some of them thought that Jesus had told him to buy something they needed for the festival. Others thought that Jesus had told him to give some money to the poor. Judas took the piece of bread and went out. It was already night.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my high school classmates lost her mother in 1994 in a tragic shooting. My friend’s parents had divorced when we were young, and her mother later married a man who had become widowed when his wife (and her best friend) died unexpectedly in an “accident.” When my friend’s mother died, her husband insisted that she committed suicide. But things did not add up, and it wasn’t until he tried to kill his next wife that he was finally convicted of murder and sentenced to prison.
For nearly two decades, my friend and her sisters have lived in fear of this man, who threatened to kill them as soon as he was paroled. They have made countless appearances before the prison parole board to beg and plead against his release… the most recent appearance happened just a few months ago. Now in his early eighties, the man had developed cancer and wanted to go home to spend his last days with his family. The parole board denied his appeal, and my friend just received word that this man has died.
My friend says they now can live free of fear and the burdens of worrying about their safety. They can have closure. And as much as they probably wanted to impart some revenge on this man for what he did to their mother, the three sisters sought solace in God instead. They let the judicial system and their Heavenly Father mete out justice. It wasn’t easy for them, but they did the right thing. And this is what Jesus did with Judas. I find his comment to “go quickly and do what you have to do” so interesting… complicated, yet so simple.
Jesus showed us that revenge is not the answer. Betrayal is a tool of the devil, and it will always be with us. Jesus had the power to stop Judas. We do not have such control over those who betray us. But we can choose how we handle things when we are betrayed. We can allow the devil to have control over our emotions and our actions and try to dole out justice ourselves – and make a big mess in the process… or we can put our trust in God and let HIM control the consequences and the outcome.
There’s one more thing… pray for your “enemies.” Jesus did… and so should we. These people are God’s children, too, and He loves them just as He loves us. Ask God to work in their hearts and lives… to help you to forgive them… and to show them grace and mercy - as He does to us each and every day.
It takes a lot of courage and faith to say, “go and do what you have to do”… especially when we know how much the other person’s actions are going to hurt. But revenge is never appropriate… and almost always backfires. Give your fears, your burdens, and your betrayals to God. Allow Him to work things out according to His will... which is always perfect. Share your hurts and disappointments with God and allow Him to heal you. Trust God to provide you with comfort, closure, and complete peace… and thank Him when He does exactly that!
©2011 Debbie Robus
After Jesus had said these things, he was deeply troubled and told his disciples, "I tell you for certain that one of you will betray me." They were confused about what he meant. And they just stared at each other.
Jesus' favorite disciple was sitting next to him at the meal, and Simon motioned for that disciple to find out which one Jesus meant. So the disciple leaned toward Jesus and asked, "Lord, which one of us are you talking about?" Jesus answered, "I will dip this piece of bread in the sauce and give it to the one I was talking about."
Then Jesus dipped the bread and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Right then Satan took control of Judas. Jesus said, "Judas, go quickly and do what you have to do." No one at the meal understood what Jesus meant. But because Judas was in charge of the money, some of them thought that Jesus had told him to buy something they needed for the festival. Others thought that Jesus had told him to give some money to the poor. Judas took the piece of bread and went out. It was already night.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my high school classmates lost her mother in 1994 in a tragic shooting. My friend’s parents had divorced when we were young, and her mother later married a man who had become widowed when his wife (and her best friend) died unexpectedly in an “accident.” When my friend’s mother died, her husband insisted that she committed suicide. But things did not add up, and it wasn’t until he tried to kill his next wife that he was finally convicted of murder and sentenced to prison.
For nearly two decades, my friend and her sisters have lived in fear of this man, who threatened to kill them as soon as he was paroled. They have made countless appearances before the prison parole board to beg and plead against his release… the most recent appearance happened just a few months ago. Now in his early eighties, the man had developed cancer and wanted to go home to spend his last days with his family. The parole board denied his appeal, and my friend just received word that this man has died.
My friend says they now can live free of fear and the burdens of worrying about their safety. They can have closure. And as much as they probably wanted to impart some revenge on this man for what he did to their mother, the three sisters sought solace in God instead. They let the judicial system and their Heavenly Father mete out justice. It wasn’t easy for them, but they did the right thing. And this is what Jesus did with Judas. I find his comment to “go quickly and do what you have to do” so interesting… complicated, yet so simple.
Jesus showed us that revenge is not the answer. Betrayal is a tool of the devil, and it will always be with us. Jesus had the power to stop Judas. We do not have such control over those who betray us. But we can choose how we handle things when we are betrayed. We can allow the devil to have control over our emotions and our actions and try to dole out justice ourselves – and make a big mess in the process… or we can put our trust in God and let HIM control the consequences and the outcome.
There’s one more thing… pray for your “enemies.” Jesus did… and so should we. These people are God’s children, too, and He loves them just as He loves us. Ask God to work in their hearts and lives… to help you to forgive them… and to show them grace and mercy - as He does to us each and every day.
