Matthew 6:38-40
I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.
“This,
in a nutshell, is that will: that everything handed over to me by the
Father be completed—not a single detail missed—and at the wrap-up of
time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole.
This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts
who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real
life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole
at the completion of time.”
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.
For decades, a women’s
circle at my church has hosted a breakfast for the graduating high
school seniors shortly before their last day of school. This year, I
offered to help with the preparation and serving of this breakfast. As
the students finished their meal, the class sponsor went over some
important information with them…dates and times for baccalaureate…when
and where to be for graduation rehearsal…the rescheduling of a group
photo… and more. She covered many details, making sure that everything
was neatly prepared and tied together so that everyone will be ready for
these events - and the final ceremony will hopefully go off without a
hitch.
The sponsor also read a little devotional to the students
and talked to them about what happens after high school…how college is
different – and continual study is required. She reminded them that
even those who are joining the workforce will need to learn to
discipline themselves to get up and get going every day…that whatever
happens in this next chapter of life for these almost-adults, effort
will be required to be successful and productive.
Several times,
this teacher told the group…”This is not my rule…it came from the
administration.” Or she would say, “I did not decide this…I’m telling
you what I was told to share.” As for the “life lesson,” she cited
comments from several college students and graduates who had told her
how challenging life can be after high school. In this passage, Jesus
tells His disciples that “I came to do God’s will…and I am giving you
EVERYTHING you need, so that when I return for those who believe in Me,
you will all be ready.”
The students at the breakfast trust
that the information the teacher/sponsor gave them is accurate and
vital. We who have given our hearts to Jesus are expected to trust His
word for us - and to follow His instructions. What does this include?
Jesus has told us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul…and to
love others as we love Him. He has commanded us to share His Good News
with everyone we encounter…to trust Him in all things…and to have hope
and faith that He is preparing a place for us with Him for all Eternity.
Jesus performed miracles to demonstrate that He is
all-powerful…that anything is possible with Him. He demonstrated
incomparable sacrifice by dying on the cross for our sins. He rose from
the grave three days later and instructed His disciples concerning how
to minister to others in His absence. And He gave us the Holy Spirit to
be our Forever Friend in the interim.
Jesus “covered all the
bases.” He left nothing to chance or assumption. He was clear and
distinct in His directives to us…and in His demonstrations of why we
should trust Him and believe in Him. And if we follow through on these
instructions, everything should go exactly as it is supposed to on the
day when we are called to Heaven…whether this happens before Christ
returns for His church – or during.
I hope all of the students
were listening carefully yesterday to the words from the sponsor. More
importantly, I hope that WE are listening to Jesus’ words for each of
us. He has accomplished the will of the One who sent Him…now it is time
to do OUR part to honor His commitment and commandments. How do you
think you are doing so far?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 29, 2016
John 6:28-29
“What exactly does God want us to do?” the people asked.
Jesus answered, “God wants you to have faith in the one he sent.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The children and I have been going back and forth about swimming. The oldest two have had formal swimming lessons, but Nathan has not. In their defense, none of these three little ones can touch bottom in the pool at our community’s Aquatic Center…so they lack confidence to swim without their life jackets. I have persuaded each child to remove his/her life jacket and let me help them swim a short distance to the wall. But it’s not good. Each child is fearful…and despite my best efforts to assure them that I will not let anything happen to them – that they will not drown – they protest, cry and pretty well refuse to try.
We are hoping that a summer of “swimming” at the lake, where they can wade in and control the depth of the water, will help alleviate this. I am anticipating a day when I take them to the pool and say, “Let’s swim without your lifejacket,” and each child has faith in my promise to keep them safe - and readily agrees.
So many of us are just like these apprehensive children. We let our fear of the unknown – of “being unable to touch bottom” – keep us from doing what God has called us to do. Essentially, we fail to fully trust God to equip us to do the things that He has designed us to do…and we dishonor His incredible gifts and blessings.
Let’s be clear…God will not always call us to do things that are easy and fun. Sometimes, He will steer us in the direction of someone who is difficult and tries our patience…a task that seems a little “lowly” or unpleasant…an opportunity that seems daunting and beyond our capabilities. And when God sanctifies these things for us, He will fully enable us to accomplish them, just as He ordained. All we have to do is trust Him and demonstrate faith and confidence in His ability to protect, undergird, and complete the mission.
How deep is your faith? How much do you really trust God? Are you ready to “swim without a lifejacket” and demonstrate confidence in the lessons He has taught you - and the promises that He has made? Will this be the day that you fully “let go and let God?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“What exactly does God want us to do?” the people asked.
Jesus answered, “God wants you to have faith in the one he sent.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The children and I have been going back and forth about swimming. The oldest two have had formal swimming lessons, but Nathan has not. In their defense, none of these three little ones can touch bottom in the pool at our community’s Aquatic Center…so they lack confidence to swim without their life jackets. I have persuaded each child to remove his/her life jacket and let me help them swim a short distance to the wall. But it’s not good. Each child is fearful…and despite my best efforts to assure them that I will not let anything happen to them – that they will not drown – they protest, cry and pretty well refuse to try.
We are hoping that a summer of “swimming” at the lake, where they can wade in and control the depth of the water, will help alleviate this. I am anticipating a day when I take them to the pool and say, “Let’s swim without your lifejacket,” and each child has faith in my promise to keep them safe - and readily agrees.
So many of us are just like these apprehensive children. We let our fear of the unknown – of “being unable to touch bottom” – keep us from doing what God has called us to do. Essentially, we fail to fully trust God to equip us to do the things that He has designed us to do…and we dishonor His incredible gifts and blessings.
Let’s be clear…God will not always call us to do things that are easy and fun. Sometimes, He will steer us in the direction of someone who is difficult and tries our patience…a task that seems a little “lowly” or unpleasant…an opportunity that seems daunting and beyond our capabilities. And when God sanctifies these things for us, He will fully enable us to accomplish them, just as He ordained. All we have to do is trust Him and demonstrate faith and confidence in His ability to protect, undergird, and complete the mission.
How deep is your faith? How much do you really trust God? Are you ready to “swim without a lifejacket” and demonstrate confidence in the lessons He has taught you - and the promises that He has made? Will this be the day that you fully “let go and let God?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 28, 2016
John 5:24
“It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever signed onto a new website, and you were asked to register, supply a login, and create a password? Sometimes, you are “in” right away. Other sites respond with a message that further instructions have been delivered to your e-mail account, and if you follow the links, you can set up your account and visit the website.
I know that these are “security measures.” I understand that this is for our protection. But in a world where things are often so complicated, isn’t it great to know that obtaining salvation and forgiveness of our sins – and the guarantee of Eternal Life in the presence of Jesus – are simple and instantaneous? Aren’t we glad that when we say, “Lord Jesus, forgive me for my sins and come into my heart,” the response is not a list of steps we must take to complete the process? Even better... isn’t it great that this guarantee is “fully secure?”
What if we gave our hearts to Jesus and heard, “Okay, now you have to memorize XYZ scriptures, give a certain amount to this charity or that one, stand on a street corner in rags and confess your sinfulness, and attend church every time the doors are open…and THEN you will be assured of a seat at My Heavenly Table.” How many people would sign on for this?
We want to make our relationship with Jesus so difficult…and Jesus wants to make it ever-so-simple. Confess your sins…accept Jesus’ offer of complete salvation and redemption…and go in peace. Serve Him with a faithful, glad, and confident heart…because you want to – not because you have to! It really is that simple to be “in” with God for all Eternity. So why are we trying to make it so hard?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“It’s urgent that you listen carefully to this: Anyone here who believes what I am saying right now and aligns himself with the Father, who has in fact put me in charge, has at this very moment the real, lasting life and is no longer condemned to be an outsider. This person has taken a giant step from the world of the dead to the world of the living."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever signed onto a new website, and you were asked to register, supply a login, and create a password? Sometimes, you are “in” right away. Other sites respond with a message that further instructions have been delivered to your e-mail account, and if you follow the links, you can set up your account and visit the website.
I know that these are “security measures.” I understand that this is for our protection. But in a world where things are often so complicated, isn’t it great to know that obtaining salvation and forgiveness of our sins – and the guarantee of Eternal Life in the presence of Jesus – are simple and instantaneous? Aren’t we glad that when we say, “Lord Jesus, forgive me for my sins and come into my heart,” the response is not a list of steps we must take to complete the process? Even better... isn’t it great that this guarantee is “fully secure?”
What if we gave our hearts to Jesus and heard, “Okay, now you have to memorize XYZ scriptures, give a certain amount to this charity or that one, stand on a street corner in rags and confess your sinfulness, and attend church every time the doors are open…and THEN you will be assured of a seat at My Heavenly Table.” How many people would sign on for this?
We want to make our relationship with Jesus so difficult…and Jesus wants to make it ever-so-simple. Confess your sins…accept Jesus’ offer of complete salvation and redemption…and go in peace. Serve Him with a faithful, glad, and confident heart…because you want to – not because you have to! It really is that simple to be “in” with God for all Eternity. So why are we trying to make it so hard?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 27, 2016
John 3:16-18
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
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.
Suppose you really wanted to spend your weekend relaxing and doing as you pleased…but someone you loved desperately needed you to do something with them. So you gave up what YOU wanted in favor of what this person wanted or needed. And then that person acted totally ungrateful. Let’s say you drove this person to a class reunion…spent your time and gas money to get him/her there…and then he/she acted as if you didn’t exist. You were not introduced to anyone…this person didn’t give you as much as the time of day. You pretty well spent the whole event sitting in the corner…or maybe even in your car!
How would you feel? Would you be eager to help this person out again in the future? Even though you might not stop loving this individual – particularly if he/she was a relative…you probably would not feel very generous toward him/her.
Now imagine the sacrifice that God made for us. He gave His ONLY SON to DIE for our sins. He allowed Jesus to suffer unimaginably for each of us…totally out of love and a desire to help us and care for us. And many of us treat Him like that person who drove us to the class reunion. We act as if we don’t know Him…we pretend that He is not important – that we don’t need Him. And in some cases, we act like He doesn’t exist – if we don’t claim as much directly.
It’s no wonder that God doesn’t take too kindly to this kind of treatment! Who among us would accept rejection from others and continue to lavish them with love and attention? Unless you enjoy being a doormat for people, I suspect that there comes a point where you cut your losses in such situations and move on. So why would we expect God to continue to give us a pass?
Let’s be clear…God will pursue us to the bitter end. As long as we draw a breath, He will love us and want us to belong to Him…to accept salvation in Jesus Christ, surrender our sins to Him, and become His disciple. But God will not be mocked – or denied – and wave His hand and say, “It’s okay…there is still a place for you in Heaven. I’ll continue to bless you on this earth and prepare an Eternal mansion for you. Just do your thing and be YOU, and don’t worry about serving me!”
God has given us more than we can ever imagine – for no reason other than that He loves us more than we can ever comprehend. What’s not to love in return? Why would we ever not want to serve Him with all of the gratitude and humility we can muster? How could we willingly and deliberately turn our backs on such a gift? Yet some do. I pray that you are not among them…and if you are, I pray that you will change this – now…today…this minute!
God loves us SO MUCH that He sent Jesus to die for us. How are you responding?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
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.
Suppose you really wanted to spend your weekend relaxing and doing as you pleased…but someone you loved desperately needed you to do something with them. So you gave up what YOU wanted in favor of what this person wanted or needed. And then that person acted totally ungrateful. Let’s say you drove this person to a class reunion…spent your time and gas money to get him/her there…and then he/she acted as if you didn’t exist. You were not introduced to anyone…this person didn’t give you as much as the time of day. You pretty well spent the whole event sitting in the corner…or maybe even in your car!
How would you feel? Would you be eager to help this person out again in the future? Even though you might not stop loving this individual – particularly if he/she was a relative…you probably would not feel very generous toward him/her.
Now imagine the sacrifice that God made for us. He gave His ONLY SON to DIE for our sins. He allowed Jesus to suffer unimaginably for each of us…totally out of love and a desire to help us and care for us. And many of us treat Him like that person who drove us to the class reunion. We act as if we don’t know Him…we pretend that He is not important – that we don’t need Him. And in some cases, we act like He doesn’t exist – if we don’t claim as much directly.
It’s no wonder that God doesn’t take too kindly to this kind of treatment! Who among us would accept rejection from others and continue to lavish them with love and attention? Unless you enjoy being a doormat for people, I suspect that there comes a point where you cut your losses in such situations and move on. So why would we expect God to continue to give us a pass?
Let’s be clear…God will pursue us to the bitter end. As long as we draw a breath, He will love us and want us to belong to Him…to accept salvation in Jesus Christ, surrender our sins to Him, and become His disciple. But God will not be mocked – or denied – and wave His hand and say, “It’s okay…there is still a place for you in Heaven. I’ll continue to bless you on this earth and prepare an Eternal mansion for you. Just do your thing and be YOU, and don’t worry about serving me!”
God has given us more than we can ever imagine – for no reason other than that He loves us more than we can ever comprehend. What’s not to love in return? Why would we ever not want to serve Him with all of the gratitude and humility we can muster? How could we willingly and deliberately turn our backs on such a gift? Yet some do. I pray that you are not among them…and if you are, I pray that you will change this – now…today…this minute!
God loves us SO MUCH that He sent Jesus to die for us. How are you responding?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 26, 2016
John 21:15-19
After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.”
Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
While Timothy was out of school for Spring Break, he delivered Meals on Wheels with Greg, and afterward, they went to Walmart. Timothy had a little spending money, and Greg let him pick out a toy – and he made up the difference in price. So when the boys came to stay with us last week, Timothy assumed that we would return to the store and shop for more toys. He was quite disappointed to learn that this was not in our plans. Trust me…our kids have MORE THAN ENOUGH toys already and get plenty of “treats!”
At one point, Timothy was talking about all we were going to do while he and Nathan visited, and he said, “You must not want to share your love with us anymore.” I asked him why he thought that, and he said, “Well, if you loved me, you would do what I want!” I laughed. He knows better than this…he was just being a six-year-old. But as I read Jesus’ words to His disciples in this passage, I did think about how WE adults often make demands on JESUS – and place conditions on His love.
We have it all twisted. We want to tell Jesus, “If You loved ME, You would do such-and-such. You would fix ABC or XYZ and make everything perfect in our little world.” Jesus has nothing to prove to us. The evidence of His love is all around us…and just like Timothy knows that we love him…WE know better when it comes to Jesus’ love! WE should be seeking ways to demonstrate our love to Jesus…not the other way around!
We are not six-year-olds…and it’s time we grew up and developed some “faith muscle.” Jesus has been very clear about how to show our love to Him - feed His sheep…serve...encourage…love others others…and nurture them in their faith. Offer whatever you can to help people - and give them hope. Live in a way that instills confidence in the promises of God…and assurance of Eternity in His presence for all who believe in Him.
Feed the lambs…shepherd the sheep…show Jesus how much you love Him. Jesus shows us His love and care every single day. He gave His very life on the cross for our sins. He is preparing a place in Heaven for us for all of Eternity! It is abundantly clear how much He loves us. If we truly love HIM…it’s time to show Him. The time has come to get busy on this…are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
He then asked a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Master, you know I love you.”
