John 18:10-11 Simon Peter had brought along a sword. He now pulled it out and struck at the servant of the high priest. The servant's name was Malchus, and Peter cut off his right ear. Jesus told Peter, "Put your sword away. I must drink from the cup that the Father has given me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I read this passage, I immediately thought of parents and fans at sporting events. There are times when they feel their child, coach, or participant has been mistreated or wrongly penalized, and they go ballistic. If they could get to the referees to cut off an ear, they probably would! This was a knee-jerk reaction on Peter’s part… and how many of us often behave – even in public!
Jesus shows us in this passage that we often operate outside our boundaries and behave in a manner that does not line up with what He expects from His Disciples. When we do what is honest and fair… and leave the “justice” to God and those who are in the position to make such judgments… we honor our relationship with Jesus Christ and model Christian behavior.
Let me give you another example… I sold an item on eBay, and the buyer asked me to ship the item to her daughter, who lives in Seattle. She said, “I will pay extra for your trouble.” However, she paid the invoice before I calculated the actual shipping cost, and she underpaid by almost one dollar. I told her not to worry about the extra shipping costs, although my profit margin on this piece was already really small. I could have issued a refund and rebilled this woman for the correct amount… and I admit that I considered doing this! But I decided that making another $1.00 was not worth the risk of hurt feelings and creating a bad business relationship.
The next day, I received a message from the buyer saying that she had added extra money to my account to cover the trouble and expense of shipping to her daughter. I checked my account – she added $10! I thanked her and fussed at her for being so overly generous. But in the end, both of us got a blessing and the satisfaction of knowing we did the right thing.
I’m not saying that every time you refrain from cussing a referee you will get extra money in your bank account or some other “reward.” But knowing you did what honors Jesus and your relationship with Him should be enough. I am still learning about online selling, and I’ve messed up and been “burned” more than once… but I’ve always asked myself how Jesus would handle the situation. Even when it hurt my bottom line, I’ve tried to do what I knew was fair and honorable. If we would stop and think about this in all areas of our life, we would have far fewer “lobbed off ears” and more moments of honor and glory to our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My challenge to each of us this day is to search our hearts and see where we are trying to invoke justice of our own kind… or make things work out in our favor… and ask if this truly is how Jesus would handle things. Are we pleasing ourselves and/or seeking revenge… or are we honoring our faith? The two are often not the same… do you know the difference?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 29, 2011
John 18:1-9
When Jesus had finished praying, he and his disciples crossed the Kidron Valley and went into a garden. Jesus had often met there with his disciples, and Judas knew where the place was. Judas had promised to betray Jesus. So he went to the garden with some Roman soldiers and temple police, who had been sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They carried torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus already knew everything that was going to happen, but he asked, "Who are you looking for?" They answered, "We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth!"
Jesus told them, "I am Jesus!" At once they all backed away and fell to the ground. Jesus again asked, "Who are you looking for?"
"We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth," they answered. This time Jesus replied, "I have already told you that I am Jesus. If I am the one you are looking for, let these others go. Then everything will happen, just as I said, `I did not lose anyone you gave me.' "
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As we age, we often misplace things and cannot remember where we put them. Trust me… if it hasn’t happened to you yet… it will! My grandmother often “loses” things, and she automatically assumes that someone took them. Usually, I am that someone! She will call and ask, “What did you do with such-and-such?” and I will tell her, “I have not seen it. I’m sure it’s right where you left it.” She argues that the item is not there, and when I visit her apartment, I find it in the exact spot we discussed… or very nearby. I am used these comments and try to calmly tell her that I will look for the item the next time I am there… and that it will turn up soon. So far, everything has been where it should be!
In life, we are often accused of things we had no part in or did not do. Sometimes, we are “called out” for something we did, because the accuser finds fault with it where we did not. Sometimes these people do not have all the facts… or they have been misinformed and made rash judgments. You may be doing all you can do in a particular situation, and others may talk amongst themselves - and to you - about how they feel you could do things differently… or do more.
Jesus took ownership of who He was… even knowing it would cost Him a horrendous, severe beating – and ultimately His life. He was confident in His actions and who He was… His purpose and how it was being fulfilled on this earth. The question for us is whether we are confident in who we are and how we are conducting our lives. When people come to us with accusations and judgments, can we justify our words, actions and choices? Are we fully assured that God is pleased with us and how we are living?
If we are anything but completely certain, we need to stop and ask God to show us where to make adjustments. We probably need to do this anyway to ensure that we are always operating within His will. When the “accusers” come to us and say, “We are looking for a true Disciple of Christ,” we need to be able to say, “I’m right here! I’m doing what God has called me to do and making every effort to please Him. I’m right where He wants me to be.” We don’t have to satisfy these people… but we do have to satisfy our commitment to God.
Being a Christian is serious business. We have given our heart and life to God in exchange for the gift of Jesus’ blood on the cross to pay for our sins. While Jesus gave His life freely for us, those who accept this gift are called to serve Him with everything we have. Jesus tells us to “take up your cross and follow me.” If we are truly doing this, we can boldly stand before anyone who asks, “Where is this Disciple of Christ?” and say, “I’m standing right here where God planted me!” Where are you standing today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
When Jesus had finished praying, he and his disciples crossed the Kidron Valley and went into a garden. Jesus had often met there with his disciples, and Judas knew where the place was. Judas had promised to betray Jesus. So he went to the garden with some Roman soldiers and temple police, who had been sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They carried torches, lanterns, and weapons. Jesus already knew everything that was going to happen, but he asked, "Who are you looking for?" They answered, "We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth!"
Jesus told them, "I am Jesus!" At once they all backed away and fell to the ground. Jesus again asked, "Who are you looking for?"
"We are looking for Jesus from Nazareth," they answered. This time Jesus replied, "I have already told you that I am Jesus. If I am the one you are looking for, let these others go. Then everything will happen, just as I said, `I did not lose anyone you gave me.' "
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As we age, we often misplace things and cannot remember where we put them. Trust me… if it hasn’t happened to you yet… it will! My grandmother often “loses” things, and she automatically assumes that someone took them. Usually, I am that someone! She will call and ask, “What did you do with such-and-such?” and I will tell her, “I have not seen it. I’m sure it’s right where you left it.” She argues that the item is not there, and when I visit her apartment, I find it in the exact spot we discussed… or very nearby. I am used these comments and try to calmly tell her that I will look for the item the next time I am there… and that it will turn up soon. So far, everything has been where it should be!
In life, we are often accused of things we had no part in or did not do. Sometimes, we are “called out” for something we did, because the accuser finds fault with it where we did not. Sometimes these people do not have all the facts… or they have been misinformed and made rash judgments. You may be doing all you can do in a particular situation, and others may talk amongst themselves - and to you - about how they feel you could do things differently… or do more.
Jesus took ownership of who He was… even knowing it would cost Him a horrendous, severe beating – and ultimately His life. He was confident in His actions and who He was… His purpose and how it was being fulfilled on this earth. The question for us is whether we are confident in who we are and how we are conducting our lives. When people come to us with accusations and judgments, can we justify our words, actions and choices? Are we fully assured that God is pleased with us and how we are living?
If we are anything but completely certain, we need to stop and ask God to show us where to make adjustments. We probably need to do this anyway to ensure that we are always operating within His will. When the “accusers” come to us and say, “We are looking for a true Disciple of Christ,” we need to be able to say, “I’m right here! I’m doing what God has called me to do and making every effort to please Him. I’m right where He wants me to be.” We don’t have to satisfy these people… but we do have to satisfy our commitment to God.
Being a Christian is serious business. We have given our heart and life to God in exchange for the gift of Jesus’ blood on the cross to pay for our sins. While Jesus gave His life freely for us, those who accept this gift are called to serve Him with everything we have. Jesus tells us to “take up your cross and follow me.” If we are truly doing this, we can boldly stand before anyone who asks, “Where is this Disciple of Christ?” and say, “I’m standing right here where God planted me!” Where are you standing today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 28, 2011
Psalm 139:23-24
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong — then guide me on the road to eternal life.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Several decades ago, a man who lived in our community was driving a truck toward on a gravel road just outside of town. He topped a hill just as a small girl darted into the road… her mother following desperately behind her. There was no stopping, and nothing could prevent the man from hitting this little girl and killing her. The man was devastated by this tragic accident and carried the burden of his part in it for a long, long time.
I don’t know how old this man was when the accident happened, but he was young. What I do know is that he didn’t become a Christian until he was 87 years old. Think about this… for probably fifty years or more, this man carried the burden of what had happened without having a personal relationship with the only One who could truly comfort him. Bad things happen to all of us… things we have a very hard time understanding… things that break our hearts and cause us nights of fitful sleep and days of stress and worry. And the devil LOVES this! But God stands ready to help us through our burdens and heartaches. He knows our hearts and our thoughts – and He can help us sort out everything.
The young driver who gave his heart to Jesus at age 87 didn’t live much longer after that… but those were happy, peaceful months. With God’s help, he was able to forgive himself for all of the baggage that had weighed him down those many decades. He was able to anticipate spending Eternity in peace with his Heavenly Father, where I’m betting he was also welcomed by the little girl from long ago.
I will never forget when this man passed away. A visitation was held the day before the funeral, and the first person through the doors was the father of that little girl. This man was a faith-filled Christian who was known throughout our community for his service to the LORD and his fellow man. Clearly he held no ill will toward the driver. He had asked God at an early age to examine his heart and keep him on the right path… and I like to think God gave him the comfort, peace and courage to endure the death of his child and have compassion for this driver.
A lot of what happens to us seems accidental, but God can use even the worst events for His glory, if we will let Him. In this case, two things were crystal clear to me… 1) God never stops chasing after us… it’s never too late to turn to Him; and 2) God can give us strength to offer love and forgiveness where we never thought we could… to find peace and comfort in even the worst circumstances… and to serve Him with all our heart even when the burdens of life get in the way.
Have you invited God to examine you today and set you on a path toward Eternity? Have you given your heart to Jesus and asked Him to forgive your sins and fill you with His Holy Spirit? Don’t wait 87 years… or even another minute! Let God have control of your heart today. Allow Him to help you through whatever life may bring… and give you comfort and peace.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me;
Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about;
See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong — then guide me on the road to eternal life.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Several decades ago, a man who lived in our community was driving a truck toward on a gravel road just outside of town. He topped a hill just as a small girl darted into the road… her mother following desperately behind her. There was no stopping, and nothing could prevent the man from hitting this little girl and killing her. The man was devastated by this tragic accident and carried the burden of his part in it for a long, long time.
I don’t know how old this man was when the accident happened, but he was young. What I do know is that he didn’t become a Christian until he was 87 years old. Think about this… for probably fifty years or more, this man carried the burden of what had happened without having a personal relationship with the only One who could truly comfort him. Bad things happen to all of us… things we have a very hard time understanding… things that break our hearts and cause us nights of fitful sleep and days of stress and worry. And the devil LOVES this! But God stands ready to help us through our burdens and heartaches. He knows our hearts and our thoughts – and He can help us sort out everything.
The young driver who gave his heart to Jesus at age 87 didn’t live much longer after that… but those were happy, peaceful months. With God’s help, he was able to forgive himself for all of the baggage that had weighed him down those many decades. He was able to anticipate spending Eternity in peace with his Heavenly Father, where I’m betting he was also welcomed by the little girl from long ago.
I will never forget when this man passed away. A visitation was held the day before the funeral, and the first person through the doors was the father of that little girl. This man was a faith-filled Christian who was known throughout our community for his service to the LORD and his fellow man. Clearly he held no ill will toward the driver. He had asked God at an early age to examine his heart and keep him on the right path… and I like to think God gave him the comfort, peace and courage to endure the death of his child and have compassion for this driver.
A lot of what happens to us seems accidental, but God can use even the worst events for His glory, if we will let Him. In this case, two things were crystal clear to me… 1) God never stops chasing after us… it’s never too late to turn to Him; and 2) God can give us strength to offer love and forgiveness where we never thought we could… to find peace and comfort in even the worst circumstances… and to serve Him with all our heart even when the burdens of life get in the way.
Have you invited God to examine you today and set you on a path toward Eternity? Have you given your heart to Jesus and asked Him to forgive your sins and fill you with His Holy Spirit? Don’t wait 87 years… or even another minute! Let God have control of your heart today. Allow Him to help you through whatever life may bring… and give you comfort and peace.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 27, 2011
Psalm 139:13-18
You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1979, the teacher whose classroom was next-door to mine traveled to Oklahoma with her family for the Thanksgiving holiday. The day after Thanksgiving, a big truck careened through an intersection and plowed directly into her car. Only 34 years old, Vicki was killed instantly. Her 8-year-old son and her mother survived. Several years later on the day after Thanksgiving, the 15-year-old son of friends we have known since childhood was killed in a car accident, along with a young child traveling in the other vehicle. You probably could share similar experiences that have affected your own life at some point.