It takes a lot of courage and faith to say, “go and do what you have to do”… especially when we know how much the other person’s actions are going to hurt. But revenge is never appropriate… and almost always backfires. Give your fears, your burdens, and your betrayals to God. Allow Him to work things out according to His will... which is always perfect. Share your hurts and disappointments with God and allow Him to heal you. Trust God to provide you with comfort, closure, and complete peace… and thank Him when He does exactly that!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 16, 2011
Psalm 119:1-8
Our LORD, you bless everyone who lives right and obeys your Law. You bless all of those who follow your commands from deep in their hearts and who never do wrong or turn from you. You have ordered us always to obey your teachings; I don't ever want to stray from your laws. Thinking about your commands will keep me from doing some foolish thing. I will do right and praise you by learning to respect your perfect laws. I will obey all of them! Don't turn your back on me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was teaching kindergarten, I had three basic rules - or “laws”:
1. Be kind to others.
2. Work and play quietly.
3. Obey promptly.
I was very clear about these rules – and the consequences of breaking them. We spent the first week of school learning the rules and reviewing them in fun ways. These rules were simple… yet comprehensive… and we all knew from the beginning where we each stood.
If you drill it down, this is how it is for Christians, too. We know the rules…
1. Accept Jesus as your LORD and Savior.
2. Love God with all your heart.
3. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
4. Serve God by serving others and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When you understand the rules – and the consequences of disobeying them (or simply choosing not to follow them) – you realize that life can be fairly simple and straightforward. When we surrender to God and obey His laws, He takes care of the rest.
Does this mean our life is always perfect? Does this mean we don’t have trials, tests, problems and hard times? Absolutely NOT! But it does mean that we never have anything that we cannot handle with God’s help. He never turns away from us and always stands right beside us to meet the day head-on!
My kindergarten students were not perfect… and more than a handful tested the waters to see if the consequences for breaking rules would be as promised. And we do this with God sometimes. The answer in both situations is “YES!” We know what will happen when we obey and serve – and when we don’t. So the choice seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it?!
Trust God… serve Him obediently and follow His laws. Praise Him for guiding your steps and blessing you every single day. And rest in the confidence that He will do exactly that!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Our LORD, you bless everyone who lives right and obeys your Law. You bless all of those who follow your commands from deep in their hearts and who never do wrong or turn from you. You have ordered us always to obey your teachings; I don't ever want to stray from your laws. Thinking about your commands will keep me from doing some foolish thing. I will do right and praise you by learning to respect your perfect laws. I will obey all of them! Don't turn your back on me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was teaching kindergarten, I had three basic rules - or “laws”:
1. Be kind to others.
2. Work and play quietly.
3. Obey promptly.
I was very clear about these rules – and the consequences of breaking them. We spent the first week of school learning the rules and reviewing them in fun ways. These rules were simple… yet comprehensive… and we all knew from the beginning where we each stood.
If you drill it down, this is how it is for Christians, too. We know the rules…
1. Accept Jesus as your LORD and Savior.
2. Love God with all your heart.
3. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
4. Serve God by serving others and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
When you understand the rules – and the consequences of disobeying them (or simply choosing not to follow them) – you realize that life can be fairly simple and straightforward. When we surrender to God and obey His laws, He takes care of the rest.
Does this mean our life is always perfect? Does this mean we don’t have trials, tests, problems and hard times? Absolutely NOT! But it does mean that we never have anything that we cannot handle with God’s help. He never turns away from us and always stands right beside us to meet the day head-on!
My kindergarten students were not perfect… and more than a handful tested the waters to see if the consequences for breaking rules would be as promised. And we do this with God sometimes. The answer in both situations is “YES!” We know what will happen when we obey and serve – and when we don’t. So the choice seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it?!
Trust God… serve Him obediently and follow His laws. Praise Him for guiding your steps and blessing you every single day. And rest in the confidence that He will do exactly that!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 15, 2011
Psalm 118:28-29
The LORD is my God! I will praise him and tell him how thankful I am. Tell the LORD how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Did you have breakfast this morning? Did you wake up with a knot in your stomach because you had not had food to eat for the last few days? Did you have to walk several miles just to get your bowl of morning cereal? By the mere act of reading this devotional, you have indicated how blessed you are. You have some sort of device at your disposal that allows you to communicate with the world… to say whatever you wish to whomever you please.
When was the last time you thanked God for all of the comforts you have in your life? Even if God didn’t give us the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ… salvation… the promise of eternal life… the basic (and not-so-basic) conveniences and blessings He lavishes on us daily are more than enough to merit praise.
We take so much for granted. We have our little pity parties and lament how mistreated and misunderstood and neglected we are… how “poor” we are and how we can’t seem to get ahead in this world or we’re being taxed to death – or “they” are out to get us. All the while, we live in such abundance compared to many.