Jesus said, “Shepherd my sheep.”
Then he said it a third time: “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was upset that he asked for the third time, “Do you love me?” so he answered, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go.” He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
While Timothy was out of school for Spring Break, he delivered Meals on Wheels with Greg, and afterward, they went to Walmart. Timothy had a little spending money, and Greg let him pick out a toy – and he made up the difference in price. So when the boys came to stay with us last week, Timothy assumed that we would return to the store and shop for more toys. He was quite disappointed to learn that this was not in our plans. Trust me…our kids have MORE THAN ENOUGH toys already and get plenty of “treats!”
At one point, Timothy was talking about all we were going to do while he and Nathan visited, and he said, “You must not want to share your love with us anymore.” I asked him why he thought that, and he said, “Well, if you loved me, you would do what I want!” I laughed. He knows better than this…he was just being a six-year-old. But as I read Jesus’ words to His disciples in this passage, I did think about how WE adults often make demands on JESUS – and place conditions on His love.
We have it all twisted. We want to tell Jesus, “If You loved ME, You would do such-and-such. You would fix ABC or XYZ and make everything perfect in our little world.” Jesus has nothing to prove to us. The evidence of His love is all around us…and just like Timothy knows that we love him…WE know better when it comes to Jesus’ love! WE should be seeking ways to demonstrate our love to Jesus…not the other way around!
We are not six-year-olds…and it’s time we grew up and developed some “faith muscle.” Jesus has been very clear about how to show our love to Him - feed His sheep…serve...encourage…love others others…and nurture them in their faith. Offer whatever you can to help people - and give them hope. Live in a way that instills confidence in the promises of God…and assurance of Eternity in His presence for all who believe in Him.
Feed the lambs…shepherd the sheep…show Jesus how much you love Him. Jesus shows us His love and care every single day. He gave His very life on the cross for our sins. He is preparing a place in Heaven for us for all of Eternity! It is abundantly clear how much He loves us. If we truly love HIM…it’s time to show Him. The time has come to get busy on this…are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 25, 2016
John 21:1-14
Jesus later appeared to his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing!”
The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn’t catch a thing that night.
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?”
“No!” they answered.
So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.”
They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
Jesus' favorite disciple told Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon heard that it was the Lord, he put on the clothes that he had taken off while he was working. Then he jumped into the water. The boat was only about a hundred yards from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish.
When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. Jesus told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were one hundred fifty-three large fish, but still the net did not rip.
Jesus said, “Come and eat!” But none of the disciples dared ask who he was. They knew he was the Lord. Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I got an e-mail from a dear friend who has always been something of a “big sister” influence. She wanted to let me know that she was thinking of me. Having lost her own mother a few years ago, she said she knew that this was probably about the time that reality was beginning to set in that Mother is truly gone…and I might need a little note from someone who understood. I responded to her that God always knows what – and WHO – I need at just the right time…and today, she was that person!
Now I don’t mean to imply that this “sister” is God. But I do believe that Jesus sometimes comes to us through various people and situations. Do we recognize Him? Are we attuned enough to know that He sent this person – or that word for us? I don’t believe there are coincidences. I believe that everything is orchestrated by God…which is why fisherman could fish for a whole night and catch nothing – and then set their nets on the other side of the boat and drag 153 large fish to shore, where Someone was waiting to cook a few of them for breakfast.
How deep is our faith? Do we trust God – and know Him well enough – to believe that He is involved in every aspect of our lives…even to the point of prompting a friend to send an e-mail message of encouragement on a specific day? Do we really “see” Jesus and live with confidence that He is in complete control…that He can – and will – meet our every need when we call on Him? Will this be the day that you “step out of the boat and wade to shore to share a meal with the Lord?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus later appeared to his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing!”
The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn’t catch a thing that night.
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?”
“No!” they answered.
So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.”
They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
Jesus' favorite disciple told Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon heard that it was the Lord, he put on the clothes that he had taken off while he was working. Then he jumped into the water. The boat was only about a hundred yards from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish.
When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. Jesus told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were one hundred fifty-three large fish, but still the net did not rip.
Jesus said, “Come and eat!” But none of the disciples dared ask who he was. They knew he was the Lord. Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I got an e-mail from a dear friend who has always been something of a “big sister” influence. She wanted to let me know that she was thinking of me. Having lost her own mother a few years ago, she said she knew that this was probably about the time that reality was beginning to set in that Mother is truly gone…and I might need a little note from someone who understood. I responded to her that God always knows what – and WHO – I need at just the right time…and today, she was that person!
Now I don’t mean to imply that this “sister” is God. But I do believe that Jesus sometimes comes to us through various people and situations. Do we recognize Him? Are we attuned enough to know that He sent this person – or that word for us? I don’t believe there are coincidences. I believe that everything is orchestrated by God…which is why fisherman could fish for a whole night and catch nothing – and then set their nets on the other side of the boat and drag 153 large fish to shore, where Someone was waiting to cook a few of them for breakfast.
How deep is our faith? Do we trust God – and know Him well enough – to believe that He is involved in every aspect of our lives…even to the point of prompting a friend to send an e-mail message of encouragement on a specific day? Do we really “see” Jesus and live with confidence that He is in complete control…that He can – and will – meet our every need when we call on Him? Will this be the day that you “step out of the boat and wade to shore to share a meal with the Lord?” Don’t you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 24, 2016
John 17:3
Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I subbed in the 2nd/3rd grade Sunday school class, and our scripture passage was from John 17. I gave the children a recap of earlier chapters of John, where Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, broke bread and shared the cup with them, and then gave them instructions for how to live after He returned to heaven. That brings us to John 17, where Jesus prayed. He asked God to glorify Him, that He (Jesus) might fully glorify the Father who sent Him. Jesus asked God to care for His believers…and then He prayed for non-believers.
This led to the next part of our discussion, which was about how well Jesus knows us…and how well we know Him! We talked about how important it is to really know God through Jesus Christ…how necessary it is to talk to Him about everything – and to listen for His voice. We discussed how critical it is that we demonstrate to others a positive Christian witness – and an abiding faith in God.
All of these things are direct indicators of how well we know God. One child asked where God came from…and who made GOD! I didn’t have a good answer for that…but I did stress to the students that what is important for us is that we believe that God is our Father, Shepherd, Protector, and LORD. On the way home, I asked our three little ones what they learned at Sunday school, and Zola began to tell us all about God in these terms…and how important it is that we know Him.
Timothy said, “Oh! I have known God since I was a little baby!” We smiled at that, because he has always seemed to have an amazing faith and understanding of God. But this is key for all of us. To know God is to trust Him…to fully believe that He is our LORD, Protector, Shepherd, and Father…and to accept this with confidence – even when we cannot explain where God came from or who birthed Him into existence. I know it’s confusing…and it’s REALLY hard for little kids to grasp…but they sometimes seem to accept this with faith and confidence that eludes many adults.
Today, let’s make sure we really know God…not in the same way that you know a good friend and his/her likes, dislikes, favorite foods and colors, and such. Let’s make sure we know God in terms of how He cares for us…how He loved us enough to send Jesus to save us from our sins – and to send the Holy Spirit to remain with us. Let’s know God in terms of who scriptures say He is, and how He protects us and guides us…forgives us when we fall short…heals and restores us…and gives us wisdom and comfort. Let’s know God for His incredible gift of Jesus…and the sacrifices that He made on the cross for our sins.
Let’s claim beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is only ONE GOD who could do all of this…only ONE LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because we know this to be true - and demonstrate that we have a deep and abiding knowledge of God through Jesus - we are assured a seat at the Lord’s table for all Eternity. Do YOU know God this well? Isn’t it time you do?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I subbed in the 2nd/3rd grade Sunday school class, and our scripture passage was from John 17. I gave the children a recap of earlier chapters of John, where Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, broke bread and shared the cup with them, and then gave them instructions for how to live after He returned to heaven. That brings us to John 17, where Jesus prayed. He asked God to glorify Him, that He (Jesus) might fully glorify the Father who sent Him. Jesus asked God to care for His believers…and then He prayed for non-believers.
This led to the next part of our discussion, which was about how well Jesus knows us…and how well we know Him! We talked about how important it is to really know God through Jesus Christ…how necessary it is to talk to Him about everything – and to listen for His voice. We discussed how critical it is that we demonstrate to others a positive Christian witness – and an abiding faith in God.
All of these things are direct indicators of how well we know God. One child asked where God came from…and who made GOD! I didn’t have a good answer for that…but I did stress to the students that what is important for us is that we believe that God is our Father, Shepherd, Protector, and LORD. On the way home, I asked our three little ones what they learned at Sunday school, and Zola began to tell us all about God in these terms…and how important it is that we know Him.
Timothy said, “Oh! I have known God since I was a little baby!” We smiled at that, because he has always seemed to have an amazing faith and understanding of God. But this is key for all of us. To know God is to trust Him…to fully believe that He is our LORD, Protector, Shepherd, and Father…and to accept this with confidence – even when we cannot explain where God came from or who birthed Him into existence. I know it’s confusing…and it’s REALLY hard for little kids to grasp…but they sometimes seem to accept this with faith and confidence that eludes many adults.
Today, let’s make sure we really know God…not in the same way that you know a good friend and his/her likes, dislikes, favorite foods and colors, and such. Let’s make sure we know God in terms of how He cares for us…how He loved us enough to send Jesus to save us from our sins – and to send the Holy Spirit to remain with us. Let’s know God in terms of who scriptures say He is, and how He protects us and guides us…forgives us when we fall short…heals and restores us…and gives us wisdom and comfort. Let’s know God for His incredible gift of Jesus…and the sacrifices that He made on the cross for our sins.
Let’s claim beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is only ONE GOD who could do all of this…only ONE LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. Because we know this to be true - and demonstrate that we have a deep and abiding knowledge of God through Jesus - we are assured a seat at the Lord’s table for all Eternity. Do YOU know God this well? Isn’t it time you do?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 23, 2016
John 14:27
I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.
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.
The other day, Timothy said, “We need to have a moment of peace and quiet. Everyone put your fingers together (touching his third finger to his thumb), close your eyes, cross your legs – if you can (always a comedian in the group!) – and hum…Ohm…Ohm.” We have no clue where he learned this – probably from a movie. But when I read today’s scripture, I thought of this seven-year-old’s “moment of peace and quiet.” While this is a great way to relax for a minute and temporarily de-stress…it is far different from the peace of which Jesus spoke.
The peace of Jesus that is given to us through Salvation and the Holy Spirit is far more encompassing. This is the peace of mind that our sins are forgiven…that we do not have to live under a cloud of dread and fear that we are destined for the agony of separation from God for all eternity. This is the peace that the Holy Spirit provides, so that even in moments when we begin to feel alone, we recognize His presence and are comforted. This is the peace that allows us to say, “Yes, there are rough days…bad patches…struggles and challenges – even downright agony at times – but God’s got this! I will be okay.”
Again I am reminded of the note my mother made in one of her Bible study journals (and shared with you a few days ago). You see, my brother and my dad were both sick at the same time…my brother with liver failure, and my dad with renal failure. My brother Tim died on September 23, 1998…my dad on October 9, 1999. As Mother would say, “It was a lot to process.” She spent the better part of 2 years caring for both of them…and then there was the task of grieving and regrouping afterward. And Mother wrote, “During the deaths of Tim and James Paul, I’d often pull myself up and wonder, ‘Why am I not falling apart?’ Then I’d remember all the people across the country who were praying for us.”
Who answered these prayers? God! How did He answer? By filling my mother with peace through the Holy Spirit who lived in her heart and was her constant Advocate.
The GOOD NEWS is that you and I can experience this same peace. We can invite the Holy Spirit to be a permanent resident in our hearts…to fill the empty spaces and soothe the hurts…to give us wisdom and courage…and to be well and whole in mind and spirit. This was Jesus’ parting gift to us. And what a gift it is!
Does the Advocate live in your heart? Are you embracing Him completely and calling on Him to fill you with constant peace in all things? Don’t you think it’s time you were? There is no time like the present. Stop what you are doing and invite the Holy Spirit to fill your heart and give you peace. Thank God for sending Jesus…and His Holy Spirit to comfort you and guide you…and be well and whole this day. You can still close your eyes and cross your legs (if you are able!) and experience a moment of peace and quiet…but Jesus is offering you a much more lasting comfort and peace. Won’t you accept His gift this day and for all the days to come?
©2016 Debbie Robus
I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.
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.
The other day, Timothy said, “We need to have a moment of peace and quiet. Everyone put your fingers together (touching his third finger to his thumb), close your eyes, cross your legs – if you can (always a comedian in the group!) – and hum…Ohm…Ohm.” We have no clue where he learned this – probably from a movie. But when I read today’s scripture, I thought of this seven-year-old’s “moment of peace and quiet.” While this is a great way to relax for a minute and temporarily de-stress…it is far different from the peace of which Jesus spoke.
The peace of Jesus that is given to us through Salvation and the Holy Spirit is far more encompassing. This is the peace of mind that our sins are forgiven…that we do not have to live under a cloud of dread and fear that we are destined for the agony of separation from God for all eternity. This is the peace that the Holy Spirit provides, so that even in moments when we begin to feel alone, we recognize His presence and are comforted. This is the peace that allows us to say, “Yes, there are rough days…bad patches…struggles and challenges – even downright agony at times – but God’s got this! I will be okay.”
Again I am reminded of the note my mother made in one of her Bible study journals (and shared with you a few days ago). You see, my brother and my dad were both sick at the same time…my brother with liver failure, and my dad with renal failure. My brother Tim died on September 23, 1998…my dad on October 9, 1999. As Mother would say, “It was a lot to process.” She spent the better part of 2 years caring for both of them…and then there was the task of grieving and regrouping afterward. And Mother wrote, “During the deaths of Tim and James Paul, I’d often pull myself up and wonder, ‘Why am I not falling apart?’ Then I’d remember all the people across the country who were praying for us.”
Who answered these prayers? God! How did He answer? By filling my mother with peace through the Holy Spirit who lived in her heart and was her constant Advocate.
The GOOD NEWS is that you and I can experience this same peace. We can invite the Holy Spirit to be a permanent resident in our hearts…to fill the empty spaces and soothe the hurts…to give us wisdom and courage…and to be well and whole in mind and spirit. This was Jesus’ parting gift to us. And what a gift it is!
Does the Advocate live in your heart? Are you embracing Him completely and calling on Him to fill you with constant peace in all things? Don’t you think it’s time you were? There is no time like the present. Stop what you are doing and invite the Holy Spirit to fill your heart and give you peace. Thank God for sending Jesus…and His Holy Spirit to comfort you and guide you…and be well and whole this day. You can still close your eyes and cross your legs (if you are able!) and experience a moment of peace and quiet…but Jesus is offering you a much more lasting comfort and peace. Won’t you accept His gift this day and for all the days to come?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 22, 2016
John 14:23-24
Jesus replied:
If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. But anyone who doesn’t love me, won’t obey me. What they have heard me say doesn’t really come from me, but from the Father who sent me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We picked up the boys yesterday afternoon and brought them home for an overnight stay. Timothy is out of school today, and this is Nathan’s regular Friday to stay with us while Mom and Dad are at work. We took the boys for haircuts…then we went to see our niece, Erin, play her final regular conference softball game. The boys played on an adjacent playground during the game. Then we picked up pizza and headed for home, where the brothers ate, played with Legos® and other toys, and drew/colored pictures.
