Revelation 21:4
He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve tried to think of a dozen different ways to talk about this scripture passage today, but I keep circling back around to one particular thought. So I am going to assume that this is what God wants me to talk about and run with it! I am a fan of a Bravo TV show called “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.” On this show, a young realtor named Josh Flagg is featured. Frequently, his grandmother, Edith, is also showcased. For a long time, Josh Flagg lived in the same apartment building as his grandmother Edith…she occupied the penthouse – he lived a few floors below. It was not uncommon for Josh to drop everything and visit Edith – even late at night, wearing his pajamas!
Edith Flagg survived the Holocaust in Germany and emigrated to the United States after the WWII, with $2 in her pocket. Through hard work and determination, she built a name for herself in the fashion industry. Her business acumen and reasoning were amazing, and she often advised her grandson about real estate deals with flair and a no-nonsense delivery.
Edith Flagg died on August 13, 2014, at the age of 94. Mention has been made of her physical decline during this season’s episodes, and news of her passing was incorporated into last night’s airing. In one segment, Josh talked tearfully of how his grandmother had broken a hip then developed pneumonia, and things did not look good. Then in another segment, he received “the call” to come quickly and be with Edith. He sat through the night with her before she died around 6:00 a.m. No effort was made to downplay this young man’s grief – nor to hide it from public view. And yet, I did not find his treatment by the network to be exploitive. We saw Josh Flagg sitting with his partner, tears pouring from his face as he talked of how important Edith had been in his life…studying pictures of the two of them together…and wondering how life could ever be happy again without her to guide and delight him.
I wanted to reach through the television screen and wipe his tears. I wanted to hold this young man’s hand and console him…to tell him that his grandmother’s legacy and the lessons she gave to him will live on…that happy times will come again someday…that everything will be alright. But of course, I could not do this. And there are plenty of times when we are not able to console another, for a myriad of reasons. Quite honestly, this is not our job!
We cannot promise that there will be no heartaches…no sorrows, pain or crying. We most certainly cannot promise that there will be no more death. In fact, death is one thing that is pretty well certain for all of us! The only One who can truly “wipe away our tears” and make these promises is God…and He offers us this hope through the blood of Jesus and the assurance that we will spend eternity with Him in heaven.
God can often use us to console others…to wipe away their tears and make them feel better in any given moment. But understand that we are not the ones doing this…we are merely the vehicle for God’s love, care, healing and restoration. And in recognizing this, I realized that I can pray for this young man in Los Angeles – and his family – and ask God to send consolation for them. I can ask God to wipe away his tears and to fill him with hope and peace…to flood his heart with happy memories and sound advice…to help him to feel his grandmother’s hand guiding him each and every day.
We can all do this for others – many times each day, in a dozen different ways. We can stop and say a quick prayer for another person – even someone we only know from a television show. We can ask God to show us what to say and do to convey His healing power… to “wipe away the tears” in His name…and to offer the hope of a day when there truly will be no more sickness, sorrow, tears, grief and death. We can live with this hope in our own lives and demonstrate it to others, so that they might truly believe in God’s promises and claim them for themselves.
It’s a pretty sure bet that God has wiped your tears at one time or another. Now it’s your turn to pay it forward...to share His love and care with another and offer him/her the promise of a brighter day in Christ Jesus. Are you up for the challenge?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 30, 2014
Psalm 30:2-3
I prayed to you, Lord God,
and you healed me,
saving me from death
and the grave.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my mother got a virus on her computer. She phoned in something of a panic…hoping that I would know how to fix this. I determined that it might be easier to go to her house and assess the problem than to try to help her over the phone. I really thought she had gotten “malware” – malicious software that can somewhat “freeze” the computer and deny access to certain files and programs. Mother was really upset…the messages she received indicated that her files were “dead and gone” and that retrieval was impossible.
I wish it had been as simple as “malware”. My mom, her husband Lee and I determined that she had somehow gotten something called “CryptoWall Ransomware”…a really bad virus that arrives when the user clicks (sometimes inadvertently) on a file like a PDF or a “Word” document or a .zip file…and this malicious program begins a scan of the user’s hard drive and all of its files – plus any files that might be on a “peripheral” apparatus, like a flash drive or DVD. All of these files are also encrypted, so that they no longer can be opened conventionally. The “fix” the hacker proposes is for the user to pay a “ransom” that begins at $500 and increases to $1000 or more each day that the person who has been violated waits. In return for this ransom, a “key” is provided to decrypt the files.
This is hopefully not the only repair option for this virus. We are in the process if trying some suggestions from YouTube videos and information we Googled about “CryptoWall Ransomware” that will hopefully enable my mom to remove the virus and retrieve at least SOME of her files…or a previously stored version of them. Most certainly, this will not be a 100% solution. There will be collateral damage, probably in the form of lost files and photos that Mom worked on in the last week or so. But the goal is to repair the hard drive and contain the destruction.
What does this have to do with the healing power of God? For starters, I spent more than a few minutes in prayer for help as I sat at my mother’s computer and searched for a solution. I have prayed that these “remedies” will indeed work. But more importantly, I have been reminded of another “ransom”…one that was paid for my sins – and for yours!
The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus covered all of our sins…and restored us COMPLETELY in the eyes of God. We don’t have to worry about the loss of “important data”. We are “fixed”, complete, whole, even better than new in the eyes of God. And it’s all because of the “blood” of Jesus Christ. He paid the price in full, so that we could be totally well. We were on the brink of death, but Jesus rescued us. The only thing we “lost" was the burden of our sins and the potential to spend eternity in hell. And I don’t think any of us minds one little bit to give up either of these!
There are “take-aways” from these situations for all of us.
My “ransom” from sin has been paid, praise God! The “hard drive” of my heart is fully protected…my Eternity with Jesus Christ is secured. He paid for the “decryption key”…and I have accepted His offer of healing and deliverance. Can you say the same thing? Will this be the day that you do?
©2014 Debbie Robus
I prayed to you, Lord God,
and you healed me,
saving me from death
and the grave.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my mother got a virus on her computer. She phoned in something of a panic…hoping that I would know how to fix this. I determined that it might be easier to go to her house and assess the problem than to try to help her over the phone. I really thought she had gotten “malware” – malicious software that can somewhat “freeze” the computer and deny access to certain files and programs. Mother was really upset…the messages she received indicated that her files were “dead and gone” and that retrieval was impossible.
I wish it had been as simple as “malware”. My mom, her husband Lee and I determined that she had somehow gotten something called “CryptoWall Ransomware”…a really bad virus that arrives when the user clicks (sometimes inadvertently) on a file like a PDF or a “Word” document or a .zip file…and this malicious program begins a scan of the user’s hard drive and all of its files – plus any files that might be on a “peripheral” apparatus, like a flash drive or DVD. All of these files are also encrypted, so that they no longer can be opened conventionally. The “fix” the hacker proposes is for the user to pay a “ransom” that begins at $500 and increases to $1000 or more each day that the person who has been violated waits. In return for this ransom, a “key” is provided to decrypt the files.
This is hopefully not the only repair option for this virus. We are in the process if trying some suggestions from YouTube videos and information we Googled about “CryptoWall Ransomware” that will hopefully enable my mom to remove the virus and retrieve at least SOME of her files…or a previously stored version of them. Most certainly, this will not be a 100% solution. There will be collateral damage, probably in the form of lost files and photos that Mom worked on in the last week or so. But the goal is to repair the hard drive and contain the destruction.
What does this have to do with the healing power of God? For starters, I spent more than a few minutes in prayer for help as I sat at my mother’s computer and searched for a solution. I have prayed that these “remedies” will indeed work. But more importantly, I have been reminded of another “ransom”…one that was paid for my sins – and for yours!
The GOOD NEWS is that Jesus covered all of our sins…and restored us COMPLETELY in the eyes of God. We don’t have to worry about the loss of “important data”. We are “fixed”, complete, whole, even better than new in the eyes of God. And it’s all because of the “blood” of Jesus Christ. He paid the price in full, so that we could be totally well. We were on the brink of death, but Jesus rescued us. The only thing we “lost" was the burden of our sins and the potential to spend eternity in hell. And I don’t think any of us minds one little bit to give up either of these!
There are “take-aways” from these situations for all of us.
- We must tighten our security measures on our computers.
- We must be painfully careful about every click we make…every document we open.
- We must disconnect from the Internet when we are not using it…and disconnect “peripheral” devices when we are not using them.
- We must recognize the tremendous sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us…the “ransom” that He paid for our sins.
- We must thank God for sending Jesus…and for providing us with a “fix” that ensures us of Salvation through the ransomed blood of Jesus – and the promise of spending time in His presence in Heaven - forever and ever.
- We must guard our hearts and the privilege of a ransomed life in Christ with as much fervor and attention as we give to caring for the files on our computer…maybe even more!
- We must recognize that at the end of the day, computers and files are just stuff…important though they may seem…but our salvation through Jesus is the most important “file” that we will ever have.
My “ransom” from sin has been paid, praise God! The “hard drive” of my heart is fully protected…my Eternity with Jesus Christ is secured. He paid for the “decryption key”…and I have accepted His offer of healing and deliverance. Can you say the same thing? Will this be the day that you do?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 29, 2014
Psalm 147:3-5
He renews our hopes
and heals our bodies.
He decided how many stars
there would be in the sky
and gave each one a name.
Our Lord is great and powerful!
He understands everything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A weather “front” came through our area yesterday, and what seemed like millions of leaves blew from the trees as the winds gusted. Our yard and driveway were covered in the results…leaves more numerous than we could ever begin to count – if we even cared to do so.
Do you realize that the stars in the universe are more numerous than these leaves? Yet God cares so much that He planned for each and every one of them – and gave.them.a.name! The God who cares that much about stars in the sky cares even more for each of us. So how could we ever doubt for one minute that He would renew our hopes and heal our bodies?
How could we ever question whether God would understand us…and everything about us? Surely the God who creates and names the stars can handle little ole me…and YOU! The question is…will we let Him? Will we trust God enough to bring Him our thoughts, dreams, desires, deepest concerns – and even our mistakes? Will we believe His promise to heal us, forgive us, restore us, and meet our every need?
It is time to “walk the Walk” in direct correlation to how we “talk the Talk”! The time has come to thank God for all that He does for us…and to mean it! We say we trust Him…that we believe that He is all-powerful, loving, filled with grace and mercy for us – that He is our “Great Healer”. So isn’t it time to let Him be all of these things in our lives? Will this be the day that we begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
He renews our hopes
and heals our bodies.
He decided how many stars
there would be in the sky
and gave each one a name.
Our Lord is great and powerful!
He understands everything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A weather “front” came through our area yesterday, and what seemed like millions of leaves blew from the trees as the winds gusted. Our yard and driveway were covered in the results…leaves more numerous than we could ever begin to count – if we even cared to do so.
Do you realize that the stars in the universe are more numerous than these leaves? Yet God cares so much that He planned for each and every one of them – and gave.them.a.name! The God who cares that much about stars in the sky cares even more for each of us. So how could we ever doubt for one minute that He would renew our hopes and heal our bodies?