We may not dine on steak and caviar every night, but we have food to eat. We may not live in a palace…but we are safe, warm and dry. We may not drive a Rolls Royce, but we have a means to get where we need to go. And when we do have a need, God always provides. It may not be exactly what we asked for… you may pray for a Mercedes and get a clunker… but God answers with grace and mercy.
We have no problem asking God for what we need… yet we fail to give Him the only thing we can to truly repay Him besides our service and loyalty – our praise. Isn’t it time we started focusing more on giving thanks and showing gratitude? We’ll never be able to “even the score”… and thankfully, God doesn’t care about that. But we can make a dent. Are you ready to try?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD is my God! I will praise him and tell him how thankful I am. Tell the LORD how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Did you have breakfast this morning? Did you wake up with a knot in your stomach because you had not had food to eat for the last few days? Did you have to walk several miles just to get your bowl of morning cereal? By the mere act of reading this devotional, you have indicated how blessed you are. You have some sort of device at your disposal that allows you to communicate with the world… to say whatever you wish to whomever you please.
When was the last time you thanked God for all of the comforts you have in your life? Even if God didn’t give us the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ… salvation… the promise of eternal life… the basic (and not-so-basic) conveniences and blessings He lavishes on us daily are more than enough to merit praise.
We take so much for granted. We have our little pity parties and lament how mistreated and misunderstood and neglected we are… how “poor” we are and how we can’t seem to get ahead in this world or we’re being taxed to death – or “they” are out to get us. All the while, we live in such abundance compared to many.
We may not dine on steak and caviar every night, but we have food to eat. We may not live in a palace…but we are safe, warm and dry. We may not drive a Rolls Royce, but we have a means to get where we need to go. And when we do have a need, God always provides. It may not be exactly what we asked for… you may pray for a Mercedes and get a clunker… but God answers with grace and mercy.
We have no problem asking God for what we need… yet we fail to give Him the only thing we can to truly repay Him besides our service and loyalty – our praise. Isn’t it time we started focusing more on giving thanks and showing gratitude? We’ll never be able to “even the score”… and thankfully, God doesn’t care about that. But we can make a dent. Are you ready to try?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 14, 2011
Psalm 118:21-24
I praise the LORD for answering my prayers and saving me. The stone that the builders tossed aside has now become the most important stone. The LORD has done this, and it is amazing to us. This day belongs to the LORD! Let's celebrate and be glad today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning when I woke up, I saw sunlight streaming across a hickory tree in our back yard. Its leaves are turning a brilliant yellow in the cool air of fall. This is not the greatest tree in the world… it “forked” somewhere above our second story, and a recent strong wind blew the dead section out, leaving an even more off-balance looking tree standing on the bluff.
Still, dozens of squirrels feed on hickory nuts from this tree… evidence of their buffet covers the ground around the trunk. The tree still delights us with its brilliance in the fall – and shade in spring/summer. Flying squirrels still live in a hole in the side, and woodpeckers of several varieties enjoy feasting on bugs in the bark… and our suet cakes in the winter!
Others would probably declare this tree unimportant and in need of cutting. And someday, we very well may lose this tree… either to a strong wind, or we may decide it should not stand so close to our house in its weakened condition. But for now, the tree still has value to us – and to the little creatures that live on our bluff. It is still very much an “important stone” in our yard. And God showed me the beauty of this tree in the morning sunlight.
Later in the morning, we took a 30-mile drive to Searcy to shop, and I marveled at the beauty God is giving us with his “paintbrush,” in the form of brilliant red sumac, yellow goldenrod, lavender wildflowers, brilliant leaves in a variety of hues, and a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds to accent it all. I thought of how He cares as much about a tiny patch of goldenrod as He does for you and me… and how no stone is unimportant to Him. And I was humbled… and grateful.
When we feel discouraged… unsettled, disappointed, insignificant, misunderstood, disrespected, or even worthless… we must remember that we are still vitally important to God. We mean so much to Him that He sent His Son to save us… to ensure that we have a way to Him – and that He will always be there for us. And for this, we should be incredibly grateful and thankful.
Today, I am humbled by God’s love and care… and incredibly appreciative. I am taking extra time to stop and tell Him how much I love Him, and I encourage you to do the same. Let’s celebrate and be glad for all God does for us… and let’s be sure He knows how grateful we are!
©2011 Debbie Robus
I praise the LORD for answering my prayers and saving me. The stone that the builders tossed aside has now become the most important stone. The LORD has done this, and it is amazing to us. This day belongs to the LORD! Let's celebrate and be glad today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning when I woke up, I saw sunlight streaming across a hickory tree in our back yard. Its leaves are turning a brilliant yellow in the cool air of fall. This is not the greatest tree in the world… it “forked” somewhere above our second story, and a recent strong wind blew the dead section out, leaving an even more off-balance looking tree standing on the bluff.
