August 7 ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.
(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.)
Do you remember Job McCully, the little boy from Bigelow, Arkansas, who was so sick and received a lung transplant in December 2007? For so many months, it seemed as if Job’s life was over, yet God would bring him through one battle after another. I know the temptation was great to say, “You know, we’ve all had enough, Lord… go ahead and take Job home.” But Job and his family never did this. They never waivered in their faith that God would not let them down.
I have to tell you, there are countless “Jobs” out there. Children’s hospitals across the nation are filled with them… some with tests and temptations even greater than our Job faced. For the record, Job’s story continues… he fell recently and hurt his foot. It’s not broken, but he has to stay off his feet and in his wheelchair for a few days. And on top of that, his older sister Nicole has what was thought to be a spider bite – but now the doctor is sure it is staph, and he is treating her with antibiotics. After all of these years (Job’s bone marrow transplant for leukemia was in 2002), you would think that the McCully family would just throw up their hands and say, “We have reached our limit!”
You know what? That will never happen – I’m quite sure of it. Because nobody knows better than Job and his family that God will never give them more than they can handle - with His help. He will never fail them. God will always be there to help them come through their challenges. And what God does for the McCullys, He most certainly stands ready to do for us! When you are tempted to give in… when you think you have reached your limit… remember Job and his family and the unfailing mercy and grace of God upon them. Remember that what He has done for them, He will do for you… and hang in there! Keep on “keepin’ on,” till Jesus calls you home. God will never fail you… He promises!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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August 6 ~ 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
(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 have a friend who was going to a Broadway show in New York City. He and his wife had the tickets and had planned for this event for weeks. They were eagerly anticipating the performance. Later I asked him, “How was it?” His reply was, “I fell asleep.” The truth of the matter is that he was so tired from working extra hours and planning and preparing for the trip that he didn’t get enough rest and sleep or keep himself in top condition. So when the big night came, and he attended the long-anticipated show, he couldn’t hold his eyes open and missed much of it.
Don’t we do this? Don’t we rush around and worry and stress over all of the details of our lives and wear ourselves out to the point that we have little time for God? Don’t we often find that we give God what is left of our time and attention at the end of the day – and then we fall asleep? Have you ever laid your head on the pillow and started to pray, and the next thing you knew it was morning? Now I’m not saying that falling asleep while praying to God is altogether a bad thing… but if that is the ONLY time we pray, it’s pretty sad.
Let me ask you something… where is your focus today? Where are your priorities? What – WHO – comes first with you? Do you give your relationship with God even half as much energy and attention as you give… say… your workout? your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/children? your job? your hobbies? Are you in top condition for God? Have you nurtured your relationship with Him and gotten the right balance of study, worship, and rest in the Lord, so that you do not fall asleep when He speaks to you or works in your life?
As I write these devotionals, I often wonder who God is speaking to through them on a particular day. I have to say, today this one is for me! It may also be for you… but I know this is my “wake-up call!” I know that I need to rearrange my priorities and make my prayer and study time each day more top-shelf, first part of the day appointment instead of a “lay your head on the pillow prayer” time. What about you? Do you need a wake-up call? If so, consider the alarm to be sounding! Let’s not miss out on all God has to offer us – all He wants for us. Let’s be in top condition for God – let’s give Him everything we’ve got!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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August 5 ~ Romans 15:3-13
That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out. "I took on the troubles of the troubled," is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we'll be a choir - not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Jesus, staying true to God's purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance:
Then I'll join outsiders in a hymn-sing; I'll sing to your name!
And this one: Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!
And again: People of all nations, celebrate God!
All colors and races, give hearty praise!
And Isaiah's word: There's the root of our ancestor Jesse,
breaking through the earth and growing tree tall,
Tall enough for everyone everywhere to see and take hope!
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!
(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.)
A few months ago I turned the corner, expecting to pull into my grandmother’s driveway, and it was filled with cars that I didn’t recognize. A lady came running from across the street to tell me, “My sister is moving in next door – these are our cars – your grandmother said we could park here while the moving van is unloading. She is a sweetheart.” I went inside my grandmother’s house and learned that not only had she offered her driveway to these ladies, she had cooked lunch for them! She had also inquired about their church affiliation and invited them to worship at her church. And this has been the story of my grandmother’s life. She has modeled Jesus by “wading right in and helping out.”
My late father-in-law was another person who exemplified reaching out to others. He was always helping others… from driving them to doctor’s appointments in nearby cities to helping newcomers get settled in our community to serving as guardian for a retired minister in his church and helping him manage his business and personal affairs.