How could we ever question whether God would understand us…and everything about us? Surely the God who creates and names the stars can handle little ole me…and YOU! The question is…will we let Him? Will we trust God enough to bring Him our thoughts, dreams, desires, deepest concerns – and even our mistakes? Will we believe His promise to heal us, forgive us, restore us, and meet our every need?
It is time to “walk the Walk” in direct correlation to how we “talk the Talk”! The time has come to thank God for all that He does for us…and to mean it! We say we trust Him…that we believe that He is all-powerful, loving, filled with grace and mercy for us – that He is our “Great Healer”. So isn’t it time to let Him be all of these things in our lives? Will this be the day that we begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 28, 2014
Psalm 107-19-22
Some of you were sick because you’d lived a bad life,
your bodies feeling the effects of your sin;
You couldn’t stand the sight of food,
so miserable you thought you’d be better off dead.
Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;
he got you out in the nick of time.
He spoke the word that healed you,
that pulled you back from the brink of death.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
for his miracle mercy to the children he loves;
Offer thanksgiving sacrifices,
tell the world what he’s done—sing it out!
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.
Because it is almost Halloween and we have company visiting this week, I set a dish of candy on the ottoman that serves as our coffee table…Snickers® bars, and a bag of mixed candy “corn” and “pumpkins”. One of our guests picked up the bag and asked us, “Have you ever made yourself sick on these?” Oh, yes!
If we are honest, we’ve probably all made ourselves a little miserable on too much candy during Halloween, Christmas or Easter. We all know that over-stuffed feeling of eating too much turkey and more than one slice of our favorite dessert on Thanksgiving Day! We might have even felt so miserable that we temporarily thought we’d be better off dead! And let’s be honest…the extra pounds that stick around long after the sweet taste of whatever we thought we couldn’t live without weigh us down in more ways than one!
So it isn’t so much of a stretch to envision our lives in this context…sick from the sin of indulging in things we shouldn’t…everything from offensive language and gossip to indecent activities to mistreatment of others, and yes – gluttony, plus a myriad of transgressions of every kind! And quite often, these leave us sick at heart…weighted down with guilt and shame…if not literally wishing that we were dead. Sometimes, things can seem so bad that there doesn’t appear to be an “out”!
This is where the latter verses of this passage come into play and remind us that “God got us in the nick of time!” We can call on Him any time, day or night, and He will rescue us, heal us, and pull us from the brink of death. When we stay close to God through prayer, Bible study and fellowship with other believers, He will strengthen us against future “bouts of sin sickness”!
I believe we all have “sin sickness” from time to time…certain situations and circumstances where we overdo it and suffer the consequences. Like the Thanksgiving dinner or overindulgence in candy or sweets, we can sometimes correct this with a nap or a “time out”. But there are times, when we need “the big guns”…a rescue or “intervention”. Aren’t we glad that we serve a God who stands ready to “pull us back from the brink of death”? Isn’t it wonderful to know that we can confess our sins, ask God to forgive us, and expect Him to do this?
Are you “gorging yourself” today on some sort of sinful activity? Will you have to get to the point where you have made yourself “deathly sick” before you turn back to God…or are you ready to say, “Enough!” and call on Him for help? The choice is yours. This is no trick! “Treat” yourself to a healthy dose of God’s grace, mercy, love and forgiveness…and share the good news of His miraculous healing with everyone you meet!
Enjoy an extra piece of holiday pie or that Halloween candy (in moderation). But when it comes to the temptations of sin, trust in God to give you an appetite for things of His world instead. Give God the glory for His amazing love and care…and prepare to feel better in every way.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Some of you were sick because you’d lived a bad life,
your bodies feeling the effects of your sin;
You couldn’t stand the sight of food,
so miserable you thought you’d be better off dead.
Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;
he got you out in the nick of time.
He spoke the word that healed you,
that pulled you back from the brink of death.
So thank God for his marvelous love,
for his miracle mercy to the children he loves;
Offer thanksgiving sacrifices,
tell the world what he’s done—sing it out!
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.
Because it is almost Halloween and we have company visiting this week, I set a dish of candy on the ottoman that serves as our coffee table…Snickers® bars, and a bag of mixed candy “corn” and “pumpkins”. One of our guests picked up the bag and asked us, “Have you ever made yourself sick on these?” Oh, yes!
If we are honest, we’ve probably all made ourselves a little miserable on too much candy during Halloween, Christmas or Easter. We all know that over-stuffed feeling of eating too much turkey and more than one slice of our favorite dessert on Thanksgiving Day! We might have even felt so miserable that we temporarily thought we’d be better off dead! And let’s be honest…the extra pounds that stick around long after the sweet taste of whatever we thought we couldn’t live without weigh us down in more ways than one!
So it isn’t so much of a stretch to envision our lives in this context…sick from the sin of indulging in things we shouldn’t…everything from offensive language and gossip to indecent activities to mistreatment of others, and yes – gluttony, plus a myriad of transgressions of every kind! And quite often, these leave us sick at heart…weighted down with guilt and shame…if not literally wishing that we were dead. Sometimes, things can seem so bad that there doesn’t appear to be an “out”!
This is where the latter verses of this passage come into play and remind us that “God got us in the nick of time!” We can call on Him any time, day or night, and He will rescue us, heal us, and pull us from the brink of death. When we stay close to God through prayer, Bible study and fellowship with other believers, He will strengthen us against future “bouts of sin sickness”!
I believe we all have “sin sickness” from time to time…certain situations and circumstances where we overdo it and suffer the consequences. Like the Thanksgiving dinner or overindulgence in candy or sweets, we can sometimes correct this with a nap or a “time out”. But there are times, when we need “the big guns”…a rescue or “intervention”. Aren’t we glad that we serve a God who stands ready to “pull us back from the brink of death”? Isn’t it wonderful to know that we can confess our sins, ask God to forgive us, and expect Him to do this?
Are you “gorging yourself” today on some sort of sinful activity? Will you have to get to the point where you have made yourself “deathly sick” before you turn back to God…or are you ready to say, “Enough!” and call on Him for help? The choice is yours. This is no trick! “Treat” yourself to a healthy dose of God’s grace, mercy, love and forgiveness…and share the good news of His miraculous healing with everyone you meet!
Enjoy an extra piece of holiday pie or that Halloween candy (in moderation). But when it comes to the temptations of sin, trust in God to give you an appetite for things of His world instead. Give God the glory for His amazing love and care…and prepare to feel better in every way.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 27, 2014
Psalm 41:1-3
You, Lord God, bless everyone
who cares for the poor,
and you rescue those people
in times of trouble.
You protect them
and keep them alive.
You make them happy here
in this land,
and you don’t hand them over
to their enemies.
You always heal them
and restore their strength
when they are sick.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
An acquaintance recently posted a link to a video that I was gullible enough to watch. The speaker was talking about how (IN HIS OPINION, NOT MINE!) we Christians are being overtaken by evil forces at every turn, and this is resulting in terrible things happening in our world. The "kicker" to his ridiculous rant came in the closing sentence, when he said something about how "they" (the "evil ones") will even "take our money and our cars!" And this man was supposedly some sort of pastor!
C'mon now! You know this isn't right! Yet I see it played out all the time as I shop at our local Wal-Mart and thrift store and interact with others around town. Since we live in a fairly small community, I know a lot of people...many who would "swear on a stack of Bibles" that they are faith-filled Christians. Some of these same people practice what I call "Country Club Religion"...and a whole lotta folks are not members of the "Club". And boy, do they know it! They know by the way they are smiled at with pity or disdain...or the way they are not included in table discussions at school or a local church circle. They know where they "fit" (or don't), because a lot of us "Christians" are quite open about how we feel toward those who are not like us in some way...race or skin color, ethnicity, lifestyle, socio-economic level, education level - even which church someone attends - and so much more.
It starts early. I am seeing the "cliques" develop even among Timothy, Zola and Nathan's age groups and how certain children are treated one way or another. If you read the rest of Psalm 41, you will see that David addresses this. He talks to God about people who come to see him when he is sick and pretend to care...then go out and gossip about him in the community. He notes that even his best friend did this...he told others that David had some sort of deadly disease - and that they should stay away from him.
Isn't that what we often do? We tell others, "Well, he/she is _______." You can fill in the blank. We do it with everyone from the person who sits next to us in class or at church all the way to our President and world leaders. We protect our "stuff" and our "position" at all costs - even at the expense of another of God's children. And we expect God to pat us on the head and tell us that this is all okay.
Well, it's not alright! And as David tells God in verse 12..."You have helped me because I am innocent, and You will always be close to my side." A lot of people are "sick and suffering" because of mistreatment by "Christians". Many have decided that God must not love them...because in so many ways, they have been told this repeatedly by people who claim to know Jesus and to follow Him, while they deride and judge others - and sometimes not all that subtly.
Here's a news flash...God loves the "poor" - those who are physically in need, and those who are poor in spirit. He cares about those who are sick in the body, sick at heart, and just plain sick and tired. He cares about them just as much as the next person, and His deepest desire is to heal them and to bring joy, peace and salvation into their lives. I serve a God of abundant, profound, all-encompassing love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. He could care less what I wear, what kind of car I drive, or whether I just got the latest version of the newest smart phone! Moreover, He knows what race I am...the color of my skin...my sexual orientation...and my very DNA - because HE MADE ME! And you know what? HE LOVES ME JUST LIKE THIS!
If I sound upset or angry, I’m not – I'm just disheartened. I am so tired of hearing about "Christian values" and what is wrong with our world, when what is really wrong is that we have failed to hear God's voice and meet the needs of ALL of His people...RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE! I'm sorry if this upsets you, but the "Christian Country Club" needs to GO! We need to pull out our Bibles, spend some serious time in study and prayer, and figure out what God is calling us to do...then get busy doing it!
You have a choice...you can be one of those "friends" who visits the sick - or smiles at your neighbor - and talks about them later. Or you can fall to your knees and ask God to show you how, when and where to serve Him...unconditionally. You can ask God to show you where and how to minister in His name to the "sick" and the poor...and to guard your heart and mind from judging another living soul in the process. You can serve as a catalyst for healing, joy, restoration and salvation. Or you can sit home and worry about your car and your "stuff". The choice is totally yours. What do you think God would want you to do?
©2014 Debbie Robus
You, Lord God, bless everyone
who cares for the poor,
and you rescue those people
in times of trouble.
You protect them
and keep them alive.
You make them happy here
in this land,
and you don’t hand them over
to their enemies.
You always heal them
and restore their strength
when they are sick.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
An acquaintance recently posted a link to a video that I was gullible enough to watch. The speaker was talking about how (IN HIS OPINION, NOT MINE!) we Christians are being overtaken by evil forces at every turn, and this is resulting in terrible things happening in our world. The "kicker" to his ridiculous rant came in the closing sentence, when he said something about how "they" (the "evil ones") will even "take our money and our cars!" And this man was supposedly some sort of pastor!
C'mon now! You know this isn't right! Yet I see it played out all the time as I shop at our local Wal-Mart and thrift store and interact with others around town. Since we live in a fairly small community, I know a lot of people...many who would "swear on a stack of Bibles" that they are faith-filled Christians. Some of these same people practice what I call "Country Club Religion"...and a whole lotta folks are not members of the "Club". And boy, do they know it! They know by the way they are smiled at with pity or disdain...or the way they are not included in table discussions at school or a local church circle. They know where they "fit" (or don't), because a lot of us "Christians" are quite open about how we feel toward those who are not like us in some way...race or skin color, ethnicity, lifestyle, socio-economic level, education level - even which church someone attends - and so much more.