Still, dozens of squirrels feed on hickory nuts from this tree… evidence of their buffet covers the ground around the trunk. The tree still delights us with its brilliance in the fall – and shade in spring/summer. Flying squirrels still live in a hole in the side, and woodpeckers of several varieties enjoy feasting on bugs in the bark… and our suet cakes in the winter!
Others would probably declare this tree unimportant and in need of cutting. And someday, we very well may lose this tree… either to a strong wind, or we may decide it should not stand so close to our house in its weakened condition. But for now, the tree still has value to us – and to the little creatures that live on our bluff. It is still very much an “important stone” in our yard. And God showed me the beauty of this tree in the morning sunlight.
Later in the morning, we took a 30-mile drive to Searcy to shop, and I marveled at the beauty God is giving us with his “paintbrush,” in the form of brilliant red sumac, yellow goldenrod, lavender wildflowers, brilliant leaves in a variety of hues, and a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds to accent it all. I thought of how He cares as much about a tiny patch of goldenrod as He does for you and me… and how no stone is unimportant to Him. And I was humbled… and grateful.
When we feel discouraged… unsettled, disappointed, insignificant, misunderstood, disrespected, or even worthless… we must remember that we are still vitally important to God. We mean so much to Him that He sent His Son to save us… to ensure that we have a way to Him – and that He will always be there for us. And for this, we should be incredibly grateful and thankful.
Today, I am humbled by God’s love and care… and incredibly appreciative. I am taking extra time to stop and tell Him how much I love Him, and I encourage you to do the same. Let’s celebrate and be glad for all God does for us… and let’s be sure He knows how grateful we are!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 13, 2011
John 13:12-17
After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again. Then he said: Do you understand what I have done? You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you. I tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their master, and messengers are not greater than the one who sent them. You know these things, and God will bless you, if you do them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I told you about using little twinkling Christmas lights throughout our home for decorating accents. If you know anything about these strands of lights, you know that often a section will stop working, while the rest of the lights continue to glow. Several years ago, my husband told me that he was rescuing “bad” strands of lights I would throw away, and he was recycling them… replacing burned out bulbs from one strand with good bulbs from another, and creating a restored, working set of lights.
Now you may ask, “Why would a man who can afford a small strand of twinkling lights go to this much trouble?” There are at least two answers:
Each of us is so eager for Jesus to make us shine… to forgive us… to treat us with grace, mercy and kindness… and to see our value even when we cannot. Yet we find it nearly impossible to do this for others. We have to change this. We must stop and look at each person in our path and ask, “How do I wish to be treated by this person?” The answer will directly identify how we should treat him/her.
None of us is better than the next guy. A strand of bulbs that partially sparkles still shines… even if some of the bulbs are not burning at the moment. Those who have frustrated, angered, annoyed, disappointed, irritated or disgusted us still have worth to Jesus… as do we. We are called to treat all people equally… and to give them the same value as Jesus would… and as He demonstrated.
There is a saying that goes around from time to time… “You can tell a lot about a person by how he/she handles a tangled strand of Christmas lights.” How are you handling the “twinkling lights” in your life? Would Jesus handle them the same way?
©2011 Debbie Robus
After Jesus had washed his disciples' feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again. Then he said: Do you understand what I have done? You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other. I have set the example, and you should do for each other exactly what I have done for you. I tell you for certain that servants are not greater than their master, and messengers are not greater than the one who sent them. You know these things, and God will bless you, if you do them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I told you about using little twinkling Christmas lights throughout our home for decorating accents. If you know anything about these strands of lights, you know that often a section will stop working, while the rest of the lights continue to glow. Several years ago, my husband told me that he was rescuing “bad” strands of lights I would throw away, and he was recycling them… replacing burned out bulbs from one strand with good bulbs from another, and creating a restored, working set of lights.
Now you may ask, “Why would a man who can afford a small strand of twinkling lights go to this much trouble?” There are at least two answers:
- This sort of conscientious thriftiness is why we can afford to buy twinkling lights in the first place, and
- My husband sees the potential and “good” in the light strand… and he rarely wastes anything!
Each of us is so eager for Jesus to make us shine… to forgive us… to treat us with grace, mercy and kindness… and to see our value even when we cannot. Yet we find it nearly impossible to do this for others. We have to change this. We must stop and look at each person in our path and ask, “How do I wish to be treated by this person?” The answer will directly identify how we should treat him/her.
None of us is better than the next guy. A strand of bulbs that partially sparkles still shines… even if some of the bulbs are not burning at the moment. Those who have frustrated, angered, annoyed, disappointed, irritated or disgusted us still have worth to Jesus… as do we. We are called to treat all people equally… and to give them the same value as Jesus would… and as He demonstrated.
There is a saying that goes around from time to time… “You can tell a lot about a person by how he/she handles a tangled strand of Christmas lights.” How are you handling the “twinkling lights” in your life? Would Jesus handle them the same way?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 12, 2011
John 13:1-11
It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.
Even before the evening meal started, the devil had made Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, decide to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.