All of this is hard to understand. We can’t wrap our brains around how God could allow such shocking tragedy… such seemingly unnecessary catastrophe… especially in light of this passage of scripture. How could a God who knows us before we were formed in our mother’s womb… who knows everything about us… know that this will happen to us or someone we love, and allow it? Believe me, I’ve asked these same questions, particularly when people I knew personally were affected by such horrific events.
For me, the answer lies in the second part of this passage. “Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding.” I know that God has plans for each of us… plans we can’t begin to imagine – and may not ever fully understand this side of heaven. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is always with us. Wherever we wake up – whether safe and secure on this earth or in His arms in heaven – God allowed things to happen in the best way possible for us.
Last week, an Arkansas Razorback football player died suddenly, only one day after he had participated in a game in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium. By all accounts, Garrett Uekman was a wonderful young man… a standout athlete in several sports, a bright student, and most importantly – a devout Christian who served his God well. The cause of death was apparently a genetic heart disorder that caused irregular heartbeats and a thickening of the heart muscle. We ask, “If God knew that Garrett had this condition, couldn’t He have fixed it?” What we fail to ask is, “What did God prevent in Garrett’s life that could have been far worse? Did He save him from suffering and anguish… a lengthy illness or sadness beyond description in his own life? What was God’s purpose for Garrett on this earth… had he fulfilled this already?”
We don’t know everything about God’s plans. We’re not supposed to. But we are supposed to trust Him to do exactly what is exactly right for us. We are supposed to believe that God would never leave us… and He would never deliberately harm us. I am believing today that God looked at each of us and said, “I’m going to make So-and-So this way… and I’m going to take care of him/her every step of the way. There will be bumps in the road, but nothing that I can’t handle. And I am going to ask Him to guide my steps… and to give me courage and confidence to handle whatever He allows to come my way. If you see me doing a less than stellar job of trusting Him in this, you have my permission to remind me!
Someday, all of this will become crystal clear to us… if we still even care to question it. When we stand before God and bask in the light of His glory in Heaven, we will understand fully how amazing He is… how beautifully He formed each of us… and how perfectly He orchestrated every moment of our lives. And we will know for certain that He was always nearby… even into Eternity. For that, let’s give Him praise even in seasons of sadness. Let’s look toward a day when He will restore our joy. Let’s bolster our faith by trusting God to handle even the worst situations for us – and step forward with confidence that He is always nearby.
©2011 Debbie Robus
You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1979, the teacher whose classroom was next-door to mine traveled to Oklahoma with her family for the Thanksgiving holiday. The day after Thanksgiving, a big truck careened through an intersection and plowed directly into her car. Only 34 years old, Vicki was killed instantly. Her 8-year-old son and her mother survived. Several years later on the day after Thanksgiving, the 15-year-old son of friends we have known since childhood was killed in a car accident, along with a young child traveling in the other vehicle. You probably could share similar experiences that have affected your own life at some point.
All of this is hard to understand. We can’t wrap our brains around how God could allow such shocking tragedy… such seemingly unnecessary catastrophe… especially in light of this passage of scripture. How could a God who knows us before we were formed in our mother’s womb… who knows everything about us… know that this will happen to us or someone we love, and allow it? Believe me, I’ve asked these same questions, particularly when people I knew personally were affected by such horrific events.
For me, the answer lies in the second part of this passage. “Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding.” I know that God has plans for each of us… plans we can’t begin to imagine – and may not ever fully understand this side of heaven. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is always with us. Wherever we wake up – whether safe and secure on this earth or in His arms in heaven – God allowed things to happen in the best way possible for us.
Last week, an Arkansas Razorback football player died suddenly, only one day after he had participated in a game in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium. By all accounts, Garrett Uekman was a wonderful young man… a standout athlete in several sports, a bright student, and most importantly – a devout Christian who served his God well. The cause of death was apparently a genetic heart disorder that caused irregular heartbeats and a thickening of the heart muscle. We ask, “If God knew that Garrett had this condition, couldn’t He have fixed it?” What we fail to ask is, “What did God prevent in Garrett’s life that could have been far worse? Did He save him from suffering and anguish… a lengthy illness or sadness beyond description in his own life? What was God’s purpose for Garrett on this earth… had he fulfilled this already?”
We don’t know everything about God’s plans. We’re not supposed to. But we are supposed to trust Him to do exactly what is exactly right for us. We are supposed to believe that God would never leave us… and He would never deliberately harm us. I am believing today that God looked at each of us and said, “I’m going to make So-and-So this way… and I’m going to take care of him/her every step of the way. There will be bumps in the road, but nothing that I can’t handle. And I am going to ask Him to guide my steps… and to give me courage and confidence to handle whatever He allows to come my way. If you see me doing a less than stellar job of trusting Him in this, you have my permission to remind me!
Someday, all of this will become crystal clear to us… if we still even care to question it. When we stand before God and bask in the light of His glory in Heaven, we will understand fully how amazing He is… how beautifully He formed each of us… and how perfectly He orchestrated every moment of our lives. And we will know for certain that He was always nearby… even into Eternity. For that, let’s give Him praise even in seasons of sadness. Let’s look toward a day when He will restore our joy. Let’s bolster our faith by trusting God to handle even the worst situations for us – and step forward with confidence that He is always nearby.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 26, 2011
Psalm 139:6-12
I can't understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.
Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there.
Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me.
Or suppose I said, "I'll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over." But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever misplaced something, and you knew it was probably right in front of you, but you searched for hours – or even days – without finding the item? Don’t you sometimes feel like God just sits back and laughs? We run around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to find the elusive item. And if you are like me, it sometimes shows up either right under your nose… or in the most absurd place that leaves you asking, “What on earth was I thinking?!”
Aren’t you glad God doesn’t ever misplace us? Even when we wish we could hide from Him, we cannot. And this is a good thing! God knows everything about us… and He loves us anyway. I find this amazing, incredible, and absolutely wonderful! No matter where we go, God is there. No matter where you are today, or what is happening in your life, He is with you.
A few years ago, one of the young men who belonged to my Sunday School class was deployed to Iraq. I found it comforting to think that the moon that rose over Him each night was the same one that rose at my house. It gave me peace and reminded me that wherever I was, God was there, too. Knowing that we saw the same moon made me remember that the same God who loves both of us put it there… and He was with all of us even when we were separated on opposite ends of the earth.
Take time today to stop and thank God for always knowing where you are. Be glad He never even absentmindedly misplaces you… much less actually forgets you for even one second! Take comfort in knowing you serve such a mighty, loving God. And the next time you misplace something, try asking Him to show you where to find it!
©2011 Debbie Robus
I can't understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.
Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there.
Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me.
Or suppose I said, "I'll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over." But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever misplaced something, and you knew it was probably right in front of you, but you searched for hours – or even days – without finding the item? Don’t you sometimes feel like God just sits back and laughs? We run around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to find the elusive item. And if you are like me, it sometimes shows up either right under your nose… or in the most absurd place that leaves you asking, “What on earth was I thinking?!”
Aren’t you glad God doesn’t ever misplace us? Even when we wish we could hide from Him, we cannot. And this is a good thing! God knows everything about us… and He loves us anyway. I find this amazing, incredible, and absolutely wonderful! No matter where we go, God is there. No matter where you are today, or what is happening in your life, He is with you.
A few years ago, one of the young men who belonged to my Sunday School class was deployed to Iraq. I found it comforting to think that the moon that rose over Him each night was the same one that rose at my house. It gave me peace and reminded me that wherever I was, God was there, too. Knowing that we saw the same moon made me remember that the same God who loves both of us put it there… and He was with all of us even when we were separated on opposite ends of the earth.
Take time today to stop and thank God for always knowing where you are. Be glad He never even absentmindedly misplaces you… much less actually forgets you for even one second! Take comfort in knowing you serve such a mighty, loving God. And the next time you misplace something, try asking Him to show you where to find it!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 25, 2011
Psalm 139:1-4
You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.
You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I recently watched an episode of “Our America with Lisa Ling” about identical twins. Ling pointed out the intense bond she shares with her sister, and she noted that it pales in comparison to the bond shared by identical twins. More than an emotional bond, these siblings share virtually identical DNA. In many, if not most cases, it’s safe to say these twins know all about each other. They finish each other’s sentences and seem to anticipate the other one’s very thoughts. They pretty much function as one unit and often suffer tremendous separation anxiety when they are apart.
Even identical twins separated at birth show incredible similarities when reunited. When interviewed, one set of 50-year-old identical twin sisters said, “People ask us what it’s like to be twins, and we tell them we don’t know what it’s like not to be a twin!” They are of one heart and mind, so to speak, and they know all about each other.
Each of us likes to think we have strong bonds with another… our siblings and other family members, our spouse or significant other, or a best friend. And these relationships are all perfectly honorable and important. But our bond with God trumps all others. He knows us inside and out. The question is… are we doing all we need to know Him in the same manner? We will never be able to know all that God is thinking before He speaks. But we will hopefully learn more about Him every day until we die. We must make our relationship with God a top priority. We must cultivate a close communication with Him that allows us to clearly recognize His voice and even anticipate what He will say to us.
How well do you know God? Is your goal to know God so well and communicate so closely with Him that you don’t know what it would be like not to know Him? Shouldn’t it be?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You have looked deep into my heart, LORD, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.
You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I recently watched an episode of “Our America with Lisa Ling” about identical twins. Ling pointed out the intense bond she shares with her sister, and she noted that it pales in comparison to the bond shared by identical twins. More than an emotional bond, these siblings share virtually identical DNA. In many, if not most cases, it’s safe to say these twins know all about each other. They finish each other’s sentences and seem to anticipate the other one’s very thoughts. They pretty much function as one unit and often suffer tremendous separation anxiety when they are apart.
Even identical twins separated at birth show incredible similarities when reunited. When interviewed, one set of 50-year-old identical twin sisters said, “People ask us what it’s like to be twins, and we tell them we don’t know what it’s like not to be a twin!” They are of one heart and mind, so to speak, and they know all about each other.
Each of us likes to think we have strong bonds with another… our siblings and other family members, our spouse or significant other, or a best friend. And these relationships are all perfectly honorable and important. But our bond with God trumps all others. He knows us inside and out. The question is… are we doing all we need to know Him in the same manner? We will never be able to know all that God is thinking before He speaks. But we will hopefully learn more about Him every day until we die. We must make our relationship with God a top priority. We must cultivate a close communication with Him that allows us to clearly recognize His voice and even anticipate what He will say to us.
How well do you know God? Is your goal to know God so well and communicate so closely with Him that you don’t know what it would be like not to know Him? Shouldn’t it be?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 24, 2011
Psalm 138
With all my heart I praise you, LORD. In the presence of angels I sing your praises. I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage.
All kings on this earth have heard your promises, LORD, and they will praise you. You are so famous that they will sing about the things you have done. Though you are above us all, you care for humble people, and you keep a close watch on everyone who is proud.
I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. You, LORD, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don't give up on us now!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Since the first of this month, many have been posting a daily list on Facebook of things for which they are thankful. Truly we all have a lot to be thankful for every day of the year… and so much for which to sing praises to the LORD.
Today, many of us will pause to gather with family and friends, stuff ourselves silly with rich food and far too many calories, and spend the day watching football or movies, playing games, visiting, and participating in whatever activities are part of our Thanksgiving Day tradition. But let’s also take time to consider the words of this passage and give praise to God for all He does for us. Let’s thank Him for being true to His word, and giving us courage, love and faithfulness.
Let’s honor God for protecting us from our enemies and keeping us safe… and for never giving up on us. And let’s be sure to thank Him for sending Jesus to die for our sins, so that we will feast at His table in Heaven someday.
We don’t deserve the great love and care of our Almighty God… and this is what makes it so special. The beauty of our relationship with God is that He loves us unconditionally… freely… and in spite of ourselves. I pray that you will enjoy your Thanksgiving Day… and that you will find time to praise God for His unending blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!
©2011 Debbie Robus
With all my heart I praise you, LORD. In the presence of angels I sing your praises. I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage.
All kings on this earth have heard your promises, LORD, and they will praise you. You are so famous that they will sing about the things you have done. Though you are above us all, you care for humble people, and you keep a close watch on everyone who is proud.
