Luke 10:41-42
But the Lord said to her, “Martha,
dear friend, you are so upset over all these details! There is really
only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I
won’t take it away from her!”
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
My mother once gave me a book titled, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World*.
The premise was that we spend a lot of time worrying…and most of it is
about things that are either insignificant – or low priority! Certain
“worries” are rites of passage and part of growing up…like the litany of
stresses that compile “teenage angst.” But those who, like me, have
lived a few decades can probably look back on several events and
circumstances and say, “I wasted far too much time on that!”
“Woulda,
shoulda, coulda”…these are all natural sentiments that most of us have
experienced. “I wish I would have studied more”…”I should have spent
more time with this person or that one”…”I could have made more of an
effort to get to know Jesus better at a younger age – and saved myself
some heartache!” Regrets and worry are a natural part of the human
psyche.
But hear the words of Jesus in these verses…and go back
and read all of the story in Luke 10, if you need to refresh your
memory. Stop and take a good look at what is concerning you these
days…then ask, “Is this really what matters most?” Is it more important
that we spend time on the things that express our love - and the love
of Jesus – for others…or do we really need that latest gizmo or new
outfit we spent hours shopping for? When someone drops by for a visit,
will you worry about how your house looks – or enjoy their company?
When
your favorite television program is interrupted by a phone call from a
friend or loved one who wants to visit, will you be irritated – or
attentive? Will you read to a child – or spend an hour surfing social
media? Will you be so self-absorbed or concerned about keeping up
appearances that you miss the beauty of a crisp fall day…a few minutes
spent in strengthening and encouraging conversation with God… or even
His gift of a few hours of much-needed rest and renewal?
Worry
steals our energy, our time, and our joy. Misplaced priorities rob us
of God’s blessings – and our true purpose as Christian disciples. Will
you spend some time today seeking God’s will and direction for your
life…and syncing your agenda with His? I probably need to get this book
out and read it again, because worry has a way of creeping into our
lives in ways that we don’t even notice! Will this be the day that you start becoming a “Mary in a Martha World?” - and learn to operate in what is really important? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World - ©2000 Joanna Weaver - http://www.amazon.com/Having-Mary-Heart-Martha-World/dp/1578562589
Daily Devotional for October 30, 2015
Luke 1:18-20
Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this is going to happen? My wife and I are both very old.”
The angel answered, “I am Gabriel, God’s servant, and I was sent to tell you this good news. You have not believed what I have said. So you will not be able to say a thing until all this happens. But everything will take place when it is supposed to.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The children and I went swimming yesterday at our Aquatic Center. Timothy asked if he could be on the local swim team someday. I told him maybe…IF he learned to swim! I asked Timothy if he would like to remove his life jacket and practice what he learned in swim lessons this summer. He shook his head “no” and said, “I will drown!” I assured him that he would not drown – that I would never let that happen to him. I will always do my best to keep him safe. So he agreed to try, and with the first “lap”, he sunk a little – and panicked a LOT!
We put the life jacket back on...but before long, Timothy said that he would like to try again to “swim” – but not so far this time. So we started with very short distances of only a couple or three feet from me to the wall and back. And soon, he was going farther…and even practicing his breathing skills by pushing himself down to the pool floor and holding his breath for several seconds. He was so proud of his progress and asked me to please text his swim lesson teacher, Miss Amy, and let her know that he can almost swim!
At one point, I said to Timothy, “You really don’t trust me very much, do you?!” I reminded him that I would never let anything bad happen to him if I could help it – in the water or otherwise. And I reminded him that in order to learn to swim, he had to try – and to trust me to help him stay afloat.
As Gabriel talked with Zechariah, I have to imagine that God was thinking…”You really don’t trust me very much, do you?!” I can tell you, it gets a little exasperating at times when we are trying to persuade one of the children to trust us and try something – a new food or activity that we know they will enjoy or do well at…and they cannot “cut loose” and see what happens. It must be that way – and then some – for God when we fail to trust Him…when we continue to “worry” our worries…when we won’t step out and try what He is calling us to do because we are scared stiff of failure!
In these verses from Luke 1, we are reminded that God blesses those who trust Him. I pointed out to Timothy that “You cannot be on the swim team if you don’t know how to swim!” And in life, there are many things that we cannot enjoy – at least not as fully as God would like – because we refuse to trust Him in all circumstances.
What are you holding back from God these days? Where are you failing to be totally obedient…to give Him your troubles and concerns…to trust Him to do what He has promised? Are you ready to join His “swim team” and receive all of the blessings that come along with it…or are you content to paddle around like a toddler in a “puddle jumper” and live in the land of “good enough?” The choice is totally yours…what will you decide to do?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this is going to happen? My wife and I are both very old.”
The angel answered, “I am Gabriel, God’s servant, and I was sent to tell you this good news. You have not believed what I have said. So you will not be able to say a thing until all this happens. But everything will take place when it is supposed to.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The children and I went swimming yesterday at our Aquatic Center. Timothy asked if he could be on the local swim team someday. I told him maybe…IF he learned to swim! I asked Timothy if he would like to remove his life jacket and practice what he learned in swim lessons this summer. He shook his head “no” and said, “I will drown!” I assured him that he would not drown – that I would never let that happen to him. I will always do my best to keep him safe. So he agreed to try, and with the first “lap”, he sunk a little – and panicked a LOT!
We put the life jacket back on...but before long, Timothy said that he would like to try again to “swim” – but not so far this time. So we started with very short distances of only a couple or three feet from me to the wall and back. And soon, he was going farther…and even practicing his breathing skills by pushing himself down to the pool floor and holding his breath for several seconds. He was so proud of his progress and asked me to please text his swim lesson teacher, Miss Amy, and let her know that he can almost swim!
At one point, I said to Timothy, “You really don’t trust me very much, do you?!” I reminded him that I would never let anything bad happen to him if I could help it – in the water or otherwise. And I reminded him that in order to learn to swim, he had to try – and to trust me to help him stay afloat.
As Gabriel talked with Zechariah, I have to imagine that God was thinking…”You really don’t trust me very much, do you?!” I can tell you, it gets a little exasperating at times when we are trying to persuade one of the children to trust us and try something – a new food or activity that we know they will enjoy or do well at…and they cannot “cut loose” and see what happens. It must be that way – and then some – for God when we fail to trust Him…when we continue to “worry” our worries…when we won’t step out and try what He is calling us to do because we are scared stiff of failure!
In these verses from Luke 1, we are reminded that God blesses those who trust Him. I pointed out to Timothy that “You cannot be on the swim team if you don’t know how to swim!” And in life, there are many things that we cannot enjoy – at least not as fully as God would like – because we refuse to trust Him in all circumstances.
What are you holding back from God these days? Where are you failing to be totally obedient…to give Him your troubles and concerns…to trust Him to do what He has promised? Are you ready to join His “swim team” and receive all of the blessings that come along with it…or are you content to paddle around like a toddler in a “puddle jumper” and live in the land of “good enough?” The choice is totally yours…what will you decide to do?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 29, 2015
Joshua 1:9
I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last Christmas, I found a recipe for Cashew Brittle…a salty/sweet concoction of caramelized sugar and cashews. I made several batches and shared with friends and family…but I have to say, I ate my fair share! I wasn’t even a fan of cashews…until they were combined with this crunchy sweetness. Then I could NOT stay away from the candy jar. I knew that I should pace myself…that I needed to exercise will power and resolve and stay away from that delicious concoction. Hey, I knew better than to make it in the first place! But I simply could not control myself…or maybe I allowed myself to be controlled by the thought – and taste – of that delicious treat. If you have ever said to yourself or someone else, “I won’t rest until I’ve eaten the whole thing!”…you know exactly what I mean.
We do this very thing with our worries and fears. We say we are going to give them to God. And sometimes, we do let God handle these things – for a little while. But in the back of our mind, the devil is saying, “You better pick those back up and fiddle with them for a while longer. What if this? What about that? You should be concerned!” Essentially, we are encouraged to return to the “Worry Candy Jar” - and keep going back as the “weight” of our troubles mounts.
This scripture from Joshua is incredibly powerful and profound. In these words, we pretty well have a sum total of what it means to live and breathe in Christian faith. We have the perfect recipe for how to walk in peace and confidence with God. “…be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.”
Today, let’s make a concerted effort to “let go and let God” – in every situation. Let God handle your worries and fears. Let God heal you and give you peace. Let God comfort you in grief and encourage you in challenges and stressful situations. Let God be God and do the heavy lifting. Be strong and brave – and confident that He is in complete and perfect control. And stay away from that “candy jar” of worries and lies from the devil.
I cannot promise that I won’t make Cashew Brittle this year…or something equally delectable and tempting. But I am trusting God to give me strength and will power to manage even this enticement in my life. With God, ALL things are possible…even the ability to “just say no!” during the holidays! Are you ready to let Him have complete control of your worries, fears and temptations? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last Christmas, I found a recipe for Cashew Brittle…a salty/sweet concoction of caramelized sugar and cashews. I made several batches and shared with friends and family…but I have to say, I ate my fair share! I wasn’t even a fan of cashews…until they were combined with this crunchy sweetness. Then I could NOT stay away from the candy jar. I knew that I should pace myself…that I needed to exercise will power and resolve and stay away from that delicious concoction. Hey, I knew better than to make it in the first place! But I simply could not control myself…or maybe I allowed myself to be controlled by the thought – and taste – of that delicious treat. If you have ever said to yourself or someone else, “I won’t rest until I’ve eaten the whole thing!”…you know exactly what I mean.
We do this very thing with our worries and fears. We say we are going to give them to God. And sometimes, we do let God handle these things – for a little while. But in the back of our mind, the devil is saying, “You better pick those back up and fiddle with them for a while longer. What if this? What about that? You should be concerned!” Essentially, we are encouraged to return to the “Worry Candy Jar” - and keep going back as the “weight” of our troubles mounts.
This scripture from Joshua is incredibly powerful and profound. In these words, we pretty well have a sum total of what it means to live and breathe in Christian faith. We have the perfect recipe for how to walk in peace and confidence with God. “…be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.”
Today, let’s make a concerted effort to “let go and let God” – in every situation. Let God handle your worries and fears. Let God heal you and give you peace. Let God comfort you in grief and encourage you in challenges and stressful situations. Let God be God and do the heavy lifting. Be strong and brave – and confident that He is in complete and perfect control. And stay away from that “candy jar” of worries and lies from the devil.
I cannot promise that I won’t make Cashew Brittle this year…or something equally delectable and tempting. But I am trusting God to give me strength and will power to manage even this enticement in my life. With God, ALL things are possible…even the ability to “just say no!” during the holidays! Are you ready to let Him have complete control of your worries, fears and temptations? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 28, 2015
John 16:33
I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I will tell you, I have almost stopped watching the news. Everywhere you turn, there are heartbreaks and heartaches…wars, mistreatment of others, and injustice and indignities that at least ought to curl our hair! Just in the last few days, I have learned of the death of two 15-year-old football players in a nearby town – the result of a car accident that left four others injured (some critically). I’ve heard about several people who have cancer or serious illnesses and injuries, the incredible mistreatment of a misbehaving teenage girl in a South Carolina classroom, and the ravages of war in the Middle East.
It’s enough to make us nauseous…to cause us to throw up our hands and ask, “LORD…where have You gone?” And the short answer is, “Nowhere! I’m still right here.” So this begs the question…”Why?” And John 16:33 provides the answer. Jesus has overcome the world. The things that rattle our cages and upset us…the words and actions that dare to rip out our hearts and cause us to doubt and become discouraged…are all part and parcel of this earthly – and often evil – world. And Jesus overcame them all. He died on the cross and took sin upon Himself, so that we have the chance to leave all of this behind someday…and bask in His glory in Paradise.
I don’t mean to sound the “Gloom and Doom Alarm!” There ARE good things happening in this earthly life. We just have to dig a little deeper sometimes to find them. Just today, I attended the adoption hearing for a toddler placed in foster care with a family who is “like family” to Greg and me. In his closing statements, the judge noted that he and his co-workers see and hear terrible things in the courtroom…stories of abuse, neglect and horrific injustices. And he stated that days like these are a joy to them. To see a child who is so obviously loved and well-attended…who is thriving in her new environment and has every prospect of a wonderful and happy life…gives them hope and renews their efforts to serve all children.
And so it is with us. This verse in John 16 should serve to bolster our courage and our hope. Our faith should be renewed, and we should be reminded to worry less and pray more - to allow the Savior who has conquered this world to handle it and the challenges that are offered…because He truly can!
I cannot say that I am not affected by the trials and sorrows of this earthly life, because as a human being, I simply am. But I can give them to God to handle and trust Him to do so. I can live in faith and joy that my future – the one that really matters – is secure, peaceful and perfect. I can cheer up…and spread the Good News. And so can you!
©2015 Debbie Robus
I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I will tell you, I have almost stopped watching the news. Everywhere you turn, there are heartbreaks and heartaches…wars, mistreatment of others, and injustice and indignities that at least ought to curl our hair! Just in the last few days, I have learned of the death of two 15-year-old football players in a nearby town – the result of a car accident that left four others injured (some critically). I’ve heard about several people who have cancer or serious illnesses and injuries, the incredible mistreatment of a misbehaving teenage girl in a South Carolina classroom, and the ravages of war in the Middle East.
It’s enough to make us nauseous…to cause us to throw up our hands and ask, “LORD…where have You gone?” And the short answer is, “Nowhere! I’m still right here.” So this begs the question…”Why?” And John 16:33 provides the answer. Jesus has overcome the world. The things that rattle our cages and upset us…the words and actions that dare to rip out our hearts and cause us to doubt and become discouraged…are all part and parcel of this earthly – and often evil – world. And Jesus overcame them all. He died on the cross and took sin upon Himself, so that we have the chance to leave all of this behind someday…and bask in His glory in Paradise.
I don’t mean to sound the “Gloom and Doom Alarm!” There ARE good things happening in this earthly life. We just have to dig a little deeper sometimes to find them. Just today, I attended the adoption hearing for a toddler placed in foster care with a family who is “like family” to Greg and me. In his closing statements, the judge noted that he and his co-workers see and hear terrible things in the courtroom…stories of abuse, neglect and horrific injustices. And he stated that days like these are a joy to them. To see a child who is so obviously loved and well-attended…who is thriving in her new environment and has every prospect of a wonderful and happy life…gives them hope and renews their efforts to serve all children.
And so it is with us. This verse in John 16 should serve to bolster our courage and our hope. Our faith should be renewed, and we should be reminded to worry less and pray more - to allow the Savior who has conquered this world to handle it and the challenges that are offered…because He truly can!