It starts early. I am seeing the "cliques" develop even among Timothy, Zola and Nathan's age groups and how certain children are treated one way or another. If you read the rest of Psalm 41, you will see that David addresses this. He talks to God about people who come to see him when he is sick and pretend to care...then go out and gossip about him in the community. He notes that even his best friend did this...he told others that David had some sort of deadly disease - and that they should stay away from him.
Isn't that what we often do? We tell others, "Well, he/she is _______." You can fill in the blank. We do it with everyone from the person who sits next to us in class or at church all the way to our President and world leaders. We protect our "stuff" and our "position" at all costs - even at the expense of another of God's children. And we expect God to pat us on the head and tell us that this is all okay.
Well, it's not alright! And as David tells God in verse 12..."You have helped me because I am innocent, and You will always be close to my side." A lot of people are "sick and suffering" because of mistreatment by "Christians". Many have decided that God must not love them...because in so many ways, they have been told this repeatedly by people who claim to know Jesus and to follow Him, while they deride and judge others - and sometimes not all that subtly.
Here's a news flash...God loves the "poor" - those who are physically in need, and those who are poor in spirit. He cares about those who are sick in the body, sick at heart, and just plain sick and tired. He cares about them just as much as the next person, and His deepest desire is to heal them and to bring joy, peace and salvation into their lives. I serve a God of abundant, profound, all-encompassing love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. He could care less what I wear, what kind of car I drive, or whether I just got the latest version of the newest smart phone! Moreover, He knows what race I am...the color of my skin...my sexual orientation...and my very DNA - because HE MADE ME! And you know what? HE LOVES ME JUST LIKE THIS!
If I sound upset or angry, I’m not – I'm just disheartened. I am so tired of hearing about "Christian values" and what is wrong with our world, when what is really wrong is that we have failed to hear God's voice and meet the needs of ALL of His people...RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE! I'm sorry if this upsets you, but the "Christian Country Club" needs to GO! We need to pull out our Bibles, spend some serious time in study and prayer, and figure out what God is calling us to do...then get busy doing it!
You have a choice...you can be one of those "friends" who visits the sick - or smiles at your neighbor - and talks about them later. Or you can fall to your knees and ask God to show you how, when and where to serve Him...unconditionally. You can ask God to show you where and how to minister in His name to the "sick" and the poor...and to guard your heart and mind from judging another living soul in the process. You can serve as a catalyst for healing, joy, restoration and salvation. Or you can sit home and worry about your car and your "stuff". The choice is totally yours. What do you think God would want you to do?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 26, 2014
Psalm 91:9-10
For Jehovah is my refuge! I choose the God above all gods to shelter me. How then can evil overtake me or any plague come near?
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
If it weren't so pitiful, it would almost be funny how people have reacted to the recent news about the appearance of the ebola virus in our country. When the deadly illness first struck people in Dallas, Texas, I had Facebook "friends" who actually said, "Omigosh! That's only 6 hours away from here!" Helloooooo! You're not going to get it over the Internet!
Fear is one of the devil's biggest weapons. If he can just make us fear something...if he can confuse us and cause us not to understand, investigate, and/or get all of the facts...he can really mess with our minds and our hearts. And many of us seem to "go there" with warp speed!
In this scripture passage, we are reminded that God is our refuge...our shelter...the "soft (and safe) place to fall". When we are securely grounded in Him...when we are firmly entrenched in the clutches of His hand, what can really harm us?
Does this mean that we will never get sick...that nothing "bad" will ever happen to us? NO! But one of the keys to this passage is the word overtake. Nothing can overtake us when God is in control. When we are safely sheltered in His arms, we can face any challenge...we can battle any illness, or injury...we can work our way through grief and loss - and find a place of recovery and restoration. When God is our refuge, "plagues" may come dangerously close...but we will never be overcome by them.
I am participating in a six-week Bible study with a wonderful group of ladies. One night, the facilitator asked us what was keeping us from discovering our "Best Yes"...from doing what we know that God is calling us to do - and finding a million excuses for doing anything and everything else. What is really holding us back? And the answer we collectively agreed upon was...fear...fear of the unknown...fear of what might (or might not) happen...fear of rejection and ridicule...fear of failure. And we had to agree that for those who truly believe in the shelter and refuge of God Almighty, fear is totally ludicrous!
So I guess my question for us today is this...are we really dwelling in the shelter and refuge of God? Or have we stepped away and given the devil a chance to latch hold of us? God's arms are open...He is waiting to offer us safety and protection. In His grip, nothing can overtake us. So where will you choose to reside?
©2014 Debbie Robus
For Jehovah is my refuge! I choose the God above all gods to shelter me. How then can evil overtake me or any plague come near?
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
If it weren't so pitiful, it would almost be funny how people have reacted to the recent news about the appearance of the ebola virus in our country. When the deadly illness first struck people in Dallas, Texas, I had Facebook "friends" who actually said, "Omigosh! That's only 6 hours away from here!" Helloooooo! You're not going to get it over the Internet!
Fear is one of the devil's biggest weapons. If he can just make us fear something...if he can confuse us and cause us not to understand, investigate, and/or get all of the facts...he can really mess with our minds and our hearts. And many of us seem to "go there" with warp speed!
In this scripture passage, we are reminded that God is our refuge...our shelter...the "soft (and safe) place to fall". When we are securely grounded in Him...when we are firmly entrenched in the clutches of His hand, what can really harm us?
Does this mean that we will never get sick...that nothing "bad" will ever happen to us? NO! But one of the keys to this passage is the word overtake. Nothing can overtake us when God is in control. When we are safely sheltered in His arms, we can face any challenge...we can battle any illness, or injury...we can work our way through grief and loss - and find a place of recovery and restoration. When God is our refuge, "plagues" may come dangerously close...but we will never be overcome by them.
I am participating in a six-week Bible study with a wonderful group of ladies. One night, the facilitator asked us what was keeping us from discovering our "Best Yes"...from doing what we know that God is calling us to do - and finding a million excuses for doing anything and everything else. What is really holding us back? And the answer we collectively agreed upon was...fear...fear of the unknown...fear of what might (or might not) happen...fear of rejection and ridicule...fear of failure. And we had to agree that for those who truly believe in the shelter and refuge of God Almighty, fear is totally ludicrous!
So I guess my question for us today is this...are we really dwelling in the shelter and refuge of God? Or have we stepped away and given the devil a chance to latch hold of us? God's arms are open...He is waiting to offer us safety and protection. In His grip, nothing can overtake us. So where will you choose to reside?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 25, 2014
Psalm 103:1-5
I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins. He heals me. He ransoms me from hell. He surrounds me with loving-kindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things! My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the book One Thousand Gifts*, author Ann Voskamp reminds us repeatedly of the importance of gratitude...something she calls "eucharisteo". She makes the point that it's hard to be unhappy when you are busy being grateful...that you can truly draw closer to God by taking note of the blessings all around you than by enumerating your troubles...that the real path to a deeper relationship with God comes from learning to praise Him and express appreciation - even when with every fiber of your being, you don't feel like doing so.
I started making a list of 1,000 gifts or blessings...although I will admit that I have not been as diligent as I should in noting things each day. A few years ago, I read a book called 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life**, written by John Kralik. Over the course of a year, I actually wrote and sent more than 365 "thank-you" notes. I did this as an experiment at first...inspired by this book to be more grateful - and to tell others how they had blessed me. But as I wrote the notes, I began to seek more opportunities to send them. It wasn't a burden, as in "Oh, no...it's day #125, and I don't have anyone to thank!" It was often a case of having several people who deserved a note of appreciation...and I found myself increasingly recognizing opportunities to let someone know how humbled I was by their kindness, concern, assistance, and love.
It's funny how we find it so easy to go to God with our troubles...concerns...needs and desires. But we really spend very little time telling Him how grateful we are for all He does for us. You really should go back and read all of Psalm 103. David has done a beautiful job of listing many ways in which God has blessed and cared for him. He has enumerated many of the LORD's qualities...wisdom, a sympathetic and merciful heart, tenderness, the ability to "forgive and forget", His love and steadfast faithfulness toward us and the promises that He has made.
Like the "365 days of Thank Yous"...I believe that making note (mentally and/or physically) of daily blessings could change our thinking - AND our relationship with God. As we begin to focus more on the thousands of ways that He shows up in our lives each and every minute, we will find that we have less time for sin and the things of this world. When we are busy noting the beauty of fall leaves or the laugh of a child, we don't really have time to bother with what someone said or did (or didn't do), how lonely and neglected we are, or how many burdens and problems we may be facing.
In noting the "gifts" and blessings of our day, we are reminded just how incredible and amazing God's love is for us...and how blessed we are by this. And as our relationship with Him begins to change and deepen in "eucharisteo," we can change our earthly relationships and attitudes as well. Clearly God deserves this kind of attention. And if joy and a strengthened bond with Him are the by-products, then I am all in! What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
** 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life ~ © 2010 John Kralik ~ Hyperion ~ All right reserved.
I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins. He heals me. He ransoms me from hell. He surrounds me with loving-kindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things! My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the book One Thousand Gifts*, author Ann Voskamp reminds us repeatedly of the importance of gratitude...something she calls "eucharisteo". She makes the point that it's hard to be unhappy when you are busy being grateful...that you can truly draw closer to God by taking note of the blessings all around you than by enumerating your troubles...that the real path to a deeper relationship with God comes from learning to praise Him and express appreciation - even when with every fiber of your being, you don't feel like doing so.
I started making a list of 1,000 gifts or blessings...although I will admit that I have not been as diligent as I should in noting things each day. A few years ago, I read a book called 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life**, written by John Kralik. Over the course of a year, I actually wrote and sent more than 365 "thank-you" notes. I did this as an experiment at first...inspired by this book to be more grateful - and to tell others how they had blessed me. But as I wrote the notes, I began to seek more opportunities to send them. It wasn't a burden, as in "Oh, no...it's day #125, and I don't have anyone to thank!" It was often a case of having several people who deserved a note of appreciation...and I found myself increasingly recognizing opportunities to let someone know how humbled I was by their kindness, concern, assistance, and love.
It's funny how we find it so easy to go to God with our troubles...concerns...needs and desires. But we really spend very little time telling Him how grateful we are for all He does for us. You really should go back and read all of Psalm 103. David has done a beautiful job of listing many ways in which God has blessed and cared for him. He has enumerated many of the LORD's qualities...wisdom, a sympathetic and merciful heart, tenderness, the ability to "forgive and forget", His love and steadfast faithfulness toward us and the promises that He has made.
Like the "365 days of Thank Yous"...I believe that making note (mentally and/or physically) of daily blessings could change our thinking - AND our relationship with God. As we begin to focus more on the thousands of ways that He shows up in our lives each and every minute, we will find that we have less time for sin and the things of this world. When we are busy noting the beauty of fall leaves or the laugh of a child, we don't really have time to bother with what someone said or did (or didn't do), how lonely and neglected we are, or how many burdens and problems we may be facing.