I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. You, LORD, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don't give up on us now!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Since the first of this month, many have been posting a daily list on Facebook of things for which they are thankful. Truly we all have a lot to be thankful for every day of the year… and so much for which to sing praises to the LORD.
Today, many of us will pause to gather with family and friends, stuff ourselves silly with rich food and far too many calories, and spend the day watching football or movies, playing games, visiting, and participating in whatever activities are part of our Thanksgiving Day tradition. But let’s also take time to consider the words of this passage and give praise to God for all He does for us. Let’s thank Him for being true to His word, and giving us courage, love and faithfulness.
Let’s honor God for protecting us from our enemies and keeping us safe… and for never giving up on us. And let’s be sure to thank Him for sending Jesus to die for our sins, so that we will feast at His table in Heaven someday.
We don’t deserve the great love and care of our Almighty God… and this is what makes it so special. The beauty of our relationship with God is that He loves us unconditionally… freely… and in spite of ourselves. I pray that you will enjoy your Thanksgiving Day… and that you will find time to praise God for His unending blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 23, 2011
Psalm 136:1-4
Praise the LORD! He is good.
God's love never fails.
Praise the God of all gods.
God's love never fails.
Praise the Lord of lords.
God's love never fails.
Only God works great miracles.
God's love never fails.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was young, our family had huge holiday get-togethers, especially on Thanksgiving Day and again at Christmas. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered for a noon meal that turned into grazing all afternoon and into the evening. Sometimes the men went bird hunting after lunch. Sometimes we played cards or dominoes. Other times we just visited and ate the whole day. There was an abundance family, food, and fun.
We rotated who hosted the holiday party, and the meals were potluck, and certain people always brought their specialty dish. My Aunt Altha made giblet gravy and wonderful pies. My cousin Betty Rhea made the cornbread dressing. My Mam-ma Polly cooked green beans in a cast-iron Dutch oven… and she always made the yeast rolls. We averaged 30 people at our “dinners,” and even the smallest house was outfitted with card tables and chairs to accommodate everyone. Nobody ever seemed to feel crowded.
Now our numbers have dwindled. There will be fewer than a dozen people at the table tomorrow. My mom usually makes the cornbread dressing, but her sister is making it this year. I inherited my grandmother’s cast iron Dutch oven nearly a decade ago, so green beans is always an item I bring. The homemade rolls have been replaced by the Sister Schubert’s heat and serve variety. Still, we gather and give thanks for our blessings. We thank God for those who have gone to heaven and celebrate the memories of their presence at our table for past holidays. We praise God that they now feast at HIS table every single day… and we look forward to joining them when He is ready for us.
I don’t know about your family traditions or how you celebrate the holidays. But I hope you take time to remember that God’s love NEVER fails. Whether you feast with thirty or three… or you spend the holidays by yourself… you are never alone. God is with you… He wants to meet your every need… and His love never fails. Praise the God of all gods this holiday season… and celebrate His unending love and care each and every day.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Praise the LORD! He is good.
God's love never fails.
Praise the God of all gods.
God's love never fails.
Praise the Lord of lords.
God's love never fails.
Only God works great miracles.
God's love never fails.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was young, our family had huge holiday get-togethers, especially on Thanksgiving Day and again at Christmas. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered for a noon meal that turned into grazing all afternoon and into the evening. Sometimes the men went bird hunting after lunch. Sometimes we played cards or dominoes. Other times we just visited and ate the whole day. There was an abundance family, food, and fun.
We rotated who hosted the holiday party, and the meals were potluck, and certain people always brought their specialty dish. My Aunt Altha made giblet gravy and wonderful pies. My cousin Betty Rhea made the cornbread dressing. My Mam-ma Polly cooked green beans in a cast-iron Dutch oven… and she always made the yeast rolls. We averaged 30 people at our “dinners,” and even the smallest house was outfitted with card tables and chairs to accommodate everyone. Nobody ever seemed to feel crowded.
Now our numbers have dwindled. There will be fewer than a dozen people at the table tomorrow. My mom usually makes the cornbread dressing, but her sister is making it this year. I inherited my grandmother’s cast iron Dutch oven nearly a decade ago, so green beans is always an item I bring. The homemade rolls have been replaced by the Sister Schubert’s heat and serve variety. Still, we gather and give thanks for our blessings. We thank God for those who have gone to heaven and celebrate the memories of their presence at our table for past holidays. We praise God that they now feast at HIS table every single day… and we look forward to joining them when He is ready for us.
I don’t know about your family traditions or how you celebrate the holidays. But I hope you take time to remember that God’s love NEVER fails. Whether you feast with thirty or three… or you spend the holidays by yourself… you are never alone. God is with you… He wants to meet your every need… and His love never fails. Praise the God of all gods this holiday season… and celebrate His unending love and care each and every day.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 22, 2011
Psalm 135:1-7; 14
Shout praises to the LORD! You are his servants, so praise his name. All who serve in the temple of the LORD our God, come and shout praises. Praise the name of the LORD! He is kind and good. The LORD is much greater than any other god. He chose the family of Jacob and the people of Israel for his very own.
He does as he chooses in heaven and on earth and deep in the sea. The LORD makes the clouds rise from far across the earth, and he makes lightning to go with the rain. Then from his secret place he sends out the wind.
The LORD will bring justice and show mercy to all who serve him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Since November 8th, we have received 12 inches of rain in our little corner of the world. Because we live high atop a bluff, what the ground cannot absorb rushed down a next-door creek bed and spilled into the river below us. Others were not so lucky, and friends of mine have spent several days retrieving items that tried to float away and cleaning up the muck, mud and water that filled their homes and businesses. When this sort of thing happens, people can have a hard time finding praises to shout to the LORD! After all, surely the God who makes lightning to go with the rain could send a little less at one time… right?
The key to staying positive in times of challenge, difficulty, or downright disaster and tragedy is remembering who God really is… and WHY we praise Him. Yes, God can control how much rain we get. Yes, God can heal the sick and prevent accidents that cause injury and death. Surely God can change the course of a tornado or prevent an earthquake. But God also has the power to bless us abundantly… to provide us with food, clothing, shelter, a job, family, friends… and most importantly… Eternal Life!
For every time we feel sorry for ourselves and ask “Why, LORD, why?” there are dozens of times that God worked on our behalf and we never even noticed. We need to remind ourselves of this. We need to remember that God always has our best interest at heart, even when we cannot readily see what He has done for us.
So praise God today, no matter what your circumstances. Give Him honor and glory for the countless ways He shows up in your life each and every day. Recognize His power and His unending grace and mercy. Shout praises to the LORD! You are indeed His servants… so go ahead and praise His name.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! You are his servants, so praise his name. All who serve in the temple of the LORD our God, come and shout praises. Praise the name of the LORD! He is kind and good. The LORD is much greater than any other god. He chose the family of Jacob and the people of Israel for his very own.
He does as he chooses in heaven and on earth and deep in the sea. The LORD makes the clouds rise from far across the earth, and he makes lightning to go with the rain. Then from his secret place he sends out the wind.
The LORD will bring justice and show mercy to all who serve him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Since November 8th, we have received 12 inches of rain in our little corner of the world. Because we live high atop a bluff, what the ground cannot absorb rushed down a next-door creek bed and spilled into the river below us. Others were not so lucky, and friends of mine have spent several days retrieving items that tried to float away and cleaning up the muck, mud and water that filled their homes and businesses. When this sort of thing happens, people can have a hard time finding praises to shout to the LORD! After all, surely the God who makes lightning to go with the rain could send a little less at one time… right?
The key to staying positive in times of challenge, difficulty, or downright disaster and tragedy is remembering who God really is… and WHY we praise Him. Yes, God can control how much rain we get. Yes, God can heal the sick and prevent accidents that cause injury and death. Surely God can change the course of a tornado or prevent an earthquake. But God also has the power to bless us abundantly… to provide us with food, clothing, shelter, a job, family, friends… and most importantly… Eternal Life!
For every time we feel sorry for ourselves and ask “Why, LORD, why?” there are dozens of times that God worked on our behalf and we never even noticed. We need to remind ourselves of this. We need to remember that God always has our best interest at heart, even when we cannot readily see what He has done for us.
So praise God today, no matter what your circumstances. Give Him honor and glory for the countless ways He shows up in your life each and every day. Recognize His power and His unending grace and mercy. Shout praises to the LORD! You are indeed His servants… so go ahead and praise His name.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 21, 2011
Psalm 134
Everyone who serves the LORD, come and offer praises. Everyone who has gathered in his temple tonight, lift your hands in prayer toward his holy place and praise the LORD.
The LORD is the Creator of heaven and earth, and I pray that the LORD will bless you from Zion.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For some, this will be a very difficult week. It’s hard to be thankful and lift your hands in praise when you are sad and lonely, sick and suffering, struggling in some manner, or grieving the loss of a loved one. For those who will face the first Thanksgiving Day celebration without a family member or friend, their job, or a place to call home, being joyful and offering praise to God may seem almost like an oxymoron.
But one of the marks of a faith-filled Christian is the ability to praise God even when “the chips are down.” When you come to a point where you can lift your hands and praise God even when challenges and sorrows seem to rain down from the sky, you are truly “getting there” in your faith walk.
Do you know someone who seems to always be smiling and behaving in a positive manner, even when you know for a fact they are hurting or facing extreme difficulties? Do you ever wonder how they do this… and wish you had this ability? You can! God knows what is happening in our lives. He appreciates the fact that we can celebrate Him even when we are not in the mood to do so. He understands that we grieve, get sick, lose our jobs, struggle in school and our personal relationships, and more... and He totally “gets it!” He also delights in the praise and gratitude of those who seem to have every reason not to be thankful, but offer their prayers nonetheless.
This holiday season, we must be conscious of those around us who are sad, suffering, challenged and stressed. We must encourage them and show God’s love for them whenever and wherever we can. But we must also demonstrate great faith in God to sustain us through all “seasons” of life by lifting our hands and giving Him our praise and thanks. We find thanksgiving an easy topic this week… but it should be in our hearts and on our minds every week of the year. Have you given God your praise lately? Isn’t this a great time to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Everyone who serves the LORD, come and offer praises. Everyone who has gathered in his temple tonight, lift your hands in prayer toward his holy place and praise the LORD.
The LORD is the Creator of heaven and earth, and I pray that the LORD will bless you from Zion.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For some, this will be a very difficult week. It’s hard to be thankful and lift your hands in praise when you are sad and lonely, sick and suffering, struggling in some manner, or grieving the loss of a loved one. For those who will face the first Thanksgiving Day celebration without a family member or friend, their job, or a place to call home, being joyful and offering praise to God may seem almost like an oxymoron.
But one of the marks of a faith-filled Christian is the ability to praise God even when “the chips are down.” When you come to a point where you can lift your hands and praise God even when challenges and sorrows seem to rain down from the sky, you are truly “getting there” in your faith walk.
Do you know someone who seems to always be smiling and behaving in a positive manner, even when you know for a fact they are hurting or facing extreme difficulties? Do you ever wonder how they do this… and wish you had this ability? You can! God knows what is happening in our lives. He appreciates the fact that we can celebrate Him even when we are not in the mood to do so. He understands that we grieve, get sick, lose our jobs, struggle in school and our personal relationships, and more... and He totally “gets it!” He also delights in the praise and gratitude of those who seem to have every reason not to be thankful, but offer their prayers nonetheless.
This holiday season, we must be conscious of those around us who are sad, suffering, challenged and stressed. We must encourage them and show God’s love for them whenever and wherever we can. But we must also demonstrate great faith in God to sustain us through all “seasons” of life by lifting our hands and giving Him our praise and thanks. We find thanksgiving an easy topic this week… but it should be in our hearts and on our minds every week of the year. Have you given God your praise lately? Isn’t this a great time to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 20, 2011
John 17:24-26
Father, I want those you gave me to be with me, right where I am, so they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me, having loved me long before there ever was a world. Righteous Father, the world has never known you, but I have known you, and these disciples know that you sent me on this mission. I have made your very being known to them—who you are and what you do—and continue to make it known, so that your love for me might be in them exactly as I am in them.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I bought a book at a yard sale for my nephew Timothy called I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll and Debra Reid Jenkins. I also bought him a beginning book of prayers. He calls these his “God books,” and we read them over and over. I have talked about God and Jesus to Timothy since he was an infant… sung “Jesus Loves Me” and other praise and worship songs. But how do you explain God and Jesus to a toddler? I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not really any different than talking to someone older. In the beginning, much of getting to know God is pure faith. Someone tells us that He exists and what He has done, and we trust that this is the truth.