I cannot say that I am not affected by the trials and sorrows of this earthly life, because as a human being, I simply am. But I can give them to God to handle and trust Him to do so. I can live in faith and joy that my future – the one that really matters – is secure, peaceful and perfect. I can cheer up…and spread the Good News. And so can you!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 27, 2015
John 14:26-27
But when the Father sends the Comforter instead of me—and by the Comforter I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
We’re headed toward that time of year when we start to think a lot about gifts…as in “What will I get XYZ for Christmas?” Retailers are more than ready to offer suggestions about how we should spend our money – and what would be the best present for Grandma or Jimmy! Often, we are encouraged to give something expendable…food, cologne and toiletries, candles and room fragrances, or coloring/activity books and art supplies that are quickly used, so that there is a built-in urge to buy more!
I like to give lasting gifts…a keepsake that someone will treasure for a long time. A couple of years ago, my cousin Natalie gave me a leather bracelet for my birthday that says, “only love today.” It’s a reminder that God is with me…that for this day, He wants me to focus on operating in love. This is also a subtle reminder that we are only to concern ourselves with one day at a time. I wear this bracelet almost every day, and it does indeed remind me that God’s Holy Spirit is with me, guiding me to walk in love. It also reminds me of my sweet cousin and our special bond.
Another lasting gift is my wedding band. I have worn it for more than 41 years now, and it reminds me of the promises that Greg and I have made…and of how much we love each other. When I look at that gold band, I am comforted by the peace of our enduring love and commitment to each other. Whether we are together or not, I feel Greg’s presence and devotion every single moment.
The Holy Spirit is not something that we wear like a bracelet or a wedding band, but His presence in our heart is no less profound or impactful. God’s Holy Spirit is most certainly not an expendable gift, like food or perfume. His is the gentle voice you hear suggesting that you take this path or that…reminding you to be still and “let it go”…calming you in the midst of something that has you in a tizzy or a major panic. His peace is everlasting…not like the momentary relief or exhilaration that we feel after a happy incident.
The peace of the Holy Spirit is that inner calm that says, “You can do this! You’ve got this! I’m right here beside you, and everything will be okay.” The peace of the Holy Spirit allows us to be calm in the face of adversity…to say, “This is going to be okay” – and mean it! Does this mean there will never be times of temporary panic…that we will not be affected by grief, pain and suffering…that we won’t ever experience troubles? Absolutely not!
But when we “wear” the Holy Spirit in our hearts and listen for His voice, we always feel God’s presence. We know that He is working – often behind the scenes – to make a way where we cannot see one. We understand that God wants us to put one foot in front of the other and keep walking…and to know that He will carry us when the steps are too difficult. He wants us to “be still and know” that He is God…and to experience lasting peace that only He can give.
I still give baked goods and “temporary” gifts to others…and there is no such thing as a “bad gift” shared in the spirit of love. But the best gift we’ll ever receive is Salvation in Jesus Christ… the presence of His Holy Spirit that follows…and the peace that He brings. Have you received this gift for yourself? Isn’t it time that you did? Ask Jesus to forgive your sins…to be the LORD and Savior of your life…and then invite His Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart. Call on Him by saying, “Come, Holy Spirit!”…and welcome the peace that He brings forever and ever.
©2015 Debbie Robus
But when the Father sends the Comforter instead of me—and by the Comforter I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you much, as well as remind you of everything I myself have told you.
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn’t fragile like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
We’re headed toward that time of year when we start to think a lot about gifts…as in “What will I get XYZ for Christmas?” Retailers are more than ready to offer suggestions about how we should spend our money – and what would be the best present for Grandma or Jimmy! Often, we are encouraged to give something expendable…food, cologne and toiletries, candles and room fragrances, or coloring/activity books and art supplies that are quickly used, so that there is a built-in urge to buy more!
I like to give lasting gifts…a keepsake that someone will treasure for a long time. A couple of years ago, my cousin Natalie gave me a leather bracelet for my birthday that says, “only love today.” It’s a reminder that God is with me…that for this day, He wants me to focus on operating in love. This is also a subtle reminder that we are only to concern ourselves with one day at a time. I wear this bracelet almost every day, and it does indeed remind me that God’s Holy Spirit is with me, guiding me to walk in love. It also reminds me of my sweet cousin and our special bond.
Another lasting gift is my wedding band. I have worn it for more than 41 years now, and it reminds me of the promises that Greg and I have made…and of how much we love each other. When I look at that gold band, I am comforted by the peace of our enduring love and commitment to each other. Whether we are together or not, I feel Greg’s presence and devotion every single moment.
The Holy Spirit is not something that we wear like a bracelet or a wedding band, but His presence in our heart is no less profound or impactful. God’s Holy Spirit is most certainly not an expendable gift, like food or perfume. His is the gentle voice you hear suggesting that you take this path or that…reminding you to be still and “let it go”…calming you in the midst of something that has you in a tizzy or a major panic. His peace is everlasting…not like the momentary relief or exhilaration that we feel after a happy incident.
The peace of the Holy Spirit is that inner calm that says, “You can do this! You’ve got this! I’m right here beside you, and everything will be okay.” The peace of the Holy Spirit allows us to be calm in the face of adversity…to say, “This is going to be okay” – and mean it! Does this mean there will never be times of temporary panic…that we will not be affected by grief, pain and suffering…that we won’t ever experience troubles? Absolutely not!
But when we “wear” the Holy Spirit in our hearts and listen for His voice, we always feel God’s presence. We know that He is working – often behind the scenes – to make a way where we cannot see one. We understand that God wants us to put one foot in front of the other and keep walking…and to know that He will carry us when the steps are too difficult. He wants us to “be still and know” that He is God…and to experience lasting peace that only He can give.
I still give baked goods and “temporary” gifts to others…and there is no such thing as a “bad gift” shared in the spirit of love. But the best gift we’ll ever receive is Salvation in Jesus Christ… the presence of His Holy Spirit that follows…and the peace that He brings. Have you received this gift for yourself? Isn’t it time that you did? Ask Jesus to forgive your sins…to be the LORD and Savior of your life…and then invite His Holy Spirit to dwell in your heart. Call on Him by saying, “Come, Holy Spirit!”…and welcome the peace that He brings forever and ever.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 26, 2015
John 14:1
Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our three-year-old nephew, Nathan, has a fistful of plastic superheroes that are his almost constant companions at our house. These include Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash, a small “bat signal” and a blue Lego man he calls “Blue Man.” He “earned” these for good behavior earlier in the spring/summer, and he carries them around throughout the house as he plays. And he always sleeps with them.
Nathan stays with us on Mondays and Fridays while his parents work. We have a routine of play and activities all morning, followed by an early lunch, a warm bath, story time…and about a 3-hour nap. While Nathan plays in the tub, I gather books to read, lay out his pajamas, and prepare our bed with his favorite blanket, the superheroes, and a couple of stuffed animals he requires before he will settle in and sleep. Today, I could NOT locate Batman.
I searched high and low. The black-clad superhero was last seen in our living room, but I could not locate him. I hoped that Nathan would not notice. Ha! What was I thinking? He went with me to the living room to search, and we turned over the cushions and looked everywhere – no Batman. Nathan began to sob. I got other “Batman” figures…they were not the same. He wanted his “superhero Batman,” as he called it. I assured him that…”Batman is here…and I will find him.” I told him…”Trust me…while you sleep, I will find him and bring him to you.”
Finally, I was able to convince the little guy to settle in for story time and some PBS TV programs…and I returned to the living room to search. WHERE was that crazy little figurine? I retraced every single step, and suddenly, there he lay…totally camouflaged on the cushion of one of my chairs…almost in plain sight, but just obscure enough to be overlooked. I took Batman to Nathan, and he was one happy and relieved little napper!
When I read these words from Jesus in John 14, I thought of Nathan’s reaction when I promised to find his Batman figurine. I kept telling him that…“I promise, I will find him.” And Nathan kept saying, “No, you won’t! I can’t sleep without him!” How many times has Jesus assured us that He is with us…and we have continued to wring our hands and worry – and essentially say, “No, you’re not!”
The time has come for us to understand once and for all that there will be times when we cannot readily see Jesus. He may be right in front of us…like a totally black-clad superhero figurine on a burgundy-printed chair cushion. He may seem to be invisible. But He is THERE! Jesus NEVER leaves us! Sometimes when we are looking for Him, he is right beside us…and we simply do not recognize Him. It’s time for us to stop wringing our hands and “working” our worries…to trust Him to do what He has promised…to believe that Jesus really does have us in the palm of His hand.
Stop worrying…have faith in God through the promises of Jesus Christ. Believe that He has everything under control – in this lifetime and into Eternity. Like a tired 3-year-old, relax and drift sweetly off to sleep. Rest well…and trust that Jesus is handling everything, whether readily visible or behind the scenes…because He truly is.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our three-year-old nephew, Nathan, has a fistful of plastic superheroes that are his almost constant companions at our house. These include Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash, a small “bat signal” and a blue Lego man he calls “Blue Man.” He “earned” these for good behavior earlier in the spring/summer, and he carries them around throughout the house as he plays. And he always sleeps with them.
Nathan stays with us on Mondays and Fridays while his parents work. We have a routine of play and activities all morning, followed by an early lunch, a warm bath, story time…and about a 3-hour nap. While Nathan plays in the tub, I gather books to read, lay out his pajamas, and prepare our bed with his favorite blanket, the superheroes, and a couple of stuffed animals he requires before he will settle in and sleep. Today, I could NOT locate Batman.
I searched high and low. The black-clad superhero was last seen in our living room, but I could not locate him. I hoped that Nathan would not notice. Ha! What was I thinking? He went with me to the living room to search, and we turned over the cushions and looked everywhere – no Batman. Nathan began to sob. I got other “Batman” figures…they were not the same. He wanted his “superhero Batman,” as he called it. I assured him that…”Batman is here…and I will find him.” I told him…”Trust me…while you sleep, I will find him and bring him to you.”
Finally, I was able to convince the little guy to settle in for story time and some PBS TV programs…and I returned to the living room to search. WHERE was that crazy little figurine? I retraced every single step, and suddenly, there he lay…totally camouflaged on the cushion of one of my chairs…almost in plain sight, but just obscure enough to be overlooked. I took Batman to Nathan, and he was one happy and relieved little napper!
When I read these words from Jesus in John 14, I thought of Nathan’s reaction when I promised to find his Batman figurine. I kept telling him that…“I promise, I will find him.” And Nathan kept saying, “No, you won’t! I can’t sleep without him!” How many times has Jesus assured us that He is with us…and we have continued to wring our hands and worry – and essentially say, “No, you’re not!”
The time has come for us to understand once and for all that there will be times when we cannot readily see Jesus. He may be right in front of us…like a totally black-clad superhero figurine on a burgundy-printed chair cushion. He may seem to be invisible. But He is THERE! Jesus NEVER leaves us! Sometimes when we are looking for Him, he is right beside us…and we simply do not recognize Him. It’s time for us to stop wringing our hands and “working” our worries…to trust Him to do what He has promised…to believe that Jesus really does have us in the palm of His hand.
Stop worrying…have faith in God through the promises of Jesus Christ. Believe that He has everything under control – in this lifetime and into Eternity. Like a tired 3-year-old, relax and drift sweetly off to sleep. Rest well…and trust that Jesus is handling everything, whether readily visible or behind the scenes…because He truly is.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 25, 2015
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, I filled in for the teacher of the 2nd-3rd graders at Sunday school. Our lesson was on making good choices…and the introductory premise was that even though it seems like “bad people” often “get away with murder”…while “good people” are allowed to suffer and struggle. But this is not God’s plan at all. The children were encouraged to continue to make good choices…to ask, “What would Jesus do?” - and to follow His example. They were reminded that those who “suffer” with Jesus will be rewarded.
It’s especially hard for seven and eight-year-olds to understand how they are to continue to obey, serve, and trust God in all things when they see people around them who behave badly and seem to be rewarded. There is a tremendous challenge in convincing these youngsters that “God wins in the end” – and those who serve with Him win also. It’s hard for us as adults to understand this, too! There are times when we are all tempted to cut corners or “go with the flow” - and just hope that we don’t get caught!
But as I pointed out this morning, God always knows everything! I shared with them a story of an embarrassing experience I had in high school when a friend approached me one day with a very long snake. The snake was dead, but I didn’t know that – and it really didn’t matter. He knew how frightened I was of snakes, and his very intention was to scare the bejeepers out of me! And it worked! I took off running – in a new dress and wedge sandals - and I fell and probably landed with my skirt up over my head!
My first, second and third thoughts were of revenge…and several mutual friends and I concocted a plot to sneak up behind this boy as he played the piano for our church youth choir and snip off his long, curly hair. That would teach him! When I shared this with the children this morning, there were chants of “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Please tell us you did it!” Well, I didn’t – much to their chagrin - and I am glad. The boy had apologized, and while I felt at the time that he was not sincere, my misdeed would not have served any purpose. We talked about the potential outcomes of such an action…loss of a friendship…further retaliation…serious trouble with adults. In the end, I told the children I had something of a “WWJD moment.”
I also shared with the children that I can look back over my life and see how some who have mistreated me don’t seem to have had as many blessings in their life as I have experienced. I’m not saying that God punished them directly for their bad behavior…but I do believe that He planned all along for my life – and my blessings. And because of the ways that I have tried to honor Him in several instances, I believe the tide has turned in my favor as a result.
I also pointed out that our definition of “good” is not the same as God’s. This does not mean that we will live in mansions and drive fancy cars and, as one boy put it…”have MILLIONS of dollars!” What God feels is in our best interest may remain a mystery to us for a long time…maybe our entire earthly lifetime! It may seem like God allows one bad thing after another to happen to us…but all the while, we may be missing the blessings and positive results that He is enacting as a result of our misfortune or suffering.
In the end, I believe this verse from Jeremiah 29 is profoundly important for us as Christians. It is a hallmark of what God promises to each of us who “make good choices” and stay in the right “lane” - those who ask each and every day, “What would Jesus do?” and act accordingly. I cling to this promise…I live in the hope that EVERYTHING that God has planned for me is perfect – even when I can’t see it. I trust that for every blessing I experience along this journey called Life, God is waiting for me at the “Finish Line” with more rewards than I can possibly count…much less carry! I’m trusting His plans…are you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, I filled in for the teacher of the 2nd-3rd graders at Sunday school. Our lesson was on making good choices…and the introductory premise was that even though it seems like “bad people” often “get away with murder”…while “good people” are allowed to suffer and struggle. But this is not God’s plan at all. The children were encouraged to continue to make good choices…to ask, “What would Jesus do?” - and to follow His example. They were reminded that those who “suffer” with Jesus will be rewarded.
It’s especially hard for seven and eight-year-olds to understand how they are to continue to obey, serve, and trust God in all things when they see people around them who behave badly and seem to be rewarded. There is a tremendous challenge in convincing these youngsters that “God wins in the end” – and those who serve with Him win also. It’s hard for us as adults to understand this, too! There are times when we are all tempted to cut corners or “go with the flow” - and just hope that we don’t get caught!
But as I pointed out this morning, God always knows everything! I shared with them a story of an embarrassing experience I had in high school when a friend approached me one day with a very long snake. The snake was dead, but I didn’t know that – and it really didn’t matter. He knew how frightened I was of snakes, and his very intention was to scare the bejeepers out of me! And it worked! I took off running – in a new dress and wedge sandals - and I fell and probably landed with my skirt up over my head!