In noting the "gifts" and blessings of our day, we are reminded just how incredible and amazing God's love is for us...and how blessed we are by this. And as our relationship with Him begins to change and deepen in "eucharisteo," we can change our earthly relationships and attitudes as well. Clearly God deserves this kind of attention. And if joy and a strengthened bond with Him are the by-products, then I am all in! What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
** 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life ~ © 2010 John Kralik ~ Hyperion ~ All right reserved.
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2014
Proverbs 4:20-27
Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
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.
As I write this devotional, Greg is busy mowing our yard. His head is down, and he is focused straight ahead as he makes sure that each row neatly lines up next to the one before it - with no gaps. Were he to look to the left or right and allow his focus to wander, there is no telling what "pattern" we might end up with in our yard! Like a lot of things in life, this is a task that requires one to "keep it between the lines" and to "ignore all sideshow distractions."
How does this have relevance for us? Think about your life as if you were mowing a lawn. You have a task at hand...school, work, caring for your family, staying healthy, eating, sleeping, maintaining relationships...and yes, working on your Christian discipleship through prayer, Bible study, discipleships, and fellowship/worship with other believers. As long as you "push the mower" in a straight line and stay focused, everything goes well.
Then a "distraction" comes along. "Life" throws you a curve ball. Someone asks you to do something you don't want to do - or can't - and rather than tell them "No," you dodge and weave and say, "Let me think about it and get back to you." You've just looked to the left and gotten off track. Or someone says, "Hey, did you hear about So-and-so?" and you drop what you are doing to hear all of the juicy tidbits. You just veered to the right...and there goes another "jog" in your neatly trimmed "yard"!
Someone makes you doubt yourself - or your faith - and you stop in your tracks...frozen...unable to move in any direction. Your friends or family members express viewpoints with which you do not agree...or speak against someone or a particular group. You are uncomfortable and feel God telling you that this is not right...but you don't want to embarrass anyone - especially yourself - so you say nothing...or nod in silent agreement. Either way, you have veered off the course that God set for your life...and you probably don't fell all that great deep within your heart because of it.
This passage is a reminder for us to examine our hearts...and to spend some time talking with God. It's a wake-up call to have something of a "review" or "tune-up" to see where we have gotten off course...and where God is calling us to get back into His "lane"!
When Greg gets done mowing our yard, it looks like a beautiful, smooth green carpet. I'm afraid that the "carpet" of our lives often has quite a few frays and snags that stick up or out and mar the landscape. But we can change this. We can ask God to help us get back on track, and to stay there. God can help us keep vigilant watch over our hearts...and to avoid the distractions that pull us to one side or the other. And in doing so, we can really live...healthy, happy, and bursting with confidence that He is guiding our steps.
Who is really steering your life these days? It's a question we all need to ask ourselves. Getting to the right answer may take some work and attention, but it will be so worth the effort. Are you ready to start paying closer attention? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
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.
As I write this devotional, Greg is busy mowing our yard. His head is down, and he is focused straight ahead as he makes sure that each row neatly lines up next to the one before it - with no gaps. Were he to look to the left or right and allow his focus to wander, there is no telling what "pattern" we might end up with in our yard! Like a lot of things in life, this is a task that requires one to "keep it between the lines" and to "ignore all sideshow distractions."
How does this have relevance for us? Think about your life as if you were mowing a lawn. You have a task at hand...school, work, caring for your family, staying healthy, eating, sleeping, maintaining relationships...and yes, working on your Christian discipleship through prayer, Bible study, discipleships, and fellowship/worship with other believers. As long as you "push the mower" in a straight line and stay focused, everything goes well.
Then a "distraction" comes along. "Life" throws you a curve ball. Someone asks you to do something you don't want to do - or can't - and rather than tell them "No," you dodge and weave and say, "Let me think about it and get back to you." You've just looked to the left and gotten off track. Or someone says, "Hey, did you hear about So-and-so?" and you drop what you are doing to hear all of the juicy tidbits. You just veered to the right...and there goes another "jog" in your neatly trimmed "yard"!
Someone makes you doubt yourself - or your faith - and you stop in your tracks...frozen...unable to move in any direction. Your friends or family members express viewpoints with which you do not agree...or speak against someone or a particular group. You are uncomfortable and feel God telling you that this is not right...but you don't want to embarrass anyone - especially yourself - so you say nothing...or nod in silent agreement. Either way, you have veered off the course that God set for your life...and you probably don't fell all that great deep within your heart because of it.
This passage is a reminder for us to examine our hearts...and to spend some time talking with God. It's a wake-up call to have something of a "review" or "tune-up" to see where we have gotten off course...and where God is calling us to get back into His "lane"!
When Greg gets done mowing our yard, it looks like a beautiful, smooth green carpet. I'm afraid that the "carpet" of our lives often has quite a few frays and snags that stick up or out and mar the landscape. But we can change this. We can ask God to help us get back on track, and to stay there. God can help us keep vigilant watch over our hearts...and to avoid the distractions that pull us to one side or the other. And in doing so, we can really live...healthy, happy, and bursting with confidence that He is guiding our steps.
Who is really steering your life these days? It's a question we all need to ask ourselves. Getting to the right answer may take some work and attention, but it will be so worth the effort. Are you ready to start paying closer attention? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 23, 2014
Nahum 1:3, 9
The Lord is powerful,
yet patient;
he makes sure that the guilty
are always punished.
He can be seen in storms
and in whirlwinds;
clouds are the dust from his feet.
So don’t plot against the Lord!
He wipes out his enemies,
and they never revive.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
While waiting for a local parade, Timothy "hid" behind the bushes that were planted near an office building. He thought he was being clever...he even said, "You'll never find me!" (He also said, "Please don't leave me!") In truth, I always knew where he was...even when I counted to ten and pretended to "search" for him. And when we would discover each other, Timothy would squeal with delight and laugh like it was the funniest thing ever. This was simply a fun childhood game that we have all played hundreds of times...but it has bigger ramifications for us as Christians!
As we grow older, we often try to play "hide-and-seek" with God...or rather, there are times when we try to hide from Him. Once in a while, many of us would really like to take a "day off" from being a Christian, live in the world of "Burger King®", and "have it our way." Because we serve the God of free will, He allows this...to a point. But everyone has limits - even God. If we linger too long in the land of "You-Can't-Find-Me!", God will grow weary of these games - and He may allow us to suffer some consequences. We may even feel like God "counted to ten", then walked away and left us to fend for ourselves.
Understand this...God's desire for each of us is never to leave us - or that we suffer in any form. He does not send diseases, natural disasters, war, personal ridicule or mistreatment by others, and "bad things that happen to good people" in order to punish us. This might have happened in the Old Testament times, but the blood of Jesus changed everything - forever!
God does not "rain down" these things to "give us something to cry about"...but He does allow them some of the time. If God is so patient and loving...why would He do this? Think about it this way...if a child was playing hide-and-seek, and he/she wandered farther and farther away and would not come when called, you might let them feel "lost" for a little bit so that they realized that they needed to return. Sometimes children have to learn a hard lesson...and experience a burned finger or a scraped knee in the process.
As God's children, we have sometimes have to learn hard lessons, too. It's the price we pay for our "grown-up independence". I cannot promise that you will have a life free of any and every discomfort, illness, or unpleasant situation if you "toe the line" with God and "do everything right." For one thing, that will never happen, because we are human - and sinful! But more importantly, we will always need to lean on God to get us through tough times...to heal us from diseases and solve our problems. And that can only happen when there is the potential for troubles.
The GOOD NEWS is that with God, there will never be anything that we cannot handle together. Philippians 4:13 promises us that we can do all things through the power and strength of Christ Jesus (paraphrased). God's deepest desire is to heal us and restore us to new life, peace and joy in Him - and He is willing to do this over and again, every single day, if necessary. Our job is to "come out from behind the bush or tree" and follow Him...to say, "Here I am, LORD...where would you like me to go?"
God has counted to ten...and said, "Here I am!" Are you ready to be "found"? Have you decided to operate in His will and receive His healing power in every situation of your life? Isn't it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The Lord is powerful,
yet patient;
he makes sure that the guilty
are always punished.
He can be seen in storms
and in whirlwinds;
clouds are the dust from his feet.
So don’t plot against the Lord!
He wipes out his enemies,
and they never revive.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
While waiting for a local parade, Timothy "hid" behind the bushes that were planted near an office building. He thought he was being clever...he even said, "You'll never find me!" (He also said, "Please don't leave me!") In truth, I always knew where he was...even when I counted to ten and pretended to "search" for him. And when we would discover each other, Timothy would squeal with delight and laugh like it was the funniest thing ever. This was simply a fun childhood game that we have all played hundreds of times...but it has bigger ramifications for us as Christians!
As we grow older, we often try to play "hide-and-seek" with God...or rather, there are times when we try to hide from Him. Once in a while, many of us would really like to take a "day off" from being a Christian, live in the world of "Burger King®", and "have it our way." Because we serve the God of free will, He allows this...to a point. But everyone has limits - even God. If we linger too long in the land of "You-Can't-Find-Me!", God will grow weary of these games - and He may allow us to suffer some consequences. We may even feel like God "counted to ten", then walked away and left us to fend for ourselves.
Understand this...God's desire for each of us is never to leave us - or that we suffer in any form. He does not send diseases, natural disasters, war, personal ridicule or mistreatment by others, and "bad things that happen to good people" in order to punish us. This might have happened in the Old Testament times, but the blood of Jesus changed everything - forever!
God does not "rain down" these things to "give us something to cry about"...but He does allow them some of the time. If God is so patient and loving...why would He do this? Think about it this way...if a child was playing hide-and-seek, and he/she wandered farther and farther away and would not come when called, you might let them feel "lost" for a little bit so that they realized that they needed to return. Sometimes children have to learn a hard lesson...and experience a burned finger or a scraped knee in the process.
As God's children, we have sometimes have to learn hard lessons, too. It's the price we pay for our "grown-up independence". I cannot promise that you will have a life free of any and every discomfort, illness, or unpleasant situation if you "toe the line" with God and "do everything right." For one thing, that will never happen, because we are human - and sinful! But more importantly, we will always need to lean on God to get us through tough times...to heal us from diseases and solve our problems. And that can only happen when there is the potential for troubles.
The GOOD NEWS is that with God, there will never be anything that we cannot handle together. Philippians 4:13 promises us that we can do all things through the power and strength of Christ Jesus (paraphrased). God's deepest desire is to heal us and restore us to new life, peace and joy in Him - and He is willing to do this over and again, every single day, if necessary. Our job is to "come out from behind the bush or tree" and follow Him...to say, "Here I am, LORD...where would you like me to go?"
God has counted to ten...and said, "Here I am!" Are you ready to be "found"? Have you decided to operate in His will and receive His healing power in every situation of your life? Isn't it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 22, 2014
Matthew 8:14-17
Jesus went to the home of Peter, where he found that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever. He took her by the hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and served Jesus a meal.
That evening many people with demons in them were brought to Jesus. And with only a word he forced out the evil spirits and healed everyone who was sick. So God’s promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said,
“He healed our diseases and made us well.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were a kid and got a "boo-boo" or "owie", and a grown-up "kissed it and made it better"? We all know that this "kiss" really didn't physically change anything...it didn't heal a blister, scraped knee or bump on the head. But the healing power of the gesture was immeasurable. And remarkably, we really felt better!