Both boys were sitting at the counter coloring after their baths, and I told them it was almost bedtime. Timothy asked if they could watch television in bed. I told him I was not sure there would be time for that. I was in another room, and I heard him say, “You don’t love us anymore.” This was echoed by Nathan. I told him that we do love them – very much – and Timothy said, “Well, if you loved us, you would do what WE want to do! We just are not going to share our love with you anymore!”
I couldn’t help but think of this when I read today’s scripture passage. Jesus is telling us that anyone who truly loves Him will obey Him – and by default, they will obey God. Jesus is God’s “vehicle” to deliver love and instruction to us. The wonderful thing about Jesus is that those of us who belong to Him are called to show our love for Him with our obedience and faithfulness…but HIS love for us is not dependent upon this!
We will love Timothy, Nathan and Zola even when they disobey us…but we won’t be very happy with them at times. We know that the children are being manipulative and “testing the waters” when they say, “You don’t love me anymore”…or “If you don’t give me what I want, I won’t share my love with you any longer.” We also know they don't really mean it! When we disobey Jesus, He will still love us. But when we deliberately choose to withhold our love from Jesus...this is a serious thing!
Greg gently reminded the boys of all of the fun things we had done yesterday…all because we love them. And we don’t have to look far at all to see the wonderful things that Jesus does for us every minute of the day. What’s not to love? How can we possibly fail to have faith that He will continue to meet our every need? Why would we NOT want to obey One who loves us so unconditionally?
Do you love Jesus…I mean REALLY love Him? Is your life demonstrating just how much you value His presence in your life each and every day? Do you trust Jesus to represent God’s love and care to you? Are you making every effort to show Him your love by serving Him with faithfulness and obedience - or are you trying to manipulate Him into doing what YOU want? The time has come to decide whether we are making a difference for Jesus...or still trying to make our own point. Which way will you choose?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus replied:
If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. But anyone who doesn’t love me, won’t obey me. What they have heard me say doesn’t really come from me, but from the Father who sent me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We picked up the boys yesterday afternoon and brought them home for an overnight stay. Timothy is out of school today, and this is Nathan’s regular Friday to stay with us while Mom and Dad are at work. We took the boys for haircuts…then we went to see our niece, Erin, play her final regular conference softball game. The boys played on an adjacent playground during the game. Then we picked up pizza and headed for home, where the brothers ate, played with Legos® and other toys, and drew/colored pictures.
Both boys were sitting at the counter coloring after their baths, and I told them it was almost bedtime. Timothy asked if they could watch television in bed. I told him I was not sure there would be time for that. I was in another room, and I heard him say, “You don’t love us anymore.” This was echoed by Nathan. I told him that we do love them – very much – and Timothy said, “Well, if you loved us, you would do what WE want to do! We just are not going to share our love with you anymore!”
I couldn’t help but think of this when I read today’s scripture passage. Jesus is telling us that anyone who truly loves Him will obey Him – and by default, they will obey God. Jesus is God’s “vehicle” to deliver love and instruction to us. The wonderful thing about Jesus is that those of us who belong to Him are called to show our love for Him with our obedience and faithfulness…but HIS love for us is not dependent upon this!
We will love Timothy, Nathan and Zola even when they disobey us…but we won’t be very happy with them at times. We know that the children are being manipulative and “testing the waters” when they say, “You don’t love me anymore”…or “If you don’t give me what I want, I won’t share my love with you any longer.” We also know they don't really mean it! When we disobey Jesus, He will still love us. But when we deliberately choose to withhold our love from Jesus...this is a serious thing!
Greg gently reminded the boys of all of the fun things we had done yesterday…all because we love them. And we don’t have to look far at all to see the wonderful things that Jesus does for us every minute of the day. What’s not to love? How can we possibly fail to have faith that He will continue to meet our every need? Why would we NOT want to obey One who loves us so unconditionally?
Do you love Jesus…I mean REALLY love Him? Is your life demonstrating just how much you value His presence in your life each and every day? Do you trust Jesus to represent God’s love and care to you? Are you making every effort to show Him your love by serving Him with faithfulness and obedience - or are you trying to manipulate Him into doing what YOU want? The time has come to decide whether we are making a difference for Jesus...or still trying to make our own point. Which way will you choose?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 21, 2016
John 14:15-21
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I honestly do not know how people function without faith. After my mother died, someone commented to me one day about how they felt like an orphan when both of her parents had passed. And I totally get that…it’s a really different feeling to realize that you have no parents living on this earth. All of my parents and grandparents are in heaven now. All of those heavy influences in my life are gone. But at the same time…they are still with me in so many ways.
I think of my parents every time I pass the china hutch and see their wedding dishes on display there. I look at old photos and remember happy times – and they are with me. I get out my heavy cast iron Dutch oven and cook something, and Mam-ma Polly is standing right beside me. One of the children curls up his/her mouth in a little smirky smile…and there’s my dad! More importantly, I hear their sage advice and Christian wisdom echo in my ear as I go about my day. I think of something I really would like to share with them…and realize that they already know!
In even a more profound way, Jesus is always with us. We may be reminded of His presence if we see a cross or other religious symbol…but it’s so much more than that. When we read scripture, the Holy Spirit speaks to us. When you start to “like” that ugly comment on Facebook, and “something” stops you…that’s Jesus speaking to you through His Holy Spirit!
When you are fearful or nervous…lonely or upset…and a sudden “calm” washes over you…that is your Advocate providing you with peace and courage. When you pray and ask God for answers…and they come…you are keenly aware that He is with you and meeting your needs. When something wonderful happens in your life, and you are filled with incredible joy and elation…you know that the Holy Spirit is celebrating with you – and cheering you on!
Again I say, it must feel incredibly empty to try to live without Jesus and His Holy Spirit. The sense of loneliness and hopelessness must be overwhelming at times. I am so grateful that I belong to Jesus and do not have to experience this. I am thankful that He has not only filled my heart with His truth in the form of the Holy Spirit…but He has also given me the confidence that my loved ones are waiting for me with Him in Heaven.
I do my very best to keep Jesus’ commands and honor this incredible gift…confident that He will never leave me or let me falter. Ours is a relationship that I want to nurture at every turn...and you can have this same connection. Paraphrasing the old hymn says…”Because Jesus lives [and His Holy Spirit is my Advocate and constant Truth]…I can face tomorrow.” What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I honestly do not know how people function without faith. After my mother died, someone commented to me one day about how they felt like an orphan when both of her parents had passed. And I totally get that…it’s a really different feeling to realize that you have no parents living on this earth. All of my parents and grandparents are in heaven now. All of those heavy influences in my life are gone. But at the same time…they are still with me in so many ways.
I think of my parents every time I pass the china hutch and see their wedding dishes on display there. I look at old photos and remember happy times – and they are with me. I get out my heavy cast iron Dutch oven and cook something, and Mam-ma Polly is standing right beside me. One of the children curls up his/her mouth in a little smirky smile…and there’s my dad! More importantly, I hear their sage advice and Christian wisdom echo in my ear as I go about my day. I think of something I really would like to share with them…and realize that they already know!
In even a more profound way, Jesus is always with us. We may be reminded of His presence if we see a cross or other religious symbol…but it’s so much more than that. When we read scripture, the Holy Spirit speaks to us. When you start to “like” that ugly comment on Facebook, and “something” stops you…that’s Jesus speaking to you through His Holy Spirit!
When you are fearful or nervous…lonely or upset…and a sudden “calm” washes over you…that is your Advocate providing you with peace and courage. When you pray and ask God for answers…and they come…you are keenly aware that He is with you and meeting your needs. When something wonderful happens in your life, and you are filled with incredible joy and elation…you know that the Holy Spirit is celebrating with you – and cheering you on!
Again I say, it must feel incredibly empty to try to live without Jesus and His Holy Spirit. The sense of loneliness and hopelessness must be overwhelming at times. I am so grateful that I belong to Jesus and do not have to experience this. I am thankful that He has not only filled my heart with His truth in the form of the Holy Spirit…but He has also given me the confidence that my loved ones are waiting for me with Him in Heaven.
I do my very best to keep Jesus’ commands and honor this incredible gift…confident that He will never leave me or let me falter. Ours is a relationship that I want to nurture at every turn...and you can have this same connection. Paraphrasing the old hymn says…”Because Jesus lives [and His Holy Spirit is my Advocate and constant Truth]…I can face tomorrow.” What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 20, 2016
John 14:11-14
“Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.
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.
Sunday, we took the children to see “The Jungle Book” at our local theater. As we were driving home from church, Timothy said, “I’ve been to three movies at the movie theater…you took me to see ‘Planes’…Granny and Pap-Pa Lee took us to see ‘Minions’…and now you are taking us to see ‘The Jungle Book!’”
Over the course of the afternoon, all three children talked about how their Granny [my mother] – took them to the movie last year. For the record, Mother thought that experience was something of a disaster. Nathan was barely three years old, and he wore his 3D glasses on his head most of the time…the other two wiggled and squirmed and (in her opinion) didn’t grasp the plot of the movie at all. But in their minds, it was fantastic. They each one have a fond memory of going to the movie with their great-grandmother and grandpa.
In many ways, we are “carrying the torch” for my mother. She wanted the children to have swim lessons, music lessons, trips to museums and parks, outings to the movies, and many more experiences and adventures. And of course, it was VERY important to Mother that the children attend church and learn about God. Thankfully, these are things that Greg and I can do for the children. We are blessed with both the time and the means to provide these opportunities. We trust that God will continue to grant us good health and stamina to keep up with three active kiddos!
I know that God will help us accomplish what we prayerfully pursue with the children. If the things we ask for line up with His will, they will happen. I cannot even envision what the next several years will involve as these kids grow and become involved in more activities and cultivate individual interests. I know that God is going to present us with a lot of different avenues for serving Him – not only with our own family, but in the church and community, also. And I trust that whatever He ordains, we can accomplish. He has promised that it will be so.
There are a lot of ordinary people doing extraordinary things…because they are powered by faith in what Jesus promised. They trust Him to make a way where none seems evident…to equip them for the tasks that He sets before them…and to enable them to “carry the torch” for the next generation. This is our calling…our destiny. And we have a choice…to accept this mission and operate fully in faith…or to do nothing and deny the power of Jesus to work in and through us.
I saw a post on Facebook that said, “Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, consider how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome.” This didn’t just HAPPEN! God saw us through these things…and He will equip us for so much more. It’s time to “hitch up our britches” and get going. I’m in…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
“Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do.
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.
Sunday, we took the children to see “The Jungle Book” at our local theater. As we were driving home from church, Timothy said, “I’ve been to three movies at the movie theater…you took me to see ‘Planes’…Granny and Pap-Pa Lee took us to see ‘Minions’…and now you are taking us to see ‘The Jungle Book!’”
Over the course of the afternoon, all three children talked about how their Granny [my mother] – took them to the movie last year. For the record, Mother thought that experience was something of a disaster. Nathan was barely three years old, and he wore his 3D glasses on his head most of the time…the other two wiggled and squirmed and (in her opinion) didn’t grasp the plot of the movie at all. But in their minds, it was fantastic. They each one have a fond memory of going to the movie with their great-grandmother and grandpa.
In many ways, we are “carrying the torch” for my mother. She wanted the children to have swim lessons, music lessons, trips to museums and parks, outings to the movies, and many more experiences and adventures. And of course, it was VERY important to Mother that the children attend church and learn about God. Thankfully, these are things that Greg and I can do for the children. We are blessed with both the time and the means to provide these opportunities. We trust that God will continue to grant us good health and stamina to keep up with three active kiddos!
I know that God will help us accomplish what we prayerfully pursue with the children. If the things we ask for line up with His will, they will happen. I cannot even envision what the next several years will involve as these kids grow and become involved in more activities and cultivate individual interests. I know that God is going to present us with a lot of different avenues for serving Him – not only with our own family, but in the church and community, also. And I trust that whatever He ordains, we can accomplish. He has promised that it will be so.
There are a lot of ordinary people doing extraordinary things…because they are powered by faith in what Jesus promised. They trust Him to make a way where none seems evident…to equip them for the tasks that He sets before them…and to enable them to “carry the torch” for the next generation. This is our calling…our destiny. And we have a choice…to accept this mission and operate fully in faith…or to do nothing and deny the power of Jesus to work in and through us.
I saw a post on Facebook that said, “Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, consider how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome.” This didn’t just HAPPEN! God saw us through these things…and He will equip us for so much more. It’s time to “hitch up our britches” and get going. I’m in…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 19, 2016
John 14:8-11
Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today would be my mother’s 77th birthday. She is celebrating in heaven with my dad, who would have been 80 yesterday. We always celebrated their birthdays as one…and now they are having one amazing “Heavenly party!” When mother died, her pastor and dear friend, J.R. asked, “Did your mother have any favorite scripture passages?” Man, did she ever! I rattled them off to him…Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:7, Psalm 30:5. These became the foundation of J.R.’s funeral sermon…which perfectly glorified God and honored my mother and her Christian faith.
For 58 years, my mother talked to me about Jesus. She quoted these scriptures often, so I was fully confident that they were some of her favorites. Through my mother’s demonstration of faith in Jesus – even in the midst of some pretty substantial challenges and struggles – I knew Him, too. And I knew God. I saw His authority and wisdom in action…and I felt His all-encompassing love and protection.
As I went through Mother’s Bible study journals lately, I found this note…”During the deaths of Tim [my brother] and James Paul [my dad], I’d often wonder, ‘Why am I not falling apart?’ Then I’d remember all the people across the country who were praying for us.” In this one statement, we see how she trusted God…how she KNEW that He was working in her life…and in the lives of her family members.
Our three little ones often ask us, “Where is God? Why can’t we see Him?” It is hard to give young children an answer that makes sense. But through steadfast demonstration of faith in this “unseen God,” they will come to understand what my mother and others taught me. They will learn what Jesus was telling His disciples…that God is evident all around us. He doesn’t necessarily appear to us in flesh and blood, as Jesus did for a while…but He is real and alive, all the same.
Two things are required of us as Christians…to believe in Jesus – and God the Father…and to show Christ (and our Heavenly Father) to others through our words and actions. In a nutshell, my mother’s favorite scriptures tell us that God knows the plans He has for us - and they are good plans designed to prosper us…that we may have weeping for a time, but God will restore our joy…and that we will be surrounded by a peace that passes all understanding and comprehension. If we demonstrate these three scripture passages to others in our own lives, people will know Jesus through us – and they will see God in action, as well.