My first, second and third thoughts were of revenge…and several mutual friends and I concocted a plot to sneak up behind this boy as he played the piano for our church youth choir and snip off his long, curly hair. That would teach him! When I shared this with the children this morning, there were chants of “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Please tell us you did it!” Well, I didn’t – much to their chagrin - and I am glad. The boy had apologized, and while I felt at the time that he was not sincere, my misdeed would not have served any purpose. We talked about the potential outcomes of such an action…loss of a friendship…further retaliation…serious trouble with adults. In the end, I told the children I had something of a “WWJD moment.”
I also shared with the children that I can look back over my life and see how some who have mistreated me don’t seem to have had as many blessings in their life as I have experienced. I’m not saying that God punished them directly for their bad behavior…but I do believe that He planned all along for my life – and my blessings. And because of the ways that I have tried to honor Him in several instances, I believe the tide has turned in my favor as a result.
I also pointed out that our definition of “good” is not the same as God’s. This does not mean that we will live in mansions and drive fancy cars and, as one boy put it…”have MILLIONS of dollars!” What God feels is in our best interest may remain a mystery to us for a long time…maybe our entire earthly lifetime! It may seem like God allows one bad thing after another to happen to us…but all the while, we may be missing the blessings and positive results that He is enacting as a result of our misfortune or suffering.
In the end, I believe this verse from Jeremiah 29 is profoundly important for us as Christians. It is a hallmark of what God promises to each of us who “make good choices” and stay in the right “lane” - those who ask each and every day, “What would Jesus do?” and act accordingly. I cling to this promise…I live in the hope that EVERYTHING that God has planned for me is perfect – even when I can’t see it. I trust that for every blessing I experience along this journey called Life, God is waiting for me at the “Finish Line” with more rewards than I can possibly count…much less carry! I’m trusting His plans…are you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2015
James 1:19-24
Dear brothers, don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.
So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.
And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don’t fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn’t obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can’t see himself anymore or remember what he looks like.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“When your mouth is open, your ears are closed.” This was the “pearl of wisdom” our football coach, Isaac Witt, gave my 7th grade science class in 1970. Believe it or not, I never forgot those words. I can’t say I always practice them…but I do remember them!
While listening is terribly important…obedience is even more vital. So when God tells us to do something – or not to do it – and we go right ahead with our plans, we can’t expect things to go smoothly. This is where we often set ourselves up for unnecessary worries. Who among us wants to be constantly looking over his/her shoulder…endlessly replaying what was said and done - and wondering what the ramifications will be? That is no way to live! Yet this is how many of us go through life…we speak now and worry later about how it our words and actions are received/interpreted.
Here’s the thing…every single one of us has wanted to lash out at someone else at one time or another. We have wanted to offer the “snappy comeback”…to get even or seek revenge. We’ve wanted to give at least one person “a good piece of our mind!” But remember the words of Jesus…”love others as much as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:29CEV) Remember how it feels to be on the receiving end of such delivery…and consider your words and actions in light of your Christian discipleship.
At the heart of our Christian faith, each one of us wants God’s approval…we want to do what is right and good. We want to trust Him completely - and to leave the heavy lifting to Him. But there are days when life (and the devil) gets the best of us…and we retaliate. Our mouths open and our ears close…to those around us – and to God Himself.
Today is the day to open our ears…our hearts…our minds…and to listen to God’s word and will for our lives. This is truly the time to “let go and let God” – in every situation and circumstance…to remember Whose we are, and what we look like as new creatures in Christ. Take a good long look in the mirror and imprint on your heart the image that God has of you as His redeemed, beloved child. The time has come to get busy living up to His expectations! Are you ready to begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Dear brothers, don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and not become angry; for anger doesn’t make us good, as God demands that we must be.
So get rid of all that is wrong in your life, both inside and outside, and humbly be glad for the wonderful message we have received, for it is able to save our souls as it takes hold of our hearts.
And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. So don’t fool yourselves. For if a person just listens and doesn’t obey, he is like a man looking at his face in a mirror; as soon as he walks away, he can’t see himself anymore or remember what he looks like.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“When your mouth is open, your ears are closed.” This was the “pearl of wisdom” our football coach, Isaac Witt, gave my 7th grade science class in 1970. Believe it or not, I never forgot those words. I can’t say I always practice them…but I do remember them!
While listening is terribly important…obedience is even more vital. So when God tells us to do something – or not to do it – and we go right ahead with our plans, we can’t expect things to go smoothly. This is where we often set ourselves up for unnecessary worries. Who among us wants to be constantly looking over his/her shoulder…endlessly replaying what was said and done - and wondering what the ramifications will be? That is no way to live! Yet this is how many of us go through life…we speak now and worry later about how it our words and actions are received/interpreted.
Here’s the thing…every single one of us has wanted to lash out at someone else at one time or another. We have wanted to offer the “snappy comeback”…to get even or seek revenge. We’ve wanted to give at least one person “a good piece of our mind!” But remember the words of Jesus…”love others as much as you love yourself.” (Matthew 22:29CEV) Remember how it feels to be on the receiving end of such delivery…and consider your words and actions in light of your Christian discipleship.
At the heart of our Christian faith, each one of us wants God’s approval…we want to do what is right and good. We want to trust Him completely - and to leave the heavy lifting to Him. But there are days when life (and the devil) gets the best of us…and we retaliate. Our mouths open and our ears close…to those around us – and to God Himself.
Today is the day to open our ears…our hearts…our minds…and to listen to God’s word and will for our lives. This is truly the time to “let go and let God” – in every situation and circumstance…to remember Whose we are, and what we look like as new creatures in Christ. Take a good long look in the mirror and imprint on your heart the image that God has of you as His redeemed, beloved child. The time has come to get busy living up to His expectations! Are you ready to begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 23, 2015
James 1:13-18
And remember, when someone wants to do wrong it is never God who is tempting him, for God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God.
So don’t be misled, dear brothers. But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Here we go again! An incredibly dangerous, Category 5 hurricane is bearing down on the Pacific Coast of Mexico…the strongest hurricane in recorded history. Thousands of people are stranded there, including as many as 10,000 Americans. Among them is a woman from my home town. Her friends and family are understandably worried.
I can hear the drum-beaters already…”God caused this hurricane as punishment for something (you get to choose the ‘sin’). He’s going to teach some people a lesson!” To these people, I say, “BALONEY!” I don’t know why this storm is brewing – or why God is allowing it to hit land and put people in harm’s way. But I do know that He didn’t say, “I think I will cause a potentially deadly storm and wipe out a bunch of people.” I don’t think God is punishing my mother or several other family members and friends by “giving them cancer.” I just do not serve a God who operates this way.
Yes, I’ve read the scriptures. Yes, I know that God is plenty capable of punishing with death and all sorts of tragedies and maladies. But I have also read passages like this one from James 1, in which it is clearly stated that God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. And deliberately wiping out a group of people or causing someone to suffer would be wrong.
Where does this leave us? Are we simply to concede that whatever happens is “God’s will” and we have to accept it? I don’t believe so. When “bad things happen,” I have to trust that there are just so many things about God and how He operates that I do not – and will not – understand in this lifetime. But I DO KNOW how loving He is…how precious we are to Him – each and every one of us – and I refuse to accept that He would deliberately harm us, for even one minute.
Even those of us who are “royal stinkers” are loved by God just as much as the most faith-filled Christian…and He desires that every single one of us would turn to Him and surrender – to do all within our power to serve Him obediently and willingly. And God also wants us to stop worrying.
Even in the midst of this raging monster of a storm, I refuse to be frightened for our friend who is there. I am trusting God to wrap His arms around her and those with whom she is “hunkered down” in a Puerto Vallarta convention center. I believe that He is monitoring every gust of wind…every wave of precipitation and the swells of the ocean…and every breath of those who await the storm’s landfall. We anticipate the outcome…we pray for mercy and protection…and we believe that God is in complete control of a perfect outcome. It may not look like we want it to, but God has answers that we do not…and I am trusting that His are far better than mine. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
And remember, when someone wants to do wrong it is never God who is tempting him, for God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God.
So don’t be misled, dear brothers. But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Here we go again! An incredibly dangerous, Category 5 hurricane is bearing down on the Pacific Coast of Mexico…the strongest hurricane in recorded history. Thousands of people are stranded there, including as many as 10,000 Americans. Among them is a woman from my home town. Her friends and family are understandably worried.
I can hear the drum-beaters already…”God caused this hurricane as punishment for something (you get to choose the ‘sin’). He’s going to teach some people a lesson!” To these people, I say, “BALONEY!” I don’t know why this storm is brewing – or why God is allowing it to hit land and put people in harm’s way. But I do know that He didn’t say, “I think I will cause a potentially deadly storm and wipe out a bunch of people.” I don’t think God is punishing my mother or several other family members and friends by “giving them cancer.” I just do not serve a God who operates this way.
Yes, I’ve read the scriptures. Yes, I know that God is plenty capable of punishing with death and all sorts of tragedies and maladies. But I have also read passages like this one from James 1, in which it is clearly stated that God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. And deliberately wiping out a group of people or causing someone to suffer would be wrong.
Where does this leave us? Are we simply to concede that whatever happens is “God’s will” and we have to accept it? I don’t believe so. When “bad things happen,” I have to trust that there are just so many things about God and how He operates that I do not – and will not – understand in this lifetime. But I DO KNOW how loving He is…how precious we are to Him – each and every one of us – and I refuse to accept that He would deliberately harm us, for even one minute.
Even those of us who are “royal stinkers” are loved by God just as much as the most faith-filled Christian…and He desires that every single one of us would turn to Him and surrender – to do all within our power to serve Him obediently and willingly. And God also wants us to stop worrying.
Even in the midst of this raging monster of a storm, I refuse to be frightened for our friend who is there. I am trusting God to wrap His arms around her and those with whom she is “hunkered down” in a Puerto Vallarta convention center. I believe that He is monitoring every gust of wind…every wave of precipitation and the swells of the ocean…and every breath of those who await the storm’s landfall. We anticipate the outcome…we pray for mercy and protection…and we believe that God is in complete control of a perfect outcome. It may not look like we want it to, but God has answers that we do not…and I am trusting that His are far better than mine. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 22, 2015
James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I took the children to swim at our community’s Aquatic Center. The local swim team was practicing in the lanes adjacent to the open pool area where we were swimming. The children were so impressed. They knew some of the team members from church, and I encouraged them to “race” in our section of the pool “like the swim team.” Timothy eagerly said, “Okay, okay…and you be our coach!”
I lined the three children up along one wall of the pool and then backed away some 15 feet into the deeper water. I would say, “Ready, set, GO!” and have them swim to me. All three children would start out working hard, but about three or four feet into the swim, Zola would stop dead in her tracks and start to try to cry! “I can’t go!” she would say. “You’re not trying,” I would tell her. “Kick your legs and pull with your arms and hands.” “But I can’t!” she would wail.
Meanwhile, Timothy and Nathan would have happily reached me, both excitedly squealing that “I won! I won!” They did not give up. Even when a sibling moved into their path and blocked them temporarily…they skirted around and kept swimming.
This is what we are being told to do in James 1:12…keep swimming. Don’t give up when things get tough. When you get stuck “dead in the water” for a brief moment, don’t just throw up your hands and try to squeeze out a few tears of defeat. Keep swimming! Keep trying, and stay faithful. I held out my hands and encouraged Zola to “Come on! Keep coming to me. I’m right here.” And you know what? That is exactly what God is saying. “Come on…hang on just a little longer…I am right here with you.”
This verse says that those who remain faithful and do not quit will be rewarded with “a glorious life.” And I will agree with you that there are days and circumstances in this earthly life that seem anything but glorious. Some are downright hard and unpleasant – and we want to run screaming into the night and say, “ENOUGH! I am DONE!” But here’s the thing…God understands this…and He’s not going anywhere. He can make even the lousiest day or circumstances bearable…He will ultimately deliver us and give us joy and peace again. And when we learn to remain faithful and trust God even in the worst times, we discover that the rewards increase exponentially - in ways we never ever dreamed.
So keep swimming. Stay focused on God and trust His promises. Propel yourself forward toward His outstretched hands. You can’t begin to imagine how He will bless you…but He surely will. And in the end, you will also shout, “I won! I won!” Today is the day…Ready…Set…GO!
©2015 Debbie Robus
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I took the children to swim at our community’s Aquatic Center. The local swim team was practicing in the lanes adjacent to the open pool area where we were swimming. The children were so impressed. They knew some of the team members from church, and I encouraged them to “race” in our section of the pool “like the swim team.” Timothy eagerly said, “Okay, okay…and you be our coach!”
I lined the three children up along one wall of the pool and then backed away some 15 feet into the deeper water. I would say, “Ready, set, GO!” and have them swim to me. All three children would start out working hard, but about three or four feet into the swim, Zola would stop dead in her tracks and start to try to cry! “I can’t go!” she would say. “You’re not trying,” I would tell her. “Kick your legs and pull with your arms and hands.” “But I can’t!” she would wail.
Meanwhile, Timothy and Nathan would have happily reached me, both excitedly squealing that “I won! I won!” They did not give up. Even when a sibling moved into their path and blocked them temporarily…they skirted around and kept swimming.
This is what we are being told to do in James 1:12…keep swimming. Don’t give up when things get tough. When you get stuck “dead in the water” for a brief moment, don’t just throw up your hands and try to squeeze out a few tears of defeat. Keep swimming! Keep trying, and stay faithful. I held out my hands and encouraged Zola to “Come on! Keep coming to me. I’m right here.” And you know what? That is exactly what God is saying. “Come on…hang on just a little longer…I am right here with you.”
This verse says that those who remain faithful and do not quit will be rewarded with “a glorious life.” And I will agree with you that there are days and circumstances in this earthly life that seem anything but glorious. Some are downright hard and unpleasant – and we want to run screaming into the night and say, “ENOUGH! I am DONE!” But here’s the thing…God understands this…and He’s not going anywhere. He can make even the lousiest day or circumstances bearable…He will ultimately deliver us and give us joy and peace again. And when we learn to remain faithful and trust God even in the worst times, we discover that the rewards increase exponentially - in ways we never ever dreamed.
So keep swimming. Stay focused on God and trust His promises. Propel yourself forward toward His outstretched hands. You can’t begin to imagine how He will bless you…but He surely will. And in the end, you will also shout, “I won! I won!” Today is the day…Ready…Set…GO!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 21, 2015
James 1:5-8
If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
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.
“Honey, it’s going to be okay.” Those were the words that Vice President Joe Biden shared with the world this morning as he made an announcement not to make a run for President in the 2016 campaign. Biden explained that as a child, when his family experienced tough times, his parents would always tell him, “Honey, it’s going to be okay.” He added…”and they meant it!” He made the point that we must believe this…we must work to take our country in a direction that allows us to be able to look our kids in the eye and say with certitude…”It’s going to be okay” – and mean it!