By the same token, we all can remember a time when someone came to our side and soothed us with their presence and words...and we were better for it. We know the healing power of a card that arrives in the mail with thoughts of love and care. We understand the feeling of joy and acceptance that washes over us when someone shoots us a smile. We are blessed and comforted beyond description when we learn that someone has prayed for us.
All of these things are paradoxically obtuse and powerful - all at the same time. And yet, they change us. To some degree, they heal us and make us well.
The GOOD NEWS is that for every one of these gestures, Jesus offers us so much more. He truly does have the power to heal. He can cast out demons of all kinds - from the nasty habit of gossip to our deepest, darkest, most secret sins. Just the whisper of His name can result in tremendous changes in our lives. His "touch" is the "kiss that makes it all better"!
Don't miss this! Jesus is with us. His loving care and healing power are available to us every moment of the day, even though we don't physically "see" Him standing before us. The promise of Isaiah 53:5 ["He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well."] has been delivered. It is up to us to accept - and treasure - this gift.
Moreover, our job as Christians is to share the touch of Jesus with others. We do not offer this out of our own suffering...but because of His sacrifices and the grace and mercy that He has extended to each of us. Just as we receive the healing power of Jesus and feel His "touch" in our own lives, we are to extend this blessing to others.
Does this mean that we can "lay hands" on the sick and they will be instantly healed? Probably not literally...but consider the healing power of a simple handshake. Think of the grace, mercy, love, forgiveness and acceptance that you can convey by clasping another person's hands, patting someone on the back, or "kissing a child's boo-boo and making it better."
Look around and find ways to reach out to others in Jesus' name...to be the healing touch" or the soothing word that makes their lives a little easier and more joyful. Embrace the power of Jesus - in your own life, and as His Disciple. Look for opportunities to "kiss a boo-boo" - or even to cast out a demon! Believe that Jesus' power working in and through you can heal and restore at the mere whisper of His name!
The opportunities to serve - and heal - in the name of Jesus are more numerous than you can imagine. It's time for us to get busy doing exactly that. What are you waiting for? Whose "boo-boos" will you "kiss and make better" today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus went to the home of Peter, where he found that Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever. He took her by the hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and served Jesus a meal.
That evening many people with demons in them were brought to Jesus. And with only a word he forced out the evil spirits and healed everyone who was sick. So God’s promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said,
“He healed our diseases and made us well.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember when you were a kid and got a "boo-boo" or "owie", and a grown-up "kissed it and made it better"? We all know that this "kiss" really didn't physically change anything...it didn't heal a blister, scraped knee or bump on the head. But the healing power of the gesture was immeasurable. And remarkably, we really felt better!
By the same token, we all can remember a time when someone came to our side and soothed us with their presence and words...and we were better for it. We know the healing power of a card that arrives in the mail with thoughts of love and care. We understand the feeling of joy and acceptance that washes over us when someone shoots us a smile. We are blessed and comforted beyond description when we learn that someone has prayed for us.
All of these things are paradoxically obtuse and powerful - all at the same time. And yet, they change us. To some degree, they heal us and make us well.
The GOOD NEWS is that for every one of these gestures, Jesus offers us so much more. He truly does have the power to heal. He can cast out demons of all kinds - from the nasty habit of gossip to our deepest, darkest, most secret sins. Just the whisper of His name can result in tremendous changes in our lives. His "touch" is the "kiss that makes it all better"!
Don't miss this! Jesus is with us. His loving care and healing power are available to us every moment of the day, even though we don't physically "see" Him standing before us. The promise of Isaiah 53:5 ["He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well."] has been delivered. It is up to us to accept - and treasure - this gift.
Moreover, our job as Christians is to share the touch of Jesus with others. We do not offer this out of our own suffering...but because of His sacrifices and the grace and mercy that He has extended to each of us. Just as we receive the healing power of Jesus and feel His "touch" in our own lives, we are to extend this blessing to others.
Does this mean that we can "lay hands" on the sick and they will be instantly healed? Probably not literally...but consider the healing power of a simple handshake. Think of the grace, mercy, love, forgiveness and acceptance that you can convey by clasping another person's hands, patting someone on the back, or "kissing a child's boo-boo and making it better."
Look around and find ways to reach out to others in Jesus' name...to be the healing touch" or the soothing word that makes their lives a little easier and more joyful. Embrace the power of Jesus - in your own life, and as His Disciple. Look for opportunities to "kiss a boo-boo" - or even to cast out a demon! Believe that Jesus' power working in and through you can heal and restore at the mere whisper of His name!
The opportunities to serve - and heal - in the name of Jesus are more numerous than you can imagine. It's time for us to get busy doing exactly that. What are you waiting for? Whose "boo-boos" will you "kiss and make better" today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 21, 2014
Matthew 8:5-13
When Jesus was going into the town of Capernaum, an army officer came up to him and said, “Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can’t even move.” “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied.
But the officer said, “Lord, I’m not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, ‘Go!’ and he goes. I can say to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes. I can say to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he will do it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you that in all of Israel I’ve never found anyone with this much faith! Many people will come from everywhere to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But the ones who should have been in the kingdom will be thrown out into the dark. They will cry and grit their teeth in pain.”
Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.” Right then his servant was healed.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
According to information found at http://usps.com - the website of the U.S. Postal Service - the "motto" we all can quote in some form is not actually the Postal Service's official slogan.
The postal system is not infallible. When we mail a letter or a package, we must accept that it may not be delivered as expected. This doesn't happen often...but it only takes one undelivered parcel - or a piece of mail that arrives so mangled you can't possibly restore it - to disappoint us and cause us to doubt the "system". When the Postal Service operations work as designed, they are wonderful. But like most "systems" in life, this one isn't perfect.
Here's the thing...Jesus IS perfect! He will never fail to deliver. We can depend on Him to do what He has promised - every single time. When Jesus tells us in Scripture that He will heal us, we can believe it. This may not happen in exactly the manner we desire or expect...or on our timetable...but it will happen! When Jesus tells us that all who call on His name and make Him the LORD of their lives will be with Him in Paradise for all of Eternity, we can rest assured that this will be the case. When Jesus tells us that He is always with us, we can believe Him - and call on Him 24/7 for anything and everything.
My question for today is this...How can we put so much faith and trust in a system like the US Postal Service - and not trust in the words and promises of Jesus Christ? How can we so readily believe that an envelope or package placed in a metal box at the end of our driveway will be sent to someone halfway around the world, yet doubt the power of Jesus Christ to heal us and meet our every need? How can we so blindly accept the assurances of mere mortals that "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"...yet question whether Jesus will truly love us unconditionally, forgive our sins, and offer us unending grace, mercy, restoration - and Eternity in His presence?
The time has come for us to assess our faith...to get into such a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ that He is at the top of the list when it comes to trust issues. We may not have confidence in much - especially the "human" things of this world - but we must know who Jesus truly is and what He is capable of doing in our lives. Do you know this today? Are you like the soldier who believed that just asking Jesus to heal His child could make it so? Do you know Who REALLY delivers in your life? Isn't it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
When Jesus was going into the town of Capernaum, an army officer came up to him and said, “Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can’t even move.” “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied.
But the officer said, “Lord, I’m not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, ‘Go!’ and he goes. I can say to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes. I can say to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he will do it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you that in all of Israel I’ve never found anyone with this much faith! Many people will come from everywhere to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But the ones who should have been in the kingdom will be thrown out into the dark. They will cry and grit their teeth in pain.”
Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.” Right then his servant was healed.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
According to information found at http://usps.com - the website of the U.S. Postal Service - the "motto" we all can quote in some form is not actually the Postal Service's official slogan.
"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.""Official" or not, many of us depend on this sentiment - and the regularity of our mail delivery. We count on bills and payments being delivered promptly. We expect many of the products we order or send to be shipped expeditiously and with some semblance of care. For some of us, accurate and efficient postal delivery is the heart of our business and livelihood! And we have confidence that we can stick a letter or parcel in a mailbox and trust that it will arrive at the appointed destination within a predetermined amount of time.
While the Postal Service has no official motto, the popular belief that it does is a tribute to America's postal workers. The words above, thought to be the motto, are chiseled in gray granite over the entrance to the New York City Post Office on 8th Avenue and come from Book 8, Paragraph 98, of The Persian Wars by Herodotus. During the wars between the Greeks and Persians (500-449 B.C.), the Persians operated a system of mounted postal couriers who served with great fidelity.
The postal system is not infallible. When we mail a letter or a package, we must accept that it may not be delivered as expected. This doesn't happen often...but it only takes one undelivered parcel - or a piece of mail that arrives so mangled you can't possibly restore it - to disappoint us and cause us to doubt the "system". When the Postal Service operations work as designed, they are wonderful. But like most "systems" in life, this one isn't perfect.
Here's the thing...Jesus IS perfect! He will never fail to deliver. We can depend on Him to do what He has promised - every single time. When Jesus tells us in Scripture that He will heal us, we can believe it. This may not happen in exactly the manner we desire or expect...or on our timetable...but it will happen! When Jesus tells us that all who call on His name and make Him the LORD of their lives will be with Him in Paradise for all of Eternity, we can rest assured that this will be the case. When Jesus tells us that He is always with us, we can believe Him - and call on Him 24/7 for anything and everything.
My question for today is this...How can we put so much faith and trust in a system like the US Postal Service - and not trust in the words and promises of Jesus Christ? How can we so readily believe that an envelope or package placed in a metal box at the end of our driveway will be sent to someone halfway around the world, yet doubt the power of Jesus Christ to heal us and meet our every need? How can we so blindly accept the assurances of mere mortals that "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"...yet question whether Jesus will truly love us unconditionally, forgive our sins, and offer us unending grace, mercy, restoration - and Eternity in His presence?
The time has come for us to assess our faith...to get into such a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ that He is at the top of the list when it comes to trust issues. We may not have confidence in much - especially the "human" things of this world - but we must know who Jesus truly is and what He is capable of doing in our lives. Do you know this today? Are you like the soldier who believed that just asking Jesus to heal His child could make it so? Do you know Who REALLY delivers in your life? Isn't it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 20, 2014
Matthew 9:35-38
Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”
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 watched a child play with bubbles? You know the ones I'm talking about - those in the bottle or tube with the little wand that has a circular band on the end for creating delicate - and elusive - prismatic spheres that quickly drift away or fall to the ground and burst. Children are often all about catching those bubbles and holding onto them for a few seconds. But their attention quickly turns to the next batch.
I'm afraid this is just how we Christians often treat new believers. We are so invested in them...so concerned about their spiritual future...so eager for them to invite Jesus to be the LORD of their life. We want to add their names to our membership rolls at church and share their story with others. We are excited about their decision and hold them up as examples of how Jesus can work in the lives of others. And then we are done.
This is how we interpret Jesus's challenge to be "harvest hands". We're a lot like the child with bubbles...or a kid opening presents at Christmas or on his/her birthday. Each package holds our attention for a few minutes...and then we move on to the next one. In my opinion, many of the "confused and aimless" to whom Jesus refers in this passage are not the "lost"...at least not in the sense of this word that we generally recognize.