But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You don't really know what I am doing, but later you will understand."
"You will never wash my feet!" Peter replied. "If I don't wash you," Jesus told him, "you don't really belong to me." Peter said, "Lord, don't wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head."
Jesus answered, "People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of you." Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, "except for one of you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Betrayal… sadly, most of us have experienced this in some form. Certainly we have not been betrayed on the scale of Judas’ disloyalty to Jesus… but we’ve all been betrayed in some way – and possibly, we have betrayed someone else.
Someone has told something we shared in confidence. A friend or loved one may have gladly accepted our hospitality or help… then spoke unkindly of us to others. We may have trusted someone with our heart, our home, and our assets, only to wake up one day and find that person – and all of our belongings – gone.
Regardless of the magnitude of our betrayal, we are left hurt, disappointed, confused… and sometimes angry. We wonder how this could have happened… how people could be so cruel and heartless… or evil… and we wonder how to handle it all. All we really have to do is read this scripture passage.
Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him before it ever happened! Yet He performed this act of love and humility – washing the feet of His disciples. In doing so, He was demonstrating something incredibly powerful. In order to belong to Jesus, we must be washed clean by Him – by the blood He shed for us on the cross. And… no matter what we have done in the past, He stands ready and able to cleans us.
You may be a really good person. You may do and say all the right things, go to church, read your Bible, and pray. You may give your time, talents, and money to serve others… and you may behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. Betrayal of another might be the furthest thing from your mind. But unless you humble yourself before Jesus and allow Him to wash you clean in His blood… to “wash your feet,” you are not truly free of sin and entitled to be His disciple – and to enjoy Eternal Life with Him someday.
There are two lessons here today –
How clean are your feet? Could you use another “foot washing” today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.
Even before the evening meal started, the devil had made Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, decide to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.
But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You don't really know what I am doing, but later you will understand."
"You will never wash my feet!" Peter replied. "If I don't wash you," Jesus told him, "you don't really belong to me." Peter said, "Lord, don't wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head."
Jesus answered, "People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of you." Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, "except for one of you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Betrayal… sadly, most of us have experienced this in some form. Certainly we have not been betrayed on the scale of Judas’ disloyalty to Jesus… but we’ve all been betrayed in some way – and possibly, we have betrayed someone else.
Someone has told something we shared in confidence. A friend or loved one may have gladly accepted our hospitality or help… then spoke unkindly of us to others. We may have trusted someone with our heart, our home, and our assets, only to wake up one day and find that person – and all of our belongings – gone.
Regardless of the magnitude of our betrayal, we are left hurt, disappointed, confused… and sometimes angry. We wonder how this could have happened… how people could be so cruel and heartless… or evil… and we wonder how to handle it all. All we really have to do is read this scripture passage.
Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him before it ever happened! Yet He performed this act of love and humility – washing the feet of His disciples. In doing so, He was demonstrating something incredibly powerful. In order to belong to Jesus, we must be washed clean by Him – by the blood He shed for us on the cross. And… no matter what we have done in the past, He stands ready and able to cleans us.
You may be a really good person. You may do and say all the right things, go to church, read your Bible, and pray. You may give your time, talents, and money to serve others… and you may behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. Betrayal of another might be the furthest thing from your mind. But unless you humble yourself before Jesus and allow Him to wash you clean in His blood… to “wash your feet,” you are not truly free of sin and entitled to be His disciple – and to enjoy Eternal Life with Him someday.
There are two lessons here today –
- When you are betrayed by another, remember Jesus. Show the love and mercy He did. “Wash their feet” by praying for them and offering forgiveness (if only in your own heart). Lose the baggage of hurt and disappointment that the devil is trying to heap upon you.
- Invite Jesus to wash YOU clean of your sins. Humble yourself before Him and say, “LORD, I need you to cleanse me completely, so that I can truly follow You and serve you as a true disciple.”
How clean are your feet? Could you use another “foot washing” today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 11, 2011
John 12:28-38
A voice from heaven then said, "I have already brought glory to myself, and I will do it again!" When the crowd heard the voice, some of them thought it was thunder. Others thought an angel had spoken to Jesus.
Then Jesus told the crowd, "That voice spoke to help you, not me. This world's people are now being judged, and the ruler of this world is already being thrown out! If I am lifted up above the earth, I will make everyone want to come to me." Jesus was talking about the way he would be put to death. The crowd said to Jesus, "The Scriptures teach that the Messiah will live forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus answered, "The light will be with you for only a little longer. Walk in the light while you can. Then you won't be caught walking blindly in the dark. Have faith in the light while it is with you, and you will be children of the light."
After Jesus had said these things, he left and went into hiding.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to my house, you know that I use miniature twinkling lights to decorate several corners of our home. I put them on the fireplace mantle and above the cabinets in our kitchen. At Christmas time I add more lights on the TV cabinet, and of course, on the Christmas trees. We even have some twinkling lights on our back porch to illuminate the railings when we sit outside at night. After Christmas, I always buy a lot of extra boxes of these lights when they are reduced for quick sale. These strands of lights are fragile… a sudden power surge… or several weeks of use… can cause them to malfunction – or fail.