When others look at you these days, who do they see?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today would be my mother’s 77th birthday. She is celebrating in heaven with my dad, who would have been 80 yesterday. We always celebrated their birthdays as one…and now they are having one amazing “Heavenly party!” When mother died, her pastor and dear friend, J.R. asked, “Did your mother have any favorite scripture passages?” Man, did she ever! I rattled them off to him…Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:7, Psalm 30:5. These became the foundation of J.R.’s funeral sermon…which perfectly glorified God and honored my mother and her Christian faith.
For 58 years, my mother talked to me about Jesus. She quoted these scriptures often, so I was fully confident that they were some of her favorites. Through my mother’s demonstration of faith in Jesus – even in the midst of some pretty substantial challenges and struggles – I knew Him, too. And I knew God. I saw His authority and wisdom in action…and I felt His all-encompassing love and protection.
As I went through Mother’s Bible study journals lately, I found this note…”During the deaths of Tim [my brother] and James Paul [my dad], I’d often wonder, ‘Why am I not falling apart?’ Then I’d remember all the people across the country who were praying for us.” In this one statement, we see how she trusted God…how she KNEW that He was working in her life…and in the lives of her family members.
Our three little ones often ask us, “Where is God? Why can’t we see Him?” It is hard to give young children an answer that makes sense. But through steadfast demonstration of faith in this “unseen God,” they will come to understand what my mother and others taught me. They will learn what Jesus was telling His disciples…that God is evident all around us. He doesn’t necessarily appear to us in flesh and blood, as Jesus did for a while…but He is real and alive, all the same.
Two things are required of us as Christians…to believe in Jesus – and God the Father…and to show Christ (and our Heavenly Father) to others through our words and actions. In a nutshell, my mother’s favorite scriptures tell us that God knows the plans He has for us - and they are good plans designed to prosper us…that we may have weeping for a time, but God will restore our joy…and that we will be surrounded by a peace that passes all understanding and comprehension. If we demonstrate these three scripture passages to others in our own lives, people will know Jesus through us – and they will see God in action, as well.
When others look at you these days, who do they see?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 18, 2016
John 14:1-4
Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. You know the way to where I am going.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg and I planned to take the children to the movie theater after church yesterday to see “The Jungle Book.” So on the way home, I told the kids I would bake them a pizza. Timothy wanted a cheese sandwich instead. Zola declared that she wanted pizza…and scrambled eggs. Nathan agreed that he wanted eggs with his pizza, too. I made sandwiches for Greg and me…so we had a full-service diner in operation. Two of the children wanted chocolate milk – the third wanted juice. And all three of them wanted ALL of this instantaneously. Nobody wanted to wait for the meal to be prepared.
Now here’s the thing…the kids KNOW that it takes time to bake a pizza – and even pour milk and juice. They KNOW that we are not about to let them starve – or be deprived in any way. Still, they tried to act like the world was falling apart because the food and drink did not magically appear at that exact moment! They demonstrated a total lack of faith in us to feed and care for them.
Now this was not our first rodeo. We both knew that a lot of this “drama” was an attempt to manipulate us…to see just how tightly they could wind us up. So we tried to ignore many of their comments and just “git-r-done.” But here’s where this applies to you and me…we all know that God has promised to meet our every need. We all have been told repeatedly – and read in scripture numerous times – that Jesus left His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us.
We have been given the assurance that we who have confessed our sins to Jesus Christ and surrendered our hearts to Him will be called to Heaven to live with Him when we die…or He will return for us someday and take us home at that time. Either way, we will be with Jesus for all Eternity! Yet many of us live such lives of worry and despair. We operate in hopelessness – and helplessness – at every turn. We act as if the world is falling apart around us and everyone is doomed. We need visible, tangible results of Jesus in our lives…and we need them NOW! In behaving this way, we deny our Christian faith…and people are taking notice!
We know better. And yes, some of us are simply being “drama queens” to some degree. But a lot of us are just plain weak in the trust department. We have not fully accepted Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith. We do not fully operate in confidence that Jesus is the Son of God – and He is not only preparing a room in His Heavenly mansion for us…He is also meeting our needs every minute of the day here on this earth.
When we make this mind shift and fully begin to operate in Christian faith, everything about our life – and our attitudes – will be different…and people will notice. When we “let go and let God” have control…and trust Him to meet our every need…we are filled with peace and confidence that defies explanation. The “food” is coming…Jesus is preparing everything…and He totally has our back. We can relax and spend our time doing the things that serve His Kingdom rather than worry about what will happen next.
I am convinced that this is a better way to operate…and I’m doing everything I can to grow in faith and kick the Enemy and his little “worry game” to the curb. My “Heavenly reservation” is made…I’m just waiting on Jesus to get the room ready. I don’t want to spend the time I have left wringing my hands and being frustrated and upset. Jesus has better things for me to be doing…and I need to be busy accomplishing them. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. You know the way to where I am going.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg and I planned to take the children to the movie theater after church yesterday to see “The Jungle Book.” So on the way home, I told the kids I would bake them a pizza. Timothy wanted a cheese sandwich instead. Zola declared that she wanted pizza…and scrambled eggs. Nathan agreed that he wanted eggs with his pizza, too. I made sandwiches for Greg and me…so we had a full-service diner in operation. Two of the children wanted chocolate milk – the third wanted juice. And all three of them wanted ALL of this instantaneously. Nobody wanted to wait for the meal to be prepared.
Now here’s the thing…the kids KNOW that it takes time to bake a pizza – and even pour milk and juice. They KNOW that we are not about to let them starve – or be deprived in any way. Still, they tried to act like the world was falling apart because the food and drink did not magically appear at that exact moment! They demonstrated a total lack of faith in us to feed and care for them.
Now this was not our first rodeo. We both knew that a lot of this “drama” was an attempt to manipulate us…to see just how tightly they could wind us up. So we tried to ignore many of their comments and just “git-r-done.” But here’s where this applies to you and me…we all know that God has promised to meet our every need. We all have been told repeatedly – and read in scripture numerous times – that Jesus left His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us.
We have been given the assurance that we who have confessed our sins to Jesus Christ and surrendered our hearts to Him will be called to Heaven to live with Him when we die…or He will return for us someday and take us home at that time. Either way, we will be with Jesus for all Eternity! Yet many of us live such lives of worry and despair. We operate in hopelessness – and helplessness – at every turn. We act as if the world is falling apart around us and everyone is doomed. We need visible, tangible results of Jesus in our lives…and we need them NOW! In behaving this way, we deny our Christian faith…and people are taking notice!
We know better. And yes, some of us are simply being “drama queens” to some degree. But a lot of us are just plain weak in the trust department. We have not fully accepted Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith. We do not fully operate in confidence that Jesus is the Son of God – and He is not only preparing a room in His Heavenly mansion for us…He is also meeting our needs every minute of the day here on this earth.
When we make this mind shift and fully begin to operate in Christian faith, everything about our life – and our attitudes – will be different…and people will notice. When we “let go and let God” have control…and trust Him to meet our every need…we are filled with peace and confidence that defies explanation. The “food” is coming…Jesus is preparing everything…and He totally has our back. We can relax and spend our time doing the things that serve His Kingdom rather than worry about what will happen next.
I am convinced that this is a better way to operate…and I’m doing everything I can to grow in faith and kick the Enemy and his little “worry game” to the curb. My “Heavenly reservation” is made…I’m just waiting on Jesus to get the room ready. I don’t want to spend the time I have left wringing my hands and being frustrated and upset. Jesus has better things for me to be doing…and I need to be busy accomplishing them. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 17, 2016
April 17 ~ John 10:14-16
I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them together too, when they hear my voice. Then there will be one flock of sheep and one shepherd.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to know how crazy I am about the little ones in our family…our two great-nephews and 3 great-nieces…some young cousins…the four children of a couple who are precious to Greg and me. I adore these little ones and “would walk across hot coals” for all of them. They call me “Aunt Debbie”...and I know this will sound weird, but the children know me by my fragrance, also. I don’t know if it’s my cologne – or the detergent/fabric softener I use, but a couple of the mothers have told me that when I leave their children clothes I’ve made them and other things, they have mentioned that these things “smell like Debbie!” These children and their families are my "sheep".
I’ve been doing a lot of substitute teaching in the children’s Sunday school classes in the last few months. I’ve volunteered in the nursery…and I accompanied Timothy’s class on an Earth Day field trip last week to help his teacher keep up with everyone. I’ve spent a lot of time with children who are not in my "sheep pen.” And I will tell you, they are important to me, also. I love these children and care about their welfare…and what they are learning about Jesus. And this is the part of today’s scripture passage that struck me the most profoundly.
Jesus is pretty well telling us that ours is not an exclusive club…that we are His sheep…but so are other people – including folks we don’t even know and love. I can tell you from years of teaching that there is often that one child who tends to rub us the wrong way or gets on our last nerve…he is obnoxious and disruptive…she is disheveled and smells of stale cigarettes and more. This one just isn’t “loveable” like the others…and that one makes us question why we teach in the first place. I’m just being honest.
But the fact is that each child is precious…and I know I’m not the only person who hopes and prays that her “children” are not some of those that a teacher finds hard to love – a child that is not in his/her “sheep pen.” My prayer is that we would all pay attention to what Jesus is saying here…and that our desire and our utmost goal would to become inclusive. We must work harder to seek out “sheep” that are “not in our pen”…and bring them into the flock. We must not do this because we are such superior Christians…but because Jesus commands us to love one another and share His Good News with them – and that means everyone!
I encourage you to take stock of your surroundings. Think about the people you encounter – even briefly and/or occasionally. How do you treat them? How do you suppose they see you? Do you come off as someone who is “in the loop” while they are not? Are you arrogant and narrow-minded in your Christian faith and witness? Have you publicly declared even the slightest disdain for people of a certain race, ethnic group, socio-economic level, sexual orientation, religious belief or political leaning? Because every single one of these people is potentially one of Jesus’ sheep, just like you. Jesus died for them every bit as much as He died for you and me. He wants to capture the heart of each and every one of them…to love them and develop such a deep and abiding relationship with them that they not only know His name - they recognize His “smell,” so to speak.
Jesus talks of “one flock and one Shepherd”…so how on earth can we consider any other relationship? How can we operate in an “us vs. them” mentality on any level after reading this scripture passage? The answer is abundantly clear…we cannot. We must not! So my question to you this day is this...”what sort of ‘sheep’ are you…and how are you treating the others?”
©2016 Debbie Robus
I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me. Just as the Father knows me, I know the Father, and I give up my life for my sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this sheep pen. I must bring them together too, when they hear my voice. Then there will be one flock of sheep and one shepherd.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to know how crazy I am about the little ones in our family…our two great-nephews and 3 great-nieces…some young cousins…the four children of a couple who are precious to Greg and me. I adore these little ones and “would walk across hot coals” for all of them. They call me “Aunt Debbie”...and I know this will sound weird, but the children know me by my fragrance, also. I don’t know if it’s my cologne – or the detergent/fabric softener I use, but a couple of the mothers have told me that when I leave their children clothes I’ve made them and other things, they have mentioned that these things “smell like Debbie!” These children and their families are my "sheep".
I’ve been doing a lot of substitute teaching in the children’s Sunday school classes in the last few months. I’ve volunteered in the nursery…and I accompanied Timothy’s class on an Earth Day field trip last week to help his teacher keep up with everyone. I’ve spent a lot of time with children who are not in my "sheep pen.” And I will tell you, they are important to me, also. I love these children and care about their welfare…and what they are learning about Jesus. And this is the part of today’s scripture passage that struck me the most profoundly.
Jesus is pretty well telling us that ours is not an exclusive club…that we are His sheep…but so are other people – including folks we don’t even know and love. I can tell you from years of teaching that there is often that one child who tends to rub us the wrong way or gets on our last nerve…he is obnoxious and disruptive…she is disheveled and smells of stale cigarettes and more. This one just isn’t “loveable” like the others…and that one makes us question why we teach in the first place. I’m just being honest.
But the fact is that each child is precious…and I know I’m not the only person who hopes and prays that her “children” are not some of those that a teacher finds hard to love – a child that is not in his/her “sheep pen.” My prayer is that we would all pay attention to what Jesus is saying here…and that our desire and our utmost goal would to become inclusive. We must work harder to seek out “sheep” that are “not in our pen”…and bring them into the flock. We must not do this because we are such superior Christians…but because Jesus commands us to love one another and share His Good News with them – and that means everyone!
I encourage you to take stock of your surroundings. Think about the people you encounter – even briefly and/or occasionally. How do you treat them? How do you suppose they see you? Do you come off as someone who is “in the loop” while they are not? Are you arrogant and narrow-minded in your Christian faith and witness? Have you publicly declared even the slightest disdain for people of a certain race, ethnic group, socio-economic level, sexual orientation, religious belief or political leaning? Because every single one of these people is potentially one of Jesus’ sheep, just like you. Jesus died for them every bit as much as He died for you and me. He wants to capture the heart of each and every one of them…to love them and develop such a deep and abiding relationship with them that they not only know His name - they recognize His “smell,” so to speak.
Jesus talks of “one flock and one Shepherd”…so how on earth can we consider any other relationship? How can we operate in an “us vs. them” mentality on any level after reading this scripture passage? The answer is abundantly clear…we cannot. We must not! So my question to you this day is this...”what sort of ‘sheep’ are you…and how are you treating the others?”
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 16, 2016
John 10:7-13
…so he explained it to them.
“I am the Gate for the sheep,” he said. “All others who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the Gate. Those who come in by way of the Gate will be saved and will go in and out and find green pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man will run when he sees a wolf coming and will leave the sheep, for they aren’t his and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf leaps on them and scatters the flock. The hired man runs because he is hired and has no real concern for the sheep.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few years ago, my mother-in-law came over for dinner one spring evening. As she left, Greg and I walked her out onto our porch and toward her car, which was parked just a few feet away on our driveway. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of something. I looked over and saw what turned out to be a more-than-five-foot-long rat snake wound around the base of our wrought iron lantern. I promptly screamed and ran back inside the house – leaving Greg and his mother standing on the driveway! I was the “hired man” who deserted his flock!
Yes, I am that afraid of snakes! Hopefully, had I been with the little children rather than two grown adults, I would have remained a bit more calm and ushered them to safety. And thankfully, this big guy was relatively harmless and slithered on his way about a half hour later…hopefully to protect our yard from the poisonous reptiles that could actually do us some harm!
In life, we are so often like the “hired man.” At the first sign of trouble or controversy, we tuck tail and run. And I get that there are times when it is appropriate to say, “Not my circus – not my monkeys.” But there are lots of times when Jesus is calling us to trust Him…to stay in step with Him and trust that He’s got our back. There are moments when we must stand up and demonstrate Christian faith, love, grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness – even when many would turn and run.
We hear Jesus calling us to stand up for what He has taught us…to remain calm and stand still in the presence of the snake. And we have a choice…to remain faithful that He’s got our back and do what He asks…or turn away – and essentially deny His sovereignty in our lives. It’s often a tough call…I get that! But how deep IS your faith? How much do you really trust Jesus to know better than you?