This is true for us as Christians, also. We have to be so grounded in our faith in God that we can say with certainty, “This is going to be okay”…and truly mean those words. We must do the things that strengthen us in our faith…we must study God’s word and spend time talking to Him – and listening to His words for us. We must reflect on the examples that are all around us of how God has prevailed…the demonstrations of healing and restoration…how He has made a way where none seemed possible. And we must take comfort and courage in these examples.
With God in charge of our every breath, we must look to the future with confidence and courage…and the mantra that “Honey, it’s going to be okay.” On any given day, things can arise that make this truly difficult…I get that! But this is when we need to abide in this thought and phrase the most! We cannot “worry our prayers” or wring our hands and toss our fears and frustrations around like wind-whipped waves. We must let go of them and give them to God Almighty, once and for all.
“Honey, it’s going to be okay.” With God in control, I am certain of this. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open.
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.
“Honey, it’s going to be okay.” Those were the words that Vice President Joe Biden shared with the world this morning as he made an announcement not to make a run for President in the 2016 campaign. Biden explained that as a child, when his family experienced tough times, his parents would always tell him, “Honey, it’s going to be okay.” He added…”and they meant it!” He made the point that we must believe this…we must work to take our country in a direction that allows us to be able to look our kids in the eye and say with certitude…”It’s going to be okay” – and mean it!
This is true for us as Christians, also. We have to be so grounded in our faith in God that we can say with certainty, “This is going to be okay”…and truly mean those words. We must do the things that strengthen us in our faith…we must study God’s word and spend time talking to Him – and listening to His words for us. We must reflect on the examples that are all around us of how God has prevailed…the demonstrations of healing and restoration…how He has made a way where none seemed possible. And we must take comfort and courage in these examples.
With God in charge of our every breath, we must look to the future with confidence and courage…and the mantra that “Honey, it’s going to be okay.” On any given day, things can arise that make this truly difficult…I get that! But this is when we need to abide in this thought and phrase the most! We cannot “worry our prayers” or wring our hands and toss our fears and frustrations around like wind-whipped waves. We must let go of them and give them to God Almighty, once and for all.
“Honey, it’s going to be okay.” With God in control, I am certain of this. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 20, 2015
James 1:2-4
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.
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’s not one thing…it’s another.” Does this describe your life? I know it surely tells the tale for me…and I consider my life to be pretty free of worries and challenges, in comparison to most. But when I take a step back and really look at what is happening in my own life, I see that the issue is not so much that there aren’t “difficulties and temptations” as much as that I am learning to lean on God and trust Him to handle them.
Do I always succeed? Absolutely not! In any given moment, I am one breath away from a meltdown or temper tantrum! And I am by no means a patient person. But I can also look at the events of my life and see how God knit them together perfectly. I can look at challenges that have come my way and recognize how God made a way where I saw none. I am reminded of how He comforted and guided me through some seemingly unbearable events. And I am encouraged by the promise that God never quits!
Whatever lies ahead of me, I know Who will lead and guide my steps. Even in my weakest moments, I know that I am truly strong, full, complete…and ready for whatever “life” hurls at me, thanks to my Heavenly Father. Whenever temporary frustrations mount, I am learning to quiet myself with a silent reminder that “God’s got this!” As bad as things seem in any given minute, I know that He will show me a way to get through them.
I can’t say that I am exactly happy about the difficulties and temptations that come my way…but I feel that I am ready for them, thanks to God and His guidance and protection. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.
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’s not one thing…it’s another.” Does this describe your life? I know it surely tells the tale for me…and I consider my life to be pretty free of worries and challenges, in comparison to most. But when I take a step back and really look at what is happening in my own life, I see that the issue is not so much that there aren’t “difficulties and temptations” as much as that I am learning to lean on God and trust Him to handle them.
Do I always succeed? Absolutely not! In any given moment, I am one breath away from a meltdown or temper tantrum! And I am by no means a patient person. But I can also look at the events of my life and see how God knit them together perfectly. I can look at challenges that have come my way and recognize how God made a way where I saw none. I am reminded of how He comforted and guided me through some seemingly unbearable events. And I am encouraged by the promise that God never quits!
Whatever lies ahead of me, I know Who will lead and guide my steps. Even in my weakest moments, I know that I am truly strong, full, complete…and ready for whatever “life” hurls at me, thanks to my Heavenly Father. Whenever temporary frustrations mount, I am learning to quiet myself with a silent reminder that “God’s got this!” As bad as things seem in any given minute, I know that He will show me a way to get through them.
I can’t say that I am exactly happy about the difficulties and temptations that come my way…but I feel that I am ready for them, thanks to God and His guidance and protection. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 19, 2015
Isaiah 41:13
I am the Lord your God.
I am holding your hand,
so don’t be afraid.
I am here to help you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In his book The Shack*, author William P. Young tells the story of a man named Mackenzie – or “Mack” – who takes his children on a camping trip, and his 4-year-old daughter, Missy, is abducted and murdered. This is a multi-layered book that I encourage you to read for yourself. As Mack searches for his daughter, three characters representing God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, appear to him and provide him with assistance and insights. They guide Mack through this horrific ordeal and offer him peace and comfort along the way.
In one scene, Mack is talking with Papa (God) and Sarayu (the Holy Spirit), and he “sees” Missy…and she is playing with other children near a waterfall. Missy spies Jesus sitting nearby and turns to run gleefully into His waiting arms. Mack can see the joy and peace on her face…he can sense that Missy is okay – that she is whole and fearless…and safe.
Ever since the first time I read this book, I have had this mental image of Jesus with His arms outstretched…ready to welcome us. We are the children playing by the waterfall who get a snuggled hug from their Heavenly Father. We are the “Missy” who was brutally molested and murdered…and God held our hand and kept us from being afraid. We are the father who learns to let go of his hatred, judgments and participation in the “blame game” and allows God to help him through every situation and circumstance.
So when I read this passage today, I pictured myself as the little girl in The Shack...and Jesus was holding my hand and shielding me from all harm or sadness. Each of us is the child in this story, in some way. And Jesus is waiting with open arms to rescue and redeem us…to take our fears and our heartaches…to restore us to joy and the playful abandon of young children.
Will you take His hand today and give your worries and cares to Him? Will this be the day that you let go of your fears and bask in the peace and comfort of a perfect relationship with Jesus? It can be…what are you waiting for?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*The Shack ~ http://www.theshackbook.com/
I am the Lord your God.
I am holding your hand,
so don’t be afraid.
I am here to help you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In his book The Shack*, author William P. Young tells the story of a man named Mackenzie – or “Mack” – who takes his children on a camping trip, and his 4-year-old daughter, Missy, is abducted and murdered. This is a multi-layered book that I encourage you to read for yourself. As Mack searches for his daughter, three characters representing God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, appear to him and provide him with assistance and insights. They guide Mack through this horrific ordeal and offer him peace and comfort along the way.
In one scene, Mack is talking with Papa (God) and Sarayu (the Holy Spirit), and he “sees” Missy…and she is playing with other children near a waterfall. Missy spies Jesus sitting nearby and turns to run gleefully into His waiting arms. Mack can see the joy and peace on her face…he can sense that Missy is okay – that she is whole and fearless…and safe.
Ever since the first time I read this book, I have had this mental image of Jesus with His arms outstretched…ready to welcome us. We are the children playing by the waterfall who get a snuggled hug from their Heavenly Father. We are the “Missy” who was brutally molested and murdered…and God held our hand and kept us from being afraid. We are the father who learns to let go of his hatred, judgments and participation in the “blame game” and allows God to help him through every situation and circumstance.
So when I read this passage today, I pictured myself as the little girl in The Shack...and Jesus was holding my hand and shielding me from all harm or sadness. Each of us is the child in this story, in some way. And Jesus is waiting with open arms to rescue and redeem us…to take our fears and our heartaches…to restore us to joy and the playful abandon of young children.
Will you take His hand today and give your worries and cares to Him? Will this be the day that you let go of your fears and bask in the peace and comfort of a perfect relationship with Jesus? It can be…what are you waiting for?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*The Shack ~ http://www.theshackbook.com/
Daily Devotional for October 18, 2015
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid. I am with you.
Don’t tremble with fear.
I am your God.
I will make you strong,
as I protect you with my arm
and give you victories.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This verse has now been printed and taped to the wall above my desk! It serves as a constant reminder of God’s steadfast presence and provision in my life. I could tell you more than one story of how I have prayed and trusted…and God has delivered a victory in a specific situation. Hopefully you have your own “success stories.”
But this does not mean that life is all a bed of roses – for any of us. So we must be continually reminded of God’s power and strength…His protection and His ability to provide us with victories. I can assure you, it would be plenty easy for me – and probably for you, also – to be afraid…to tremble with fear…to fall apart and say, “This is all too much! I just can’t handle it!”
In truth, we are stronger than we realize…not because of anything we do or have done, but because of God’s power and protection. When I say, “God’s got this!”…I have to trust that He truly does! And that is when He reminds me of the countless victories that are already noted in my prayer journal – and in my heart.
If we have to remind ourselves several times a day of the words of Isaiah 41:10, let it be so. I pray that your “journal” - and your heart - are full of victories from God. If they aren’t, let this be the day that you start to give God your fears and worries - and truly let Him handle them perfectly. The victories will come. I’m living proof of it! Won’t you make this the day that you claim the same triumphs for yourself? Are you ready to “let go and let God” have complete control? Is today the day you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Don’t be afraid. I am with you.
Don’t tremble with fear.
I am your God.
I will make you strong,
as I protect you with my arm
and give you victories.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This verse has now been printed and taped to the wall above my desk! It serves as a constant reminder of God’s steadfast presence and provision in my life. I could tell you more than one story of how I have prayed and trusted…and God has delivered a victory in a specific situation. Hopefully you have your own “success stories.”
But this does not mean that life is all a bed of roses – for any of us. So we must be continually reminded of God’s power and strength…His protection and His ability to provide us with victories. I can assure you, it would be plenty easy for me – and probably for you, also – to be afraid…to tremble with fear…to fall apart and say, “This is all too much! I just can’t handle it!”
In truth, we are stronger than we realize…not because of anything we do or have done, but because of God’s power and protection. When I say, “God’s got this!”…I have to trust that He truly does! And that is when He reminds me of the countless victories that are already noted in my prayer journal – and in my heart.
If we have to remind ourselves several times a day of the words of Isaiah 41:10, let it be so. I pray that your “journal” - and your heart - are full of victories from God. If they aren’t, let this be the day that you start to give God your fears and worries - and truly let Him handle them perfectly. The victories will come. I’m living proof of it! Won’t you make this the day that you claim the same triumphs for yourself? Are you ready to “let go and let God” have complete control? Is today the day you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 17, 2015
Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This passage has had special meaning for me since the early 1980s, when my mother asked me to design a cross-stitch pattern to include these words. I can’t remember if she stitched it or I did, but the piece was framed and hangs above her desk today.
This verse is a favorite for many and was even featured in the movie, “Chariots of Fire*,” which tells the true story of two British athletes who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Harold Abrahams – a Jew – was set to run against Eric Liddell, known as the “Flying Scotsman,” in the 100-meter race. However, Liddell discovered that the race was to be held on Sunday, and this conflicted with his Christian convictions to keep the Sabbath for worship.
Arrangements were made for Liddell to switch and run in a 400-meter race on another day of the week…and he was given little hope of doing well in a sprint four times the distance with which he was familiar. On the Sunday of the 100-meter race, Liddell delivered a sermon at the Paris Church of Scotland, in which he cited Isaiah 40:31. And the following Tuesday, Liddell ran the race of his life, defeated all other runners in the “400,” and won the gold medal. In the movie, a friend is shown handing Liddell a piece of paper before the start of the race that contained a scripture verse from 1 Samuel 2:30 and reminded him…“He that honors me, I will honor.”
When I read Isaiah 40:31 today, I picture the scenes in “Chariots of Fire” where Liddell is racing down the beach with a sense of peace and complete abandon – and the victory scene when he completes his race in the Olympic Stadium of Colombes. Now, when I read this verse, I not only think of my mother’s needlework piece…I also envision the runners in the 1924 Olympics – and I am reminded of the steadfast faith and courage of Eric Liddell.
What does this mean for you and me today? I believe that Liddell’s character in “Chariots of Fire” said this best...” I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe your dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, ‘Believe, have faith,’ in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”
We are all in a “race” today. Are you soaring on the wings of eagles and trusting God to carry you when you are too weak to continue? Are you honoring God by your efforts…by your steadfast faith in Him to see you through anything and everything? Isn’t it time you were? Will this be the day that you allow God to power your race? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* Chariots of Fire - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082158/
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This passage has had special meaning for me since the early 1980s, when my mother asked me to design a cross-stitch pattern to include these words. I can’t remember if she stitched it or I did, but the piece was framed and hangs above her desk today.
This verse is a favorite for many and was even featured in the movie, “Chariots of Fire*,” which tells the true story of two British athletes who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Harold Abrahams – a Jew – was set to run against Eric Liddell, known as the “Flying Scotsman,” in the 100-meter race. However, Liddell discovered that the race was to be held on Sunday, and this conflicted with his Christian convictions to keep the Sabbath for worship.
Arrangements were made for Liddell to switch and run in a 400-meter race on another day of the week…and he was given little hope of doing well in a sprint four times the distance with which he was familiar. On the Sunday of the 100-meter race, Liddell delivered a sermon at the Paris Church of Scotland, in which he cited Isaiah 40:31. And the following Tuesday, Liddell ran the race of his life, defeated all other runners in the “400,” and won the gold medal. In the movie, a friend is shown handing Liddell a piece of paper before the start of the race that contained a scripture verse from 1 Samuel 2:30 and reminded him…“He that honors me, I will honor.”
When I read Isaiah 40:31 today, I picture the scenes in “Chariots of Fire” where Liddell is racing down the beach with a sense of peace and complete abandon – and the victory scene when he completes his race in the Olympic Stadium of Colombes. Now, when I read this verse, I not only think of my mother’s needlework piece…I also envision the runners in the 1924 Olympics – and I am reminded of the steadfast faith and courage of Eric Liddell.
What does this mean for you and me today? I believe that Liddell’s character in “Chariots of Fire” said this best...” I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe your dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, ‘Believe, have faith,’ in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”
We are all in a “race” today. Are you soaring on the wings of eagles and trusting God to carry you when you are too weak to continue? Are you honoring God by your efforts…by your steadfast faith in Him to see you through anything and everything? Isn’t it time you were? Will this be the day that you allow God to power your race? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* Chariots of Fire - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082158/
Daily Devotional for October 16, 2015
Isaiah 26:3
He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!
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 her book, For the Love*, author/speaker Jen Hatmaker says [paraphrasing] that “I suspect ‘getting it right’ isn’t God’s highest order.” She maintains that not one human has ever stood before God having “gotten it all right”…that “some of the rightest rights turned out wrong.” Hatmaker proposes that when we get to heaven and discover some of God’s most “mysterious ways,” we will be genuinely shocked.