The book I Wanted to Know All about God does a great job of planting seeds…with phrases like “I wondered what God's love feels like, and Grandma put her arms around me and gave me a big hug"; "I wondered if God is strong, and the ocean roared in my ears"; and one of Timmy’s favorites…"I wondered if God likes art, and I saw a spiderweb in my uncle's barn.” The illustrations are beautiful paintings that showcase God’s creations, especially children. It’s a start… and learning about God through His love for us and all of nature is a good beginning at any age.
Whether we are two, twelve, twenty-two, or older, our knowledge and communion with God grow as we learn more about Him. We become more accustomed to feeling His love in our daily lives and we feel Jesus’ presence through His Holy Spirit in our hearts. Wherever you are on your Spiritual journey, I hope you are finding God today. The book concludes with this… “I wanted to know where God likes to visit, and I felt someone knocking at my heart. Now when I go out looking for God, I know exactly where to find Him.” Do you know where to find God today? Is He knocking at your heart?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Father, I want those you gave me to be with me, right where I am, so they can see my glory, the splendor you gave me, having loved me long before there ever was a world. Righteous Father, the world has never known you, but I have known you, and these disciples know that you sent me on this mission. I have made your very being known to them—who you are and what you do—and continue to make it known, so that your love for me might be in them exactly as I am in them.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I bought a book at a yard sale for my nephew Timothy called I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll and Debra Reid Jenkins. I also bought him a beginning book of prayers. He calls these his “God books,” and we read them over and over. I have talked about God and Jesus to Timothy since he was an infant… sung “Jesus Loves Me” and other praise and worship songs. But how do you explain God and Jesus to a toddler? I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not really any different than talking to someone older. In the beginning, much of getting to know God is pure faith. Someone tells us that He exists and what He has done, and we trust that this is the truth.
The book I Wanted to Know All about God does a great job of planting seeds…with phrases like “I wondered what God's love feels like, and Grandma put her arms around me and gave me a big hug"; "I wondered if God is strong, and the ocean roared in my ears"; and one of Timmy’s favorites…"I wondered if God likes art, and I saw a spiderweb in my uncle's barn.” The illustrations are beautiful paintings that showcase God’s creations, especially children. It’s a start… and learning about God through His love for us and all of nature is a good beginning at any age.
Whether we are two, twelve, twenty-two, or older, our knowledge and communion with God grow as we learn more about Him. We become more accustomed to feeling His love in our daily lives and we feel Jesus’ presence through His Holy Spirit in our hearts. Wherever you are on your Spiritual journey, I hope you are finding God today. The book concludes with this… “I wanted to know where God likes to visit, and I felt someone knocking at my heart. Now when I go out looking for God, I know exactly where to find Him.” Do you know where to find God today? Is He knocking at your heart?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 19, 2011
Psalm 133:1
It is truly wonderful when relatives live together in peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission
Every holiday season, countless magazines carry articles on how to deal with our relatives. Many movies have been made about family dynamics. The truth is, we have a hard time getting along with other people - especially our own family members sometimes! And more than one person dreads spending yet another holiday with the relatives…or the in-laws… or the crazy neighbor who always drops by for a visit and stirs up controversy.
But God designed us for family. He wants us to function together well as a family unit – whether it involves blood relatives, our church family, our friends at school or work, or in the community at large. So we must ask God to give us strength, courage, wisdom… and the ability to bite our tongues when necessary… and do our best to live together in peace.
As we approach another holiday season, I pray that you will find ways to live in harmony with all of your family members. May you find common ground and ways to compromise and live in peace. May God equip you to be a peacemaker this holiday season. And may He help you to bite your tongue as needed!
©2011 Debbie Robus
It is truly wonderful when relatives live together in peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission
Every holiday season, countless magazines carry articles on how to deal with our relatives. Many movies have been made about family dynamics. The truth is, we have a hard time getting along with other people - especially our own family members sometimes! And more than one person dreads spending yet another holiday with the relatives…or the in-laws… or the crazy neighbor who always drops by for a visit and stirs up controversy.
But God designed us for family. He wants us to function together well as a family unit – whether it involves blood relatives, our church family, our friends at school or work, or in the community at large. So we must ask God to give us strength, courage, wisdom… and the ability to bite our tongues when necessary… and do our best to live together in peace.
As we approach another holiday season, I pray that you will find ways to live in harmony with all of your family members. May you find common ground and ways to compromise and live in peace. May God equip you to be a peacemaker this holiday season. And may He help you to bite your tongue as needed!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 18, 2011
Psalm 130:5-6
With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises. I wait for you more eagerly than a soldier on guard duty waits for the dawn. Yes, I wait more eagerly than a soldier on guard duty waits for the dawn.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Waiting… we aren’t very good at it, are we?! When I was a little girl, the hardest day of the year for me to wait was Christmas morning. I had trouble going to sleep on Christmas Eve when we got home from my grandparents’ farm. I would wake up every hour, if not more often, and check to see if it was time for everyone else to get up. I would sometimes go into the living room and check under the tree… and my mother would send me back to bed! Sometimes I got my sister up and made her play Monopoly or some other game with me in the closet until daylight dawned! It wasn’t just that I couldn’t wait to open my presents… I always got a kick out of watching others open what I had for them under the tree, as well! I thought they should be as eager as I was!
I find it funny that there are so many things we have a hard time waiting on… but waiting on God isn’t always at the top of that list! It should be… and the more I grow in my faith, the more I find myself placing Him there. I am waiting for the day when I see Him face to face… when I snuggle in His lap and have all of the answers and none of the cares! I am waiting for the time when He gives me a “Heavenly assignment” and equips me with everything I need to accomplish it perfectly. Meanwhile, I am waiting… maybe not quite with the anticipation of a child waiting for Christmas morning – yet! …but waiting all the same.
Who are you waiting for? Are you living in eager anticipation of meeting God face to face? Does this excite you? Or are you frightened by the prospect? Do you live in eager anticipation of this day… or some sense of dread and trepidation? I encourage you to talk to God about this. Get to know Him better and learn more about His promises, so that all fears and worries disappear as you grow in your knowledge of Him. Work on your relationship until you can honestly and eagerly say, “With all my heart, I am waiting on the LORD!”
©2011 Debbie Robus
With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises. I wait for you more eagerly than a soldier on guard duty waits for the dawn. Yes, I wait more eagerly than a soldier on guard duty waits for the dawn.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Waiting… we aren’t very good at it, are we?! When I was a little girl, the hardest day of the year for me to wait was Christmas morning. I had trouble going to sleep on Christmas Eve when we got home from my grandparents’ farm. I would wake up every hour, if not more often, and check to see if it was time for everyone else to get up. I would sometimes go into the living room and check under the tree… and my mother would send me back to bed! Sometimes I got my sister up and made her play Monopoly or some other game with me in the closet until daylight dawned! It wasn’t just that I couldn’t wait to open my presents… I always got a kick out of watching others open what I had for them under the tree, as well! I thought they should be as eager as I was!
I find it funny that there are so many things we have a hard time waiting on… but waiting on God isn’t always at the top of that list! It should be… and the more I grow in my faith, the more I find myself placing Him there. I am waiting for the day when I see Him face to face… when I snuggle in His lap and have all of the answers and none of the cares! I am waiting for the time when He gives me a “Heavenly assignment” and equips me with everything I need to accomplish it perfectly. Meanwhile, I am waiting… maybe not quite with the anticipation of a child waiting for Christmas morning – yet! …but waiting all the same.
Who are you waiting for? Are you living in eager anticipation of meeting God face to face? Does this excite you? Or are you frightened by the prospect? Do you live in eager anticipation of this day… or some sense of dread and trepidation? I encourage you to talk to God about this. Get to know Him better and learn more about His promises, so that all fears and worries disappear as you grow in your knowledge of Him. Work on your relationship until you can honestly and eagerly say, “With all my heart, I am waiting on the LORD!”
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 17, 2011
Psalm 130:1-4
From a sea of troubles I call out to you, LORD. Won't you please listen as I beg for mercy? If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
"Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into!" This was the familiar line uttered frequently by comedian Oliver Hardy, who partnered with Stan Laurel to create the well-known team of the 1920s-1940s known as “Laurel & Hardy.” On any given day, most of us could utter a similar sentence… “Here’s another nice mess I’ve gotten into!” It seems like we often go from creating one mess to another! And for some, the record of these “messes” follows them for years… maybe forever. Think criminal records, driving offenses, poor transcripts, and bad work histories - or even bad reputations, to name a few.
Thankfully, God stands ready to forgive us and set us upright. This is not a license to sin and behave erratically… but we can take comfort in the knowledge that God operates in grace and mercy. It is even more comforting to know that He does not keep a record of our sins.
I don’t know about you, but setting aside all of the countless other great reasons to worship our mighty God, this is reason enough to worship God! To think that God stands ready to forgive – and forget – my sins is astounding... incredible… and worthy of my praise and celebration. Don’t you agree? Have you thanked God lately for getting you out of one mess after another and scattering your sins and mistakes to the four winds? Isn’t today a good day to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
From a sea of troubles I call out to you, LORD. Won't you please listen as I beg for mercy? If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
"Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into!" This was the familiar line uttered frequently by comedian Oliver Hardy, who partnered with Stan Laurel to create the well-known team of the 1920s-1940s known as “Laurel & Hardy.” On any given day, most of us could utter a similar sentence… “Here’s another nice mess I’ve gotten into!” It seems like we often go from creating one mess to another! And for some, the record of these “messes” follows them for years… maybe forever. Think criminal records, driving offenses, poor transcripts, and bad work histories - or even bad reputations, to name a few.
Thankfully, God stands ready to forgive us and set us upright. This is not a license to sin and behave erratically… but we can take comfort in the knowledge that God operates in grace and mercy. It is even more comforting to know that He does not keep a record of our sins.
I don’t know about you, but setting aside all of the countless other great reasons to worship our mighty God, this is reason enough to worship God! To think that God stands ready to forgive – and forget – my sins is astounding... incredible… and worthy of my praise and celebration. Don’t you agree? Have you thanked God lately for getting you out of one mess after another and scattering your sins and mistakes to the four winds? Isn’t today a good day to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 16, 2011
Psalm 128:1-2
The LORD will bless you if you respect him and obey his laws. Your fields will produce, and you will be happy and all will go well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was discussing child discipline with a group of friends recently, and I explained that I do not believe in spanking. I tried it early in my teaching career with lousy results. Once I began using a method called “assertive discipline” and stopped spanking, I virtually quit having any discipline problems in the classroom. Assertive discipline works that well and will work in any setting – school, home, Sunday School, and more! What is the secret to its success? Respect!
Rules are clearly taught at the beginning of the school year… as are consequences for breaking them. Everything is cut and dried. You break this rule… this happens. You break another, that happens… and so on. The consequences begin with a warning and progress to a more serious level. For my kindergarten students, these ranged from “time out” to losing a recess or other privileges, to calling parents. I think maybe I called three parents over the course of several years. The children knew the “laws” we learned together, and they obeyed them. They respected my authority to decide when a rule was broken and to administer the consequence.
There is another part of this discipline plan… and it is vital to the success of the overall program - rewards. Good behavior is rewarded, and the students learn that there is merit in their efforts beyond operating in fear of consequences. The respect is mutual. The teacher is respected as the authority figure, and the students are respected and rewarded for their obedience and cooperation.
Do you see where I’m headed with this? Because of the blood of Jesus, we don’t have to operate in fear, guilt and shame. We can serve obediently because we respect God… and because He respects us and rewards our efforts. We don’t serve and obey to get something… any more than God blesses us simply for our compliance. It’s a two-way street… and that is so cool!
We know what God asks of us… we know His laws. We also know the consequences of disobeying Him. But we may not fully understand how He stands ready to bless us when we show Him respect and submission to His authority. I promise, finding out what He has in store for us is worth it… are you willing to discover this for yourself?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD will bless you if you respect him and obey his laws. Your fields will produce, and you will be happy and all will go well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was discussing child discipline with a group of friends recently, and I explained that I do not believe in spanking. I tried it early in my teaching career with lousy results. Once I began using a method called “assertive discipline” and stopped spanking, I virtually quit having any discipline problems in the classroom. Assertive discipline works that well and will work in any setting – school, home, Sunday School, and more! What is the secret to its success? Respect!
Rules are clearly taught at the beginning of the school year… as are consequences for breaking them. Everything is cut and dried. You break this rule… this happens. You break another, that happens… and so on. The consequences begin with a warning and progress to a more serious level. For my kindergarten students, these ranged from “time out” to losing a recess or other privileges, to calling parents. I think maybe I called three parents over the course of several years. The children knew the “laws” we learned together, and they obeyed them. They respected my authority to decide when a rule was broken and to administer the consequence.