My husband and I recently received another letter from our adopted “son” in Ghana, Africa, who we sponsor through Compassion International. I had sent him pictures of my new great-nephew Timmy. Our “son,” Timothy Kodjo Owusu Frim, wrote back that he was thrilled to share his name with our new great-nephew. The volunteer translator wrote… you can call him (our sponsored child) “Timmy,” too! In Timmy’s native language, “Me do wu” means “I love you,” and I often close my letters to Timmy with this phrase. In this letter, Timmy sent us a message...”Ono so do wu!” which means “He (God) loves you, too!” People of all nations, celebrate God! All colors and races, give hearty praise!
For so many of us, reaching out to others – getting involved – is far and above our “comfort zone.” But this passage clearly tells us that we are not to be concerned with whether we find this easy or not – we’re just to do it… get involved, wade in and help others! I can tell you, the more you do this, the easier it gets. And there is no way I can begin to describe the blessings… although that should not be your primary motivation.
Blessings will come, but the reason to reach out to others is because Jesus has asked us to do this. The rewards and blessings are just the icing on the cake. Glorifying God by serving others is what will fill us with joy. May the God of green hope fill YOU up with joy, peace, hope, and the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit as you seek out ways to “wade right in and help others” in the days ahead.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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August 4 ~ Romans 15:1-2
Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"
(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.)
Recently, I attended the wedding of a young friend whose mother works fulltime as a nurse. Her grandmother is overwhelmed with the care of two adult sons who are physically challenged, her own health and that of her husband. Preparing for a home wedding and reception was completely overwhelming for these two busy women… until their church members stepped in to help. A lady from the church called and asked, “What do you need?” The grandmother replied, “Everything!” The woman readily answered… “Consider it done!” And the members of two area congregations jumped in with both feet and provided a lavish reception that would put any professional catering/wedding planner to shame! Not only did they provide food and decorations, they cleaned the reception hall afterward and delivered all gifts and leftover food to the home of the bride’s grandparents! And nowhere was there a sign that said, “Reception courtesy of XYZ churches!” Now that is service!
When my brother died, ladies from my mother’s Sunday School class were at my parents’ home within the hour. Before time for the next meal, a calendar had been established, phone calls had been made, and meals had been organized for the next several days. Members of my parent’s church – both women AND men – came and went for the rest of the week! They made the first pot of coffee in the morning and mopped the kitchen floor on their way out at night! And a year later when my dad died, they showed up and did it all over again! Nobody asked them to do this… and they didn’t seek recognition. They were quiet angels who worked in the background to make things easier for my family.
Recently a man in our community told me that he went early every morning and puts the newspaper on the front doorstep for two elderly ladies in his neighborhood (both ladies now reside in an assisted living facility). He also checked on these neighbors throughout the week and made sure they were okay – and helped them any way he could. They had family to help them, but this man did his part, also.
Has it ever occurred to you how we get the bread and “wine” for Communion? Who washes all of those little cups and prepares the sacraments? Did you know there are volunteers in our church who do this each month? I know a lady who attends another church that launders all of the tablecloths when an event is held. This is something she can do… it may not seem like much, until you go to the closet to get clean linens for a luncheon or reception, and then her work and service is evident – and appreciated!
All around us, people need help. There are things we can do that may not seem like much to us, but they are HUGE to someone in need. If you are a teenager, you may be able to walk the dog for someone who is unable… or take out trash for an elderly person. You might be able to hold open a door at church for someone who walks with a cane or a walker… or help elderly worshippers to get inside the sanctuary on a rainy Sunday. Maybe you are the parent of toddlers, and you see a single mother struggling to get things done while watching her own child or children. Could you invite the children over for a play date to free up a couple of hours for this mother?
Could you offer to pick up a few things at the store for someone who cannot shop for themselves? Do you drive right past the home of someone who could use a ride to church on Sunday? Are there places you could pitch in at church… something that might seem insignificant to you but makes a big difference in the life of the Body of Christ? Could you do all of this… and more… and not expect any recognition from others for it? Could you serve because we are called by Jesus to serve - and forget about what is in it for you personally? Strength in Jesus IS for service – not for status. The question is… how strong ARE we?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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August 3 ~ Romans 12:11-13
Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.
(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.)
When I was a first-year teacher, there were a couple of co-workers who made my life pretty miserable. One was my principal. Rather than support me, it was fairly widely reputed that his strategy with new teachers was to “make ‘em or break ‘em!” If these teachers didn’t cave under his pressures, they just might have a chance at a teaching career… or so he felt. Thankfully, I had kind and loving co-workers –- fellow teachers – who encouraged me and kept me going through these rough patches. One of them would tell me over and over, “Just kill ‘em with kindness.”