I share this to say that I am a good example of someone who doesn’t fit the legalistic mode of Christian faith…but that does not mean that I am lacking in this department. I don’t kneel at the side of my bed to pray each evening before retiring. Some days, my prayers are more like an… “Oh, yeah, God…I almost forgot…please bless this one and that one”…or a quick, “LORD, please help me with this situation that I’m facing right now.” Other days, I spend hours talking to God about what is on my heart…and praising Him for all that He has done for me.
Still, my faith is strong. I have trusted God in some pretty big things (well, big for me!)…and He has never failed me. And the more I trust…the more He shows up - and the more I grow in peace.
People have said to me recently, “I know you are so upset over your mother’s cancer diagnosis.” Well, yes…I am upset…but I am also “eerily calm,” as one faith-filled cousin described it. I’m frustrated – and heartsick that my mother is ill. But I know that God is in control…and I am trusting His “mysterious ways” and believing that they will be manifested perfectly.
I am believing for others who are sick, suffering, and struggling in some manner…confident that God is the ultimate “fixer”! I am trusting that God will protect a former Sunday school student - and father to a toddler and newborn - who has just been deployed to Afghanistan for a year as a Black Hawk pilot for the National Guard. I am trusting God to surround all of the precious children in our lives with angels who watch over them each and every second and provide a hedge of protection against the devil’s evil tactics. I am trusting God to care for us as a nation…to keep us safe - and to equip us with the physical and mental capabilities to solve our differences and become even stronger. I am believing that God is still in the church – that His body of believers is a refuge for weary souls and an encouragement for each of us as brothers and sisters in Christ.
As I go about my day, it may seem to some that some of us are disconnected. We want to look at others and wonder why they don’t wring their hands and cry out in frustration and protest. And the simple answer may be that they are living in the peace of trusting God…that their thoughts are on Him. It is a wonderful thing to hand your burdens to someone else…but when that “Someone” is God Almighty, the peace is indescribable.
I wish I could say that I never pick my worries back up and massage them for awhile…but I’m learning to see the foolishness in that. I want to be one of those people who operate in the perfect peace of trusting God…for everything. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* For The Love - ©2015 Thomas Nelson Books for HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. ~ http://www.amazon.com/Love-Fighting-Grace-Impossible-Standards/dp/0718031822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441913947&sr=8-1&keywords=for+the+love+hatmaker
He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!
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 her book, For the Love*, author/speaker Jen Hatmaker says [paraphrasing] that “I suspect ‘getting it right’ isn’t God’s highest order.” She maintains that not one human has ever stood before God having “gotten it all right”…that “some of the rightest rights turned out wrong.” Hatmaker proposes that when we get to heaven and discover some of God’s most “mysterious ways,” we will be genuinely shocked.
I share this to say that I am a good example of someone who doesn’t fit the legalistic mode of Christian faith…but that does not mean that I am lacking in this department. I don’t kneel at the side of my bed to pray each evening before retiring. Some days, my prayers are more like an… “Oh, yeah, God…I almost forgot…please bless this one and that one”…or a quick, “LORD, please help me with this situation that I’m facing right now.” Other days, I spend hours talking to God about what is on my heart…and praising Him for all that He has done for me.
Still, my faith is strong. I have trusted God in some pretty big things (well, big for me!)…and He has never failed me. And the more I trust…the more He shows up - and the more I grow in peace.
People have said to me recently, “I know you are so upset over your mother’s cancer diagnosis.” Well, yes…I am upset…but I am also “eerily calm,” as one faith-filled cousin described it. I’m frustrated – and heartsick that my mother is ill. But I know that God is in control…and I am trusting His “mysterious ways” and believing that they will be manifested perfectly.
I am believing for others who are sick, suffering, and struggling in some manner…confident that God is the ultimate “fixer”! I am trusting that God will protect a former Sunday school student - and father to a toddler and newborn - who has just been deployed to Afghanistan for a year as a Black Hawk pilot for the National Guard. I am trusting God to surround all of the precious children in our lives with angels who watch over them each and every second and provide a hedge of protection against the devil’s evil tactics. I am trusting God to care for us as a nation…to keep us safe - and to equip us with the physical and mental capabilities to solve our differences and become even stronger. I am believing that God is still in the church – that His body of believers is a refuge for weary souls and an encouragement for each of us as brothers and sisters in Christ.
As I go about my day, it may seem to some that some of us are disconnected. We want to look at others and wonder why they don’t wring their hands and cry out in frustration and protest. And the simple answer may be that they are living in the peace of trusting God…that their thoughts are on Him. It is a wonderful thing to hand your burdens to someone else…but when that “Someone” is God Almighty, the peace is indescribable.
I wish I could say that I never pick my worries back up and massage them for awhile…but I’m learning to see the foolishness in that. I want to be one of those people who operate in the perfect peace of trusting God…for everything. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* For The Love - ©2015 Thomas Nelson Books for HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. ~ http://www.amazon.com/Love-Fighting-Grace-Impossible-Standards/dp/0718031822/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441913947&sr=8-1&keywords=for+the+love+hatmaker
Daily Devotional for October 15, 2015
Hebrews 11:1
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Leap of faith…faith-based initiatives and organizations…faith ministries…childlike faith…”have faith”…”keep the faith”...walk by faith…we throw this word “faith” around pretty freely and broadly. But what do we truly believe? What does faith mean in our everyday lives?
We’ve all heard this scripture from Hebrews that pretty well defines the word “faith.” But how do we demonstrate and explain Christian faith to others…particularly those who are skeptical? In my own life, I believe God has allowed me to experience some “stuff” so that I have a base for sharing my faith with others. This is part of what I try to do with these daily devotionals.
I am genetically wired to worry. It’s just what we do in my family. When I was little, I worried about tornadoes, because my grandmother instilled a healthy (and experience-based) fear of them in my siblings and me. And now, Timothy has begun to worry about tornadoes after participating in a few drills at school and learning about weather and storms. Despite my best efforts to assure him that we have safe places to ride out any potential storms, he may just have to experience one firsthand to totally believe this.
But wait…isn’t that the opposite of faith? Isn’t faith about believing we are safe and protected without physical proof? Yes. But sometimes, we have to go through something difficult and see firsthand how God provides before we can trust Him for the unseen things yet to come. As I share my faith with others, I am able to say, “God saw me through ABC”…”He delivered me from XYZ”…”God protected me in this situation and solved that problem…and I know that He will do the same again and again – for me AND for you!”
I won’t say that I never worry any more…that I “keep the faith” every minute of the day. I have my moments just like we all do. But I try to quickly capture anxious thoughts and doubts and claim the promises of God to handle all things in my life and in the lives of others. I know that sometimes I need a “gentle reminder” of how well He cares for me in order to further strengthen my faith for things to come.
Whatever you are facing today, “keep the faith!” Believe that God is in complete control and that He will never give you more than you can handle – with His help and presence! When troubles come, ask God to show you how He is using them to strengthen you – and your trust in Him. Learn to use these situations to share with others how God has sheltered and guided you through even the roughest patches of life – and help them build up their own faith. And keep believing. What God has already done…He will do again – and then some!
Build on your past to shore up your future as you learn to increasingly “walk in faith” every single day. God’s got this! My prayer is that we would all grow in confidence and strengthen our “faith muscle” – and that we would begin today. Are you in?
©2015 Debbie Robus
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Leap of faith…faith-based initiatives and organizations…faith ministries…childlike faith…”have faith”…”keep the faith”...walk by faith…we throw this word “faith” around pretty freely and broadly. But what do we truly believe? What does faith mean in our everyday lives?
We’ve all heard this scripture from Hebrews that pretty well defines the word “faith.” But how do we demonstrate and explain Christian faith to others…particularly those who are skeptical? In my own life, I believe God has allowed me to experience some “stuff” so that I have a base for sharing my faith with others. This is part of what I try to do with these daily devotionals.
I am genetically wired to worry. It’s just what we do in my family. When I was little, I worried about tornadoes, because my grandmother instilled a healthy (and experience-based) fear of them in my siblings and me. And now, Timothy has begun to worry about tornadoes after participating in a few drills at school and learning about weather and storms. Despite my best efforts to assure him that we have safe places to ride out any potential storms, he may just have to experience one firsthand to totally believe this.
But wait…isn’t that the opposite of faith? Isn’t faith about believing we are safe and protected without physical proof? Yes. But sometimes, we have to go through something difficult and see firsthand how God provides before we can trust Him for the unseen things yet to come. As I share my faith with others, I am able to say, “God saw me through ABC”…”He delivered me from XYZ”…”God protected me in this situation and solved that problem…and I know that He will do the same again and again – for me AND for you!”
I won’t say that I never worry any more…that I “keep the faith” every minute of the day. I have my moments just like we all do. But I try to quickly capture anxious thoughts and doubts and claim the promises of God to handle all things in my life and in the lives of others. I know that sometimes I need a “gentle reminder” of how well He cares for me in order to further strengthen my faith for things to come.
Whatever you are facing today, “keep the faith!” Believe that God is in complete control and that He will never give you more than you can handle – with His help and presence! When troubles come, ask God to show you how He is using them to strengthen you – and your trust in Him. Learn to use these situations to share with others how God has sheltered and guided you through even the roughest patches of life – and help them build up their own faith. And keep believing. What God has already done…He will do again – and then some!
Build on your past to shore up your future as you learn to increasingly “walk in faith” every single day. God’s got this! My prayer is that we would all grow in confidence and strengthen our “faith muscle” – and that we would begin today. Are you in?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 14, 2015
Galatians 6:9
Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When my Mam-ma Polly was well into her nineties, she still did more for others than most people I knew. There was always room for one more at her table. She prayed for others and attended as many church services and events as possible. I still remember one fall when I took silk flowers and “fall fabric” and decorations to her so that she and her friend Ruby (also in her nineties) could decorate a booth for their church’s fall festival/fundraiser. She was forever “seeing after” a neighbor or friend.
Of course, because Mam-ma no longer could drive, she often asked me (or someone from her church) to make her deliveries for her. I remember once when she made vegetable soup for a cousin who was not well, and I asked her why she thought SHE needed to do this. She said, “Well, I think of all that this family has done for me, and I just have to do this for them.” What goes around…comes around!
I find that a lot of the things that my grandmother did for other people are resulting in blessings for me and my family even now…some 2½ years after her passing. People will comment about her generosity…her faith and strength…her goodness. As they tend to us and do kind things for us…pray for us and encourage us in our daily living, I see the rewards that are a direct result of my grandmother’s perseverance to help others. She left a legacy that has not gone unnoticed.
My grandmother taught me so much…but one of her unending lessons was that of doing for others. My mother offers this same example in many ways, and they are being returned to her now, as she faces a major illness. In the words attributed to John Wesley, these Godly examples have shown us how to… “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
These are sound words to live by, regardless of who said them…and my mother and grandmother – and other people of faith in my circle of influence – have given me plenty of examples of how to do this – and the rewards that are produced. Even if we were never rewarded (which is pretty impossible), we should do this because God has called us to serve in whatever way we can – whenever we can. We should do this out of a deep desire to honor Him and all of the ways that He blesses us each and every day.
I am determined to push forward…to quit worrying about when it is “my turn” and focus on the missions at hand. Perhaps those who come after me will reap the rewards of my efforts. Either way, I know that God is calling me to never grow weary of helping others. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When my Mam-ma Polly was well into her nineties, she still did more for others than most people I knew. There was always room for one more at her table. She prayed for others and attended as many church services and events as possible. I still remember one fall when I took silk flowers and “fall fabric” and decorations to her so that she and her friend Ruby (also in her nineties) could decorate a booth for their church’s fall festival/fundraiser. She was forever “seeing after” a neighbor or friend.
Of course, because Mam-ma no longer could drive, she often asked me (or someone from her church) to make her deliveries for her. I remember once when she made vegetable soup for a cousin who was not well, and I asked her why she thought SHE needed to do this. She said, “Well, I think of all that this family has done for me, and I just have to do this for them.” What goes around…comes around!
I find that a lot of the things that my grandmother did for other people are resulting in blessings for me and my family even now…some 2½ years after her passing. People will comment about her generosity…her faith and strength…her goodness. As they tend to us and do kind things for us…pray for us and encourage us in our daily living, I see the rewards that are a direct result of my grandmother’s perseverance to help others. She left a legacy that has not gone unnoticed.
My grandmother taught me so much…but one of her unending lessons was that of doing for others. My mother offers this same example in many ways, and they are being returned to her now, as she faces a major illness. In the words attributed to John Wesley, these Godly examples have shown us how to… “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”
These are sound words to live by, regardless of who said them…and my mother and grandmother – and other people of faith in my circle of influence – have given me plenty of examples of how to do this – and the rewards that are produced. Even if we were never rewarded (which is pretty impossible), we should do this because God has called us to serve in whatever way we can – whenever we can. We should do this out of a deep desire to honor Him and all of the ways that He blesses us each and every day.
I am determined to push forward…to quit worrying about when it is “my turn” and focus on the missions at hand. Perhaps those who come after me will reap the rewards of my efforts. Either way, I know that God is calling me to never grow weary of helping others. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 13, 2015
Ephesians 4:29
Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Acronyms are a strange phenomenon…particularly in the world of texting and social media. More than a few people have thought they knew what certain sets of capital letters stood for…only to learn that the meaning was totally different. I read an interesting blog post recently about how people have made OMG a common acronym – and phrase – to write or speak. In reality, this oath takes the LORD’s name in vain and shows disrespect for God and His commandments.
We’ve grown complacent - and in some cases, sloppy – with our language. More and more “curse words” have crept into common vernacular and are now readily “accepted” on mainstream television and radio. I cringe every time I hear someone say, “Oh, my God!” – even when they are doing so in a show of empathy or concern toward another person. I have made a point not to use OMG or some form of it in my own conversation.
But more than this, we need to guard EVERY word we say. I’d be willing to bet that your mother taught me, as mine did, that “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Yet the temptation is there…to criticize…to be negative…to cut others down in retaliation for their own hurtful words. We are sometimes moved to lash out and say ugly things when life takes a turn we don’t like and we feel that God has let us down. Even writing this, it sounds absurd. God never fails us!
So our challenge today is to guard our heart – and our words. We must guard against not only speaking the four-letter variety in haste or out of habit…we must also guard our everyday comments and language. Make every word count…or don’t say a word! In The Message translation, this verse says, “Say only what helps, each word a gift.” Oh, that we would internalize this command and make it a part of our daily living. I’m going to try…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Acronyms are a strange phenomenon…particularly in the world of texting and social media. More than a few people have thought they knew what certain sets of capital letters stood for…only to learn that the meaning was totally different. I read an interesting blog post recently about how people have made OMG a common acronym – and phrase – to write or speak. In reality, this oath takes the LORD’s name in vain and shows disrespect for God and His commandments.