There is another part of this discipline plan… and it is vital to the success of the overall program - rewards. Good behavior is rewarded, and the students learn that there is merit in their efforts beyond operating in fear of consequences. The respect is mutual. The teacher is respected as the authority figure, and the students are respected and rewarded for their obedience and cooperation.
Do you see where I’m headed with this? Because of the blood of Jesus, we don’t have to operate in fear, guilt and shame. We can serve obediently because we respect God… and because He respects us and rewards our efforts. We don’t serve and obey to get something… any more than God blesses us simply for our compliance. It’s a two-way street… and that is so cool!
We know what God asks of us… we know His laws. We also know the consequences of disobeying Him. But we may not fully understand how He stands ready to bless us when we show Him respect and submission to His authority. I promise, finding out what He has in store for us is worth it… are you willing to discover this for yourself?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 15, 2011
2 Kings 22:3-20
After Josiah had been king for eighteen years, he told Shaphan, one of his highest officials: Go to the LORD's temple 4and ask Hilkiah the high priest to collect from the guards all the money that the people have donated. Have Hilkiah give it to the men supervising the repairs to the temple. They can use some of the money to pay the workers, and with the rest of it they can buy wood and stone for the repair work. They are honest, so we won't ask them to keep track of the money.
While Shaphan was at the temple, Hilkiah handed him a book and said, "Look what I found here in the temple--The Book of God's Law." Shaphan read it, then went back to Josiah and reported, "Your officials collected the money in the temple and gave it to the men supervising the repairs. But there's something else, Your Majesty. The priest Hilkiah gave me this book." Then Shaphan read it out loud.
When Josiah heard what was in The Book of God's Law, he tore his clothes in sorrow. At once he called together Hilkiah, Shaphan, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, and his own servant Asaiah. He said, "The LORD must be furious with me and everyone else in Judah, because our ancestors did not obey the laws written in this book. Go find out what the LORD wants us to do."
The five men left right away and went to talk with Huldah the prophet. Her husband was Shallum, who was in charge of the king's clothes. Huldah lived in the northern part of Jerusalem, and when they met in her home,she said: You were sent here by King Josiah, and this is what the LORD God of Israel says to him: "Josiah, I am the LORD! And I will see to it that this country and everyone living in it will be destroyed. It will happen just as this book says. The people of Judah have rejected me. They have offered sacrifices to foreign gods and have worshiped their own idols. I cannot stand it any longer. I am furious.
"Josiah, listen to what I am going to do. I noticed how sad you were when you read that this country and its people would be completely wiped out. You even tore your clothes in sorrow, and I heard you cry. So I will let you die in peace, before I destroy this place."
The men left and took Huldah's answer back to Josiah.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I know this is a long scripture passage today, but I felt it was important that I share all of it. Doesn’t it seem to you like we have a lot of chances to look the other way in life? We get a printout for a medical bill that indicates we were overcharged, but insurance covered it, so we just let it go. We know someone is not doing what they should and causing harm to a lot of people, but since it doesn’t affect us directly, we keep quiet.
You are fairly sure your friend is drinking and driving… but you can’t prove it, so you don’t get involved.
How are we following Jesus’ example? Are we paying attention and looking for the right thing to do… the way that God would have us proceed? And are we following through and doing what He asks? Isn’t it time we stood up like Josiah and said, “This is not pleasing to God! How can we set things right?” What type of behavior are you choosing these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
After Josiah had been king for eighteen years, he told Shaphan, one of his highest officials: Go to the LORD's temple 4and ask Hilkiah the high priest to collect from the guards all the money that the people have donated. Have Hilkiah give it to the men supervising the repairs to the temple. They can use some of the money to pay the workers, and with the rest of it they can buy wood and stone for the repair work. They are honest, so we won't ask them to keep track of the money.
While Shaphan was at the temple, Hilkiah handed him a book and said, "Look what I found here in the temple--The Book of God's Law." Shaphan read it, then went back to Josiah and reported, "Your officials collected the money in the temple and gave it to the men supervising the repairs. But there's something else, Your Majesty. The priest Hilkiah gave me this book." Then Shaphan read it out loud.
When Josiah heard what was in The Book of God's Law, he tore his clothes in sorrow. At once he called together Hilkiah, Shaphan, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, and his own servant Asaiah. He said, "The LORD must be furious with me and everyone else in Judah, because our ancestors did not obey the laws written in this book. Go find out what the LORD wants us to do."
The five men left right away and went to talk with Huldah the prophet. Her husband was Shallum, who was in charge of the king's clothes. Huldah lived in the northern part of Jerusalem, and when they met in her home,she said: You were sent here by King Josiah, and this is what the LORD God of Israel says to him: "Josiah, I am the LORD! And I will see to it that this country and everyone living in it will be destroyed. It will happen just as this book says. The people of Judah have rejected me. They have offered sacrifices to foreign gods and have worshiped their own idols. I cannot stand it any longer. I am furious.
"Josiah, listen to what I am going to do. I noticed how sad you were when you read that this country and its people would be completely wiped out. You even tore your clothes in sorrow, and I heard you cry. So I will let you die in peace, before I destroy this place."
The men left and took Huldah's answer back to Josiah.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I know this is a long scripture passage today, but I felt it was important that I share all of it. Doesn’t it seem to you like we have a lot of chances to look the other way in life? We get a printout for a medical bill that indicates we were overcharged, but insurance covered it, so we just let it go. We know someone is not doing what they should and causing harm to a lot of people, but since it doesn’t affect us directly, we keep quiet.
You are fairly sure your friend is drinking and driving… but you can’t prove it, so you don’t get involved.
- You think a child is being abused, but adults in charge of his/her care have a sketchy “explanation” for every bump and bruise. So you do nothing. If the apparent abuse is verbal and emotional, you hesitate to speak to the abuser/bully and “make a scene” - or risk making this person angry with you.
- You see people who are supposed to be Disciples of Christ behaving in ways that are questionable at best… or downright dishonest and disobedient, and you look the other way.
- It would have been so easy for Josiah to pretend he didn’t see the Book of Law. He could have set it in a closet and looked the other way as his people continued to sin and anger God. But he knew that he had to say something. He knew that one person can make a difference… or start the process.
How are we following Jesus’ example? Are we paying attention and looking for the right thing to do… the way that God would have us proceed? And are we following through and doing what He asks? Isn’t it time we stood up like Josiah and said, “This is not pleasing to God! How can we set things right?” What type of behavior are you choosing these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 14, 2011
2 Kings 20:1-11
About this time, Hezekiah got sick and was almost dead. Isaiah the prophet went in and told him, "The LORD says you won't ever get well. You are going to die, so you had better start doing what needs to be done."
Hezekiah turned toward the wall and prayed, "Don't forget that I have been faithful to you, LORD. I have obeyed you with all my heart, and I do whatever you say is right." After this, he cried hard.
Before Isaiah got to the middle court of the palace, the LORD sent him back to Hezekiah with this message: Hezekiah, you are the ruler of my people, and I am the LORD God, who was worshiped by your ancestor David. I heard you pray, and I saw you cry. I will heal you, so that three days from now you will be able to worship in my temple. I will let you live fifteen years more, while I protect you and your city from the king of Assyria. I will defend this city as an honor to me and to my servant David.
Then Isaiah said to the king's servants, "Bring some mashed figs and place them on the king's open sore. He will then get well." Hezekiah asked Isaiah, "Can you prove that the LORD will heal me, so that I can worship in his temple in three days?"
Isaiah replied, "The LORD will prove to you that he will keep his promise. Will the shadow made by the setting sun on the stairway go forward ten steps or back ten steps?" "It's normal for the sun to go forward," Hezekiah answered. "But how can it go back?" Isaiah prayed, and the LORD made the shadow go back ten steps on the stairway built for King Ahaz.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Four years ago, my husband and I moved into a new house that had been constructed for us by a local builder, his son, and other members of the his crew. Over the years, we have used this builder more than once, and he has become our trusted friend. We know that he will always do what he promises. So when we moved into our present house, we were not surprised to see his son drive up one afternoon, bucket and rags in hand. “I have come to wash your windows,” he said. “I told you I would not present your final bill until those outside windows were clean.” He washed all of the windows, as promised.
Truthfully, we had not even thought about the windows. We trusted that everything the builder and his son promised to do would get done. And they proved us right. Yes, we gave them “punch lists” of things to complete, but we didn’t have to have a written contract. They didn’t have to knock on the door and say, “I did XYZ.” They listened to our requests and answered us.
I can understand Hezekiah’s desire for proof that God was going to heal him and give him 15 more years of life. And frankly, there are a lot of people who make a lot of promises in this world that leave me saying, “Prove it!” But when it comes to our faith in Jesus Christ and the promises of our Heavenly Father, we have no need to worry. We’ve already had all the proof we need in the blood of Jesus on the cross at Calvary. He was willing to lay down His own life for our sins… so why would He ever default on a promise?!
As much as this passage is a reminder to trust the promises of God and rest assured that He will deliver, according to His perfect will… it is also a message to us to be faithful in our own promises. If you tell a friend you will call, pick up the phone and follow through. If you promise to do something for someone else, do it. Don’t tell Grandma you will come to see her, and then skip the visit. Don’t promise your little brother you will read to him before bedtime, then make up excuses and do something else. Don’t commit your heart to a significant other, and then look around for someone better. And don’t promise to love God and serve Him with all your heart, then wander off to do whatever you please and serve your own desires… or worse yet – those of the devil.
God will never make a promise He can’t keep… and neither should we. There’s one more thing you should notice. Hezekiah cried and poured out his heart to God… and God listened. I’m not saying that all we have to do is cry and whine, and God will change His mind and do what we please. But God wants us to be honest with Him. When our desires line up with His and we call out to Him, He hears us and answers accordingly. Communicate with God… trust Him… and honor His faithfulness to fulfill promises by exercising integrity in your own relationships.
©2011 Debbie Robus
About this time, Hezekiah got sick and was almost dead. Isaiah the prophet went in and told him, "The LORD says you won't ever get well. You are going to die, so you had better start doing what needs to be done."
Hezekiah turned toward the wall and prayed, "Don't forget that I have been faithful to you, LORD. I have obeyed you with all my heart, and I do whatever you say is right." After this, he cried hard.
Before Isaiah got to the middle court of the palace, the LORD sent him back to Hezekiah with this message: Hezekiah, you are the ruler of my people, and I am the LORD God, who was worshiped by your ancestor David. I heard you pray, and I saw you cry. I will heal you, so that three days from now you will be able to worship in my temple. I will let you live fifteen years more, while I protect you and your city from the king of Assyria. I will defend this city as an honor to me and to my servant David.
Then Isaiah said to the king's servants, "Bring some mashed figs and place them on the king's open sore. He will then get well." Hezekiah asked Isaiah, "Can you prove that the LORD will heal me, so that I can worship in his temple in three days?"
Isaiah replied, "The LORD will prove to you that he will keep his promise. Will the shadow made by the setting sun on the stairway go forward ten steps or back ten steps?" "It's normal for the sun to go forward," Hezekiah answered. "But how can it go back?" Isaiah prayed, and the LORD made the shadow go back ten steps on the stairway built for King Ahaz.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Four years ago, my husband and I moved into a new house that had been constructed for us by a local builder, his son, and other members of the his crew. Over the years, we have used this builder more than once, and he has become our trusted friend. We know that he will always do what he promises. So when we moved into our present house, we were not surprised to see his son drive up one afternoon, bucket and rags in hand. “I have come to wash your windows,” he said. “I told you I would not present your final bill until those outside windows were clean.” He washed all of the windows, as promised.
Truthfully, we had not even thought about the windows. We trusted that everything the builder and his son promised to do would get done. And they proved us right. Yes, we gave them “punch lists” of things to complete, but we didn’t have to have a written contract. They didn’t have to knock on the door and say, “I did XYZ.” They listened to our requests and answered us.
I can understand Hezekiah’s desire for proof that God was going to heal him and give him 15 more years of life. And frankly, there are a lot of people who make a lot of promises in this world that leave me saying, “Prove it!” But when it comes to our faith in Jesus Christ and the promises of our Heavenly Father, we have no need to worry. We’ve already had all the proof we need in the blood of Jesus on the cross at Calvary. He was willing to lay down His own life for our sins… so why would He ever default on a promise?!