It is time for us to stand our ground with Jesus…to take what may often be an unpopular position as we declare Him the final authority in our lives – and our every thought and action. The end results will be amazing…of that I am certain. And I’m all in…what about you?
Will this be the day that you stand firmly behind Jesus…or scream and run away from the “snakes” of this world? Who is your good Shepherd…and do you really know Him? Isn’t it time you did?
© Debbie Robus
…so he explained it to them.
“I am the Gate for the sheep,” he said. “All others who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the Gate. Those who come in by way of the Gate will be saved and will go in and out and find green pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man will run when he sees a wolf coming and will leave the sheep, for they aren’t his and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf leaps on them and scatters the flock. The hired man runs because he is hired and has no real concern for the sheep.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few years ago, my mother-in-law came over for dinner one spring evening. As she left, Greg and I walked her out onto our porch and toward her car, which was parked just a few feet away on our driveway. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of something. I looked over and saw what turned out to be a more-than-five-foot-long rat snake wound around the base of our wrought iron lantern. I promptly screamed and ran back inside the house – leaving Greg and his mother standing on the driveway! I was the “hired man” who deserted his flock!
Yes, I am that afraid of snakes! Hopefully, had I been with the little children rather than two grown adults, I would have remained a bit more calm and ushered them to safety. And thankfully, this big guy was relatively harmless and slithered on his way about a half hour later…hopefully to protect our yard from the poisonous reptiles that could actually do us some harm!
In life, we are so often like the “hired man.” At the first sign of trouble or controversy, we tuck tail and run. And I get that there are times when it is appropriate to say, “Not my circus – not my monkeys.” But there are lots of times when Jesus is calling us to trust Him…to stay in step with Him and trust that He’s got our back. There are moments when we must stand up and demonstrate Christian faith, love, grace, mercy, compassion and forgiveness – even when many would turn and run.
We hear Jesus calling us to stand up for what He has taught us…to remain calm and stand still in the presence of the snake. And we have a choice…to remain faithful that He’s got our back and do what He asks…or turn away – and essentially deny His sovereignty in our lives. It’s often a tough call…I get that! But how deep IS your faith? How much do you really trust Jesus to know better than you?
It is time for us to stand our ground with Jesus…to take what may often be an unpopular position as we declare Him the final authority in our lives – and our every thought and action. The end results will be amazing…of that I am certain. And I’m all in…what about you?
Will this be the day that you stand firmly behind Jesus…or scream and run away from the “snakes” of this world? Who is your good Shepherd…and do you really know Him? Isn’t it time you did?
© Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 15, 2016
John 10:1-6
I tell you for certain that only thieves and robbers climb over the fence instead of going in through the gate to the sheep pen. But the gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, and he goes in through it. The sheep know their shepherd’s voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out.
When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice. The sheep will not follow strangers. They don’t recognize a stranger’s voice, and they run away.
Jesus told the people this story. But they did not understand what he was talking about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today, I accompanied Timothy’s class on a field trip. All of the first grade students at our elementary school rode the bus to our local community college to participate in activities to commemorate Earth Day and to learn about how to better care for our planet.
I arrived at the school early this morning to help Timothy’s teacher get all of the children dressed in color-coordinated t-shirts, so that we could more easily identify our 16 students. Each child brought a sack lunch, and those had to be collected and placed in a cooler for a mid-day picnic. There was a lot to do in a short time frame.
Timothy’s classroom is located on the west end of the school building. The front office is almost literally a city block away. Each visitor to the school must stop at the office and “check in” before entering a classroom. The office personnel then press a button to unlock a door, so that the visitor can gain access to the hallways and find his/her way to the designated classroom.
I have to say, it’s a bit of an inconvenience to have to go through this procedure. It would much easier to park near Timothy’s classroom and enter through doors there. But I am glad that this safety measure is in place. This makes everyone feel secure. There is also resource officer on duty, and all of these safety measures make children and parents feel relatively certain that all persons who are in the building are authorized to be there.
The children were very good today about sticking together and listening to their teacher, me and another student’s mother. They did not respond to others in the crowd…they watched for us and followed our lead. Since there were children from several area schools at this event, we watched our “brood” closely and made sure we kept them together – and safe.
I am so glad that our school goes to great measures protect our children…to give them an environment where they can relax and learn with confidence and faith that they are safe and loved. And this is what Jesus does for us. Because He is our Shepherd and controls the gate, we can be assured that when we follow Him, Jesus will guard us against evil and those who wish to “jump the fence” and get us into trouble.
There are plenty of “thieves, robbers, and strangers” who would love to grab our attention. They lure us with all sorts of temptations…money, power, the promise of wealth, fame, or popularity - and more. They tell us that we can trust them…that what they are saying is the truth. And sadly, some of us believe these lies.
Jesus is calling us to pay attention…to get to know Him so intimately that we always recognize His voice. He wants us to be certain that we are following the Shepherd…and ONLY Him! When we know the voice of Jesus, we are able to drown out the noise of all the “wannabes” and those who would dare to try to steal our hearts from Him. We are safe and secure under His guidance, and we can live with confidence and faith that He will meet our every need.
Where do you stand today? Are you one of Jesus’ sheep? Do you know His voice and listen for it above all others? Is your faith and confidence in Jesus enabling you to resist the lure and temptation of the enemy’s voice and propositions? Isn’t it time you figured this out, once and for all…and “put on the colored t-shirt” that designates you are one of His flock?
Will this be the day that you surrender to Jesus completely and begin to follow only Him? Are you ready to feel secure with the Shepherd?
©2016 Debbie Robus
I tell you for certain that only thieves and robbers climb over the fence instead of going in through the gate to the sheep pen. But the gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, and he goes in through it. The sheep know their shepherd’s voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out.
When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice. The sheep will not follow strangers. They don’t recognize a stranger’s voice, and they run away.
Jesus told the people this story. But they did not understand what he was talking about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today, I accompanied Timothy’s class on a field trip. All of the first grade students at our elementary school rode the bus to our local community college to participate in activities to commemorate Earth Day and to learn about how to better care for our planet.
I arrived at the school early this morning to help Timothy’s teacher get all of the children dressed in color-coordinated t-shirts, so that we could more easily identify our 16 students. Each child brought a sack lunch, and those had to be collected and placed in a cooler for a mid-day picnic. There was a lot to do in a short time frame.
Timothy’s classroom is located on the west end of the school building. The front office is almost literally a city block away. Each visitor to the school must stop at the office and “check in” before entering a classroom. The office personnel then press a button to unlock a door, so that the visitor can gain access to the hallways and find his/her way to the designated classroom.
I have to say, it’s a bit of an inconvenience to have to go through this procedure. It would much easier to park near Timothy’s classroom and enter through doors there. But I am glad that this safety measure is in place. This makes everyone feel secure. There is also resource officer on duty, and all of these safety measures make children and parents feel relatively certain that all persons who are in the building are authorized to be there.
The children were very good today about sticking together and listening to their teacher, me and another student’s mother. They did not respond to others in the crowd…they watched for us and followed our lead. Since there were children from several area schools at this event, we watched our “brood” closely and made sure we kept them together – and safe.
I am so glad that our school goes to great measures protect our children…to give them an environment where they can relax and learn with confidence and faith that they are safe and loved. And this is what Jesus does for us. Because He is our Shepherd and controls the gate, we can be assured that when we follow Him, Jesus will guard us against evil and those who wish to “jump the fence” and get us into trouble.
There are plenty of “thieves, robbers, and strangers” who would love to grab our attention. They lure us with all sorts of temptations…money, power, the promise of wealth, fame, or popularity - and more. They tell us that we can trust them…that what they are saying is the truth. And sadly, some of us believe these lies.
Jesus is calling us to pay attention…to get to know Him so intimately that we always recognize His voice. He wants us to be certain that we are following the Shepherd…and ONLY Him! When we know the voice of Jesus, we are able to drown out the noise of all the “wannabes” and those who would dare to try to steal our hearts from Him. We are safe and secure under His guidance, and we can live with confidence and faith that He will meet our every need.
Where do you stand today? Are you one of Jesus’ sheep? Do you know His voice and listen for it above all others? Is your faith and confidence in Jesus enabling you to resist the lure and temptation of the enemy’s voice and propositions? Isn’t it time you figured this out, once and for all…and “put on the colored t-shirt” that designates you are one of His flock?
Will this be the day that you surrender to Jesus completely and begin to follow only Him? Are you ready to feel secure with the Shepherd?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 14, 2016
John1:1-2
Before anything else existed, there was Christ*, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God.
*(Before anything else existed, literally, “In the beginning.” Christ, literally, “the Word,” meaning Christ, the wisdom and power of God and the first cause of all things; God’s personal expression of himself to men.)
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
There is a popular phrase circulating in “Christian” circles today…”LORD, break my heart for what breaks Yours.” I hear it often in association with foster children and orphans. And this is a noble sentiment. I do want to be so in tune with God’s desires that my heart breaks for what break’s His. But God’s heart is broken over a lot more than just the plight of orphans. God is also heartbroken when we operate in fear and misunderstanding - or mistreat those who are different from us in some way…those who do not share our beliefs or lifestyles…the poor and downtrodden…people from other races or ethnic backgrounds.
And yet, discrimination has become more and more the norm in our society. If someone is not like us – in any way – they are wrong…and we are right. In many cases, it has escalated to the point where people are willing to injure – or kill – a person who is different. And sadly, this violence is often encouraged by would-be leaders…others with a “high profile”…and social media.
As I read today’s scripture passage and thought about Jesus…how He is God’s personal expression of Himself to men…I asked myself, “What would HE think of all of this?” And I knew instantly that this must devastate Him. To think that God expressed Himself – His wisdom, power, and caring – in the form of Jesus Christ - and gets this sort of reaction…is heartbreaking, and incredibly disrespectful.
This is nothing new. People have been mistreating others – and disrespecting God for centuries. But when we know better, we should do better. And don’t we know better than to mistreat others? Don’t we understand that this is a direct insult to Jesus Christ – the WORD in flesh?
Doesn’t this attitude and unloving action represent a direct contradiction to our faith? We say we love Jesus…that we want to follow Him and live out His teachings and truths. And then we treat others unkindly. We show everything from mild disdain to downright cruelty and abuse. We gossip, lie, steal, cheat, and murder in order to make OUR point…to show that we are right – and the other guy is wrong. And in doing so, we pretty well nullify “the WORD” in our lives.
I am not sharing this to say that you must accept those who are different in some way…although I do hope you will consider that they are as precious to God as you are. What I am suggesting is that we take a long hard look at what we are claiming…what we believe and how we demonstrate our faith in Jesus Christ.
See if you are truly representing the One who is a personal expression of God to the human race. How are we demonstrating His power, wisdom, love, and compassion to others? Or are we? Isn’t it time we stopped trying to make OUR point…and truly started making a difference for God as we share the Word with others? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Before anything else existed, there was Christ*, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God.
*(Before anything else existed, literally, “In the beginning.” Christ, literally, “the Word,” meaning Christ, the wisdom and power of God and the first cause of all things; God’s personal expression of himself to men.)
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
There is a popular phrase circulating in “Christian” circles today…”LORD, break my heart for what breaks Yours.” I hear it often in association with foster children and orphans. And this is a noble sentiment. I do want to be so in tune with God’s desires that my heart breaks for what break’s His. But God’s heart is broken over a lot more than just the plight of orphans. God is also heartbroken when we operate in fear and misunderstanding - or mistreat those who are different from us in some way…those who do not share our beliefs or lifestyles…the poor and downtrodden…people from other races or ethnic backgrounds.
And yet, discrimination has become more and more the norm in our society. If someone is not like us – in any way – they are wrong…and we are right. In many cases, it has escalated to the point where people are willing to injure – or kill – a person who is different. And sadly, this violence is often encouraged by would-be leaders…others with a “high profile”…and social media.
As I read today’s scripture passage and thought about Jesus…how He is God’s personal expression of Himself to men…I asked myself, “What would HE think of all of this?” And I knew instantly that this must devastate Him. To think that God expressed Himself – His wisdom, power, and caring – in the form of Jesus Christ - and gets this sort of reaction…is heartbreaking, and incredibly disrespectful.
This is nothing new. People have been mistreating others – and disrespecting God for centuries. But when we know better, we should do better. And don’t we know better than to mistreat others? Don’t we understand that this is a direct insult to Jesus Christ – the WORD in flesh?
Doesn’t this attitude and unloving action represent a direct contradiction to our faith? We say we love Jesus…that we want to follow Him and live out His teachings and truths. And then we treat others unkindly. We show everything from mild disdain to downright cruelty and abuse. We gossip, lie, steal, cheat, and murder in order to make OUR point…to show that we are right – and the other guy is wrong. And in doing so, we pretty well nullify “the WORD” in our lives.
I am not sharing this to say that you must accept those who are different in some way…although I do hope you will consider that they are as precious to God as you are. What I am suggesting is that we take a long hard look at what we are claiming…what we believe and how we demonstrate our faith in Jesus Christ.
See if you are truly representing the One who is a personal expression of God to the human race. How are we demonstrating His power, wisdom, love, and compassion to others? Or are we? Isn’t it time we stopped trying to make OUR point…and truly started making a difference for God as we share the Word with others? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 13, 2016
James 4:4-6
You people aren’t faithful to God! Don’t you know that if you love the world, you are God’s enemies? And if you decide to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. Do you doubt the Scriptures that say, “God truly cares about the Spirit he has put in us”? In fact, God treats us with even greater kindness, just as the Scriptures say,
“God opposes everyone
who is proud,
but he is kind to everyone
who is humble.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In my Jesus Calling®* passage for April 11, the author (speaking as Jesus) says, “The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them.” I was reminded of more than one recent report of an injustice that transpired that seemed incredibly unfair to some of the parties involved…especially children. How can we thank God when a child is being used as a pawn in adult disagreements? How can we thank God when our loan has been refused…we are slapped with exorbitant medical bills that require, at best, a huge co-pay…or the business where we’ve been employed for decades suddenly closes its doors? How can we thank God when He has just called our loved one to Heaven and left us brokenhearted?
We have a hard time being faithful in such moments. We want a “Burger King®” kind of faith, where we are allowed to “have it our way” any time of the day. How can we thank God when He doesn’t give us the desires of our heart?
The bigger question is…”How can we NOT thank God?” Don’t we get that we are telling God how to run things when we make demands of Him? When we tell God, “You need to fix ABC or deal with Sam or Sue,” we are acting as His enemy. We have decided that we know better than God what needs to happen.
Instead, we should look at “unwanted situations” and ask, “What are You trying to show me?” We should humbly ask God to help us handle these events – and to show us how He can be glorified by our actions and reactions to them. Jesus Calling® explains that when we demonstrate such faith, we are freed from resentment – and God is freed to work His ways into the situation and produce a good outcome.