I can usually tell when these lights are about to burn out, because for a day or so, they will burn more brightly. I know that sounds weird, but it’s true. And as I replaced a strand of lights this morning, I thought about this scripture passage and our lives as Christians. See, we are somewhat like the strand of Christmas lights. We burn for Christ for a while… and maybe we even burn brightly for a season… but we tend to fizzle out at some point, needing a replacement or “recharge.” We are children of the light, okay… but we’re not always very reliable!
Jesus, on the other hand, burns brightly forever. Yes, He physically left this earth… the light of His human presence was extinguished for a time. But He continues to shine brightly in Heaven – and to send His light to us, so that we can continue His work on this earth. AND… someday, Jesus will return to earth for His church, and the Bible tells us His light will be so incredibly bright that it will almost be more than we can handle!
The next time I see a strand of twinkling lights burning extra brightly, I will think of this passage. I will remember that we must strive to stay faithful and in communication with God, so that our “light” does not burn brightly and then fizzle. I will also be reminded that Jesus’ light and love cannot be extinguished. He lives in and through me… and I have work to do on His behalf.
What about you? What sort of “child of the Light” are you these days? Is your light for Christ burning strongly… or is it on the verge of a fizzle? Do what you must today to reconnect with Jesus and keep His light burning strongly within you… and never get caught in the dark!
©2011 Debbie Robus
A voice from heaven then said, "I have already brought glory to myself, and I will do it again!" When the crowd heard the voice, some of them thought it was thunder. Others thought an angel had spoken to Jesus.
Then Jesus told the crowd, "That voice spoke to help you, not me. This world's people are now being judged, and the ruler of this world is already being thrown out! If I am lifted up above the earth, I will make everyone want to come to me." Jesus was talking about the way he would be put to death. The crowd said to Jesus, "The Scriptures teach that the Messiah will live forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" Jesus answered, "The light will be with you for only a little longer. Walk in the light while you can. Then you won't be caught walking blindly in the dark. Have faith in the light while it is with you, and you will be children of the light."
After Jesus had said these things, he left and went into hiding.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to my house, you know that I use miniature twinkling lights to decorate several corners of our home. I put them on the fireplace mantle and above the cabinets in our kitchen. At Christmas time I add more lights on the TV cabinet, and of course, on the Christmas trees. We even have some twinkling lights on our back porch to illuminate the railings when we sit outside at night. After Christmas, I always buy a lot of extra boxes of these lights when they are reduced for quick sale. These strands of lights are fragile… a sudden power surge… or several weeks of use… can cause them to malfunction – or fail.
I can usually tell when these lights are about to burn out, because for a day or so, they will burn more brightly. I know that sounds weird, but it’s true. And as I replaced a strand of lights this morning, I thought about this scripture passage and our lives as Christians. See, we are somewhat like the strand of Christmas lights. We burn for Christ for a while… and maybe we even burn brightly for a season… but we tend to fizzle out at some point, needing a replacement or “recharge.” We are children of the light, okay… but we’re not always very reliable!
Jesus, on the other hand, burns brightly forever. Yes, He physically left this earth… the light of His human presence was extinguished for a time. But He continues to shine brightly in Heaven – and to send His light to us, so that we can continue His work on this earth. AND… someday, Jesus will return to earth for His church, and the Bible tells us His light will be so incredibly bright that it will almost be more than we can handle!
The next time I see a strand of twinkling lights burning extra brightly, I will think of this passage. I will remember that we must strive to stay faithful and in communication with God, so that our “light” does not burn brightly and then fizzle. I will also be reminded that Jesus’ light and love cannot be extinguished. He lives in and through me… and I have work to do on His behalf.
What about you? What sort of “child of the Light” are you these days? Is your light for Christ burning strongly… or is it on the verge of a fizzle? Do what you must today to reconnect with Jesus and keep His light burning strongly within you… and never get caught in the dark!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 10, 2011
John 12:24-26
I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honor you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was cleaning my desk this morning (those of you who know me can start laughing now), and I came across a note I had made that said, “Sidewalk Prophets – The Words I Would Say.” I Googled the phrase and found the YouTube video for this song. I had heard it on Christian radio one day and noted the names of the song and artist. This morning, I listened to it again and bookmarked it for future listening.
I had already found my scripture passage for today… the words practically leapt off the page at me. The message I received loud and clear is that life will not be easy or pleasant for us every single day just because we invite Jesus to be LORD of our life. If everything were hunky-dory every day, most of us would decide we really didn’t need a Savior, wouldn’t we?!