We’ve grown complacent - and in some cases, sloppy – with our language. More and more “curse words” have crept into common vernacular and are now readily “accepted” on mainstream television and radio. I cringe every time I hear someone say, “Oh, my God!” – even when they are doing so in a show of empathy or concern toward another person. I have made a point not to use OMG or some form of it in my own conversation.
But more than this, we need to guard EVERY word we say. I’d be willing to bet that your mother taught me, as mine did, that “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Yet the temptation is there…to criticize…to be negative…to cut others down in retaliation for their own hurtful words. We are sometimes moved to lash out and say ugly things when life takes a turn we don’t like and we feel that God has let us down. Even writing this, it sounds absurd. God never fails us!
So our challenge today is to guard our heart – and our words. We must guard against not only speaking the four-letter variety in haste or out of habit…we must also guard our everyday comments and language. Make every word count…or don’t say a word! In The Message translation, this verse says, “Say only what helps, each word a gift.” Oh, that we would internalize this command and make it a part of our daily living. I’m going to try…what about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 12, 2015
Deuteronomy 31:8
Don’t be afraid, for the Lord will go before you and will be with you; he will not fail nor forsake you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I will apologize now…but you will probably hear a lot in the coming weeks/months about my mother, who has just begun chemotherapy for ovarian cancer…and the director of Children’s Ministries at our church - Donna, who suffered a brain bleed a few days ago and is in critical condition in the ICU of a Little Rock hospital. Though separated in age by about 25 years, both women have incredible faith in God and have been busy telling anyone who will listen that “God’s got this! He is in complete control…and it will all be okay.”
There are times when this is really hard to remember…even for the most faith-filled among us. When your mother is sick and suffering from the poison she has been given to kill cancer (which also does a number on your entire body – even the “good” cells) it would be easy to ask, “Where did God go?” When a young woman who is the heart and soul (not to mention an “efficiency machine”) for a ministry that serves dozens of children…a woman who is expecting her first grandbaby in February and serves as a foster parent (along with her husband) to a toddler…is literally knocked to her knees with a near-fatal brain hemorrhage…questioning God’s presence is understandable.
But here’s the thing…I’ve already seen God in action in both of these women…not only in the way they are conducting themselves, but also in the lives they are touching in these circumstances. I’ve read the dozens – if not hundreds – of posts and comments to them on Facebook…I know that exponentially, there are probably THOUSANDS of people praying for both of them – and others like them. If you think about how many prayers are being uttered each day for others, you have to imagine that the din in Heaven is deafening! And yet, I believe that God hears each and every petition that is offered.
So while we all have situations and circumstances at one time or another that offer us the perfect opportunity to get discouraged and lose hope, we have every reason not to do so…and it is found in this amazing verse from Deuteronomy 31…” Don’t be afraid, for the Lord will go before you and will be with you; he will not fail nor forsake you.”
Honestly, this is all we need to know. I’m standing on this promise and claiming it for my mom, my friend, and others. What about you? Are you worried and afraid? Are you ready to give that fear and concern to God and trust that He goes before you and will not fail? Will this be the day that we all “let go and let God?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Don’t be afraid, for the Lord will go before you and will be with you; he will not fail nor forsake you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I will apologize now…but you will probably hear a lot in the coming weeks/months about my mother, who has just begun chemotherapy for ovarian cancer…and the director of Children’s Ministries at our church - Donna, who suffered a brain bleed a few days ago and is in critical condition in the ICU of a Little Rock hospital. Though separated in age by about 25 years, both women have incredible faith in God and have been busy telling anyone who will listen that “God’s got this! He is in complete control…and it will all be okay.”
There are times when this is really hard to remember…even for the most faith-filled among us. When your mother is sick and suffering from the poison she has been given to kill cancer (which also does a number on your entire body – even the “good” cells) it would be easy to ask, “Where did God go?” When a young woman who is the heart and soul (not to mention an “efficiency machine”) for a ministry that serves dozens of children…a woman who is expecting her first grandbaby in February and serves as a foster parent (along with her husband) to a toddler…is literally knocked to her knees with a near-fatal brain hemorrhage…questioning God’s presence is understandable.
But here’s the thing…I’ve already seen God in action in both of these women…not only in the way they are conducting themselves, but also in the lives they are touching in these circumstances. I’ve read the dozens – if not hundreds – of posts and comments to them on Facebook…I know that exponentially, there are probably THOUSANDS of people praying for both of them – and others like them. If you think about how many prayers are being uttered each day for others, you have to imagine that the din in Heaven is deafening! And yet, I believe that God hears each and every petition that is offered.
So while we all have situations and circumstances at one time or another that offer us the perfect opportunity to get discouraged and lose hope, we have every reason not to do so…and it is found in this amazing verse from Deuteronomy 31…” Don’t be afraid, for the Lord will go before you and will be with you; he will not fail nor forsake you.”
Honestly, this is all we need to know. I’m standing on this promise and claiming it for my mom, my friend, and others. What about you? Are you worried and afraid? Are you ready to give that fear and concern to God and trust that He goes before you and will not fail? Will this be the day that we all “let go and let God?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 11, 2015
October 11 ~ Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. And always be thankful.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy and I have had several conversations lately about tattling. He is six…his younger sister and brother are 4 and 3 – just enough age difference that they often get on his last nerve! And he is quick to report to any adult within earshot that “he bothered my things,” or “she’s touching me.” Timmy’s Taekwondo instructor has assured him that “I’m aware of it! I will handle it.” I’ve warned Timothy that Mr. Roy will make him do pushups if he keeps tattling…and he may just have to do a few to really learn this lesson!
Part of growing up is learning to get along. And I get it…when my sister, brother and I were young, we fought like cats and dogs! There is a reason they call it “sibling rivalry!” But as we age and mature, we are supposed to learn to tolerate one another – to forgive mistakes and overlook quirks and differences.
I have to say, this is truly hard – even for us as adults. We get irritated with others. We worry and stew over what they have said and done…we are aggravated, frustrated, and just plain mad sometimes! And we don’t stop to consider that none of these represent a heart filled with the peace that comes from Christ! I can hear some of you now…”But I just need a little time to be mad!” No, you don’t. You’re not six…and besides, giving the devil even a “little time” to control your heart opens the door for him to take an even bigger space – for an even longer time! We cannot do this!
I’m definitely a work in progress in this area – with “work” being the operative word. I have to truly stay saturated in God’s word, in prayer, and in a focused mind and heart in order not to be affected by the devil’s attempt to irritate or frustrate me in some way. I thank God every day for giving me Jesus…and for the safety and refuge I find in Him. I am grateful that I don’t have to be mad and angry – upset and agitated. I can call, “Come, Holy Spirit!” and He will calm me and remove my worries and aggravations.
If you have to choose between peace and worry, which wins in your life? How many times do we have to relearn this lesson? Don’t you want to feel the calm serenity of Jesus Christ filling your heart in all situations? Will this be the day that you take the necessary steps to make that happen?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body. And always be thankful.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy and I have had several conversations lately about tattling. He is six…his younger sister and brother are 4 and 3 – just enough age difference that they often get on his last nerve! And he is quick to report to any adult within earshot that “he bothered my things,” or “she’s touching me.” Timmy’s Taekwondo instructor has assured him that “I’m aware of it! I will handle it.” I’ve warned Timothy that Mr. Roy will make him do pushups if he keeps tattling…and he may just have to do a few to really learn this lesson!
Part of growing up is learning to get along. And I get it…when my sister, brother and I were young, we fought like cats and dogs! There is a reason they call it “sibling rivalry!” But as we age and mature, we are supposed to learn to tolerate one another – to forgive mistakes and overlook quirks and differences.
I have to say, this is truly hard – even for us as adults. We get irritated with others. We worry and stew over what they have said and done…we are aggravated, frustrated, and just plain mad sometimes! And we don’t stop to consider that none of these represent a heart filled with the peace that comes from Christ! I can hear some of you now…”But I just need a little time to be mad!” No, you don’t. You’re not six…and besides, giving the devil even a “little time” to control your heart opens the door for him to take an even bigger space – for an even longer time! We cannot do this!
I’m definitely a work in progress in this area – with “work” being the operative word. I have to truly stay saturated in God’s word, in prayer, and in a focused mind and heart in order not to be affected by the devil’s attempt to irritate or frustrate me in some way. I thank God every day for giving me Jesus…and for the safety and refuge I find in Him. I am grateful that I don’t have to be mad and angry – upset and agitated. I can call, “Come, Holy Spirit!” and He will calm me and remove my worries and aggravations.
If you have to choose between peace and worry, which wins in your life? How many times do we have to relearn this lesson? Don’t you want to feel the calm serenity of Jesus Christ filling your heart in all situations? Will this be the day that you take the necessary steps to make that happen?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 10, 2015
2 Corinthians 9:8-11
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,
He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever had a morning when you woke up, and your first thought was, “How many hours is it until I can crawl back into this bed and sleep?” There are days when we are so mentally and physical spent that even several hours of “sleep” are not enough. The first inclination is that this day will be wasted…we will be lazy and/or worthless. But even on your most weary day, God is working behind the scenes…and He can use you to bless others.
How is this possible? What does it cost you to pray? Can you utter a petition for His love and care for another person? Then you have been a blessing. Can you send an e-mail of encouragement to someone? BOOM! You have blessed and served in God’s name? Can you take care of yourself and rest, so that the next day, you have the energy and capacity to do more for yourself, others – and God’s Kingdom? Then you have your “mission” for this day!
We underestimate the ways that God can use us…and we most certainly misjudge the ways that God works in our lives behind the scenes – and uses that for His glory. The tiniest “seed” sown into us can blossom into something huge for the Kingdom of Heaven. Our church’s Director of Children’s Ministries was rushed to a major hospital yesterday with a brain bleed. Even from her hospital bed, we can see God’s hand at work in and through her, as countless friends and loved ones have rallied to exchange reports, share corporate and individual prayers for her – and pray for the dozens of unknown medical personnel who are involved in her care. Imagine the ripple effect of these actions…the “seeds” that have been scattered in all directions as a result of this terrible event. And the work - and God’s blessings and glory - continue by the minute!
So don’t sell yourself short. Recognize how powerful God’s work is in each of our lives. Realize that even in the midst of something as serious as a brain bleed, God can use you! On your worst day when you want to roll over and pull the covers back over your head, you can still utter a prayer of healing, comfort and care for another – and God can do incredible things with that simple utterance!
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways…we just have to be open and receptive to His efforts. Are you ready for anything…willing to be generous in any way that you can…and open to the work of God in and through your life? Will this be the day that you begin to truly produce great praise for God?
Ask God to soften your heart – to open your eyes and ears to the ways that He wants to use you, regardless of your circumstances or condition. Remind yourself that with God, all things are possible…and prepare to “scatter some seeds” and blessings in His name - every single day.
©2015 Debbie Robus
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it,
He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever had a morning when you woke up, and your first thought was, “How many hours is it until I can crawl back into this bed and sleep?” There are days when we are so mentally and physical spent that even several hours of “sleep” are not enough. The first inclination is that this day will be wasted…we will be lazy and/or worthless. But even on your most weary day, God is working behind the scenes…and He can use you to bless others.
How is this possible? What does it cost you to pray? Can you utter a petition for His love and care for another person? Then you have been a blessing. Can you send an e-mail of encouragement to someone? BOOM! You have blessed and served in God’s name? Can you take care of yourself and rest, so that the next day, you have the energy and capacity to do more for yourself, others – and God’s Kingdom? Then you have your “mission” for this day!
We underestimate the ways that God can use us…and we most certainly misjudge the ways that God works in our lives behind the scenes – and uses that for His glory. The tiniest “seed” sown into us can blossom into something huge for the Kingdom of Heaven. Our church’s Director of Children’s Ministries was rushed to a major hospital yesterday with a brain bleed. Even from her hospital bed, we can see God’s hand at work in and through her, as countless friends and loved ones have rallied to exchange reports, share corporate and individual prayers for her – and pray for the dozens of unknown medical personnel who are involved in her care. Imagine the ripple effect of these actions…the “seeds” that have been scattered in all directions as a result of this terrible event. And the work - and God’s blessings and glory - continue by the minute!
So don’t sell yourself short. Recognize how powerful God’s work is in each of our lives. Realize that even in the midst of something as serious as a brain bleed, God can use you! On your worst day when you want to roll over and pull the covers back over your head, you can still utter a prayer of healing, comfort and care for another – and God can do incredible things with that simple utterance!
God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways…we just have to be open and receptive to His efforts. Are you ready for anything…willing to be generous in any way that you can…and open to the work of God in and through your life? Will this be the day that you begin to truly produce great praise for God?
Ask God to soften your heart – to open your eyes and ears to the ways that He wants to use you, regardless of your circumstances or condition. Remind yourself that with God, all things are possible…and prepare to “scatter some seeds” and blessings in His name - every single day.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 9, 2015
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
I will say this: because these experiences I had were so tremendous, God was afraid I might be puffed up by them; so I was given a physical condition which has been a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to hurt and bother me and prick my pride. Three different times I begged God to make me well again.
Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about “the thorn,” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My childhood friend, Becky, battled breast cancer for more than five years before it claimed her life. She told me often, “People want to ask, ‘Why me?’ I say to them, ‘Why not me?’” Becky had a very practical and faith-filled attitude about the “beast” that would ultimately deplete her strength and end her earthly existence. ABC television broadcaster Robin Roberts wrote a book about her own journey with breast cancer… a rare blood disease that resulted…and the death of her mother. The title is Everybody’s Got Something.
The point is that everybody has got something…but what will we do with it? Will we wallow in self-pity…and succumb to the devil’s desire that we turn our back on God and/or blame Him for our troubles? Will our illness, grief, sadness, injury, or challenge of any sort be what defines us? Will we use it as a crutch and an excuse for everything from laziness to complacency to out-and-out misbehaving?
Or will we say, “You know what? I can handle anything with God. He is all I need. His power shows up best in weak people…so I must be one of His most shining examples!” God does not “cause” bad things to happen to us to break our spirit and drag us down into the pit. He “allows” these things to fortify us in His strength. Because of this, when “bad things happen to good people,” we can say with confidence…”Why not me? God’s got this!”
I know that there are days and situations for all of us where we fall to our knees and say, “You’ve got me this time, LORD. This is simply TOO MUCH!” But I’m here to remind all of us today – myself included – that it is NEVER too much for God!
Whatever your “thorn in the side” today, consider it a reminder from God that He is in complete control. Trust Him to manage this for you…and glorify Him as a living demonstration of Christ’s power. Depend on God for everything, full of confidence that He’s got this…and YOU…because He truly has.
©2015 Debbie Robus
I will say this: because these experiences I had were so tremendous, God was afraid I might be puffed up by them; so I was given a physical condition which has been a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to hurt and bother me and prick my pride. Three different times I begged God to make me well again.
Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about “the thorn,” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My childhood friend, Becky, battled breast cancer for more than five years before it claimed her life. She told me often, “People want to ask, ‘Why me?’ I say to them, ‘Why not me?’” Becky had a very practical and faith-filled attitude about the “beast” that would ultimately deplete her strength and end her earthly existence. ABC television broadcaster Robin Roberts wrote a book about her own journey with breast cancer… a rare blood disease that resulted…and the death of her mother. The title is Everybody’s Got Something.
The point is that everybody has got something…but what will we do with it? Will we wallow in self-pity…and succumb to the devil’s desire that we turn our back on God and/or blame Him for our troubles? Will our illness, grief, sadness, injury, or challenge of any sort be what defines us? Will we use it as a crutch and an excuse for everything from laziness to complacency to out-and-out misbehaving?
Or will we say, “You know what? I can handle anything with God. He is all I need. His power shows up best in weak people…so I must be one of His most shining examples!” God does not “cause” bad things to happen to us to break our spirit and drag us down into the pit. He “allows” these things to fortify us in His strength. Because of this, when “bad things happen to good people,” we can say with confidence…”Why not me? God’s got this!”
I know that there are days and situations for all of us where we fall to our knees and say, “You’ve got me this time, LORD. This is simply TOO MUCH!” But I’m here to remind all of us today – myself included – that it is NEVER too much for God!
Whatever your “thorn in the side” today, consider it a reminder from God that He is in complete control. Trust Him to manage this for you…and glorify Him as a living demonstration of Christ’s power. Depend on God for everything, full of confidence that He’s got this…and YOU…because He truly has.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 8, 2015
1 Peter 5:6-7
If you will humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, in his good time he will lift you up.
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, my mother began chemotherapy treatments for what is suspected to be ovarian cancer. More tests are necessary to be certain of the origin…but there is no question that she is battling “the beast.” As Mom said to someone in a Facebook response, the medical staff will virtually be pumping poison into her body to kill the cancer…and there can’t help but be side effects and the potential for negative ramifications.
My mother is one of the most faith-filled people I know. She would not allow anyone except her husband to accompany her this morning, so I have waited at home – and prayed - for the “report.” I envisioned my mother walking bravely into the outpatient wing of our local hospital this morning, like countless patients before her. She is facing headlong whatever lies ahead…and she has told us over and over, “No matter what…it will be okay. God is in control.”
But this is happening to my mother. As much as I love and care for my friends and other family members who have experienced cancer, other illnesses, injuries and challenges…this is very real and personal for me now. And I will be honest…I’ve been a little more than worried. I know all of the things that God promises…and that my mother has taught me. I’ve experienced God’s unfailing love and care…His perfect timing…His mighty hand and loving attention to every detail. But I am human, so of course, I have done a little hand-wringing.
Does this make me weak and less of a Christian? I don’t think so. And when you worry, it doesn’t necessarily diminish your faith, either. Now, we must not hang out too long in the “Land of Worries and Fears,” but I believe that God can actually use a little side-trip there to strengthen us in our faith. He understands our humanity…our penchant to “go there.” And I believe that He is calling to us…saying, “Hey, YOU! Look over here! I’m more than ready and able to take care of this for you. All you have to do is turn around and come back over here next to me!” And that is what I am going to do.
I’ve had my momentary panic attack…I’ve expressed my fears and worries to God…and now I am going to let Him have them. I know that whatever He does with them will be perfect…that He truly is holding my mother – and all of us – in the palm of His hand. I am confident that He has sent angels to surround us and attend to our every need. And I KNOW that He is doing this for you, as well.
Won’t you let go and let God have your worries and fears today? Are you ready to turn around and run straight into His arms and experience His amazing love and care? Do you truly understand that with God, everything will be okay – no matter what happens? Isn’t it time to quit wringing our hands and fold them together in a prayer of trust? Will this be the moment that you turn around and run back to God and let Him handle the heavy stuff? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
If you will humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, in his good time he will lift you up.
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, my mother began chemotherapy treatments for what is suspected to be ovarian cancer. More tests are necessary to be certain of the origin…but there is no question that she is battling “the beast.” As Mom said to someone in a Facebook response, the medical staff will virtually be pumping poison into her body to kill the cancer…and there can’t help but be side effects and the potential for negative ramifications.
My mother is one of the most faith-filled people I know. She would not allow anyone except her husband to accompany her this morning, so I have waited at home – and prayed - for the “report.” I envisioned my mother walking bravely into the outpatient wing of our local hospital this morning, like countless patients before her. She is facing headlong whatever lies ahead…and she has told us over and over, “No matter what…it will be okay. God is in control.”
But this is happening to my mother. As much as I love and care for my friends and other family members who have experienced cancer, other illnesses, injuries and challenges…this is very real and personal for me now. And I will be honest…I’ve been a little more than worried. I know all of the things that God promises…and that my mother has taught me. I’ve experienced God’s unfailing love and care…His perfect timing…His mighty hand and loving attention to every detail. But I am human, so of course, I have done a little hand-wringing.
Does this make me weak and less of a Christian? I don’t think so. And when you worry, it doesn’t necessarily diminish your faith, either. Now, we must not hang out too long in the “Land of Worries and Fears,” but I believe that God can actually use a little side-trip there to strengthen us in our faith. He understands our humanity…our penchant to “go there.” And I believe that He is calling to us…saying, “Hey, YOU! Look over here! I’m more than ready and able to take care of this for you. All you have to do is turn around and come back over here next to me!” And that is what I am going to do.
I’ve had my momentary panic attack…I’ve expressed my fears and worries to God…and now I am going to let Him have them. I know that whatever He does with them will be perfect…that He truly is holding my mother – and all of us – in the palm of His hand. I am confident that He has sent angels to surround us and attend to our every need. And I KNOW that He is doing this for you, as well.
Won’t you let go and let God have your worries and fears today? Are you ready to turn around and run straight into His arms and experience His amazing love and care? Do you truly understand that with God, everything will be okay – no matter what happens? Isn’t it time to quit wringing our hands and fold them together in a prayer of trust? Will this be the moment that you turn around and run back to God and let Him handle the heavy stuff? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 7, 2015
1 John 4:18
We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy asks me often, “Do you still love me?” Now, he knows that I do, but he seems to need this reassurance. If he misbehaves and I fuss at him, he will sometimes say, “Aww…you don’t love me anymore!” I insist that yes, I still love him…but I am not happy with how he behaved. This is a typical reaction for some children. Timothy apparently got my “people-pleaser” gene! In reality, his worry and concern are wastes of time…but this doesn’t seem to be soaking in with him just yet. Hopefully in time he will be fully convinced that his Uncle Greg and I will always love him.
More than a few of us got this “worry gene” when it comes to trusting the love of God. We are ready at the first sign of trouble to decide that “He must not love me.” We operate in fear of what will happen if we disappoint God...and we just cannot accept that He could love us – warts and all.
Here’s the thing…this really is not about you or me. It’s not about what we have or have not done, as much as it is about the incomprehensible, all-encompassing, unfailing love of our Heavenly Father for each of us. I cannot envision a world where I would not love my little nieces and nephews…and a world does not exist where God would not love us. But we want to dwell in the “human” realm of somehow earning unconditional love…and this simply cannot happen.
So what does this all mean? For me, this is a call to “let go and let God”…to quit worrying about so many things and trust that whatever happens, God has me in the palm of His hand. This is a signal for me stop operating in fear and trepidation over any possible “punishment” that God might deliver out of disappointment or anger. It is a jump-start for me to live with a deep desire to show MY love and respect - and do all that I can to live in God’s will…to listen to His voice and steer clear of the devil’s temptations and suggestions that I am simply not good enough to “merit” His love – and never will be!
This is not how God operates…and the sooner we truly understand this, the sooner we can begin to truly experience His grace, mercy, and blessings. Are you fully convinced that God loves you…that His deepest desire is for you to thrive in everything you experience - and bask in His abundant care and blessings? Won’t you join me today and drop your worries at His feet…and embrace this amazing gift of unconditional love and care? This is the day that the LORD has made…aren’t you ready to really enjoy it?
©2015 Debbie Robus
We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy asks me often, “Do you still love me?” Now, he knows that I do, but he seems to need this reassurance. If he misbehaves and I fuss at him, he will sometimes say, “Aww…you don’t love me anymore!” I insist that yes, I still love him…but I am not happy with how he behaved. This is a typical reaction for some children. Timothy apparently got my “people-pleaser” gene! In reality, his worry and concern are wastes of time…but this doesn’t seem to be soaking in with him just yet. Hopefully in time he will be fully convinced that his Uncle Greg and I will always love him.
More than a few of us got this “worry gene” when it comes to trusting the love of God. We are ready at the first sign of trouble to decide that “He must not love me.” We operate in fear of what will happen if we disappoint God...and we just cannot accept that He could love us – warts and all.
Here’s the thing…this really is not about you or me. It’s not about what we have or have not done, as much as it is about the incomprehensible, all-encompassing, unfailing love of our Heavenly Father for each of us. I cannot envision a world where I would not love my little nieces and nephews…and a world does not exist where God would not love us. But we want to dwell in the “human” realm of somehow earning unconditional love…and this simply cannot happen.
So what does this all mean? For me, this is a call to “let go and let God”…to quit worrying about so many things and trust that whatever happens, God has me in the palm of His hand. This is a signal for me stop operating in fear and trepidation over any possible “punishment” that God might deliver out of disappointment or anger. It is a jump-start for me to live with a deep desire to show MY love and respect - and do all that I can to live in God’s will…to listen to His voice and steer clear of the devil’s temptations and suggestions that I am simply not good enough to “merit” His love – and never will be!
This is not how God operates…and the sooner we truly understand this, the sooner we can begin to truly experience His grace, mercy, and blessings. Are you fully convinced that God loves you…that His deepest desire is for you to thrive in everything you experience - and bask in His abundant care and blessings? Won’t you join me today and drop your worries at His feet…and embrace this amazing gift of unconditional love and care? This is the day that the LORD has made…aren’t you ready to really enjoy it?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 6, 2015
1 Corinthians 16:19-20
Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because he owns it.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Sunday afternoon, I played “Washing Machine” in the pool with Timothy, Zola, and Nathan. FYI…this is a game best played “one-on-one!” Basically, I assumed a wide stance on the pool floor, wrapped my arms around all three children and held onto their lifejackets…and “agitated” them back and forth, then bounced us all up and down.
Two days later, I feel the results in my shoulders and upper back… in my legs and hips…and basically, all over! Very clearly, I hear God telling me…”You’re too old for that, Sister! But you had better find other ways to keep up your strength, so that you can keep up with these three little fireballs!”
I don’t share this to complain about my “ailment.” God has blessed me with great health, and I have no room to fuss about anything. I know so many who have genuine aches and pains…maladies that are truly impacting their quality of life. Many people, including my own mother, are facing life-altering illnesses like cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, and more. Others are debilitated by strokes, accidents that brought the sudden onset of a myriad of problems, and health concerns that have changed their lives forever – sometimes in an instant. I watched an interview with a young woman who survived a bullet to the spine during the recent shooting in Oregon, and I heard her say that she would never take a minute of her life for granted again…because she stared death in the face.
The point is this…many will reference this chapter of 1 Corinthians and talk about our body with relation to sexual purity. But there is so much more to the Apostle Paul’s message. Our bodies truly do belong to God. And while I refuse to believe that He causes ailments and injuries – particularly as a form of “punishment,” I do believe that God looks at what will befall us and says, “Okay…how will I use this for my glory? How will I strengthen ABC and those who know him/her through this experience?” I believe that God gives us an opportunity to say, “LORD…this is YOUR vessel…show me how to use it to further Your kingdom.”
This is how you see people move forward in life as if everything was perfectly fine, even when their bodies are literally falling apart! This grace and strength is what should propel each of us forward…encourage us to take the best care of our bodies that we can…and glorify God when illness and injury come our way. As Paul reminds us in this passage, God paid a tremendous price for us. We are each precious and valuable to Him. It’s time we acted like we believe this!
Take stock of your own life today and see where you are treating your body with less respect and honor than you should. Discover where you are griping and complaining instead of looking for a way to turn your ailment into a blessing - or an opportunity to share how powerful God’s Holy Spirit is within you. And listen to your body – and to God’s voice. We are pretty much the “occupant” – and God is the “Landlord.” Maybe the “Washing Machine” game needs to be replaced with “London Bridge” or something less strenuous that won’t cause so much “wear and tear” on His property!
Are you a good tenant of the body God has loaned you? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because he owns it.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Sunday afternoon, I played “Washing Machine” in the pool with Timothy, Zola, and Nathan. FYI…this is a game best played “one-on-one!” Basically, I assumed a wide stance on the pool floor, wrapped my arms around all three children and held onto their lifejackets…and “agitated” them back and forth, then bounced us all up and down.
Two days later, I feel the results in my shoulders and upper back… in my legs and hips…and basically, all over! Very clearly, I hear God telling me…”You’re too old for that, Sister! But you had better find other ways to keep up your strength, so that you can keep up with these three little fireballs!”
I don’t share this to complain about my “ailment.” God has blessed me with great health, and I have no room to fuss about anything. I know so many who have genuine aches and pains…maladies that are truly impacting their quality of life. Many people, including my own mother, are facing life-altering illnesses like cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, and more. Others are debilitated by strokes, accidents that brought the sudden onset of a myriad of problems, and health concerns that have changed their lives forever – sometimes in an instant. I watched an interview with a young woman who survived a bullet to the spine during the recent shooting in Oregon, and I heard her say that she would never take a minute of her life for granted again…because she stared death in the face.
The point is this…many will reference this chapter of 1 Corinthians and talk about our body with relation to sexual purity. But there is so much more to the Apostle Paul’s message. Our bodies truly do belong to God. And while I refuse to believe that He causes ailments and injuries – particularly as a form of “punishment,” I do believe that God looks at what will befall us and says, “Okay…how will I use this for my glory? How will I strengthen ABC and those who know him/her through this experience?” I believe that God gives us an opportunity to say, “LORD…this is YOUR vessel…show me how to use it to further Your kingdom.”
This is how you see people move forward in life as if everything was perfectly fine, even when their bodies are literally falling apart! This grace and strength is what should propel each of us forward…encourage us to take the best care of our bodies that we can…and glorify God when illness and injury come our way. As Paul reminds us in this passage, God paid a tremendous price for us. We are each precious and valuable to Him. It’s time we acted like we believe this!
Take stock of your own life today and see where you are treating your body with less respect and honor than you should. Discover where you are griping and complaining instead of looking for a way to turn your ailment into a blessing - or an opportunity to share how powerful God’s Holy Spirit is within you. And listen to your body – and to God’s voice. We are pretty much the “occupant” – and God is the “Landlord.” Maybe the “Washing Machine” game needs to be replaced with “London Bridge” or something less strenuous that won’t cause so much “wear and tear” on His property!
Are you a good tenant of the body God has loaned you? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 5, 2015
Romans 3:23-24
All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I promised the children a surprise after church if they would be really good and eat a good lunch. And they all three did exactly that. So I told them that we would go swimming at the community Aquatic Center. We loaded our gear and headed for the pool. The children were very good as we changed into our swimsuits. We had a wonderful swim for an hour…every child was happy and well-behaved. They got out of the pool afterward like little soldiers and politely took a seat as I dried them and wrapped them in towels.