Is this easy to do? Absolutely not! But that’s what makes it an act of faith! The more we let God have control in our lives, the less hold the enemy has on us – and the closer we draw to Him. When we humble ourselves before God and submit to His plans and His will, we are free to bask in His glory and care…and to fully experience His profound kindness. Don’t you want this in your life? I know I do! Are you willing to fully surrender in order to get it? Don’t you think you should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*www.JesusCalling.com
You people aren’t faithful to God! Don’t you know that if you love the world, you are God’s enemies? And if you decide to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. Do you doubt the Scriptures that say, “God truly cares about the Spirit he has put in us”? In fact, God treats us with even greater kindness, just as the Scriptures say,
“God opposes everyone
who is proud,
but he is kind to everyone
who is humble.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In my Jesus Calling®* passage for April 11, the author (speaking as Jesus) says, “The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them.” I was reminded of more than one recent report of an injustice that transpired that seemed incredibly unfair to some of the parties involved…especially children. How can we thank God when a child is being used as a pawn in adult disagreements? How can we thank God when our loan has been refused…we are slapped with exorbitant medical bills that require, at best, a huge co-pay…or the business where we’ve been employed for decades suddenly closes its doors? How can we thank God when He has just called our loved one to Heaven and left us brokenhearted?
We have a hard time being faithful in such moments. We want a “Burger King®” kind of faith, where we are allowed to “have it our way” any time of the day. How can we thank God when He doesn’t give us the desires of our heart?
The bigger question is…”How can we NOT thank God?” Don’t we get that we are telling God how to run things when we make demands of Him? When we tell God, “You need to fix ABC or deal with Sam or Sue,” we are acting as His enemy. We have decided that we know better than God what needs to happen.
Instead, we should look at “unwanted situations” and ask, “What are You trying to show me?” We should humbly ask God to help us handle these events – and to show us how He can be glorified by our actions and reactions to them. Jesus Calling® explains that when we demonstrate such faith, we are freed from resentment – and God is freed to work His ways into the situation and produce a good outcome.
Is this easy to do? Absolutely not! But that’s what makes it an act of faith! The more we let God have control in our lives, the less hold the enemy has on us – and the closer we draw to Him. When we humble ourselves before God and submit to His plans and His will, we are free to bask in His glory and care…and to fully experience His profound kindness. Don’t you want this in your life? I know I do! Are you willing to fully surrender in order to get it? Don’t you think you should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*www.JesusCalling.com
Daily Devotional for April 12, 2016
James 4:1-3
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
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.
Greg and I watched Bridge of Spies*, a movie about the Cold War and the exchange of a Russian spy captured by Americans for an American Pilot – and a private citizen who was doing graduate studies in Eastern Europe. The story was really about the American attorney, James Donovan (played by Tom Hanks), who was recruited to negotiate the exchange.
Donovan had been tapped to defend the Russian spy, Rudolph Abel – to give the public appearance that Abel received a “fair trial.” However, Donovan took his job seriously. While public sentiment prevailed - and the judge and jury found Abel guilty - Donovan was able to persuade the judge to sentence Abel to prison rather than death. Donovan could foresee the time when it might be helpful to have a Russian spy who could be exchanged for an American held captive abroad…and he was right. On February 10, 1962, Rudolph Abel was exchanged for American U2 Pilot Frances Gary Powers, and graduate student Frederic Pryor.
The point of sharing this is to say that the prevailing sentiment was that Rudolph Abel should be put to death. He had given “our” secrets to the Russians…and Americans wanted him to pay. People were outraged by the judge’s decision to imprison Abel instead of executing him…and attorney James Donovan became nothing short of a pariah. Yet, when Abel was exchanged for two Americans, Donovan was hailed as a hero. It all came down to a matter of perspective…and personal desires.
So what does this have to do with us? We will likely never be involved in international negotiations involving spies. But we might find ourselves involved in a discussion at school, church, in the workplace or our community over this issue or that one. Indeed, we “argue” over political choices every day…from legislation to candidates to the Bill of Rights – or even the umpire’s call at our kids’ little league game. Sometimes we pray for God’s will…and sometimes, we know that our attitude is such that we dare not mention our desires to God.
In many ways, we’ve gotten to a point where there are more and more issues that we know better than to pray about, because we feel certain that God would hang His head in shame at our selfishness. Our attitudes represent a lack of love and understanding, compassion and caring for our fellow man in favor of coddling our own desires – and yes, our fears. Because we have made no effort to understand another person’s position, we impose our own view of things – and fight to make it the norm. And often, the outcomes are messy at best – and potentially life-changing for some.
Bridge of Spies does not fully examine James Donovan’s faith and what role it might have played in his treatment of Rudolph Abel – or his subsequent role in negotiating the famous exchange of men. But one has to believe that He sought the counsel of a Higher Power…that He asked God, “What is the right thing to do here?” Even in the face of threats and personal endangerment, Donovan looked at a Russian spy as a human being with thoughts, feelings, and a soul…and treated him accordingly. I have to believe that he trusted God to mete out justice…and to show him the right way to conduct himself.
Can we say the same in our daily living? Are we operating in selfishness and our own desires, fears and frustrations? Or are we able to say to God, “LORD…I don’t know what is the right direction to take…but You do. I trust You to show me how to proceed.” Your decisions might not determine the fate of three men held captive by opposing forces…but it does matter. Does knowing this in any way change your thinking? Don’t you think it should?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*Bridge of Spies ~ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
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.
Greg and I watched Bridge of Spies*, a movie about the Cold War and the exchange of a Russian spy captured by Americans for an American Pilot – and a private citizen who was doing graduate studies in Eastern Europe. The story was really about the American attorney, James Donovan (played by Tom Hanks), who was recruited to negotiate the exchange.
Donovan had been tapped to defend the Russian spy, Rudolph Abel – to give the public appearance that Abel received a “fair trial.” However, Donovan took his job seriously. While public sentiment prevailed - and the judge and jury found Abel guilty - Donovan was able to persuade the judge to sentence Abel to prison rather than death. Donovan could foresee the time when it might be helpful to have a Russian spy who could be exchanged for an American held captive abroad…and he was right. On February 10, 1962, Rudolph Abel was exchanged for American U2 Pilot Frances Gary Powers, and graduate student Frederic Pryor.
The point of sharing this is to say that the prevailing sentiment was that Rudolph Abel should be put to death. He had given “our” secrets to the Russians…and Americans wanted him to pay. People were outraged by the judge’s decision to imprison Abel instead of executing him…and attorney James Donovan became nothing short of a pariah. Yet, when Abel was exchanged for two Americans, Donovan was hailed as a hero. It all came down to a matter of perspective…and personal desires.
So what does this have to do with us? We will likely never be involved in international negotiations involving spies. But we might find ourselves involved in a discussion at school, church, in the workplace or our community over this issue or that one. Indeed, we “argue” over political choices every day…from legislation to candidates to the Bill of Rights – or even the umpire’s call at our kids’ little league game. Sometimes we pray for God’s will…and sometimes, we know that our attitude is such that we dare not mention our desires to God.
In many ways, we’ve gotten to a point where there are more and more issues that we know better than to pray about, because we feel certain that God would hang His head in shame at our selfishness. Our attitudes represent a lack of love and understanding, compassion and caring for our fellow man in favor of coddling our own desires – and yes, our fears. Because we have made no effort to understand another person’s position, we impose our own view of things – and fight to make it the norm. And often, the outcomes are messy at best – and potentially life-changing for some.
Bridge of Spies does not fully examine James Donovan’s faith and what role it might have played in his treatment of Rudolph Abel – or his subsequent role in negotiating the famous exchange of men. But one has to believe that He sought the counsel of a Higher Power…that He asked God, “What is the right thing to do here?” Even in the face of threats and personal endangerment, Donovan looked at a Russian spy as a human being with thoughts, feelings, and a soul…and treated him accordingly. I have to believe that he trusted God to mete out justice…and to show him the right way to conduct himself.
Can we say the same in our daily living? Are we operating in selfishness and our own desires, fears and frustrations? Or are we able to say to God, “LORD…I don’t know what is the right direction to take…but You do. I trust You to show me how to proceed.” Your decisions might not determine the fate of three men held captive by opposing forces…but it does matter. Does knowing this in any way change your thinking? Don’t you think it should?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*Bridge of Spies ~ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/
Daily Devotional for April 11, 2016
Isaiah 25:7-8
At that time he will remove the cloud of gloom, the pall of death that hangs over the earth; he will swallow up death forever. The Lord God will wipe away all tears and take away forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken—he will surely do 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.
I brought home all of my mother’s photo albums, and two LARGE containers of loose photos. I’ve been sorting through these pictures…and scanning several. A lot of them are not labeled, so I’ve shared some on Facebook…in hopes that friends and acquaintances in my area will recognize someone and help me put names with faces. Many of these photos are from the 1940-1950 era, and some from the 1960-70 time period. Feedback is incredibly positive. People LOVE to look at old photos and reminisce about “the good ole days.” I joked lately that these photos are “the best thing on Facebook” right now!
All you have to do is listen to the nightly news to hear about people trading insults, mocking one another…or someone seeking revenge against a person who has “done him/her wrong.” As a friend jokingly said recently, we’ve learned to “ask forgiveness instead of permission.” And we have made a habit of justifying our actions to suit our personal agendas.
I admit, I am frequently dismayed these days by reports of how we are treating one another. I have all but stopped listening to nightly news…and I skim the newspaper each day for accounts that interest me. I slide right on past horrific “news stories” on my Facebook wall. It’s not that I want to live in a bubble and pretend these things don’t happen. But I simply feel I cannot become bogged down in the misery and disgust of some of these “human” behaviors and actions.
Is this naïve and apathetic on my part? I don’t think so. I prefer to dwell on positive stories…to spend my time encouraging others and offering them hope and joy. I would rather share a happy photo from 40 years ago than to look at pictures of brutalized puppies or “the people of Walmart.” I would rather read comments and recollections about my great-grandmother and her contemporaries than to hear about the latest round of name-calling between politicians.
I would rather spend my time thinking about how God pours out His grace and mercy on each of us…and how He will honor every promise He has made to “wipe away all tears and take away forever all insults and mockery against his land and people.” I would rather share the Good News of Jesus with others - and assure them that He will make a way where none seems evident - than to wallow in the pit of frustration and anger over anything for even a second.
I don’t think this is immature or disingenuous on my part. I believe God has promised to set all things right…and He is counting on us to demonstrate faith in His promise to others. And we can start by living more positively…by stepping away from participation in much of the ugliness that is perpetuated in every arena of life – from the disgruntled parents on the little league fields to the bickering of politicians to the “Christians” who want to refuse the rights of ordinary citizens to do everything from voting to using a bathroom or sitting at a lunch counter.
Someday, God is going to wipe away every tear and settle every dispute in the lives of each of us. This may happen when He calls us to Heaven…or we may still be around for the return of Jesus. Either way, it WILL happen! Meanwhile, we have work to do as His disciples…and we need to get busy! There is no time to waste on pettiness and disillusionment about things beyond our control. We either trust God to handle these for us…or we don’t. Which way are you leaning these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
At that time he will remove the cloud of gloom, the pall of death that hangs over the earth; he will swallow up death forever. The Lord God will wipe away all tears and take away forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken—he will surely do 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.
I brought home all of my mother’s photo albums, and two LARGE containers of loose photos. I’ve been sorting through these pictures…and scanning several. A lot of them are not labeled, so I’ve shared some on Facebook…in hopes that friends and acquaintances in my area will recognize someone and help me put names with faces. Many of these photos are from the 1940-1950 era, and some from the 1960-70 time period. Feedback is incredibly positive. People LOVE to look at old photos and reminisce about “the good ole days.” I joked lately that these photos are “the best thing on Facebook” right now!
All you have to do is listen to the nightly news to hear about people trading insults, mocking one another…or someone seeking revenge against a person who has “done him/her wrong.” As a friend jokingly said recently, we’ve learned to “ask forgiveness instead of permission.” And we have made a habit of justifying our actions to suit our personal agendas.
I admit, I am frequently dismayed these days by reports of how we are treating one another. I have all but stopped listening to nightly news…and I skim the newspaper each day for accounts that interest me. I slide right on past horrific “news stories” on my Facebook wall. It’s not that I want to live in a bubble and pretend these things don’t happen. But I simply feel I cannot become bogged down in the misery and disgust of some of these “human” behaviors and actions.
Is this naïve and apathetic on my part? I don’t think so. I prefer to dwell on positive stories…to spend my time encouraging others and offering them hope and joy. I would rather share a happy photo from 40 years ago than to look at pictures of brutalized puppies or “the people of Walmart.” I would rather read comments and recollections about my great-grandmother and her contemporaries than to hear about the latest round of name-calling between politicians.
I would rather spend my time thinking about how God pours out His grace and mercy on each of us…and how He will honor every promise He has made to “wipe away all tears and take away forever all insults and mockery against his land and people.” I would rather share the Good News of Jesus with others - and assure them that He will make a way where none seems evident - than to wallow in the pit of frustration and anger over anything for even a second.
I don’t think this is immature or disingenuous on my part. I believe God has promised to set all things right…and He is counting on us to demonstrate faith in His promise to others. And we can start by living more positively…by stepping away from participation in much of the ugliness that is perpetuated in every arena of life – from the disgruntled parents on the little league fields to the bickering of politicians to the “Christians” who want to refuse the rights of ordinary citizens to do everything from voting to using a bathroom or sitting at a lunch counter.
Someday, God is going to wipe away every tear and settle every dispute in the lives of each of us. This may happen when He calls us to Heaven…or we may still be around for the return of Jesus. Either way, it WILL happen! Meanwhile, we have work to do as His disciples…and we need to get busy! There is no time to waste on pettiness and disillusionment about things beyond our control. We either trust God to handle these for us…or we don’t. Which way are you leaning these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 10, 2016
Hebrews 11:32-40
What else can I say? There isn’t enough time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Their faith helped them conquer kingdoms, and because they did right, God made promises to them. They closed the jaws of lions and put out raging fires and escaped from the swords of their enemies. Although they were weak, they were given the strength and power to chase foreign armies away.
Some women received their loved ones back from death. Many of these people were tortured, but they refused to be released. They were sure that they would get a better reward when the dead are raised to life. Others were made fun of and beaten with whips, and some were chained in jail. Still others were stoned to death or sawed in two or killed with swords. Some had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear. They were poor, mistreated, and tortured. The world did not deserve these good people, who had to wander in deserts and on mountains and had to live in caves and holes in the ground.
All of them pleased God because of their faith! But still they died without being given what had been promised. This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Nathan and I were watching YouTube videos the other day of ordinary people opening boxed toys. Every few minutes, Nathan would say, “I want that!” or “I need that toy, Debbie…can we get it?” I would tell him, “Not now,” as I made a mental note of what he liked – or put something on my “wish list” at Amazon.com for future reference. Then Nathan would say…”Yeah…but for my birthday!” I would acknowledge…”Well, MAYBE for your birthday.”
It’s April…Nathan’s birthday is not until August. For a 3½-year-old, waiting that long is akin to adults waiting for Jesus’ second coming…it’s a LONG TIME! And if the truth be told, a lot of the toys on “the list” will never be purchased. If Nathan doesn’t receive a Spider-Man mask that talks and a Spider-Man glove that “spins webs,” he will survive. And he will be so excited over what he DOES get, that he will hardly notice that anything is missing.