As much as this passage is a reminder to trust the promises of God and rest assured that He will deliver, according to His perfect will… it is also a message to us to be faithful in our own promises. If you tell a friend you will call, pick up the phone and follow through. If you promise to do something for someone else, do it. Don’t tell Grandma you will come to see her, and then skip the visit. Don’t promise your little brother you will read to him before bedtime, then make up excuses and do something else. Don’t commit your heart to a significant other, and then look around for someone better. And don’t promise to love God and serve Him with all your heart, then wander off to do whatever you please and serve your own desires… or worse yet – those of the devil.
God will never make a promise He can’t keep… and neither should we. There’s one more thing you should notice. Hezekiah cried and poured out his heart to God… and God listened. I’m not saying that all we have to do is cry and whine, and God will change His mind and do what we please. But God wants us to be honest with Him. When our desires line up with His and we call out to Him, He hears us and answers accordingly. Communicate with God… trust Him… and honor His faithfulness to fulfill promises by exercising integrity in your own relationships.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 13, 2011
John 17:13-23
Now I'm returning to you. I'm saying these things in the world's hearing so my people can experience my joy completed in them. I gave them your word; the godless world hated them because of it, because they didn't join the world's ways, just as I didn't join the world's ways. I'm not asking that you take them out of the world but that you guard them from the Evil One. They are no more defined by the world than I am defined by the world. Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth; your word is consecrating truth. In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I'm consecrating myself for their sakes so they'll be truth-consecrated in their mission.
I'm praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they'll be as unified and together as we are—I in them and you in me. Then they'll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you've sent me and loved them in the same way you've loved me.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Recently I told you about watching a television program called “Our America with Lisa Ling,” which documented the experiences of veterans with PTSD who were attending a week-long therapy retreat in New Mexico. I was struck by the words of a Native American “Medicine Man” to one of the veterans… “You did what you were supposed to do. This is not on you.” These words truly struck a chord with me, because so often, we do all God is calling us to do in a specific situation… yet we feel like we need to do more. We become mired in guilt and frustration and fail to recognize that often, we must step away in order for God to finish the job.
Jesus is saying in this passage, “I have done what I came to earth to do. I have nurtured these Disciples and given them the foundation and tools to grow in Your love… now it is time for God to take over. He will equip these believers to witness to others. He will strengthen them and meet their daily needs.” Notice that Jesus continues to pray for these people, but He does not anguish over what is beyond His control… and He does not try to do God’s work for Him.
I don’t know what is happening in your life. I know that it is human nature to give our concerns to God… then pick them up again. We lack faith… our trust in God is often shallow. Today, I feel quite certain you have something that you need to give to God. It may be a friend or family member… it may be a co-worker or classmate. Maybe you are working and studying as hard as you can in a difficult class, and you need to ask God to make the difference and bless your efforts. Maybe you have spread yourself as thinly as you can to help this cause and another… and it’s time to take a breath and let God work and multiply your service. Maybe you have carried a burden of guilt and shame over a situation that you supposedly gave to God a long time ago… but you keep picking it back up and stewing about it over and again.
Today is the day to ask God… “Have I done all I can in this instance? Is it time to let go and trust You to do the rest?” This is the time to stop berating yourself over things you were never supposed to accomplish on your own… to ask God to “take it from here.” In some way/shape/form, you have done all you can do… you have done your part… now it’s time to let God do His. Are you ready to do this?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Now I'm returning to you. I'm saying these things in the world's hearing so my people can experience my joy completed in them. I gave them your word; the godless world hated them because of it, because they didn't join the world's ways, just as I didn't join the world's ways. I'm not asking that you take them out of the world but that you guard them from the Evil One. They are no more defined by the world than I am defined by the world. Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth; your word is consecrating truth. In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I'm consecrating myself for their sakes so they'll be truth-consecrated in their mission.
I'm praying not only for them but also for those who will believe in me because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, so they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, so they'll be as unified and together as we are—I in them and you in me. Then they'll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you've sent me and loved them in the same way you've loved me.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Recently I told you about watching a television program called “Our America with Lisa Ling,” which documented the experiences of veterans with PTSD who were attending a week-long therapy retreat in New Mexico. I was struck by the words of a Native American “Medicine Man” to one of the veterans… “You did what you were supposed to do. This is not on you.” These words truly struck a chord with me, because so often, we do all God is calling us to do in a specific situation… yet we feel like we need to do more. We become mired in guilt and frustration and fail to recognize that often, we must step away in order for God to finish the job.
Jesus is saying in this passage, “I have done what I came to earth to do. I have nurtured these Disciples and given them the foundation and tools to grow in Your love… now it is time for God to take over. He will equip these believers to witness to others. He will strengthen them and meet their daily needs.” Notice that Jesus continues to pray for these people, but He does not anguish over what is beyond His control… and He does not try to do God’s work for Him.
I don’t know what is happening in your life. I know that it is human nature to give our concerns to God… then pick them up again. We lack faith… our trust in God is often shallow. Today, I feel quite certain you have something that you need to give to God. It may be a friend or family member… it may be a co-worker or classmate. Maybe you are working and studying as hard as you can in a difficult class, and you need to ask God to make the difference and bless your efforts. Maybe you have spread yourself as thinly as you can to help this cause and another… and it’s time to take a breath and let God work and multiply your service. Maybe you have carried a burden of guilt and shame over a situation that you supposedly gave to God a long time ago… but you keep picking it back up and stewing about it over and again.
Today is the day to ask God… “Have I done all I can in this instance? Is it time to let go and trust You to do the rest?” This is the time to stop berating yourself over things you were never supposed to accomplish on your own… to ask God to “take it from here.” In some way/shape/form, you have done all you can do… you have done your part… now it’s time to let God do His. Are you ready to do this?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Psalm 134
Everyone who serves the LORD, come and offer praises. Everyone who has gathered in his temple tonight, lift your hands in prayer toward his holy place and praise the LORD. The LORD is the Creator of heaven and earth, and I pray that the LORD will bless you from Zion.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever had someone call you out of the blue and be all nice and chatty and friendly… then say, “Listen, I really need a big favor.” You almost know as soon as you hear their voice that they must want something… why else would they be contacting you? We do this with God all the time, and I am as guilty as the next person of coming before Him with a list of my wants, needs, troubles and concerns, prefaced by a few seconds of requisite praise. It is easy to get into a rut of starting prayer time with a few off-the-cuff praises before getting to the heart of our request… “God, You are awesome! You have blessed me so much. Thank you for this and that and the other…now, here’s what I really needed to talk to you about today!”
Several of my Facebook friends have been posting each day this month about people and things for which they are thankful. This is the time of year when we naturally begin to think about giving thanks, culminating in our national day of Thanksgiving later this month. And while this holiday makes it somewhat easy for Americans to stop and consider their blessings, we must remember to be thankful the other eleven months of the year, too!
Today, I am challenging all of us to try praying at least once a day without asking God for a single thing! Don’t ask Him to heal your sick friend or family member… don’t ask Him to give you wisdom and courage… don’t ask Him to soften the hearts of unbelievers. Simply pray a prayer of praise. Pour out your heart in genuine gratitude for all God does for you every second of the day. There is no rule that says you can only pray once a day… in fact, the Apostle Paul told us to pray without ceasing! So make at least ONE prayer a day a genuine offering of praise. Get in a habit of praising God as much as – or more than – you ask Him for anything. We all like to be thanked and acknowledged… and God is no different. How will you praise Him today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Everyone who serves the LORD, come and offer praises. Everyone who has gathered in his temple tonight, lift your hands in prayer toward his holy place and praise the LORD. The LORD is the Creator of heaven and earth, and I pray that the LORD will bless you from Zion.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever had someone call you out of the blue and be all nice and chatty and friendly… then say, “Listen, I really need a big favor.” You almost know as soon as you hear their voice that they must want something… why else would they be contacting you? We do this with God all the time, and I am as guilty as the next person of coming before Him with a list of my wants, needs, troubles and concerns, prefaced by a few seconds of requisite praise. It is easy to get into a rut of starting prayer time with a few off-the-cuff praises before getting to the heart of our request… “God, You are awesome! You have blessed me so much. Thank you for this and that and the other…now, here’s what I really needed to talk to you about today!”
Several of my Facebook friends have been posting each day this month about people and things for which they are thankful. This is the time of year when we naturally begin to think about giving thanks, culminating in our national day of Thanksgiving later this month. And while this holiday makes it somewhat easy for Americans to stop and consider their blessings, we must remember to be thankful the other eleven months of the year, too!
Today, I am challenging all of us to try praying at least once a day without asking God for a single thing! Don’t ask Him to heal your sick friend or family member… don’t ask Him to give you wisdom and courage… don’t ask Him to soften the hearts of unbelievers. Simply pray a prayer of praise. Pour out your heart in genuine gratitude for all God does for you every second of the day. There is no rule that says you can only pray once a day… in fact, the Apostle Paul told us to pray without ceasing! So make at least ONE prayer a day a genuine offering of praise. Get in a habit of praising God as much as – or more than – you ask Him for anything. We all like to be thanked and acknowledged… and God is no different. How will you praise Him today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 11, 2011
Psalm 133
How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It's like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron's beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. It's like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that's where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Today is Veteran’s Day in the USA… Remembrance Day in Canada. This is a day when we salute all veterans for their service to our country. It is a noble and honorable holiday… a time to say “Thank You” to those who have served around the globe to protect us and the freedoms we enjoy.
We cannot ignore the fact that military troops are needed because “brothers and sisters” cannot get along. This is nothing new… remember Cain and Abel? Still, God desires peace among His children. He commands us to love one another and live in harmony. So we keep trying… and let’s be honest, it all begins at home.
How are you getting along with your “brothers and sisters” these days… those related to you by blood and those you interact with every day as a child of God? Are you prayerfully doing all you can to live in peace and harmony with others… to love even those who think differently or are “hard to love?” God will reward your efforts, even when others do not reciprocate. If you are obedient to His command to love others as you love yourself, He will pour out an anointing of blessings on your life. Will this be easy? Not always. Will it be worth the effort? Absolutely!
As we pause today to honor our veterans, let’s remember to thank God for loving us even when we are unlovely toward others. Let’s ask Him to guide our thoughts and actions… to make us more tolerant of others… and to anoint our efforts with His blessings. Thank God for promising us eternal life, where harmony will reign supreme… and ask Him to guard our thoughts and actions in the meantime.
©2011 Debbie Robus
How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It's like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron's beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. It's like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that's where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Today is Veteran’s Day in the USA… Remembrance Day in Canada. This is a day when we salute all veterans for their service to our country. It is a noble and honorable holiday… a time to say “Thank You” to those who have served around the globe to protect us and the freedoms we enjoy.
We cannot ignore the fact that military troops are needed because “brothers and sisters” cannot get along. This is nothing new… remember Cain and Abel? Still, God desires peace among His children. He commands us to love one another and live in harmony. So we keep trying… and let’s be honest, it all begins at home.
How are you getting along with your “brothers and sisters” these days… those related to you by blood and those you interact with every day as a child of God? Are you prayerfully doing all you can to live in peace and harmony with others… to love even those who think differently or are “hard to love?” God will reward your efforts, even when others do not reciprocate. If you are obedient to His command to love others as you love yourself, He will pour out an anointing of blessings on your life. Will this be easy? Not always. Will it be worth the effort? Absolutely!
As we pause today to honor our veterans, let’s remember to thank God for loving us even when we are unlovely toward others. Let’s ask Him to guide our thoughts and actions… to make us more tolerant of others… and to anoint our efforts with His blessings. Thank God for promising us eternal life, where harmony will reign supreme… and ask Him to guard our thoughts and actions in the meantime.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 10, 2011
Psalm 131
I am not conceited, LORD, and I don't waste my time on impossible schemes. But I have learned to feel safe and satisfied, just like a young child on its mother's lap. People of Israel, you must trust the LORD now and forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last week, my nephew Timothy came home from daycare one day feeling very tired and cranky. He stood in the middle of the room and cried, saying, “I sad.” I scooped him up and soothed him. I really don’t know for sure why Timothy felt sad… and he might have simply been tired and unable to express that. The next day, I sat on my grandmother’s bed and wrapped her in a hug as she cried. I’m not sure exactly why she was so sad, except it was her 99th birthday, and she is feeling old and tired. In each case, my hug and snuggle was soothing to a point… but it was something of a “Band-aid” approach to the real cause of their sadness.
Sometimes the best thing I can give Timothy is a snuggle on my lap. He settles in when he is tired, sad, frightened… or just needs a hug. I know from his body language that he feels safe and satisfied. This reminds me of how secure I felt when I was little and an older cousin or an adult family member snuggled me. Now I find a grown-up comfort in snuggling in my husband’s arms. And in the last few years, I’ve come to truly appreciate the safety and satisfaction of settling into the lap of Jesus and resting there.