I had promised that when we got back into the car, each child who had behaved nicely would get a Lifesaver®. All three children were excited about this sweet treat. And then “the wheels fell off the bus.” As we headed for the dressing room to change into our clothes, Zola ran – all the way down the pool deck to the dressing room door. Despite my calling to her to stop, she continued. So I told her, “No Lifesaver®.” Of course, she cried…and buried her little head in her hands. And the boys were quick to chime in…”We still get Lifesavers®…right?” “If you are good,” I told them. “Oh, we’re going to be good!” they both promised. And they were…until we left the building.
Nathan was our “line leader,” and I told him to stop at the yellow stripe at the end of the sidewalk. He took off running and ran right into the street. Thankfully, the parking lot was virtually empty and there were no cars – and I knew this before we ever left the front door. Still, he had disobeyed. I called to him to return and he continued running. When he did turn around and come to me, I told him it was too late…no Lifesaver® for him, either. I will tell you, it is terribly hard to give one child candy and watch the other two cry…even when you know it is for their own good. I told the children that “this hurts my heart.” And it really did!
Timothy asked, “Are you mad at me?” I told him no…I was not mad at any of them…but I was disappointed that two had chosen to misbehave after we had experienced such a wonderful afternoon. I knew that all three children were tired and ready for naps, but that was no excuse. Nathan said through tears, “I want to go take a nap so I can mind better tomorrow!” I almost melted…but he still didn’t get any candy.
Let me make this perfectly clear…I am NOT God – nor do I dare to compare myself to Him in any way. But I do love these children like they were my own. And when they make a mistake and misbehave, it breaks my heart. In any given hour, each one of the three of them can have a misstep. None of them are perfect…and neither are you and I. We are all capable of sin, because we are human. The only “person” to ever live in the flesh who is perfect is Jesus Christ…and we simply cannot and will not ever be Him.
But we can strive to be more like Jesus. We can work hard to please God…to behave nicely so that we get the “Lifesaver® blessings” and more that He so wants to give us each and every day. We all fall short of God’s glory and expectations…but we must keep on trying to “mind better tomorrow,” just like this sweet little three-year-old.
I learn lessons from these children every day. And this time, I am reminded that I serve a God of second, third, fourth and even hundredth chances…and I am humbled. I fall short, just as you do…but God is there to pick me up and restore me when I acknowledge my faults and humbly strive to do better. Have you felt God’s mercy and compassion over your own mistakes? Have you committed to doing your best for Him in the future? Will this be the day that you make that promise? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I promised the children a surprise after church if they would be really good and eat a good lunch. And they all three did exactly that. So I told them that we would go swimming at the community Aquatic Center. We loaded our gear and headed for the pool. The children were very good as we changed into our swimsuits. We had a wonderful swim for an hour…every child was happy and well-behaved. They got out of the pool afterward like little soldiers and politely took a seat as I dried them and wrapped them in towels.
I had promised that when we got back into the car, each child who had behaved nicely would get a Lifesaver®. All three children were excited about this sweet treat. And then “the wheels fell off the bus.” As we headed for the dressing room to change into our clothes, Zola ran – all the way down the pool deck to the dressing room door. Despite my calling to her to stop, she continued. So I told her, “No Lifesaver®.” Of course, she cried…and buried her little head in her hands. And the boys were quick to chime in…”We still get Lifesavers®…right?” “If you are good,” I told them. “Oh, we’re going to be good!” they both promised. And they were…until we left the building.
Nathan was our “line leader,” and I told him to stop at the yellow stripe at the end of the sidewalk. He took off running and ran right into the street. Thankfully, the parking lot was virtually empty and there were no cars – and I knew this before we ever left the front door. Still, he had disobeyed. I called to him to return and he continued running. When he did turn around and come to me, I told him it was too late…no Lifesaver® for him, either. I will tell you, it is terribly hard to give one child candy and watch the other two cry…even when you know it is for their own good. I told the children that “this hurts my heart.” And it really did!
Timothy asked, “Are you mad at me?” I told him no…I was not mad at any of them…but I was disappointed that two had chosen to misbehave after we had experienced such a wonderful afternoon. I knew that all three children were tired and ready for naps, but that was no excuse. Nathan said through tears, “I want to go take a nap so I can mind better tomorrow!” I almost melted…but he still didn’t get any candy.
Let me make this perfectly clear…I am NOT God – nor do I dare to compare myself to Him in any way. But I do love these children like they were my own. And when they make a mistake and misbehave, it breaks my heart. In any given hour, each one of the three of them can have a misstep. None of them are perfect…and neither are you and I. We are all capable of sin, because we are human. The only “person” to ever live in the flesh who is perfect is Jesus Christ…and we simply cannot and will not ever be Him.
But we can strive to be more like Jesus. We can work hard to please God…to behave nicely so that we get the “Lifesaver® blessings” and more that He so wants to give us each and every day. We all fall short of God’s glory and expectations…but we must keep on trying to “mind better tomorrow,” just like this sweet little three-year-old.
I learn lessons from these children every day. And this time, I am reminded that I serve a God of second, third, fourth and even hundredth chances…and I am humbled. I fall short, just as you do…but God is there to pick me up and restore me when I acknowledge my faults and humbly strive to do better. Have you felt God’s mercy and compassion over your own mistakes? Have you committed to doing your best for Him in the future? Will this be the day that you make that promise? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 4, 2015
Romans 2:21-24
But how can you teach others when you refuse to learn? You preach that it is wrong to steal. But do you steal? You say people should be faithful in marriage. But are you faithful? You hate idols, yet you rob their temples. You take pride in the Law, but you disobey the Law and bring shame to God. It is just as the Scriptures tell us, “You have made foreigners say insulting things about God.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Thirty years ago, in another city, I was treated by a wonderful gynecologist who probably saved my life. But here’s the thing…he weighed 300+ pounds if he weighed an ounce…and he was a chain smoker. When he would visit with me in his office, he kept one of those little air purifier machines running beside a massive ash tray that always held a smoldering cigarette from which he would take a long drag between sentences. During a visit to the hospital room of a friend of mine (who was also his patient), he once sat in a chair and got stuck…and when he stood, the chair came up with him. You can’t make up this stuff! This man was a physician…a person responsible for the health and well-being of others…and he was probably one of the unhealthiest men that I ever met!
At the time I was under this doctor’s care, I did not have a weight problem, so there was no need for him to counsel me about dieting. I’ve never smoked, so he certainly wasn’t about to advise me on the perils of tobacco products. But I was a runner…and his comment – delivered with a shake of the head – was…”Today’s runners are tomorrow’s arthritics!” I shook MY head and laughed at the obese man behind a curtain of smoke who was delivering this sage wisdom to my 20-something self. It turns out…he was probably right…and I have the sore knees to prove it!
But let’s be clear…whether someone speaks the truth or not, it’s hard to believe the words of an obese chain smoker with regard to matters of physical health! The only thing that I can think of that would have made this more ridiculous is if he had been a doctor of family medicine – or worse yet, a pulmonologist or a surgeon who specialized in weight-loss surgeries! How would his patients every trust anything he told them?
And yet, we all do these sort of things every day. We tell people what they want to hear, whether we believe it or not. We operate in “do-as-I-say-not-as-I do” mode and expect others to buy into our act. We offer others advice that we won’t take for ourselves! We hide behind our Bibles and claim the name of Jesus…then act like fools who have never even heard of Him!
It’s time to once again ask the proverbial question…are you making a point – or making a difference? Are you living your faith…demonstrating the teachings of Jesus…loving others in His name…treating them as you would want to be treated – or better…reaching out to others with kindness, compassion, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and empathy? Are you living in such a way that others say, “I want the kind of relationship with Jesus that he/she has”…or are you part of the reason that someone says that Christianity is not for him/her?
When others look at you, who – and what – do they see? Are you the real deal…or one who talks big but does little to nothing to back it up? Are you the equivalent of a “300+-pound chain-smoking doctor” trying to tell others how to live in order to enjoy good health? Do you see the irony in this? Will this be the day that you “come clean” and start to be the “real deal” in your Christian discipleship and witness? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
But how can you teach others when you refuse to learn? You preach that it is wrong to steal. But do you steal? You say people should be faithful in marriage. But are you faithful? You hate idols, yet you rob their temples. You take pride in the Law, but you disobey the Law and bring shame to God. It is just as the Scriptures tell us, “You have made foreigners say insulting things about God.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Thirty years ago, in another city, I was treated by a wonderful gynecologist who probably saved my life. But here’s the thing…he weighed 300+ pounds if he weighed an ounce…and he was a chain smoker. When he would visit with me in his office, he kept one of those little air purifier machines running beside a massive ash tray that always held a smoldering cigarette from which he would take a long drag between sentences. During a visit to the hospital room of a friend of mine (who was also his patient), he once sat in a chair and got stuck…and when he stood, the chair came up with him. You can’t make up this stuff! This man was a physician…a person responsible for the health and well-being of others…and he was probably one of the unhealthiest men that I ever met!
At the time I was under this doctor’s care, I did not have a weight problem, so there was no need for him to counsel me about dieting. I’ve never smoked, so he certainly wasn’t about to advise me on the perils of tobacco products. But I was a runner…and his comment – delivered with a shake of the head – was…”Today’s runners are tomorrow’s arthritics!” I shook MY head and laughed at the obese man behind a curtain of smoke who was delivering this sage wisdom to my 20-something self. It turns out…he was probably right…and I have the sore knees to prove it!
But let’s be clear…whether someone speaks the truth or not, it’s hard to believe the words of an obese chain smoker with regard to matters of physical health! The only thing that I can think of that would have made this more ridiculous is if he had been a doctor of family medicine – or worse yet, a pulmonologist or a surgeon who specialized in weight-loss surgeries! How would his patients every trust anything he told them?
And yet, we all do these sort of things every day. We tell people what they want to hear, whether we believe it or not. We operate in “do-as-I-say-not-as-I do” mode and expect others to buy into our act. We offer others advice that we won’t take for ourselves! We hide behind our Bibles and claim the name of Jesus…then act like fools who have never even heard of Him!
It’s time to once again ask the proverbial question…are you making a point – or making a difference? Are you living your faith…demonstrating the teachings of Jesus…loving others in His name…treating them as you would want to be treated – or better…reaching out to others with kindness, compassion, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and empathy? Are you living in such a way that others say, “I want the kind of relationship with Jesus that he/she has”…or are you part of the reason that someone says that Christianity is not for him/her?
When others look at you, who – and what – do they see? Are you the real deal…or one who talks big but does little to nothing to back it up? Are you the equivalent of a “300+-pound chain-smoking doctor” trying to tell others how to live in order to enjoy good health? Do you see the irony in this? Will this be the day that you “come clean” and start to be the “real deal” in your Christian discipleship and witness? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 3, 2015
Romans 2:1-4
Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. We know that God is right to judge everyone who behaves in this way. Do you really think God won’t punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our world seems to have become the “Land of Small Favors, Privileges and Special Treatment.” The perception for many is that it’s all in who you know! And maybe this is true. We often get and criticize those who practice “The Name-dropping Game”…until we need a favor. And then the scramble is on to find someone who knows someone who can help us!
We have a bad habit of teaching our kids to grow up to be “somebodies”…but not in a good way. We want them to aspire to be like a well-known athlete, actor, supermodel, or performer. We suggest that they may someday be President! What we fail to account for is the humanity of each and every one of us…the fact that we all have faults, problems, challenges. We all make mistakes…and yes, we all judge others.
The irony is that the very celebrities and notables we aspire to emulate are the ones we so readily criticize. Okay, so maybe you never got drunk at a party and drove your car up a telephone pole. But haven’t you made some bad choices that could at least have potentially had dire consequences? Maybe you don’t curse and publicly criticize others…but do you point at people on your TV screen and call them idiots and other names? Maybe you have not leaked information that could jeopardize national security…but haven’t you spread a juicy nugget or two of gossip at one time or another?
Do you think that what you say and do doesn’t matter if no one sees or hears it…or if “no one gets hurt” by it? Do you understand that God knows…and He is hurt when you judge another of His children?
I am going to be profoundly honest with you…this is very hard for me. I am quick to judge others…at least in the privacy of my own home and in my own heart. I am very much a work in progress. But I have experienced the sting of judgment in my own life…toward myself and members of my family and friends… and with regard to my faith and my values. And I am committed to changing how I treat others because of it.
My prayer for today goes like this…
©2015 Debbie Robus
Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. We know that God is right to judge everyone who behaves in this way. Do you really think God won’t punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our world seems to have become the “Land of Small Favors, Privileges and Special Treatment.” The perception for many is that it’s all in who you know! And maybe this is true. We often get and criticize those who practice “The Name-dropping Game”…until we need a favor. And then the scramble is on to find someone who knows someone who can help us!
We have a bad habit of teaching our kids to grow up to be “somebodies”…but not in a good way. We want them to aspire to be like a well-known athlete, actor, supermodel, or performer. We suggest that they may someday be President! What we fail to account for is the humanity of each and every one of us…the fact that we all have faults, problems, challenges. We all make mistakes…and yes, we all judge others.
The irony is that the very celebrities and notables we aspire to emulate are the ones we so readily criticize. Okay, so maybe you never got drunk at a party and drove your car up a telephone pole. But haven’t you made some bad choices that could at least have potentially had dire consequences? Maybe you don’t curse and publicly criticize others…but do you point at people on your TV screen and call them idiots and other names? Maybe you have not leaked information that could jeopardize national security…but haven’t you spread a juicy nugget or two of gossip at one time or another?
Do you think that what you say and do doesn’t matter if no one sees or hears it…or if “no one gets hurt” by it? Do you understand that God knows…and He is hurt when you judge another of His children?
I am going to be profoundly honest with you…this is very hard for me. I am quick to judge others…at least in the privacy of my own home and in my own heart. I am very much a work in progress. But I have experienced the sting of judgment in my own life…toward myself and members of my family and friends… and with regard to my faith and my values. And I am committed to changing how I treat others because of it.
My prayer for today goes like this…
God, I don’t know how/why you put up with me. I judge others, and I am critical. I cannot see that what I think, say and do toward others…someone probably thinks, says and does toward me. I know how much this hurts…how wrong it is…yet I have trouble stopping the cycle. Please give me your courage and strength. Help me to be more loving of others…more understanding and compassionate. Give me YOUR wisdom and a heart for ALL of your people. Help me to refrain from expecting special treatment – because of who I know, AND…because I am YOUR child. Help me to recognize that each and every person is special to you and just as “entitled” to your love and care as I am. Forgive me for judgments and critical thoughts, words and actions. Make me more like Jesus every day. I thank you for loving me in spite of these shortcomings…and I give you all the praise and glory. Amen.Are you ready to turn to God and experience more of His goodness? Will you join me in this prayer and make a renewed effort to stop judging others?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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