Take a good look at the prayer list for your church. How many of those folks do you know personally? Have you not only prayed for them, but also connected with some of them...sent a card, made a phone call, dispatched an encouraging e-mail or just offered a hug or handshake when you met them in public? Take a mental inventory of those who attend your church - or rather, attended. Where are they now? If they have stopped coming on Sunday, do you know why? What about that person in your circle or the community at large who seems to have dropped off the face of the earth? Have you made any inquiries about these folks? Are their hearts bruised and hurting? Are they sick or in need of some kind?
What about the elderly and infirm? Are they shut away in a facility or at home, and no one other than paid employees or immediate relatives are checking on them to let them know that they matter? Are we so busy flitting from one "pretty bubble" or gift to the next that we have neglected the "sheep" in our midst? I honestly believe that when Jesus "visits our towns and villages", He is grieved at how quickly we lose interest and focus in those who are in our own back yards.
Remember the story in Luke 15:3-4 of the "lost sheep", and how Jesus talks about going after one out of 99 that was missing. Each person is precious to Him. We all matter! Our transformation in Jesus is instantaneous...and at the same, we are ongoing "works in progress". We all need continual nurture and care. And as much as Jesus seeks "harvest hands" to bring more people into a relationship with Him, He wants us to cultivate strong discipleships and kinship among fellow believers.
We desperately need real "harvest hands"...believers who are awake, alert and "dialed in" to the needs of those in their midst. In every "town and village", there are sick, bruised, hurting and lonely people who are hungry for a touch of Jesus' love and care...and YOU may be the person He has chosen to deliver it. Will you be so busy blowing new bubbles that you fail to recognize those all around you?
Are you ready to get your "harvest hands" dirty for Jesus? Don't you think you should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”
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 watched a child play with bubbles? You know the ones I'm talking about - those in the bottle or tube with the little wand that has a circular band on the end for creating delicate - and elusive - prismatic spheres that quickly drift away or fall to the ground and burst. Children are often all about catching those bubbles and holding onto them for a few seconds. But their attention quickly turns to the next batch.
I'm afraid this is just how we Christians often treat new believers. We are so invested in them...so concerned about their spiritual future...so eager for them to invite Jesus to be the LORD of their life. We want to add their names to our membership rolls at church and share their story with others. We are excited about their decision and hold them up as examples of how Jesus can work in the lives of others. And then we are done.
This is how we interpret Jesus's challenge to be "harvest hands". We're a lot like the child with bubbles...or a kid opening presents at Christmas or on his/her birthday. Each package holds our attention for a few minutes...and then we move on to the next one. In my opinion, many of the "confused and aimless" to whom Jesus refers in this passage are not the "lost"...at least not in the sense of this word that we generally recognize.
Take a good look at the prayer list for your church. How many of those folks do you know personally? Have you not only prayed for them, but also connected with some of them...sent a card, made a phone call, dispatched an encouraging e-mail or just offered a hug or handshake when you met them in public? Take a mental inventory of those who attend your church - or rather, attended. Where are they now? If they have stopped coming on Sunday, do you know why? What about that person in your circle or the community at large who seems to have dropped off the face of the earth? Have you made any inquiries about these folks? Are their hearts bruised and hurting? Are they sick or in need of some kind?
What about the elderly and infirm? Are they shut away in a facility or at home, and no one other than paid employees or immediate relatives are checking on them to let them know that they matter? Are we so busy flitting from one "pretty bubble" or gift to the next that we have neglected the "sheep" in our midst? I honestly believe that when Jesus "visits our towns and villages", He is grieved at how quickly we lose interest and focus in those who are in our own back yards.
Remember the story in Luke 15:3-4 of the "lost sheep", and how Jesus talks about going after one out of 99 that was missing. Each person is precious to Him. We all matter! Our transformation in Jesus is instantaneous...and at the same, we are ongoing "works in progress". We all need continual nurture and care. And as much as Jesus seeks "harvest hands" to bring more people into a relationship with Him, He wants us to cultivate strong discipleships and kinship among fellow believers.
We desperately need real "harvest hands"...believers who are awake, alert and "dialed in" to the needs of those in their midst. In every "town and village", there are sick, bruised, hurting and lonely people who are hungry for a touch of Jesus' love and care...and YOU may be the person He has chosen to deliver it. Will you be so busy blowing new bubbles that you fail to recognize those all around you?
Are you ready to get your "harvest hands" dirty for Jesus? Don't you think you should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 19, 2014
Matthew 7:7-11
"Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It's almost that time of year again...Halloween! Our little "goblins" are already busy working on their costumes. One wants to be Minnie Mouse...another a Power Ranger...Timothy wants to be a vampire - and Zola says she is going to be a "dhost" or a ladybug! They will ring the doorbell and shout "Trick or treat!" But there will be few tricks, if any...and plenty of candy and other goodies.
I doubt many children fully understand the meaning behind the phrase "Trick or treat!" If a homeowner replied, "Trick!"... they would probably look perplexed. And while a few adults may actually try this, we all know that in the end, the kids get what they were after...candy - and lots of it!
Imagine if we asked God for help, and He gave us something ridiculous instead. What if we beseeched God to heal our bodies, and He presented us with even more diseases...or we asked for help with a struggle at school, work, or church, and instead, He said, "Here's a pet alligator!" This wouldn't make a lick of sense...would it?!
I am so grateful that God does not play "Trick or treat!" I am blessed by the knowledge that anything I ask for with humility and sincerity, God will consider. That doesn't mean I will receive it exactly. But God will take my prayers and requests and consider what is best for me and my situation...and He will answer - and meet all of my needs and more!
This leads me to one more thing...we don't often pray specifically enough. Yes, God already knows that you are having a problem with your girlfriend or that your back is killing you. But He wants you to express this. He doesn't want to hear a broad-spectrum request for "complete peace and healing in all areas". This doesn't mean that God won't answer anyway...but He really, really wants us to be specific, transparent, and fully communicative with Him. And aren't we glad?!
We don't seem to grasp what an honor, blessing and privilege it is to be able to speak directly to God...about anything and everything...and to expect Him to answer! Let's not take this for granted. Let's get busy talking to God and letting Him know what we need and how we feel. Let's trust Him to answer in the best way possible for every situation. With God, there are no tricks. But "treats" abound at every turn. You just have to know how to ask.
©2014 Debbie Robus
"Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It's almost that time of year again...Halloween! Our little "goblins" are already busy working on their costumes. One wants to be Minnie Mouse...another a Power Ranger...Timothy wants to be a vampire - and Zola says she is going to be a "dhost" or a ladybug! They will ring the doorbell and shout "Trick or treat!" But there will be few tricks, if any...and plenty of candy and other goodies.
I doubt many children fully understand the meaning behind the phrase "Trick or treat!" If a homeowner replied, "Trick!"... they would probably look perplexed. And while a few adults may actually try this, we all know that in the end, the kids get what they were after...candy - and lots of it!
Imagine if we asked God for help, and He gave us something ridiculous instead. What if we beseeched God to heal our bodies, and He presented us with even more diseases...or we asked for help with a struggle at school, work, or church, and instead, He said, "Here's a pet alligator!" This wouldn't make a lick of sense...would it?!
I am so grateful that God does not play "Trick or treat!" I am blessed by the knowledge that anything I ask for with humility and sincerity, God will consider. That doesn't mean I will receive it exactly. But God will take my prayers and requests and consider what is best for me and my situation...and He will answer - and meet all of my needs and more!
This leads me to one more thing...we don't often pray specifically enough. Yes, God already knows that you are having a problem with your girlfriend or that your back is killing you. But He wants you to express this. He doesn't want to hear a broad-spectrum request for "complete peace and healing in all areas". This doesn't mean that God won't answer anyway...but He really, really wants us to be specific, transparent, and fully communicative with Him. And aren't we glad?!
We don't seem to grasp what an honor, blessing and privilege it is to be able to speak directly to God...about anything and everything...and to expect Him to answer! Let's not take this for granted. Let's get busy talking to God and letting Him know what we need and how we feel. Let's trust Him to answer in the best way possible for every situation. With God, there are no tricks. But "treats" abound at every turn. You just have to know how to ask.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 18, 2014
Matthew 15:29-31
After Jesus returned, he walked along Lake Galilee and then climbed a mountain and took his place, ready to receive visitors. They came, tons of them, bringing along the paraplegic, the blind, the maimed, the mute—all sorts of people in need—and more or less threw them down at Jesus’ feet to see what he would do with them. He healed them. When the people saw the mutes speaking, the maimed healthy, the paraplegics walking around, the blind looking around, they were astonished and let everyone know that God was blazingly alive among 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.
This week, we received a new picture of our “son”...Timothy Kodjo Owusu Frim. “Kodjo” will be 14 next week, and we “adopted” him via Compassion International* when he was only five. We send money each month to support Kodjo, who lives most of the time with his grandmother near the African city of Accra in the country of Ghana. Kodjo attends the Mt. Zion Methodist Child Development Center. His family engages in “petty trading” – information we are provided indicates that they make about $58 per month. Our “sponsorship” costs $38 a month.
We pay an additional $8 for HIV/AIDS response and another $8 in Compassion International partnership to help sponsor other children – both of these donations are optional. Just as importantly, we send frequent letters and photos to Kodjo. You can write to your child as often as you like...and there is even an online form to do this and send up to three photos, which makes this more convenient. We offer him encouragement, ask questions about him and the culture and life of Ghana, and we share the love of Christ with him via Bible verses. Kodjo writes us in return with the assistance of a worker at the Child Development Center.
We also send monetary “gifts” for Kodjo’s birthday and at Christmas. And there is an option to provide a “family gift” each year to help siblings (if there are any) and other family members. Compassion decides what the child/family should do with the money, and Kodjo has used his gifts for clothing, food, and a soccer ball. If you follow soccer, you know that this game (referred to as “football” in other countries) is incredibly important in other cultures, including that of Ghana. When the USA beat Ghana in the 2014 World Cup games, Kodjo told us that he was so upset that he was unable to eat or sleep! So the chance to own his own soccer ball was very special to him.
Why am I telling you this...and what does it have to do with this scripture passage in Matthew 15? I believe that when Jesus performed healings and other miracles, He knew that someday, people like Greg and I would “heal” others in His name by sponsoring children via such organizations as Compassion, International. I believe that Jesus fully understood that His demonstrations were not necessarily to be taken so literally by people who lived thousands of years later...but rather, that we were to look for situations in which “miracles” and “healings” were needed – and we were to accomplish these in His name.
There are hundreds of children just like Kodjo – all around the world – who need a sponsor. There are countless charitable organizations that need a few bucks – or a helping hand. It’s not just about money. But many of us plunk down more than $38 a WEEK for mindless purchases...totally oblivious to the impact this amount could have on someone living in a Third World country or even the hungry child in your local elementary school's third grade classroom. We fail to recognize how many lives could be touched if we gave an hour a week to deliver Meals on Wheels or to volunteer in a classroom at school or church. We don’t think about the lifelong impact of mentoring a child...or how precious our visits might be to an elderly person who is housebound. We totally underestimate the power of a simple note of encouragement...or a smile.