Hugs from another human being are important… and helpful. But the real hug we need is the one from God… the one that says, “I’ll handle this for you… just sit here and rest.” See, we can’t fix everything ourselves… and we’re crazy and conceited if we think we can. We must learn to really trust God to take our worries, cares, and burdens… our sins and our shortcomings… and sort them out, repair the damage, and set us upright again. And we must truly leave these things to God and not pick them up over and again.
After a little time, Timothy got down from my lap and started happily playing again. My grandmother dried her tears and greeted a well-wisher who had stopped in to say “Happy Birthday.” I didn’t fix their problems, but I made them feel loved and secure for a few minutes. And after God comforts us, we can slide off of His lap and move forward, restored and renewed. The difference is that God truly can handle things for us and make things better.
We are so blessed to have a God who loves us like this. We should be thanking Him daily for His love and comfort and truly trusting Him now and forever. The sooner we learn to turn to God for safety and satisfaction, the better. Have you spent some time in His lap lately?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I am not conceited, LORD, and I don't waste my time on impossible schemes. But I have learned to feel safe and satisfied, just like a young child on its mother's lap. People of Israel, you must trust the LORD now and forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last week, my nephew Timothy came home from daycare one day feeling very tired and cranky. He stood in the middle of the room and cried, saying, “I sad.” I scooped him up and soothed him. I really don’t know for sure why Timothy felt sad… and he might have simply been tired and unable to express that. The next day, I sat on my grandmother’s bed and wrapped her in a hug as she cried. I’m not sure exactly why she was so sad, except it was her 99th birthday, and she is feeling old and tired. In each case, my hug and snuggle was soothing to a point… but it was something of a “Band-aid” approach to the real cause of their sadness.
Sometimes the best thing I can give Timothy is a snuggle on my lap. He settles in when he is tired, sad, frightened… or just needs a hug. I know from his body language that he feels safe and satisfied. This reminds me of how secure I felt when I was little and an older cousin or an adult family member snuggled me. Now I find a grown-up comfort in snuggling in my husband’s arms. And in the last few years, I’ve come to truly appreciate the safety and satisfaction of settling into the lap of Jesus and resting there.
Hugs from another human being are important… and helpful. But the real hug we need is the one from God… the one that says, “I’ll handle this for you… just sit here and rest.” See, we can’t fix everything ourselves… and we’re crazy and conceited if we think we can. We must learn to really trust God to take our worries, cares, and burdens… our sins and our shortcomings… and sort them out, repair the damage, and set us upright again. And we must truly leave these things to God and not pick them up over and again.
After a little time, Timothy got down from my lap and started happily playing again. My grandmother dried her tears and greeted a well-wisher who had stopped in to say “Happy Birthday.” I didn’t fix their problems, but I made them feel loved and secure for a few minutes. And after God comforts us, we can slide off of His lap and move forward, restored and renewed. The difference is that God truly can handle things for us and make things better.
We are so blessed to have a God who loves us like this. We should be thanking Him daily for His love and comfort and truly trusting Him now and forever. The sooner we learn to turn to God for safety and satisfaction, the better. Have you spent some time in His lap lately?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 9, 2011
Psalm 130:1-5
From a sea of troubles I call out to you, LORD. Won't you please listen as I beg for mercy? If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you. With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I watched a program called “Our America with Lisa Ling” about veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome – PTSD for short. These men and women harbor troubling – even horrific – images and memories of their wartime experiences. One man had been building up anger, rage and frustration for eight years… and taking aim at his wife and children with the emotions that overflowed. Yet he could not express himself… he could not explain what was causing him to be such an ogre. His wife was at a crossroads… should she and the children stay and be subjected to this rage - or should they leave?
The couple spent a week at a retreat in Angel Fire, New Mexico, where therapists specialize in helping veterans with PTSD. Ultimately, this man was able to express his emotions. He had served as a medic in Iraq. When the fighting ended, the civilians began to come to the medics for treatment. They were badly burned, maimed, missing limbs, and more. This man said he did all he could to treat as many as possible. But at the end of the day, many returned home untreated. There was nothing he could do for them. He said he could still see their faces… the emptiness in their eyes… their hopelessness. He said he knew that many of the children he was unable to help went home to die. And he felt guilty.
It took a lot of intensive work to get this man to release his burdens, but he was able to do it… to forgive himself and realize that he did all he could. As one therapist told him, “It’s not on you.” The veteran was able to understand this and acknowledge it… to forgive himself, and to apologize to his wife and family. He was able to accept – and love – himself again… which enabled him to love others.
So many of us are suffering from Spiritual PTSD. We are carrying burdens and sins that Jesus has already forgiven. We should let go of them… but we continue to keep a record, long after Jesus has scattered them to the four winds with His blood on the cross. If we are truly committed to Christ… if we really have invited Him to be LORD of our life and asked His Holy Spirit to dwell within us… we must express our sins and burdens to Him – then let them go. We must love and accept ourselves as Jesus does… so that we can love others in His name.
I don’t know what your “sea of troubles” is today. I don’t know what burdens are weighing you down – what sins you keep picking back up and carrying like a sack of rocks. But I do know that Jesus is waiting to relieve you of all of this. It will take a huge leap of faith on your part – and mine. It’s daunting to truly “let go and let God,” because we have gotten so used to carrying this baggage with us. Even uncomfortable/unpleasant things can become part of our “Comfort Zone,” because they are so familiar.
Today can be the first day for a new Comfort Zone in your life… one where Jesus rules and carries the big stuff, so that you are free to serve Him completely. You can love yourself and others… and do big things in His name. Worship the LORD who carries our “sea of troubles” – and scatters them. Shred the “record books” of your sins and burdens, and operate in faith and the promises of our forgiving and merciful Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
From a sea of troubles I call out to you, LORD. Won't you please listen as I beg for mercy? If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you. With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I watched a program called “Our America with Lisa Ling” about veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome – PTSD for short. These men and women harbor troubling – even horrific – images and memories of their wartime experiences. One man had been building up anger, rage and frustration for eight years… and taking aim at his wife and children with the emotions that overflowed. Yet he could not express himself… he could not explain what was causing him to be such an ogre. His wife was at a crossroads… should she and the children stay and be subjected to this rage - or should they leave?
The couple spent a week at a retreat in Angel Fire, New Mexico, where therapists specialize in helping veterans with PTSD. Ultimately, this man was able to express his emotions. He had served as a medic in Iraq. When the fighting ended, the civilians began to come to the medics for treatment. They were badly burned, maimed, missing limbs, and more. This man said he did all he could to treat as many as possible. But at the end of the day, many returned home untreated. There was nothing he could do for them. He said he could still see their faces… the emptiness in their eyes… their hopelessness. He said he knew that many of the children he was unable to help went home to die. And he felt guilty.
It took a lot of intensive work to get this man to release his burdens, but he was able to do it… to forgive himself and realize that he did all he could. As one therapist told him, “It’s not on you.” The veteran was able to understand this and acknowledge it… to forgive himself, and to apologize to his wife and family. He was able to accept – and love – himself again… which enabled him to love others.
So many of us are suffering from Spiritual PTSD. We are carrying burdens and sins that Jesus has already forgiven. We should let go of them… but we continue to keep a record, long after Jesus has scattered them to the four winds with His blood on the cross. If we are truly committed to Christ… if we really have invited Him to be LORD of our life and asked His Holy Spirit to dwell within us… we must express our sins and burdens to Him – then let them go. We must love and accept ourselves as Jesus does… so that we can love others in His name.
I don’t know what your “sea of troubles” is today. I don’t know what burdens are weighing you down – what sins you keep picking back up and carrying like a sack of rocks. But I do know that Jesus is waiting to relieve you of all of this. It will take a huge leap of faith on your part – and mine. It’s daunting to truly “let go and let God,” because we have gotten so used to carrying this baggage with us. Even uncomfortable/unpleasant things can become part of our “Comfort Zone,” because they are so familiar.
Today can be the first day for a new Comfort Zone in your life… one where Jesus rules and carries the big stuff, so that you are free to serve Him completely. You can love yourself and others… and do big things in His name. Worship the LORD who carries our “sea of troubles” – and scatters them. Shred the “record books” of your sins and burdens, and operate in faith and the promises of our forgiving and merciful Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 8, 2011
John 16:29-33
"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
"I've used figures of speech in telling you these things. Soon I'll drop the figures and tell you about the Father in plain language. Then you can make your requests directly to him in relation to this life I've revealed to you. I won't continue making requests of the Father on your behalf. I won't need to. Because you've gone out on a limb, committed yourselves to love and trust in me, believing I came directly from the Father, the Father loves you directly. First, I left the Father and arrived in the world; now I leave the world and travel to the Father."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever played that game called “Gossip?” You know the one. Someone whispers to one person, who in turn tells the next guy, and the “secret” is passed to each person until all have heard it. At the end of the line, the last person repeats what was told to him/her. Most of the time, that “secret” is vastly different from the one told by Person Number One!
Things get distorted when more than one person is involved in the telling. And each person has his/her perspective on what is said or how things happened. So it always is best to talk directly to others about matters where you have any questions. If you want to know what another person thinks or feels about a particular situation, ask him/her… not a friend or family member. If you have a problem with someone, go to that person directly and say, “Here’s what I experienced… is this how you see it?”
Most importantly, talk to God and hear what HE has to tell you. Don’t listen to others who say, “This is okay,” or “God wants you to do/believe such and such.” Study the Bible, pray and communicate with God, and LISTEN… hear what He has to say directly to YOU. Don’t play the “Gossip” game with your relationship with God. Commit yourself to loving and trusting Jesus. When He speaks to you, listen and obey what He tells you. Make sure that all of your decisions and choices line up with His word… not the second-hand messages of someone else.
We are so blessed and privileged to be able to speak directly to GOD! We never have to rely on what others tell us. We never have to try to figure out what was meant by a riddle or generalizations. We get straight talk from God, and it is up to us to hear what He has to say and act on that… and nothing else.
I pray that today you will have a serious conversation with God. Ask Him to open your heart to His messages… and to give you clear discernment when He speaks. Stop being influenced by the small talk of others – about your faith, other people, and your daily living. Take full advantage of the amazing gift that God has bestowed upon you… a direct line to Him at all times… and operate in confidence that you are doing exactly what He tells you in every circumstance.
©2011 Debbie Robus
"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
"I've used figures of speech in telling you these things. Soon I'll drop the figures and tell you about the Father in plain language. Then you can make your requests directly to him in relation to this life I've revealed to you. I won't continue making requests of the Father on your behalf. I won't need to. Because you've gone out on a limb, committed yourselves to love and trust in me, believing I came directly from the Father, the Father loves you directly. First, I left the Father and arrived in the world; now I leave the world and travel to the Father."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever played that game called “Gossip?” You know the one. Someone whispers to one person, who in turn tells the next guy, and the “secret” is passed to each person until all have heard it. At the end of the line, the last person repeats what was told to him/her. Most of the time, that “secret” is vastly different from the one told by Person Number One!
Things get distorted when more than one person is involved in the telling. And each person has his/her perspective on what is said or how things happened. So it always is best to talk directly to others about matters where you have any questions. If you want to know what another person thinks or feels about a particular situation, ask him/her… not a friend or family member. If you have a problem with someone, go to that person directly and say, “Here’s what I experienced… is this how you see it?”
Most importantly, talk to God and hear what HE has to tell you. Don’t listen to others who say, “This is okay,” or “God wants you to do/believe such and such.” Study the Bible, pray and communicate with God, and LISTEN… hear what He has to say directly to YOU. Don’t play the “Gossip” game with your relationship with God. Commit yourself to loving and trusting Jesus. When He speaks to you, listen and obey what He tells you. Make sure that all of your decisions and choices line up with His word… not the second-hand messages of someone else.
We are so blessed and privileged to be able to speak directly to GOD! We never have to rely on what others tell us. We never have to try to figure out what was meant by a riddle or generalizations. We get straight talk from God, and it is up to us to hear what He has to say and act on that… and nothing else.