Life is largely about priorities. In one of my mother’s journals, she mentioned her arch-enemy…time. Mother never had enough of it. She said her husband pointed out to her that we all have 24 hours in a day. I’m sure that did not go over well…and I get that! We all have desires and goals…aspirations for things we want to accomplish. We all have struggles and challenges…illnesses and injuries…hurts and heavy hearts at times. And we all hope against hope that God will fix ALL of this! And He does…but not always as we imagined or intended!
Just as there will be birthday parties – and presents – for Nathan and his siblings, there will be a “party to end all parties” someday for us in Heaven, if we have surrendered our hearts - and sins - to Jesus. All of the things we hoped and dreamed for – and all of the requests we made known to God - will not matter at that time, because the Ultimate Prize of His perfect promises and designs for our Eternity will be manifested. In other words…a lot of the things we fight so hard for - and think we want or need on this earth - really won’t matter in the long run.
Believe me…I’ve thought about this a lot lately. My mother left many “projects” on the table - books and articles she wanted to write…trips she wanted to take…things she wanted to do with her great-grandchildren…and more. She quite literally ran out of time. And you know what? None of it matters today. She sits in Heaven at the feet of Jesus with other believers who went before her…and she would not return to work on her “list” for all of the tea in China! God has rewarded her with more time than she can use…and glorious activities to fill it. She is at peace and has no frustration or sense of urgency about anything. And this is waiting for us someday, as well.
So let’s shift our focus a little. We must continue to have goals…and hope. We must continue to believe that God is in the business of fulfilling promises…healing and righting wrongs…fixing our messes and giving us the desires of our heart. But we must also understand that these must all line up with HIS desires and plans for us…and it all pales in comparison to what He has waiting for us in Heaven.
If we got all that God promised us now, there would nothing to look forward to afterward. We must live with faith that everything gets better in Paradise…and operate in hope and confidence until the day comes that we see it firsthand. Are you pleasing God with your faith these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
What else can I say? There isn’t enough time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Their faith helped them conquer kingdoms, and because they did right, God made promises to them. They closed the jaws of lions and put out raging fires and escaped from the swords of their enemies. Although they were weak, they were given the strength and power to chase foreign armies away.
Some women received their loved ones back from death. Many of these people were tortured, but they refused to be released. They were sure that they would get a better reward when the dead are raised to life. Others were made fun of and beaten with whips, and some were chained in jail. Still others were stoned to death or sawed in two or killed with swords. Some had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear. They were poor, mistreated, and tortured. The world did not deserve these good people, who had to wander in deserts and on mountains and had to live in caves and holes in the ground.
All of them pleased God because of their faith! But still they died without being given what had been promised. This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Nathan and I were watching YouTube videos the other day of ordinary people opening boxed toys. Every few minutes, Nathan would say, “I want that!” or “I need that toy, Debbie…can we get it?” I would tell him, “Not now,” as I made a mental note of what he liked – or put something on my “wish list” at Amazon.com for future reference. Then Nathan would say…”Yeah…but for my birthday!” I would acknowledge…”Well, MAYBE for your birthday.”
It’s April…Nathan’s birthday is not until August. For a 3½-year-old, waiting that long is akin to adults waiting for Jesus’ second coming…it’s a LONG TIME! And if the truth be told, a lot of the toys on “the list” will never be purchased. If Nathan doesn’t receive a Spider-Man mask that talks and a Spider-Man glove that “spins webs,” he will survive. And he will be so excited over what he DOES get, that he will hardly notice that anything is missing.
Life is largely about priorities. In one of my mother’s journals, she mentioned her arch-enemy…time. Mother never had enough of it. She said her husband pointed out to her that we all have 24 hours in a day. I’m sure that did not go over well…and I get that! We all have desires and goals…aspirations for things we want to accomplish. We all have struggles and challenges…illnesses and injuries…hurts and heavy hearts at times. And we all hope against hope that God will fix ALL of this! And He does…but not always as we imagined or intended!
Just as there will be birthday parties – and presents – for Nathan and his siblings, there will be a “party to end all parties” someday for us in Heaven, if we have surrendered our hearts - and sins - to Jesus. All of the things we hoped and dreamed for – and all of the requests we made known to God - will not matter at that time, because the Ultimate Prize of His perfect promises and designs for our Eternity will be manifested. In other words…a lot of the things we fight so hard for - and think we want or need on this earth - really won’t matter in the long run.
Believe me…I’ve thought about this a lot lately. My mother left many “projects” on the table - books and articles she wanted to write…trips she wanted to take…things she wanted to do with her great-grandchildren…and more. She quite literally ran out of time. And you know what? None of it matters today. She sits in Heaven at the feet of Jesus with other believers who went before her…and she would not return to work on her “list” for all of the tea in China! God has rewarded her with more time than she can use…and glorious activities to fill it. She is at peace and has no frustration or sense of urgency about anything. And this is waiting for us someday, as well.
So let’s shift our focus a little. We must continue to have goals…and hope. We must continue to believe that God is in the business of fulfilling promises…healing and righting wrongs…fixing our messes and giving us the desires of our heart. But we must also understand that these must all line up with HIS desires and plans for us…and it all pales in comparison to what He has waiting for us in Heaven.
If we got all that God promised us now, there would nothing to look forward to afterward. We must live with faith that everything gets better in Paradise…and operate in hope and confidence until the day comes that we see it firsthand. Are you pleasing God with your faith these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 9, 2016
Hebrews 11:5-6
By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. “They looked all over and couldn’t find him because God had taken him.” We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken “he pleased God.” It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
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.
When I was a child, the Young Business Men’s Club (YBMC) held an Easter egg hunt each year in our city park. Among what must have been thousands of dyed boiled eggs were some “prize” eggs that could be redeemed for a baby chick – or a live rabbit if you found a “gold” one! Little did my siblings and I know that my mother had threatened those YBMC members within an inch of their lives if any of us came home with a live animal! So we eagerly picked up the colored eggs and hoped against hope that we would somehow stumble onto one that could be redeemed for a prize…but we never found one!
We firmly believed that it was possible for us to find the prize egg. We knew that these bunnies and chicks existed…and we had seen other children “win” them. So we forged ahead, confident that WE could also find a golden egg. And while we were disappointed, we still enjoyed the hunt. We were happy with what we got…and we spent the next several days hiding and “finding” those eggs in our own yard. And we did this year after year!
This is a loose analogy for today’s scripture passage. But consider this…we cannot physically “see” God, which is why it has been so hard for me to explain Him to little children. They operate in the “tangible” world of “I-find-a-prize-egg-and-you-give-me-the-chick-or-bunny!” But we are not children…and life is not an Easter egg hunt.
At the core of our Christian faith, we have to believe that God exists – and trust that He will care for us just as He promised. We have to keep “hunting for the eggs” and serving God in whatever capacity He designates…understanding full well that the “prize” we seek may not be something we can hold in our hands like a “golden egg.”
Our “prize” is salvation through Jesus Christ…and the promise of Eternity spent in His presence. And getting there may be bumpy – even rocky at times. For some of us, every day will be something of a struggle in some way. Does this mean God doesn’t love us and care about our well-being or happiness? Absolutely not! In some ways, I believe that God holds a special place in His heart for those who struggle, yet continue to serve with a joyful, faith-filled attitude.
Let today’s scripture passage soak into your soul. It is impossible to please God without faith. You cannot serve Him and do His will if you aren’t confident that He exists and will fulfill His promises. What do you believe today? Who do you trust? Are you willing to continue to “hunt” – and serve – even if you never get a tangible “prize” in this earthly lifetime?
Do you truly believe that God exists…and that He has great things in store for you? Isn’t it time you got a handle on this, once and for all? Will this be the day you begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
By an act of faith, Enoch skipped death completely. “They looked all over and couldn’t find him because God had taken him.” We know on the basis of reliable testimony that before he was taken “he pleased God.” It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.
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.
When I was a child, the Young Business Men’s Club (YBMC) held an Easter egg hunt each year in our city park. Among what must have been thousands of dyed boiled eggs were some “prize” eggs that could be redeemed for a baby chick – or a live rabbit if you found a “gold” one! Little did my siblings and I know that my mother had threatened those YBMC members within an inch of their lives if any of us came home with a live animal! So we eagerly picked up the colored eggs and hoped against hope that we would somehow stumble onto one that could be redeemed for a prize…but we never found one!
We firmly believed that it was possible for us to find the prize egg. We knew that these bunnies and chicks existed…and we had seen other children “win” them. So we forged ahead, confident that WE could also find a golden egg. And while we were disappointed, we still enjoyed the hunt. We were happy with what we got…and we spent the next several days hiding and “finding” those eggs in our own yard. And we did this year after year!
This is a loose analogy for today’s scripture passage. But consider this…we cannot physically “see” God, which is why it has been so hard for me to explain Him to little children. They operate in the “tangible” world of “I-find-a-prize-egg-and-you-give-me-the-chick-or-bunny!” But we are not children…and life is not an Easter egg hunt.
At the core of our Christian faith, we have to believe that God exists – and trust that He will care for us just as He promised. We have to keep “hunting for the eggs” and serving God in whatever capacity He designates…understanding full well that the “prize” we seek may not be something we can hold in our hands like a “golden egg.”
Our “prize” is salvation through Jesus Christ…and the promise of Eternity spent in His presence. And getting there may be bumpy – even rocky at times. For some of us, every day will be something of a struggle in some way. Does this mean God doesn’t love us and care about our well-being or happiness? Absolutely not! In some ways, I believe that God holds a special place in His heart for those who struggle, yet continue to serve with a joyful, faith-filled attitude.
Let today’s scripture passage soak into your soul. It is impossible to please God without faith. You cannot serve Him and do His will if you aren’t confident that He exists and will fulfill His promises. What do you believe today? Who do you trust? Are you willing to continue to “hunt” – and serve – even if you never get a tangible “prize” in this earthly lifetime?
Do you truly believe that God exists…and that He has great things in store for you? Isn’t it time you got a handle on this, once and for all? Will this be the day you begin?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 8, 2016
Hebrews 11:1-2
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. Men of God in days of old were famous for their faith.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
On September 16, 2015, I received an e-mail from my mother, telling me she had gone to the clinic with a urinary tract infection…and during her exam, a nurse practitioner discovered an abnormality on Mother’s stomach. The nurse sent Mother to our local hospital for a CT-scan, where a mass was found…and subsequent blood work and a biopsy were ordered. Mother said, “Just pray that this mass is benign. God is in control. It will be okay." In a subsequent message a few days later, Mother said, “This is going to be OK—no matter what. Just going to be a battle ahead.”
And it was a battle. As many of you know, my mother’s diagnosis was Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer, and the multiple tumors did not respond to chemotherapy. In fact, they almost doubled in size in three months. On January 12, 2016, my mother’s battle ended. And she continually insisted that God was in control, but...“He has other plans.”
Like the “men of God in days of old,” my mother was famous for her faith. In reading through her Bible study workbooks and other writings, I can see that what she hoped for more than anything was to see Jesus in person – and to please Him while she was still on this earth. She could not see exactly when – or how – this would happen…but she had faith that it would indeed be so. And I have faith and confidence that she was right on both counts.
I hear so many people say, “My faith is weak.” And I get that. There are times when we all face challenges and obstacles that seem too big to overcome. We will all face numerous situations that test – and hopefully strengthen – our faith.
My mother noted that there was “going to be a battle ahead”…but do not miss that she prefaced this acknowledgment with a statement of faith…”This is going to be OK – no matter what.” Herein lies the message for us. We don’t always know the where, when, how or why of the things that happen to us. But when we trust God…when we make a concerted effort to have faith that He is in complete control of a perfect outcome…God will confirm this in ways that we cannot even begin to imagine – and fill us with complete peace in the process.
What sort of faith do you have these days? Do you believe for the things that you want to happen…and trust God to bring about the perfect end result? Or do you throw up your hands at the first sign of trouble and say, “This is simply too much for me”…and cower in a corner? The Bible is filled with examples of people who exercised a strong “faith muscle” - and the sad story of some who folded and let the devil have the victory.
I encourage you to spend some time with God today and surrender your burdens and fears to Him. Pray this prayer…”LORD…I don’t know what You have in store for me…or how You plan to manage the events and challenges of my life. But I give them all to You. I am filled with faith and confidence that You know what lies ahead…and You are in complete control. I thank You for loving me - and for Your perfect plans for my life. I surrender MY will to YOURS with complete assurance that all will be well, according to Your will. Amen.”
When others look at you, do they see someone with a profound faith in God…or someone who operates in fear and uncertainty? What is faith to you? Isn’t it time you knew?
©2016 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. Men of God in days of old were famous for their faith.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
On September 16, 2015, I received an e-mail from my mother, telling me she had gone to the clinic with a urinary tract infection…and during her exam, a nurse practitioner discovered an abnormality on Mother’s stomach. The nurse sent Mother to our local hospital for a CT-scan, where a mass was found…and subsequent blood work and a biopsy were ordered. Mother said, “Just pray that this mass is benign. God is in control. It will be okay." In a subsequent message a few days later, Mother said, “This is going to be OK—no matter what. Just going to be a battle ahead.”
And it was a battle. As many of you know, my mother’s diagnosis was Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer, and the multiple tumors did not respond to chemotherapy. In fact, they almost doubled in size in three months. On January 12, 2016, my mother’s battle ended. And she continually insisted that God was in control, but...“He has other plans.”
Like the “men of God in days of old,” my mother was famous for her faith. In reading through her Bible study workbooks and other writings, I can see that what she hoped for more than anything was to see Jesus in person – and to please Him while she was still on this earth. She could not see exactly when – or how – this would happen…but she had faith that it would indeed be so. And I have faith and confidence that she was right on both counts.
I hear so many people say, “My faith is weak.” And I get that. There are times when we all face challenges and obstacles that seem too big to overcome. We will all face numerous situations that test – and hopefully strengthen – our faith.
My mother noted that there was “going to be a battle ahead”…but do not miss that she prefaced this acknowledgment with a statement of faith…”This is going to be OK – no matter what.” Herein lies the message for us. We don’t always know the where, when, how or why of the things that happen to us. But when we trust God…when we make a concerted effort to have faith that He is in complete control of a perfect outcome…God will confirm this in ways that we cannot even begin to imagine – and fill us with complete peace in the process.
What sort of faith do you have these days? Do you believe for the things that you want to happen…and trust God to bring about the perfect end result? Or do you throw up your hands at the first sign of trouble and say, “This is simply too much for me”…and cower in a corner? The Bible is filled with examples of people who exercised a strong “faith muscle” - and the sad story of some who folded and let the devil have the victory.
I encourage you to spend some time with God today and surrender your burdens and fears to Him. Pray this prayer…”LORD…I don’t know what You have in store for me…or how You plan to manage the events and challenges of my life. But I give them all to You. I am filled with faith and confidence that You know what lies ahead…and You are in complete control. I thank You for loving me - and for Your perfect plans for my life. I surrender MY will to YOURS with complete assurance that all will be well, according to Your will. Amen.”