In order to truly prove to God that we are with Him 100%, we have to endure some bumps in the road… set our own personal agendas aside… and follow Him completely. We may have to work at a job we don’t particularly enjoy. We may have to get up at 3:00 a.m. with a sick baby or miss a party because our mom or grandma needs our help. We may have to tell our friends, “I’m sorry, but I can’t come with you,” as they get in a car and head for the liquor store and an all-nighter. We may have to speak up and share our disapproval to the person who makes unkind comments toward someone of another ethnicity, religious belief or lifestyle choice that differs from his/hers.
Recently I made the comment that I have had to do things in the past that did not make me happy… but they were the right thing to do – and I know God was guiding my steps. We don’t always get to have things our way, particularly if we are genuine Disciples of Christ. But the rewards and blessings far outweigh any momentary unhappiness we might encounter.
I encourage you to click on the video at the end of this post and listen to “The Words I Would Say.” If you don’t care to listen, take a look at the lyrics I’ve provided. Let Jesus speak to you through them today. Hear Him tell you to be strong in Him… never give up hope… don’t live life in fear and don’t forget why you are here! God’s got His hand on you… come find peace in the Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honor you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was cleaning my desk this morning (those of you who know me can start laughing now), and I came across a note I had made that said, “Sidewalk Prophets – The Words I Would Say.” I Googled the phrase and found the YouTube video for this song. I had heard it on Christian radio one day and noted the names of the song and artist. This morning, I listened to it again and bookmarked it for future listening.
I had already found my scripture passage for today… the words practically leapt off the page at me. The message I received loud and clear is that life will not be easy or pleasant for us every single day just because we invite Jesus to be LORD of our life. If everything were hunky-dory every day, most of us would decide we really didn’t need a Savior, wouldn’t we?!
In order to truly prove to God that we are with Him 100%, we have to endure some bumps in the road… set our own personal agendas aside… and follow Him completely. We may have to work at a job we don’t particularly enjoy. We may have to get up at 3:00 a.m. with a sick baby or miss a party because our mom or grandma needs our help. We may have to tell our friends, “I’m sorry, but I can’t come with you,” as they get in a car and head for the liquor store and an all-nighter. We may have to speak up and share our disapproval to the person who makes unkind comments toward someone of another ethnicity, religious belief or lifestyle choice that differs from his/hers.
Recently I made the comment that I have had to do things in the past that did not make me happy… but they were the right thing to do – and I know God was guiding my steps. We don’t always get to have things our way, particularly if we are genuine Disciples of Christ. But the rewards and blessings far outweigh any momentary unhappiness we might encounter.
I encourage you to click on the video at the end of this post and listen to “The Words I Would Say.” If you don’t care to listen, take a look at the lyrics I’ve provided. Let Jesus speak to you through them today. Hear Him tell you to be strong in Him… never give up hope… don’t live life in fear and don’t forget why you are here! God’s got His hand on you… come find peace in the Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
- The Words I Would Say
©2009 Sidewalk Prophets – These Simple Truths
http://www.sidewalkprophets.com/
Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say
Daily Devotional for October 9, 2011
John 11:24-27
Martha answered, "I know that he will be raised to life on the last day, when all the dead are raised." Jesus then said, "I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die. And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die. Do you believe this?"
"Yes, Lord!" she replied. "I believe that you are Christ, the Son of God. You are the one we hoped would come into the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Twelve years ago today, my dad left this earth for heaven. He was only 63. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him… and others dear to me who have died and gone to Heaven. But when I think of how sick he was… how miserable his last months on earth were, and how he longed for Heaven and the presence of God, my brother and other loved ones… I wouldn’t wish him back for anything.
I hear people say, “I would give anything for one more day with my loved one.” And I understand this. But I also understand that they probably would not care to have another day with us, because Heaven is so glorious! In his book, 90 Minutes in Heaven, pastor Don Piper tells of asking God over and again, “Why did you send me back?” He “died” in a horrible car wreck and experienced the glory of Heaven… and he badly wanted to stay there. Of course, God used Don Piper in amazing ways to minister to others who had suffered horrendous injuries similar to his. Only he could understand their pain and agony, and he was able to be a great comfort and encouragement to many.
In returning to earth and serving as God desired, Don Piper was the spitting image of someone who lived because of faith in God. And he will never really “die,” because someday he truly will return to Heaven to live in opulence and great comfort with others who have passed before him.
I like to think that our loved ones are not “gone” – they are just “relocated.” We will see them again, if we put our faith in Jesus Christ, as they did. Meanwhile, we have “living” to do on this earth… faith-filled living in Jesus Christ… serving Him, loving Him, and sharing His gospel with everyone we encounter. When I say I “plan to live forever,” I don’t mean that I will never physically die. But I’m with Martha… I believe that Christ is the one we hoped would come into the world… and I plan to relocate to His heavenly home someday. Will you be joining us?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Martha answered, "I know that he will be raised to life on the last day, when all the dead are raised." Jesus then said, "I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die. And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die. Do you believe this?"