I pray that today you will have a serious conversation with God. Ask Him to open your heart to His messages… and to give you clear discernment when He speaks. Stop being influenced by the small talk of others – about your faith, other people, and your daily living. Take full advantage of the amazing gift that God has bestowed upon you… a direct line to Him at all times… and operate in confidence that you are doing exactly what He tells you in every circumstance.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 7, 2011
John 16:23-28
"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
"I've used figures of speech in telling you these things. Soon I'll drop the figures and tell you about the Father in plain language. Then you can make your requests directly to him in relation to this life I've revealed to you. I won't continue making requests of the Father on your behalf. I won't need to. Because you've gone out on a limb, committed yourselves to love and trust in me, believing I came directly from the Father, the Father loves you directly. First, I left the Father and arrived in the world; now I leave the world and travel to the Father."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Several years ago, a new program was enacted that required everyone who is covered by Medicare to choose an insurance company to cover the cost of their prescription drugs. It’s called Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage… or “Part D” for short. Since I handle my grandmother’s business affairs, this decision for her coverage fell to me. As with all new programs, there were kinks and things that didn’t work like they should… and a huge learning curve.
After several weeks of frustration and getting passed from one person to another, I sent e-mail messages to all of my Congressmen and women… and my governor… to complain about the treatment I was receiving and the inefficiency of the system. Eventually I was given the number of a representative named Donna, who worked directly for Medicare. Donna was such a blessing, and by the time we had everything settled, I had her telephone number on speed dial in my phone! I could now go directly to Donna for answers… I didn’t have to contact agency after agency and get passed around like a hot potato. And for several years, I phoned Donna to get clarification about my decisions.
Imagine if we had to go through this agency and that person and someone else just to talk to God. What if we had to “leave a message” with our pastor or another church official, who would in turn talk to God and “get back to us” with a response. How much would you really try to communicate with God? Do you think your relationship with Him would be very strong?
I am so thankful for Jesus. Because He came to earth and lived among us… taught us how to live as His Disciples, and then died on the cross for our sins… we have DIRECT access to God any time we want! We don’t have to sacrifice an animal or burn an offering. We don’t have to talk to church leaders and ask them to intercede for us. We just have to open our heart – and our mouth – and say, “Hello, LORD… I’m back, and I need you!” Because of Jesus, we can ask, “LORD, please handle this for me, according to Your will,” and He will do it!
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like having to leave messages and go through this person or that one to get my answers… and I surely would not like having this kind of relationship with God. Aren’t you glad we don’t have to do this? Isn’t it time you put God on your “speed dial” and talk with Him as often as you can?
©2011 Debbie Robus
"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
"I've used figures of speech in telling you these things. Soon I'll drop the figures and tell you about the Father in plain language. Then you can make your requests directly to him in relation to this life I've revealed to you. I won't continue making requests of the Father on your behalf. I won't need to. Because you've gone out on a limb, committed yourselves to love and trust in me, believing I came directly from the Father, the Father loves you directly. First, I left the Father and arrived in the world; now I leave the world and travel to the Father."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Several years ago, a new program was enacted that required everyone who is covered by Medicare to choose an insurance company to cover the cost of their prescription drugs. It’s called Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage… or “Part D” for short. Since I handle my grandmother’s business affairs, this decision for her coverage fell to me. As with all new programs, there were kinks and things that didn’t work like they should… and a huge learning curve.
After several weeks of frustration and getting passed from one person to another, I sent e-mail messages to all of my Congressmen and women… and my governor… to complain about the treatment I was receiving and the inefficiency of the system. Eventually I was given the number of a representative named Donna, who worked directly for Medicare. Donna was such a blessing, and by the time we had everything settled, I had her telephone number on speed dial in my phone! I could now go directly to Donna for answers… I didn’t have to contact agency after agency and get passed around like a hot potato. And for several years, I phoned Donna to get clarification about my decisions.
Imagine if we had to go through this agency and that person and someone else just to talk to God. What if we had to “leave a message” with our pastor or another church official, who would in turn talk to God and “get back to us” with a response. How much would you really try to communicate with God? Do you think your relationship with Him would be very strong?
I am so thankful for Jesus. Because He came to earth and lived among us… taught us how to live as His Disciples, and then died on the cross for our sins… we have DIRECT access to God any time we want! We don’t have to sacrifice an animal or burn an offering. We don’t have to talk to church leaders and ask them to intercede for us. We just have to open our heart – and our mouth – and say, “Hello, LORD… I’m back, and I need you!” Because of Jesus, we can ask, “LORD, please handle this for me, according to Your will,” and He will do it!
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like having to leave messages and go through this person or that one to get my answers… and I surely would not like having this kind of relationship with God. Aren’t you glad we don’t have to do this? Isn’t it time you put God on your “speed dial” and talk with Him as often as you can?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 6, 2011
John 16:19-22
Jesus knew they were dying to ask him what he meant, so he said, "Are you trying to figure out among yourselves what I meant when I said, 'In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? Then fix this firmly in your minds: You're going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You'll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness.
"When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You'll no longer be so full of questions.
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.
Sometimes I will tell Timothy, “You will see me again in two ‘night-nights’.” He nods as if he understands, but to a 2-year-old, the concept of time means nothing. "In a minute” seems too long for little children. When you say, “Hold on a second,” you might as well have said, “Give me three years.” But when I see Timothy again, he runs to me with open arms as if no time has passed.
For us, a lot of time periods seem long and difficult to endure. It is hard for us to wait a day/week/year for the things we are anticipating… and waiting years for something seems almost impossible – especially if we are talking about seeing loved ones again who have passed away. Think about soldiers who go to war. Imagine how hard it must be for their families to wait for them to return. But once they do, the time seems to dissolve into the joy of being reunited.
This is how Jesus is describing the time with Him to His disciples. Of course, for those of us who have never physically seen Him, this concept is somewhat different. But still, as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, it seems that we often become more eager to physically SEE Him… and the wait becomes challenging. I see this a lot in older people like my grandmother and her friends at the Assisted Living Facility… many who have told me, “I have prayed to die. I’m ready to go home.”
I don’t know what you are waiting on today, but I do know that Jesus is with you, whether you physically see Him with your eyes or not. Maybe you are counting the days until graduation, a big date, the playoffs, or your wedding or a big move. Maybe you are waiting on the birth of a child… or you are either caring for someone with a serious illness – or you are sick and know that your time on earth is coming to a close. Whatever you wait for… whatever you anticipate… Jesus is with you. His Holy Spirit can nurture you and guide you… He is ready to comfort you and fill your heart with strength, courage, and patience.
This is a passage of hope. This message from Jesus should make us confident and joyful… knowing that Jesus is with us now – and that the day we DO see His face will be amazing. All of the time we spent in trials, challenges and waiting will fade quickly away, and we will only know the sheer joy and jubilation of being in His presence. Meanwhile, we have work to do… a purpose to fulfill for His glory in this lifetime. I don’t know what your purpose is, but God will show you if you will just ask… and listen.
I pray that this makes the waiting easier. I pray that today you are encouraged in whatever situation you face. Realize that you are not alone. Take heart in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and let Him fill you with peace and comfort. Ask God to give you patience and peace, as you wait for the day when your joy erases every speck of anticipation and He answers all of your questions.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus knew they were dying to ask him what he meant, so he said, "Are you trying to figure out among yourselves what I meant when I said, 'In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me'? Then fix this firmly in your minds: You're going to be in deep mourning while the godless world throws a party. You'll be sad, very sad, but your sadness will develop into gladness.
"When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You'll no longer be so full of questions.
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.
Sometimes I will tell Timothy, “You will see me again in two ‘night-nights’.” He nods as if he understands, but to a 2-year-old, the concept of time means nothing. "In a minute” seems too long for little children. When you say, “Hold on a second,” you might as well have said, “Give me three years.” But when I see Timothy again, he runs to me with open arms as if no time has passed.
For us, a lot of time periods seem long and difficult to endure. It is hard for us to wait a day/week/year for the things we are anticipating… and waiting years for something seems almost impossible – especially if we are talking about seeing loved ones again who have passed away. Think about soldiers who go to war. Imagine how hard it must be for their families to wait for them to return. But once they do, the time seems to dissolve into the joy of being reunited.
This is how Jesus is describing the time with Him to His disciples. Of course, for those of us who have never physically seen Him, this concept is somewhat different. But still, as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, it seems that we often become more eager to physically SEE Him… and the wait becomes challenging. I see this a lot in older people like my grandmother and her friends at the Assisted Living Facility… many who have told me, “I have prayed to die. I’m ready to go home.”
I don’t know what you are waiting on today, but I do know that Jesus is with you, whether you physically see Him with your eyes or not. Maybe you are counting the days until graduation, a big date, the playoffs, or your wedding or a big move. Maybe you are waiting on the birth of a child… or you are either caring for someone with a serious illness – or you are sick and know that your time on earth is coming to a close. Whatever you wait for… whatever you anticipate… Jesus is with you. His Holy Spirit can nurture you and guide you… He is ready to comfort you and fill your heart with strength, courage, and patience.
This is a passage of hope. This message from Jesus should make us confident and joyful… knowing that Jesus is with us now – and that the day we DO see His face will be amazing. All of the time we spent in trials, challenges and waiting will fade quickly away, and we will only know the sheer joy and jubilation of being in His presence. Meanwhile, we have work to do… a purpose to fulfill for His glory in this lifetime. I don’t know what your purpose is, but God will show you if you will just ask… and listen.
I pray that this makes the waiting easier. I pray that today you are encouraged in whatever situation you face. Realize that you are not alone. Take heart in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and let Him fill you with peace and comfort. Ask God to give you patience and peace, as you wait for the day when your joy erases every speck of anticipation and He answers all of your questions.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 5, 2011
John 16:1-4
"I've told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead. They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he's doing God a favor. They will do these things because they never really understood the Father. I've told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you'll be well-warned and ready for them.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of the hardest things for us to understand after we become Christians is why rough times still come. Didn’t Jesus tell us to come to Him and He would take our burdens and give us rest? Absolutely! But here He is also warning us that there will be rough times… challenges… even ridicule and rejection by others.
Notice that He says that these people who mistreat us never really understood the Father. Do we understand God? Do we understand why He allows us to be tested and endure rough times? Just how faithful do you think we would be to God if He never tested us?! Look at all Jesus suffered. Surely we have experienced nothing that even comes close to resembling His “rough times,” have we?!
But we have all been challenged. We have faced trials and temptations and ridicule and rejection. And if we have remained faithful and trusted God to orchestrate the outcomes, we have survived… and been strengthened.
In the following verses of John 16, Jesus explains about His Holy Spirit and how we can be forever filled, guided, and protected by His indwelling. And I will talk about this in coming days. But for now, I want us to recognize that Jesus said flatly that we would face adversity and “rough times”… but He also said He would never leave us!
We must be mindful of this as we go about our daily living… and we must be careful when we share the Good News of Jesus with others that we do not give them a false impression that all of their worries and challenges are over completely, once they invite Him to be LORD of their life. In order to truly know God, we have to know that we will go through things… but the operative word is through! When we let God have control, He makes sure we never have more than we can handle with His help!
So realize that life with Jesus is a zillion times better than life without Him… but you still may have to go through some stuff! Just know that He is with you, every step of the way… and you will survive if you trust Him to guide your steps.
©2011 Debbie Robus
"I've told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead. They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he's doing God a favor. They will do these things because they never really understood the Father. I've told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you'll be well-warned and ready for them.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of the hardest things for us to understand after we become Christians is why rough times still come. Didn’t Jesus tell us to come to Him and He would take our burdens and give us rest? Absolutely! But here He is also warning us that there will be rough times… challenges… even ridicule and rejection by others.
Notice that He says that these people who mistreat us never really understood the Father. Do we understand God? Do we understand why He allows us to be tested and endure rough times? Just how faithful do you think we would be to God if He never tested us?! Look at all Jesus suffered. Surely we have experienced nothing that even comes close to resembling His “rough times,” have we?!
But we have all been challenged. We have faced trials and temptations and ridicule and rejection. And if we have remained faithful and trusted God to orchestrate the outcomes, we have survived… and been strengthened.
In the following verses of John 16, Jesus explains about His Holy Spirit and how we can be forever filled, guided, and protected by His indwelling. And I will talk about this in coming days. But for now, I want us to recognize that Jesus said flatly that we would face adversity and “rough times”… but He also said He would never leave us!
We must be mindful of this as we go about our daily living… and we must be careful when we share the Good News of Jesus with others that we do not give them a false impression that all of their worries and challenges are over completely, once they invite Him to be LORD of their life. In order to truly know God, we have to know that we will go through things… but the operative word is through! When we let God have control, He makes sure we never have more than we can handle with His help!
So realize that life with Jesus is a zillion times better than life without Him… but you still may have to go through some stuff! Just know that He is with you, every step of the way… and you will survive if you trust Him to guide your steps.
©2011 Debbie Robus
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