When others look at you, do they see someone with a profound faith in God…or someone who operates in fear and uncertainty? What is faith to you? Isn’t it time you knew?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 7, 2016
Hebrews 10:22-25
So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
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.
Call me crazy (and I know that many of you do!)…but I have a real hang-up about going out of the house without being “fixed up.” I have recently allowed myself to go to the pool to work out without putting on make-up and styling my hair first, because it’s all going to be ruined anyway. But it still makes me a bit uncomfortable that others may see me in a less than “presentable” form. For years, I wouldn’t even let Greg see me without makeup. The first thing I did every morning – even on Saturdays – was to get up and “put on my face.”
One morning, a young friend stopped by before I had dressed, and immediately, she said, “Oh, you’re so PRETTY without makeup!” I know she was being incredibly kind (or maybe even lying)…but she had never seen me without the façade of foundation, eye shadow, mascara and more…and she really SAW me for the first time! I started thinking about times I have been with women who weren’t wearing their regular “face,” and how often it didn’t matter to me…because I was seeing THEM, not the makeup.
Here’s the thing…God wants us to be presentable. He wants us to offer others a neat, clean appearance. But what is most important is that we are presentable as His representatives. When others see us, they should see someone who is loving, encouraging, uplifting, and holy. Our clothing and makeup should only enhance the joy and confidence we exude because of our salvation through Jesus…the fact that we have been washed in His blood and baptized in His Living Waters.
When others look at you, who do they really see? Do they notice how “put together” your clothing, hair and makeup are…or the car you drive? Are they more impressed by your watch and other jewelry – or the designer tags on your t-shirt and jeans than your heart and soul? Are WE this way toward others? Do we truly seek to worship together so that we can glorify God and be uplifted and encouraged to share the Good News with others? Or do we get together to see our friends, make plans for social activities…or compare everything from our clothing to how well our kids did over the weekend in competitions of all kinds?
Are we making a point…or making a difference? Are we really presentable – inside and out? Isn’t it time we were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
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.
Call me crazy (and I know that many of you do!)…but I have a real hang-up about going out of the house without being “fixed up.” I have recently allowed myself to go to the pool to work out without putting on make-up and styling my hair first, because it’s all going to be ruined anyway. But it still makes me a bit uncomfortable that others may see me in a less than “presentable” form. For years, I wouldn’t even let Greg see me without makeup. The first thing I did every morning – even on Saturdays – was to get up and “put on my face.”
One morning, a young friend stopped by before I had dressed, and immediately, she said, “Oh, you’re so PRETTY without makeup!” I know she was being incredibly kind (or maybe even lying)…but she had never seen me without the façade of foundation, eye shadow, mascara and more…and she really SAW me for the first time! I started thinking about times I have been with women who weren’t wearing their regular “face,” and how often it didn’t matter to me…because I was seeing THEM, not the makeup.
Here’s the thing…God wants us to be presentable. He wants us to offer others a neat, clean appearance. But what is most important is that we are presentable as His representatives. When others see us, they should see someone who is loving, encouraging, uplifting, and holy. Our clothing and makeup should only enhance the joy and confidence we exude because of our salvation through Jesus…the fact that we have been washed in His blood and baptized in His Living Waters.
When others look at you, who do they really see? Do they notice how “put together” your clothing, hair and makeup are…or the car you drive? Are they more impressed by your watch and other jewelry – or the designer tags on your t-shirt and jeans than your heart and soul? Are WE this way toward others? Do we truly seek to worship together so that we can glorify God and be uplifted and encouraged to share the Good News with others? Or do we get together to see our friends, make plans for social activities…or compare everything from our clothing to how well our kids did over the weekend in competitions of all kinds?
Are we making a point…or making a difference? Are we really presentable – inside and out? Isn’t it time we were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 6, 2016
Genesis 1:1-5
When God began creating the heavens and the earth, the earth was a shapeless, chaotic mass, with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors.
Then God said, “Let there be light.” And light appeared. And God was pleased with it and divided the light from the darkness. He called the light “daytime,” and the darkness “nighttime.” Together they formed the first day.
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 you want to have your “disciple muscle” tested, try to explain God to a 3½-year-old! I was reading a children’s Bible story to Nathan a few days ago about Jesus’ last days on earth. Nathan always asks a zillion questions when we read books. But this time, as he looked at the pictures he asked, “Is THAT God? Is THAT God? Well…where IS God?”
At first I told him that “God is in Heaven,” and he would nod and say, “Granny is in Heaven with God.” “Yes,” I would agree…that’s right.” But then he asked more insistently, “But where IS God? Can’t we see Him?” I tried to explain that we cannot see God in the same way that we see each other – or even that people saw Jesus. But Nathan didn’t seem satisfied with this. Finally, I said, “God is in your heart.” “God is in my HEART?” “Not IN your heart,” I tried to explain again…”but we can feel God with us. His spirit is in our heart and helps us…He loves us and we love HIM.”
This will have to be revisited often. I have a sneaky feeling that right now, Nathan thinks that God is like a little battery pack that physically resides in his heart. But over time, I hope that “the lights will go on” and he will understand more fully. This was how it happened for Timothy – and it was a remarkable transformation to observe. I am not sure how firm a grasp Zola has yet, but I know that she does have some understanding of who God is.
I cannot put into words what it means to know that these three little ones know God – at least as well as their young intellectual minds will allow. More importantly, they have a HEART for God. They understand that He loves and cares for them like no other. They are learning about how God created the heavens and earth…day and night…the land, sea and sky…and all of the plants and animals that inhabit our world.
It is humbling to think that God created ALL of this for ALL of us…including me and my family. I am honored to be able to share the love of Christ – and His message – with others, especially young children. I am so privileged to be able to have a front-row seat to observe how these little ones are transforming in their relationship with God and growing to know and love Him more each day. I am honored to be able to share the love of Christ – and His messages for us – with others each and every day.
It started with darkness…murky, shapeless, vapor. But oh, what God has done with that abyss! And He’s not finished! We are called to share His love and light with others…to tell them of the amazing sacrifices that He made for us in the form of Jesus…and to encourage them to make a space in their own hearts for His spirit to permanently reside. Where IS God for you today…and how will you share Him with others? Isn’t it time you found the answer?
©2016 Debbie Robus
When God began creating the heavens and the earth, the earth was a shapeless, chaotic mass, with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors.
Then God said, “Let there be light.” And light appeared. And God was pleased with it and divided the light from the darkness. He called the light “daytime,” and the darkness “nighttime.” Together they formed the first day.
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 you want to have your “disciple muscle” tested, try to explain God to a 3½-year-old! I was reading a children’s Bible story to Nathan a few days ago about Jesus’ last days on earth. Nathan always asks a zillion questions when we read books. But this time, as he looked at the pictures he asked, “Is THAT God? Is THAT God? Well…where IS God?”
At first I told him that “God is in Heaven,” and he would nod and say, “Granny is in Heaven with God.” “Yes,” I would agree…that’s right.” But then he asked more insistently, “But where IS God? Can’t we see Him?” I tried to explain that we cannot see God in the same way that we see each other – or even that people saw Jesus. But Nathan didn’t seem satisfied with this. Finally, I said, “God is in your heart.” “God is in my HEART?” “Not IN your heart,” I tried to explain again…”but we can feel God with us. His spirit is in our heart and helps us…He loves us and we love HIM.”
This will have to be revisited often. I have a sneaky feeling that right now, Nathan thinks that God is like a little battery pack that physically resides in his heart. But over time, I hope that “the lights will go on” and he will understand more fully. This was how it happened for Timothy – and it was a remarkable transformation to observe. I am not sure how firm a grasp Zola has yet, but I know that she does have some understanding of who God is.
I cannot put into words what it means to know that these three little ones know God – at least as well as their young intellectual minds will allow. More importantly, they have a HEART for God. They understand that He loves and cares for them like no other. They are learning about how God created the heavens and earth…day and night…the land, sea and sky…and all of the plants and animals that inhabit our world.
It is humbling to think that God created ALL of this for ALL of us…including me and my family. I am honored to be able to share the love of Christ – and His message – with others, especially young children. I am so privileged to be able to have a front-row seat to observe how these little ones are transforming in their relationship with God and growing to know and love Him more each day. I am honored to be able to share the love of Christ – and His messages for us – with others each and every day.
It started with darkness…murky, shapeless, vapor. But oh, what God has done with that abyss! And He’s not finished! We are called to share His love and light with others…to tell them of the amazing sacrifices that He made for us in the form of Jesus…and to encourage them to make a space in their own hearts for His spirit to permanently reside. Where IS God for you today…and how will you share Him with others? Isn’t it time you found the answer?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 5, 2016
Exodus 20:5
You must never bow or worship it in any way; for I, the Lord your God, am very possessive. I will not share your affection with any other god!
“And when I punish people for their sins, the punishment continues upon the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of those who hate me;
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Greg and I have been in “purge mode” of late…sorting through closets and cleaning out the clutter. There is nothing like the death of a loved one – and the necessity to sort through THEIR belongings and decide what to keep – to motivate one to clean out his/her own “stuff!” So as I have been spending a good deal of time sorting through my mother’s things and deciding what is important to me to keep – and what to pass on for someone else to sort – I have come to some (for me) stark realizations.
Here’s the first one…anything can become an idol…including our “stuff!” We hang onto all sorts of things and place far too much importance on them for what are sometimes irrational reasons. Realizing this has helped me to let go of Valentines and birthday cards from my toddler years…old newspaper clippings…and more. Innovations like scanners and digital cameras that can preserve an image of some of the more historical and sentimental pieces has revolutionized this process – and helped me to let go of a lot of things I would otherwise cling to as a “treasure” with which I could not part.
Additionally, I’ve had to ask myself…”Will I really use this? Will I read this book, or will it collect dust on my shelf? Could someone else enjoy this sheet music that I have no interest in – other than the fact that it belonged to my family?” If the answer is negative in any way, the items have to go! A dear friend who has “inherited” in recent years made the comment that [paraphrased] “My house is filled with the past rather than the future.” And the past – or relics from it – can also become our “idol.”
We are not to worship the belongings of others…and as I am learning, the memories such items evoke are still there, even when the “treasure” has been discarded. This is not disrespectful to the person who cherished or accumulated these things. And if the truth be told…many of the items I have sorted through lately were buried like a time capsule for 50 years or more – and nobody had given them a second thought! So why are they suddenly so important again? Let’s enjoy the memory…snap a photo or two – or make a scanned image – then let it go!
I come from a long line of certified pack rats! If you could have seen my maternal grandfather’s desk (and I literally mean, if you could have SEEN it!) – then my mother’s office – you would understand why Mother always said that my messy desk “is so neat and organized!” (It’s not!) So I totally get the part of this passage about “curses” continuing to future generations!
What does this mean for us in a Spiritual context? Again, I must say…ANYTHING can become an idol. It can be money, possessions, work, another person, our hobby…or even our STUFF and that of other people who are/were significant to us! We get so caught up in all of these things – and the “idol worship” – that we lose focus on God. My Jesus Calling* entry for today talked about seeking Jesus – and how He runs after those who run after Him. Let’s be honest…if we are busy pursuing other “idols,” there won’t be time and energy – much less a desire – to run after God.
When we put our relationship with Jesus Christ first – and seek His will and word for our lives, other things fall into place. The priorities tend to order themselves properly – and we have time for work, relationships, hobbies, and even relaxation. It becomes apparent what clutter and “junk” are necessary and significant – and what needs to find a new home (maybe even the dumpster!).
As you go about your day, seek Jesus at every turn. Talk to Him…ask Him if you are on the right course. Make your conversation/relationship with Jesus the most important part of your day, and everything else will come into focus with amazing clarity. Figure out what you have made into an idol…and ask God to help you re-align your priorities. Jesus seeks those who seek Him and worship HIM above all else. Are YOU one of those? Isn’t it time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*www.JesusCalling.com
You must never bow or worship it in any way; for I, the Lord your God, am very possessive. I will not share your affection with any other god!
“And when I punish people for their sins, the punishment continues upon the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of those who hate me;
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Greg and I have been in “purge mode” of late…sorting through closets and cleaning out the clutter. There is nothing like the death of a loved one – and the necessity to sort through THEIR belongings and decide what to keep – to motivate one to clean out his/her own “stuff!” So as I have been spending a good deal of time sorting through my mother’s things and deciding what is important to me to keep – and what to pass on for someone else to sort – I have come to some (for me) stark realizations.
Here’s the first one…anything can become an idol…including our “stuff!” We hang onto all sorts of things and place far too much importance on them for what are sometimes irrational reasons. Realizing this has helped me to let go of Valentines and birthday cards from my toddler years…old newspaper clippings…and more. Innovations like scanners and digital cameras that can preserve an image of some of the more historical and sentimental pieces has revolutionized this process – and helped me to let go of a lot of things I would otherwise cling to as a “treasure” with which I could not part.
Additionally, I’ve had to ask myself…”Will I really use this? Will I read this book, or will it collect dust on my shelf? Could someone else enjoy this sheet music that I have no interest in – other than the fact that it belonged to my family?” If the answer is negative in any way, the items have to go! A dear friend who has “inherited” in recent years made the comment that [paraphrased] “My house is filled with the past rather than the future.” And the past – or relics from it – can also become our “idol.”
We are not to worship the belongings of others…and as I am learning, the memories such items evoke are still there, even when the “treasure” has been discarded. This is not disrespectful to the person who cherished or accumulated these things. And if the truth be told…many of the items I have sorted through lately were buried like a time capsule for 50 years or more – and nobody had given them a second thought! So why are they suddenly so important again? Let’s enjoy the memory…snap a photo or two – or make a scanned image – then let it go!
I come from a long line of certified pack rats! If you could have seen my maternal grandfather’s desk (and I literally mean, if you could have SEEN it!) – then my mother’s office – you would understand why Mother always said that my messy desk “is so neat and organized!” (It’s not!) So I totally get the part of this passage about “curses” continuing to future generations!
What does this mean for us in a Spiritual context? Again, I must say…ANYTHING can become an idol. It can be money, possessions, work, another person, our hobby…or even our STUFF and that of other people who are/were significant to us! We get so caught up in all of these things – and the “idol worship” – that we lose focus on God. My Jesus Calling* entry for today talked about seeking Jesus – and how He runs after those who run after Him. Let’s be honest…if we are busy pursuing other “idols,” there won’t be time and energy – much less a desire – to run after God.
When we put our relationship with Jesus Christ first – and seek His will and word for our lives, other things fall into place. The priorities tend to order themselves properly – and we have time for work, relationships, hobbies, and even relaxation. It becomes apparent what clutter and “junk” are necessary and significant – and what needs to find a new home (maybe even the dumpster!).
As you go about your day, seek Jesus at every turn. Talk to Him…ask Him if you are on the right course. Make your conversation/relationship with Jesus the most important part of your day, and everything else will come into focus with amazing clarity. Figure out what you have made into an idol…and ask God to help you re-align your priorities. Jesus seeks those who seek Him and worship HIM above all else. Are YOU one of those? Isn’t it time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
*www.JesusCalling.com
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