July 15 ~ Isaiah 61:1-7
The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness" planted by God to display his glory.
They'll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They'll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.
You'll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields,
But you'll have the title "Priests of God," honored as ministers of our God.
You'll feast on the bounty of nations, you'll bask in their glory.
Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt,
Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever.
(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 copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Have you ever had a “double dose of trouble?” Maybe it came in the form of a week that just seemed to have no end. I had a week like that recently. It started out rather simply, and I had grand plans of getting a lot of “projects” done at a leisurely pace. And that’s when “the bottom fell out.” Several unexpected events arose, and it seemed that I just got busier and busier as the week went along. I have to admit, there were moments when it was hard to find my joy! Don’t tell me YOU don’t have times like this – we all do.
So how do we manage? I have found that any time I let things get to me… any time I get “down and out,” I have not spent enough time with God. I have not stayed close enough in prayer and Bible study and quiet meditation with Him. Because you see, every time I go to God and share my thoughts and feelings, He calms me. He quiets my spirit and encourages me. He fills me with comfort - and JOY! When I stop and take time to hear from God, He encourages me and helps me to start over. He restores and renews me, and whatever I was so overwhelmed by doesn’t seem as significant any longer.
What about you? Is the Spirit of God on you, anointing you and giving you what the King James Version of this passage calls “beauty for ashes?” Years ago, my grandparents’ house burned to the ground just before Christmas. It burned so hot that afterward, there was nothing left but a few foundation stones, and everything was bulldozed flat. When spring came, the area where the house had once stood was covered with beautiful blooming petunias. I’m sure that the bulldozer had spread some seed from my grandmother’s flower beds. But literally, out of the ashes, flowers grew. And out of the “ashes” of our lives, God can grow flowers. We just have to open ourselves to His work in us. We have to stay close to God and focused on Him. As scripture tells us in the book of James, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” So I ask... do you often have a double dose of trouble these days? Or do you have more roses than ashes? The choice is ours.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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July 14 ~ Isaiah 54:1-6
"Sing, barren woman, who has never had a baby.
Fill the air with song, you who've never experienced childbirth!
You're ending up with far more children
than all those childbearing women." God says so!
"Clear lots of ground for your tents!
Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big!
Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep.
You're going to need lots of elbow room for your growing family.
You're going to take over whole nations;
you're going to resettle abandoned cities.
Don't be afraid - you're not going to be embarrassed.
Don't hold back - you're not going to come up short.
You'll forget all about the humiliations of your youth,
and the indignities of being a widow will fade from memory.
For your Maker is your bridegroom, his name, God-of-the-Angel-Armies!
Your Redeemer is The Holy of Israel, known as God of the whole earth.
You were like an abandoned wife, devastated with grief,
and God welcomed you back,
Like a woman married young and then left," says your God.
(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 copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
You are probably wondering why in the world I am sharing a scripture passage today about barren women who have never had a baby…and widows! This is actually a “Why me, Lord?” passage. How often do you wonder, “Why is this happening to me?” Maybe you are sick, or maybe you are ending a relationship with someone, or maybe you lost your job – or can’t find a job! Maybe you have just lost your spark… you don’t seem to have any energy or enthusiasm about anything. Whatever is happening, you are at least wondering to yourself, “Why me?”
Isaiah is telling us to pick ourselves up - and like the old song… dust ourselves off - and get ready! Something BIG is coming. In other words, we don’t have time to sit around feeling sorry for ourselves, because God has work for us to do! Even when we are sick, there are things we can do… like pray… and if we feel up to it, call, write or e-mail others to encourage them in their faith. If we are ending a relationship, we know God has not deserted us, and He will help us to rebuild and move forward. If we need a job, God will help us find one.
The KEY is to stay focused on WHO is important and WHAT He has promised. We all get in a rut sometimes. We all have problems on any given day, and it is so easy to collapse in a heap and say, “Why me?!” But Isaiah reminds us that we don’t have time to waste on this pity party! We have to get ready for God’s next good thing in our life! And if we stay focused on serving Him, there will be a next good thing! So clear your “ground” for the tents, put the past in the past, look to the future without fear or embarrassment, and GET READY! The best is yet to be with God… with Him in charge of your steps, you will never come up short!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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July 13 ~ Isaiah 32:15-20
Yes, weep and grieve until the Spirit is poured
down on us from above
And the badlands desert grows crops
and the fertile fields become forests.