Notice that this passage says, “They came...tons of them.” It was no accident that Jesus ministered to these people...that He assessed their needs and met them – in droves. He did this in large part as a demonstration for us of how we are to live. He was showing us what to do to serve and honor Him – and the exponential impact of such ministries. Now it is our turn. The people may not come to us...we may have to seek out the opportunities to “heal” and “perform miracles”. But they exist, nonetheless. Our job is to look for them – and to get busy! Are you ready to do your part? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* For more information on Compassion, International, visit http://compassion.com
After Jesus returned, he walked along Lake Galilee and then climbed a mountain and took his place, ready to receive visitors. They came, tons of them, bringing along the paraplegic, the blind, the maimed, the mute—all sorts of people in need—and more or less threw them down at Jesus’ feet to see what he would do with them. He healed them. When the people saw the mutes speaking, the maimed healthy, the paraplegics walking around, the blind looking around, they were astonished and let everyone know that God was blazingly alive among 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.
This week, we received a new picture of our “son”...Timothy Kodjo Owusu Frim. “Kodjo” will be 14 next week, and we “adopted” him via Compassion International* when he was only five. We send money each month to support Kodjo, who lives most of the time with his grandmother near the African city of Accra in the country of Ghana. Kodjo attends the Mt. Zion Methodist Child Development Center. His family engages in “petty trading” – information we are provided indicates that they make about $58 per month. Our “sponsorship” costs $38 a month.
We pay an additional $8 for HIV/AIDS response and another $8 in Compassion International partnership to help sponsor other children – both of these donations are optional. Just as importantly, we send frequent letters and photos to Kodjo. You can write to your child as often as you like...and there is even an online form to do this and send up to three photos, which makes this more convenient. We offer him encouragement, ask questions about him and the culture and life of Ghana, and we share the love of Christ with him via Bible verses. Kodjo writes us in return with the assistance of a worker at the Child Development Center.
We also send monetary “gifts” for Kodjo’s birthday and at Christmas. And there is an option to provide a “family gift” each year to help siblings (if there are any) and other family members. Compassion decides what the child/family should do with the money, and Kodjo has used his gifts for clothing, food, and a soccer ball. If you follow soccer, you know that this game (referred to as “football” in other countries) is incredibly important in other cultures, including that of Ghana. When the USA beat Ghana in the 2014 World Cup games, Kodjo told us that he was so upset that he was unable to eat or sleep! So the chance to own his own soccer ball was very special to him.
Why am I telling you this...and what does it have to do with this scripture passage in Matthew 15? I believe that when Jesus performed healings and other miracles, He knew that someday, people like Greg and I would “heal” others in His name by sponsoring children via such organizations as Compassion, International. I believe that Jesus fully understood that His demonstrations were not necessarily to be taken so literally by people who lived thousands of years later...but rather, that we were to look for situations in which “miracles” and “healings” were needed – and we were to accomplish these in His name.
There are hundreds of children just like Kodjo – all around the world – who need a sponsor. There are countless charitable organizations that need a few bucks – or a helping hand. It’s not just about money. But many of us plunk down more than $38 a WEEK for mindless purchases...totally oblivious to the impact this amount could have on someone living in a Third World country or even the hungry child in your local elementary school's third grade classroom. We fail to recognize how many lives could be touched if we gave an hour a week to deliver Meals on Wheels or to volunteer in a classroom at school or church. We don’t think about the lifelong impact of mentoring a child...or how precious our visits might be to an elderly person who is housebound. We totally underestimate the power of a simple note of encouragement...or a smile.
Notice that this passage says, “They came...tons of them.” It was no accident that Jesus ministered to these people...that He assessed their needs and met them – in droves. He did this in large part as a demonstration for us of how we are to live. He was showing us what to do to serve and honor Him – and the exponential impact of such ministries. Now it is our turn. The people may not come to us...we may have to seek out the opportunities to “heal” and “perform miracles”. But they exist, nonetheless. Our job is to look for them – and to get busy! Are you ready to do your part? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* For more information on Compassion, International, visit http://compassion.com
Daily Devotional for October 17, 2014
Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead to life, heal people who have leprosy, and force out demons. You received without paying, now give without being paid.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When you hear the phrase, “I don’t get no respect”...most of us think of comedian Rodney Dangerfield. This was his “hook” for many years...the words that made him famous. Dangerfield had a string of “examples” to illustrate how/why he was not respected...
Read Matthew 10:8 again. Jesus tells us to minister to others – to “heal” them, encourage them, lift them up and support them – and share the Gospel with them. That’s really what He means when He says “heal the sick, raise the dead to life, heal those with leprosy, and force out demons.” But what is critically important is his next sentence...”You received without paying, now give without being paid.”
I don’t know about you, but this hits me squarely between the eyes! Jesus did all of these things – and so much more – for you and me without expecting anything in return. In fact, there is no way we could even begin to repay Him. So what makes us think that we should expect payment for anything we do in His name? What right do we have to get upset when we help someone else and they treat us miserably? Yes, it hurts...sure, it stings when we are disrespected or dishonored. Of course we are angered when our efforts are demeaned or squandered. But imagine how Jesus feels...because we do this to Him – all.the.time!
We have to learn to treat Jesus with more respect...we must make a concerted effort to offer Him our sincere praise and appreciation for all that He does for us every second of the day. Additionally, we have to get over ourselves with regard to those we “heal” in His name. We have to learn to operate so fully in the joy of serving Jesus that what others do with our offerings truly doesn’t matter to us. We put it out there...the rest is up to that person.
Be advised...the devil will make sure to needle you every time someone doesn’t respond as you had expected. He will be front and center to say, “How dare they!”...to make you question yourself, and to doubt your strength in Jesus. Operating above the “fray” won’t come easily...and it surely won’t happen overnight. But we must continue to work toward this goal...to study God’s word and maintain close communication with Him, so that we are strengthened and encouraged to keep trying.
We must accept that there will be a lot of things that we do in this world for which we are never given “credit” or proper respect...and that this is not the goal. Jesus is the only One whose feelings and opinions truly matter.
I know I have a lot of work to do in this area...but I’m ready to put in the time and effort. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Heal the sick, raise the dead to life, heal people who have leprosy, and force out demons. You received without paying, now give without being paid.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When you hear the phrase, “I don’t get no respect”...most of us think of comedian Rodney Dangerfield. This was his “hook” for many years...the words that made him famous. Dangerfield had a string of “examples” to illustrate how/why he was not respected...
- ”When I was a kid I got no respect. I worked in a pet store. People kept askin' how big I get. On Halloween, the parents send their kids out looking like me.”
- “When I answer the door the kids hand me candy.”
Read Matthew 10:8 again. Jesus tells us to minister to others – to “heal” them, encourage them, lift them up and support them – and share the Gospel with them. That’s really what He means when He says “heal the sick, raise the dead to life, heal those with leprosy, and force out demons.” But what is critically important is his next sentence...”You received without paying, now give without being paid.”
I don’t know about you, but this hits me squarely between the eyes! Jesus did all of these things – and so much more – for you and me without expecting anything in return. In fact, there is no way we could even begin to repay Him. So what makes us think that we should expect payment for anything we do in His name? What right do we have to get upset when we help someone else and they treat us miserably? Yes, it hurts...sure, it stings when we are disrespected or dishonored. Of course we are angered when our efforts are demeaned or squandered. But imagine how Jesus feels...because we do this to Him – all.the.time!
We have to learn to treat Jesus with more respect...we must make a concerted effort to offer Him our sincere praise and appreciation for all that He does for us every second of the day. Additionally, we have to get over ourselves with regard to those we “heal” in His name. We have to learn to operate so fully in the joy of serving Jesus that what others do with our offerings truly doesn’t matter to us. We put it out there...the rest is up to that person.
Be advised...the devil will make sure to needle you every time someone doesn’t respond as you had expected. He will be front and center to say, “How dare they!”...to make you question yourself, and to doubt your strength in Jesus. Operating above the “fray” won’t come easily...and it surely won’t happen overnight. But we must continue to work toward this goal...to study God’s word and maintain close communication with Him, so that we are strengthened and encouraged to keep trying.
We must accept that there will be a lot of things that we do in this world for which we are never given “credit” or proper respect...and that this is not the goal. Jesus is the only One whose feelings and opinions truly matter.
I know I have a lot of work to do in this area...but I’m ready to put in the time and effort. What about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 16, 2014
Mark 16:17-18
“And those who believe shall use my authority to cast out demons, and they shall speak new languages. They will be able even to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them; and they will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It seems that much of the world is presently in a tizzy over the Ebola virus. And yes, those who are directly involved with people who have come in contact with this potentially deadly illness – or who have been to countries where the sickness is prevalent – should be cautious and concerned. But those of us who live hours and days away from this contagion truly have little to nothing to fear. Moreover, we should be thankful that there are medical personnel who are specifically trained to treat those with this virus, which will help to contain it and prevent further spread, while aiding those who are infected.
Here’s how I see this...Jesus told us over and again in Scripture that He came to earth, suffered, bled and died, so that we might live! Through His sacrifices, God has granted us not only the assurance of safety and security, but also the wisdom to know how to survive! So when this passage talks of “handling snakes” and “drinking poison”...don’t take this so literally. The “snakes and poisons” of life are all around us – physical dangers, relationship difficulties, temptations, challenges, sins of all kinds – and yes, deadly viruses. But we have the ultimate “Hazmat Suit” of all...the healing power Jesus Christ!
Because of Jesus’s healing power, we don’t have to operate in fear...about anything. And honestly, when you boil this all down...that’s what is happening. “Fearmongering” is at an all-time high these days...in current events, politics, and even the latest “health news”. Just watch The Dr. Oz Show, and you will feel like you have failed your own body in more than a dozen ways with each episode!
We need to pull out our Bibles, find a quiet place to read and reflect, and CALM DOWN!!! We need to call on the authority of Jesus to cast out these demons of fear...to operate in the confidence of His healing power...and to lead by example and “heal” others as we interact with them each day. This is “Christian Discipleship 101”, people! Have you read The Book and taken notes from the Teacher? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“And those who believe shall use my authority to cast out demons, and they shall speak new languages. They will be able even to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them; and they will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It seems that much of the world is presently in a tizzy over the Ebola virus. And yes, those who are directly involved with people who have come in contact with this potentially deadly illness – or who have been to countries where the sickness is prevalent – should be cautious and concerned. But those of us who live hours and days away from this contagion truly have little to nothing to fear. Moreover, we should be thankful that there are medical personnel who are specifically trained to treat those with this virus, which will help to contain it and prevent further spread, while aiding those who are infected.
Here’s how I see this...Jesus told us over and again in Scripture that He came to earth, suffered, bled and died, so that we might live! Through His sacrifices, God has granted us not only the assurance of safety and security, but also the wisdom to know how to survive! So when this passage talks of “handling snakes” and “drinking poison”...don’t take this so literally. The “snakes and poisons” of life are all around us – physical dangers, relationship difficulties, temptations, challenges, sins of all kinds – and yes, deadly viruses. But we have the ultimate “Hazmat Suit” of all...the healing power Jesus Christ!