"Yes, Lord!" she replied. "I believe that you are Christ, the Son of God. You are the one we hoped would come into the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Twelve years ago today, my dad left this earth for heaven. He was only 63. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss him… and others dear to me who have died and gone to Heaven. But when I think of how sick he was… how miserable his last months on earth were, and how he longed for Heaven and the presence of God, my brother and other loved ones… I wouldn’t wish him back for anything.
I hear people say, “I would give anything for one more day with my loved one.” And I understand this. But I also understand that they probably would not care to have another day with us, because Heaven is so glorious! In his book, 90 Minutes in Heaven, pastor Don Piper tells of asking God over and again, “Why did you send me back?” He “died” in a horrible car wreck and experienced the glory of Heaven… and he badly wanted to stay there. Of course, God used Don Piper in amazing ways to minister to others who had suffered horrendous injuries similar to his. Only he could understand their pain and agony, and he was able to be a great comfort and encouragement to many.
In returning to earth and serving as God desired, Don Piper was the spitting image of someone who lived because of faith in God. And he will never really “die,” because someday he truly will return to Heaven to live in opulence and great comfort with others who have passed before him.
I like to think that our loved ones are not “gone” – they are just “relocated.” We will see them again, if we put our faith in Jesus Christ, as they did. Meanwhile, we have “living” to do on this earth… faith-filled living in Jesus Christ… serving Him, loving Him, and sharing His gospel with everyone we encounter. When I say I “plan to live forever,” I don’t mean that I will never physically die. But I’m with Martha… I believe that Christ is the one we hoped would come into the world… and I plan to relocate to His heavenly home someday. Will you be joining us?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 8, 2011
John 10:14
I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them together too, when they hear my voice. Then there will be one flock of sheep and one shepherd.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of Project Runway, a contestant lost her money for materials somewhere in the fabric store. She had nothing to purchase her fabric, thread and other materials with… and her advisor said, “You can use muslin from the workroom.” Muslin is a very plain, unbleached cotton material… usually used for linings and to shape a garment – not as actual fabric. The contestant was crying and upset, and another contestant who did not spend all of his money gave her what he had left… $11 and some change.
The contestant took the money and bought a little fabric and a zipper. Then she dyed muslin and added it to her small amount of fabric to construct a garment. In the end, she won the competition for the week! Ironically, the next week, when another contestant asked if she had any leftover fabric she could share, this person lied and said she did not. “After all,” she said, “this is a competition. At this stage of the game, I don’t feel I should be helping someone else.”
I’m afraid we are often just like this contestant. We’re all about helping others when it is convenient or feels good. And surely we want God to help us when we call on Him. But once we have what we want, we’re often done. We don’t think about ministering to others and sharing with them what God has done for us. We never consider that there are people who don’t know about the love, grace and mercy of Jesus… and that we must tell them – and witness to them!
This is what I believe Jesus means when he says I have other sheep not in the pen… and I must bring them together, too. We are all in this together. We must seek out those in need and help them. We must live in such a way that any who are “not in the pen” see how God is working in and through us… and want to join us and experience a life in Christ for themselves.
Unlike Project Runway, Christian life is not a competition. The stakes are high… but not in the same way. How will you participate? Are you one of Jesus’ sheep in the pen? Are you helping Him gather others to join you by your examples and ministries? Are you striving to emulate the Good Shepherd? Shouldn’t you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them together too, when they hear my voice. Then there will be one flock of sheep and one shepherd.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of Project Runway, a contestant lost her money for materials somewhere in the fabric store. She had nothing to purchase her fabric, thread and other materials with… and her advisor said, “You can use muslin from the workroom.” Muslin is a very plain, unbleached cotton material… usually used for linings and to shape a garment – not as actual fabric. The contestant was crying and upset, and another contestant who did not spend all of his money gave her what he had left… $11 and some change.
The contestant took the money and bought a little fabric and a zipper. Then she dyed muslin and added it to her small amount of fabric to construct a garment. In the end, she won the competition for the week! Ironically, the next week, when another contestant asked if she had any leftover fabric she could share, this person lied and said she did not. “After all,” she said, “this is a competition. At this stage of the game, I don’t feel I should be helping someone else.”
I’m afraid we are often just like this contestant. We’re all about helping others when it is convenient or feels good. And surely we want God to help us when we call on Him. But once we have what we want, we’re often done. We don’t think about ministering to others and sharing with them what God has done for us. We never consider that there are people who don’t know about the love, grace and mercy of Jesus… and that we must tell them – and witness to them!
This is what I believe Jesus means when he says I have other sheep not in the pen… and I must bring them together, too. We are all in this together. We must seek out those in need and help them. We must live in such a way that any who are “not in the pen” see how God is working in and through us… and want to join us and experience a life in Christ for themselves.
Unlike Project Runway, Christian life is not a competition. The stakes are high… but not in the same way. How will you participate? Are you one of Jesus’ sheep in the pen? Are you helping Him gather others to join you by your examples and ministries? Are you striving to emulate the Good Shepherd? Shouldn’t you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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