Justice will move into the badlands desert.
Right will build a home in the fertile field.
And where there's Right, there'll be Peace
and the progeny of Right: quiet lives and endless trust.
My people will live in a peaceful neighborhood—
in safe houses, in quiet gardens.
The forest of your pride will be clear-cut,
the city showing off your power leveled.
But you will enjoy a blessed life,
planting well-watered fields and gardens,
with your farm animals grazing freely.
(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 copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
One of my “heroes” is a little lady named Geraldine McCurry. I call her MawMac. She and I share the same birthdate, and she has known me all of my life. We call each other our “Birthday Buddy,” and I love her dearly. Why is MawMac my hero? Because MawMac is truly a woman who has had the Spirit poured down on her from above. And even though the forest of her pride has been clear-cut and the city showing off her power has been leveled, she enjoys a blessed life… and she is a continual blessing to others.
MawMac’s husband fought in WWII while she and her little daughter kept the home fires burning. When he returned, two more daughters were born – the last with cerebral palsy. In an era when children with special needs were whisked away to “homes” and even labeled “retarded,” MawMac and her family cared for their daughter at home. She attended church with them every Sunday in her wheelchair, and we learned to treat her as an intelligent young woman who just happens to be trapped in a challenged body. On July 4th, MawMac started her 91st birthday by driving to Conway to visit with her daughter. Now 57, she has such serious health problems that she must live in a facility that provides the care she requires.
But that’s not all. MawMac’s body has been ravaged by osteoporosis to the point that she will quickly tell you, “I’ve shrunk FIVE inches!” And truly, at somewhere around four feet tall, she looks more like a “little person” with each passing year. I’m sure there have been many other difficulties along the way… but the Christmas before her 90th birthday, MawMac suffered a serious fall that almost took her life.
Any time the doors are open at First Baptist Church, you’ll probably find MawMac there. And often, she can also be seen at events many of the other churches in town. She is a faithful attendee of everything from local dance recitals and concerts to Chamber of Commerce dinners. So MawMac’s fall happened the day of her church’s annual Christmas Cantata. She stumbled getting out of the car and fell onto the sidewalk, her hands hitting the concrete with such force that both of her shoulders were broken badly. She was rushed to a Little Rock hospital, where surgery was deemed necessary.
But there was a problem… MawMac has a blood disorder that makes any surgery very high risk. We all feared that this might be the end of her. But she survived the surgery, and she vowed to drive again by her 90th birthday the next July, so that she could visit her daughter. Such a recovery in this time period would have been daunting for a teenager, much less an 89-year-old. But not MawMac!! Everyone prayed over her, and I know she prayed for God to give her the strength to do this. Her daughters told me of the pain she suffered in therapy sessions… how hard she worked to regain her strength and range of motion. I know there was absolutely no way she did this on her own. I know… and I am certain she would tell you… that God healed her supernaturally.
MawMac is a blessing to others. She is a whirlwind of activity – a little spitfire! - but I can assure you her soul is at peace and filled with endless trust. The garden of her life is well watered by the Holy Spirit. Troubles and heartaches are going to come to all of us. But we don’t have to be consumed by them. The prophet Isaiah knew that a Savior was coming to bring justice, peace, prosperity and endless trust. MawMac knows this, too… she lives a Spirit-filled life every day. And so can we!
Don’t you want this? Even if you don’t live to be 91, don’t you want to have this kind of confidence and peace the rest of your days? Whatever challenges I am given, I may weep and grieve for a brief moment, but the Holy Spirit will pour out comfort and peace, and I will LIVE for Him… and in honor of MawMac! Who are your earthly heroes? How are you living – and who do you honor?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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July 12 ~ Genesis 2:18-20
God said, "It's not good for the Man to be alone; I'll make him a helper, a companion." So God formed from the dirt of the ground all the animals of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the Man to see what he would name them. Whatever the Man called each living creature, that was its name. The Man named the cattle, named the birds of the air, named the wild animals; but he didn't find a suitable companion.