Because of Jesus’s healing power, we don’t have to operate in fear...about anything. And honestly, when you boil this all down...that’s what is happening. “Fearmongering” is at an all-time high these days...in current events, politics, and even the latest “health news”. Just watch The Dr. Oz Show, and you will feel like you have failed your own body in more than a dozen ways with each episode!
We need to pull out our Bibles, find a quiet place to read and reflect, and CALM DOWN!!! We need to call on the authority of Jesus to cast out these demons of fear...to operate in the confidence of His healing power...and to lead by example and “heal” others as we interact with them each day. This is “Christian Discipleship 101”, people! Have you read The Book and taken notes from the Teacher? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 15, 2014
October 15 ~ Mark 11:22-24
Jesus told his disciples:
Have faith in God! If you have faith in God and don’t doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, I watched a certain televangelist’s morning program every week. In fact, I recorded his “sermons” and studied them each Sunday afternoon. Do not judge! I gained a lot of Bible knowledge from this exercise. That is not to say that I believed everything this man taught – or his interpretation of the scriptures he presented each day. He took the scripture promise of Mark 11:22-24 in a totally different direction – and he quoted other scriptures in an attempt to support his stance.
This man believed that God wanted us to all live in “McMansions”, drive an expensive vehicle (or own a fleet of cars), wear expensive watches and diamond jewelry, own private jets and more. He assured us that all of this was within our reach...if we would believe for it AND “sow seeds” of money gifts to the church – even when we couldn’t pay our light bill! This is called “prosperity teaching/preaching”, and it’s become quite popular in certain “Christian” circles. No apologies are made for having excessive wealth...this is considered God’s reward or “favor” for faithfulness and obedience.
One of the things I did learn from all of this was how to study the scriptures for myself...to dig deeply and discover what God intended me to glean from His word. And here’s what I feel He tells me about this particular set of verses...”the rest of the story”!
If you continue reading in Mark 11, verses 25-26 say, “Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins.” Oh, but wait! You mean...I have to forgive others in order to “move that mountain”? Certainly! John 15:16 says “You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name.” So I have to ask for GOD’s will rather than my own? Most definitely!
In Isaiah 55:9, God tells us, “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.” Then we must not only have faith in God...but also in His ways – even when they are not what we expected or desired? Absolutely!
So while we may grow up wanting to be an architect or ballerina...believing with every fiber of our being that we will end up in the NBA or the NFL...or that we will marry the person of our dreams, have 2.5 children and the proverbial “house with the picket fence, two cars a dog and a cat” and live happily ever after...God may have far different plans. We can believe all day long that all we have to do is ask God for something, and He will give it to us...but if it doesn’t fit into His perfect plan, this simply will not happen. If we operate with anger, hatred, ill will or unforgiveness in our hearts and ask God to produce certain results, we’ve gotten it all wrong.
Understand this...God is in the business of miracles and moving mountains. He is ready, willing, and able to answer our prayers...to help us soar to heights beyond any we could ever imagine. But this only happens within His will and the parameters that He has outlined for us. We must have obedient faith...we must get rid of any ulterior or selfish motives...we must come to Him with a humble attitude and a genuine confidence that His answer is the best one. If all of these things come together as God desires, the “mountain” will be moved. If it is not...we must be ready to accept this and ask, “What did YOU have in mind, LORD?”
I don’t know what “mountains” you are asking God to move today. Perhaps you are asking for healing for yourself or someone you know. Maybe you are struggling at school or in the workplace...looking for a job...grappling with bills and a way to make ends meet...fighting for your marriage or resolution in another personal relationship...coping with the challenges of aging (your own or someone else’s)...seeking a deeper spiritual connection and/or grappling with relationships that involve fellow believers and/or your church family. Whatever your situation entails...God has a plan. He already knows what is best for us. But He wants us to ask for His help...in the right way, with the right attitude and expectations.
A lot of people want to tout the “power of positive thinking”...the notion that if we just believe strongly enough...if we just envision what we want with enough conviction...it will happen. Don’t leave God out of this equation. There is no “secret”, as some would have you believe. Everything is clearly spelled out in the scriptures...and everything you ask for in prayer – according to God’s perfect will – can indeed be yours. What are you asking for today...and how did you ask? There is faith...and then there is faith. In which will you choose to operate? How you answer may spell the difference in what happens to the “mountain”!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus told his disciples:
Have faith in God! If you have faith in God and don’t doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, I watched a certain televangelist’s morning program every week. In fact, I recorded his “sermons” and studied them each Sunday afternoon. Do not judge! I gained a lot of Bible knowledge from this exercise. That is not to say that I believed everything this man taught – or his interpretation of the scriptures he presented each day. He took the scripture promise of Mark 11:22-24 in a totally different direction – and he quoted other scriptures in an attempt to support his stance.
This man believed that God wanted us to all live in “McMansions”, drive an expensive vehicle (or own a fleet of cars), wear expensive watches and diamond jewelry, own private jets and more. He assured us that all of this was within our reach...if we would believe for it AND “sow seeds” of money gifts to the church – even when we couldn’t pay our light bill! This is called “prosperity teaching/preaching”, and it’s become quite popular in certain “Christian” circles. No apologies are made for having excessive wealth...this is considered God’s reward or “favor” for faithfulness and obedience.
One of the things I did learn from all of this was how to study the scriptures for myself...to dig deeply and discover what God intended me to glean from His word. And here’s what I feel He tells me about this particular set of verses...”the rest of the story”!
If you continue reading in Mark 11, verses 25-26 say, “Whenever you stand up to pray, you must forgive what others have done to you. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins.” Oh, but wait! You mean...I have to forgive others in order to “move that mountain”? Certainly! John 15:16 says “You did not choose me. I chose you and sent you out to produce fruit, the kind of fruit that will last. Then my Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name.” So I have to ask for GOD’s will rather than my own? Most definitely!
In Isaiah 55:9, God tells us, “Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.” Then we must not only have faith in God...but also in His ways – even when they are not what we expected or desired? Absolutely!
So while we may grow up wanting to be an architect or ballerina...believing with every fiber of our being that we will end up in the NBA or the NFL...or that we will marry the person of our dreams, have 2.5 children and the proverbial “house with the picket fence, two cars a dog and a cat” and live happily ever after...God may have far different plans. We can believe all day long that all we have to do is ask God for something, and He will give it to us...but if it doesn’t fit into His perfect plan, this simply will not happen. If we operate with anger, hatred, ill will or unforgiveness in our hearts and ask God to produce certain results, we’ve gotten it all wrong.
Understand this...God is in the business of miracles and moving mountains. He is ready, willing, and able to answer our prayers...to help us soar to heights beyond any we could ever imagine. But this only happens within His will and the parameters that He has outlined for us. We must have obedient faith...we must get rid of any ulterior or selfish motives...we must come to Him with a humble attitude and a genuine confidence that His answer is the best one. If all of these things come together as God desires, the “mountain” will be moved. If it is not...we must be ready to accept this and ask, “What did YOU have in mind, LORD?”
I don’t know what “mountains” you are asking God to move today. Perhaps you are asking for healing for yourself or someone you know. Maybe you are struggling at school or in the workplace...looking for a job...grappling with bills and a way to make ends meet...fighting for your marriage or resolution in another personal relationship...coping with the challenges of aging (your own or someone else’s)...seeking a deeper spiritual connection and/or grappling with relationships that involve fellow believers and/or your church family. Whatever your situation entails...God has a plan. He already knows what is best for us. But He wants us to ask for His help...in the right way, with the right attitude and expectations.
A lot of people want to tout the “power of positive thinking”...the notion that if we just believe strongly enough...if we just envision what we want with enough conviction...it will happen. Don’t leave God out of this equation. There is no “secret”, as some would have you believe. Everything is clearly spelled out in the scriptures...and everything you ask for in prayer – according to God’s perfect will – can indeed be yours. What are you asking for today...and how did you ask? There is faith...and then there is faith. In which will you choose to operate? How you answer may spell the difference in what happens to the “mountain”!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 14, 2014
Malachi 4:2-3
But for you that honor my name, victory will shine like the sun with healing in its rays, and you will jump around like calves at play. When I come to bring justice, you will trample those who are evil, as though they were ashes under your feet. I, the Lord All-Powerful, have spoken!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 2005, former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood received a Grammy Award for the Best Female Country Vocal Performance of “Before He Cheats*”. The lyrics to this song say in part...
I found this passage rich with message and meaning on several levels:
If only we could learn to operate more in the joy of the LORD and focus on pleasing Him. If only we could learn to more fully trust His power to handle our worries and concerns...to heal our heartaches just as surely as He heals our wounds and diseases...we would surely be more effective disciples – with contented souls! I am so ready to “let go and let God”...to trust that He’s got my back – now and for all eternity. I’m ready to focus less on the other guy and more on Jesus. I’m ready to bask in the healing rays of God’s sunshine – and to feel my heart leaping with joy like young calves at play. Aren’t you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*Before He Cheats ~ ©2005 ~ written by Chris Tompkins & Josh Kear ~ Performed by Carrie Underwood for Arista Nashville Records ~ Sony Music Nashville (US) www.aristanashville.com
But for you that honor my name, victory will shine like the sun with healing in its rays, and you will jump around like calves at play. When I come to bring justice, you will trample those who are evil, as though they were ashes under your feet. I, the Lord All-Powerful, have spoken!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 2005, former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood received a Grammy Award for the Best Female Country Vocal Performance of “Before He Cheats*”. The lyrics to this song say in part...
I dug my key into the sideMaybe you haven’t felt like taking a key to someone’s car, slashing the seats and tires, or smashing in the headlights. But let’s be honest...we’ve all been irritated about something or someone at one time or another - and at least secretly wished that “someday, he/she will be sorry.” At the end of the day, we are human – and sinful...which means we all will eventually seek “revenge” of some kind...even if it is to delight in a “tit for tat” bad call during a ballgame – or to take comfort in the thought that one of these days, another person will have to answer for his/her “sins” and missteps. Our victorious “jumping around like calves at play” is often somewhat misguided!
of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive,
carved my name into his leather seats...
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights,
slashed a hole in all 4 tires...
Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.
I found this passage rich with message and meaning on several levels:
- When you drill it all down, we don’t have to worry about the other guy – God will handle him/her.
- All we are called to do is honor the name of God - every day, in all things.
- Doing the right thing will be its own reward...God will fill us with joy and a lightness of heart and mind that has us practically leaping in the air with delight.
- God is in complete control. This should “lighten our load”. We should feel calmer...more peaceful, collected and confident as we leave our worries and concerns in God’s hands and focus only on loving and serving Him in everything.
If only we could learn to operate more in the joy of the LORD and focus on pleasing Him. If only we could learn to more fully trust His power to handle our worries and concerns...to heal our heartaches just as surely as He heals our wounds and diseases...we would surely be more effective disciples – with contented souls! I am so ready to “let go and let God”...to trust that He’s got my back – now and for all eternity. I’m ready to focus less on the other guy and more on Jesus. I’m ready to bask in the healing rays of God’s sunshine – and to feel my heart leaping with joy like young calves at play. Aren’t you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
*Before He Cheats ~ ©2005 ~ written by Chris Tompkins & Josh Kear ~ Performed by Carrie Underwood for Arista Nashville Records ~ Sony Music Nashville (US) www.aristanashville.com
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