(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 copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I think I have referenced this before, but there is a scene in the movie, “The Jerk,” where Steve Martin’s character Navin R. Johnson, has been sued and lost all of his money. His wife, played by Bernadette Peters, is dumping him. Navin was a poor young man who “made it big” and became rich, and he acquired a mansion and many material possessions. As he is leaving his mansion, he is saying to his wife that he will be okay… he knows what it is to have nothing, and he will be satisfied again with that lifestyle. According to www.IMDB.com, here is what he says (remember, this is a comedy):
- Navin R. Johnson: Well I'm gonna to go then. And I don't need any of this. I don't need this stuff, and I don't need you. I don't need anything except this. [picks up an ashtray]
- Navin R. Johnson: And that's it and that's the only thing I need, is this. I don't need this or this. Just this ashtray. And this paddle game, the ashtray and the paddle game and that's all I need. And this remote control. The ashtray, the paddle game, and the remote control, and that's all I need. And these matches. The ashtray, and these matches, and the remote control and the paddle ball. And this lamp. The ashtray, this paddle game and the remote control and the lamp and that's all I need. And that's all I need too. I don't need one other thing, not one - I need this. The paddle game, and the chair, and the remote control, and the matches, for sure. And this. And that's all I need. The ashtray, the remote control, the paddle game, this magazine and the chair. [walking outside]
- Navin R. Johnson: And I don't need one other thing, except my dog. [dog barks]
- Navin R. Johnson: I don't need my dog.
Through the years, this conversation has been the basis for a running gag between my husband and me. We will be talking about how we don’t really need a thing, but we surely would like to have such-and-such, and one of us will say, “All I need is this ashtray…” and we start to laugh. So often, we seem to have everything we could want or need, and yet we are not satisfied. Or we think we need “just one more thing” and we will have it all. God gave Adam every living creature – every animal and bird – and even the authority to name them. But it wasn’t enough… something was still missing. How often is something missing in our lives, even when we “have it all?” Is it because we are searching in the wrong places? Are we seeking satisfaction from people – or things – instead of a relationship with God? That’s what Adam was missing – a relationship!
Earthly things will never satisfy. People will come and go throughout our lives. The only constant will be our relationship with God… the only sure and “Forever Companion” will be the Holy Spirit. There is nothing wrong with having possessions. Personal relationships with people are great… and necessary. But the lasting relationship with Jesus Christ - and His presence in the form of the Holy Spirit - is truly “the one thing” we need. Jesus is The One – HE makes the difference. Be sure you are in constant companionship with Him – everything else is just gravy on the side!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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July 11 ~ Ephesians 5:21-27
Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another.
Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.
Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church - a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ's love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They're really doing themselves a favor - since they're already "one" in marriage.
(Scripture 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 copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Everybody is searching for the “magic bullet” that will create a great relationship. Books are written about how to get along with others – especially “love and dating” relationships. The book Men Are From Mars – Women Are From Venus comes to mind. Magazine headlines grab attention touting articles about how to “get a man (or woman)” – and keep them! Everywhere we turn we are bombarded with information about this topic, so obviously we want (or need!) help with navigating the relationship waters.
And we have it! The Bible tells us all we need to know about how to get along with others… including our “love relationships.” This passage particularly addresses how men and women should treat each other in marriage, but it could be adapted to guide us in dating, too. And the very first verse really tells the tale… Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent to one another. If we entered into relationships with others with this in mind – with the intention of being courteously reverent to one another – amazing things might happen. It can’t hurt to try this… right?
Whatever your “relationship status” these days, doesn’t this seem like sound advice? Isn’t the Bible the best place to start in a search for suggestions about this – and everything else, for that matter? Jesus was all about relationships, so it stands to reason He would be the best starting point for learning how to develop successful ones for ourselves. Where are you seeking advice these days… how “courteously reverent” are your relationships?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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July 10 ~ Proverbs 31:10-31
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
(Scripture 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 copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Before all of you GUYS tune me out, this passage is for YOU, too! See, we need to think of the “good woman” in this passage as each of us in relation to being “the bride of Christ.” If you consider yourself Christ’s “bride” – if you belong to Him, then the “good woman” becomes YOU! So let’s see how you chalk up…
- Does Jesus trust you without reserve and never have reason to regret it?
- Do you treat Him generously all the time?
- Do you get up early and stay up late to do things to serve Jesus?
- Do you plant seeds of faith in others?
- Do you create a home (meaning your earthly body) that is welcoming and pleasing?
- Do you assist the needy and the poor?
- Do you carry yourself in a manner that is neat, attractive, and respectable?
- Do you face each day and the situations it brings with a smile?
- Do you speak kindly and wisely?
- Do you watch out for others – do you live with class?
- Do you respect God and live in reverence of Him?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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July 9 ~ Proverbs 3:13-18
You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She's worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
She's the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight—and be blessed!
(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 copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I write articles for a website called Helium. There is a wide variety of subjects on which to write, and topics are suggested to get you started. Recently, I saw a debate topic on the list for “writers needed”… “Would you rather be born with wealth or intelligence?” Writers will weigh in on both sides of this question. I have not decided yet whether I will write to this topic. If I do, I know which side will get my vote and my thoughts!
The Bible clearly tells us that wisdom is more valuable than riches. Knowledge truly is power! With wisdom we are able to determine the right choices. With wisdom we are able to create a course for our life that very well might lead to tangible earthly wealth. But this should not be our goal. With God-given wisdom, we are able to discern right from wrong… and to avoid Satan’s traps. We are able to determine who needs our help and who is out to engage us in sinful activity – and how to know the difference!
God-given wisdom leads to wealth – maybe not money or material abundance in this life – but the riches of an eternity in heaven with Jesus. My grandmothers used to tell me to “marry a rich man – a doctor or a lawyer.” They meant well… and I did “marry rich!” I married a man who has grown rich in wisdom… a man who loves God and desires to serve Him. Your parents may tell you to study hard and get a college degree so you can make a lot of money. There is nothing wrong with that... and working and earning a living is important. But attaining material wealth or riches will not be your most important achievement. Attaining wisdom and insight – especially into matters related to your service to Christ – are what matters. If you want a full, “rich” life – seek God’s wisdom and His will. This will complete your life – this is where the real blessings are found!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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July 8 ~ Proverbs 6:16-19
Here are six things God hates,
and one more that he loathes with a passion:
eyes that are arrogant,
a tongue that lies,
hands that murder the innocent,
a heart that hatches evil plots,
feet that race down a wicked track,
a mouth that lies under oath,
a troublemaker in the family.
(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 copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Facebook is so interesting to me. I read posts on the “News Feed” page that astound me. Some people use this venue as a fun, lighthearted way to keep in touch with friends and family – or to share information of interest to many. Some people use Facebook as a forum to vent their frustrations, albeit cryptically sometimes, so that most of us don’t have a clue who – or what – they are talking about! Some use it as a platform for expressing their political opinions – often as if the whole world agrees with them completely. Still others use this “wall” to judge people – to berate and criticize anyone who doesn’t meet their standards or behave to suit them.
The saddest thing about all of this is that some of the folks who post the most outlandish comments do so under the guise of being Spirit-filled Christians! They fail to realize that their words are just as powerful as arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, murdering hands, a heart that hatches evil plots, wicked feet, and lies made while under oath. And worst of all, their words are designed to stir up trouble in the family, so to speak.
I hope no one will misunderstand me. I am not saying that we don’t have a right to exercise free speech. Certainly we do! But we have to be very careful about how we conduct ourselves. Believe it or not, Satan can use even Facebook, Twitter, texting, MySpace, e-mail, blogs, and more to accomplish his goals. Do NOT underestimate his cunning ability, his devious nature, and his willingness even to invoke the name of God or the cover of Christianity to accomplish his goals. Recently a politician tried to justify his marital infidelity, in part by citing the Biblical account of David and Bathsheba… noting that God used David and made him a great leader. What he failed to mention was the price that David paid – the loss of his own son and more – because of his sin.
God is not pleased when we behave this way. He does not like it one bit when our behavior contains any of the acts listed here. The Bible can’t be more plain than to say that He loathes troublemakers in the family. I believe this refers to our Christian family and the community at large as much as our biological relatives. So this is a good time to take stock of our lives. We need to stop and assess how we are behaving. Where have we justified our behavior and/or sin – where have we allowed Satan to fool us into thinking what we are saying and doing is okay? Where do we need to clean up our act – our language and the thoughts and ideas we are expressing, both online and in our everyday life?
What would happen if we traded our complaints and negativity on these “walls” for positive statements… for words of encouragement, praises and acknowledgments of God’s grace and power in our lives? Some are doing this already, but many more need to follow. Are you willing to take a stand? Are you willing to voice the lovely things of God more often and drive the devil a little crazy? Interesting concept, isn’t it?! Are you up to the challenge?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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