Whew! This is a tall order! Have you ever prayed for something – or someone – for a long, long time with no apparent result? Have you ever loved someone and tried to befriend them, and over and over they knocked you down with unkind reactions, hurtful words, or by shutting you out of their life? Have you ever felt like the best option might be to give up and “shake the dust from your feet” and walk away? Or maybe you felt a strong desire to “get even?” I can tell you, I have felt this way more than once!
Here’s the deal… the payback is not up to us – nor is God’s timing. We are going to be challenged. People are going to mistreat us. But that doesn’t mean they need the love of Christ – or our prayers and friendship – any less. You may have to back off and tamp down your efforts to approach someone or have an active relationship with them. You may have to “turn the other cheek.” But you never have to stop praying for them. I promise, prayer does change things – if only our own attitudes about a particular situation.
Look, we may never see a resolution to some of our challenging situations in this lifetime. We may not see evidence of change in those for whom we pray or a visible answer to our prayers for any person or situation. But be assured, God is hearing our prayers, and He welcomes them. When one avenue for loving in the name of Christ closes, we may have to become creative and find another. I often hear people say, “All I can do is pray.” The funny thing is… often this is all we need to do – prayer is enough! Don’t quit… keep loving… keep praying… and watch God work!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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August 2 ~ Romans 12:9-10
Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.
(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 the common sayings these days is, “Love ya – mean it!” People often say this offhandedly – and even sarcastically – to everyone from friends and family members to co-workers. In this Scripture passage, Paul is telling us to do just this… “love others – and mean it! Max Lucado has written a wonderful book called It’s Not About Me, in which he talks about how our focus should be more on Jesus and His purposes and less on our own. Everything we do – everyone we love – should be from the perspective of pleasing Jesus and not ourselves. The question, “What is in it for me?” really shouldn’t cross our minds.
But we do ask this… a lot! When I was in high school, we often had tryouts in band for “chair” assignments. Almost everyone wanted to be “first chair.” The “first chair” got the best parts, which were often the hardest and most challenging – but also the most impressive. Granted, there were a few people who were content to sit on down the row a few chairs, but there was some pretty hefty competition to make “first chair.” The same thing happens in sports and other school activities – “first string” athletes, starting quarterbacks, cheerleading captain, lead actor in a play, soloist in the choir, for instance. “Second fiddle” is not exactly the goal in life, is it?
But in the life of a Christian, “second fiddle” is not a bad thing, if it means putting others’ needs ahead of our own. Serving Jesus instead of self is the goal. Truly loving others – and not having to back that up with a claim – is what Jesus wants from us. Serving in His name – and not our own – is the goal. So love Jesus and others from the center of who you are – and “mean it!” But let your actions speak for themselves. You shouldn’t have to qualify your love with any claim. Love deeply and honestly, with the love of Christ. Be a good friend, and make your love about the other person, not yourself.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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August 1 ~ Romans 8:15-17
This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us - an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with 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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Today is my cousin’s 11th wedding anniversary. It is also the wedding day of a young family friend. I know some of you think marriage is either far off in your future, or you are thinking you might never marry. But almost everyone who has married… or even started a new relationship… remembers those early feelings of excitement and anticipation. You couldn’t wait to be with your significant other again… you wondered, “What’s next?”
As a relationship “settles,” the times of excitement and adventure may become less frequent as “real life” takes over. There will be good times to share, but also hard times. It’s the same with Jesus. We have “seasons” when we are so excited and anticipating the “next thing” that He has in store for us… and there are times when we cry out to God and ask, “When will this sadness or struggle end?” There are two distinct things to remember about our relationship with Christ that sets it apart from any other…
- Whatever we endure… Christ endures it with us. We hope that our spouse or significant other will endure everything with us, but that isn’t always the case. And honestly, there is no human being who can endure what we endure with us like Christ… no human can possibly understand our thoughts, feelings, joys and heartaches like He does.
- Our relationship with Christ comes with a reward – an inheritance – Eternity spent with our Heavenly Father! Earthly relationships have rewards and payoffs, but nothing on the scale of Eternity in Heaven!
For those of you who are married, I hope and pray that after many years of marriage, the excitement and anticipation is still there… at least from time to time! I pray that my young friend and her new husband share their hard times and good times and enjoy a long and prosperous marriage. If you are in a committed relationship, I pray that you truly do share the joys and the struggles. But most importantly, I pray that we would all “take the plunge” and commit to a relationship with Jesus Christ – for this lifetime and all Eternity. No one – NOTHING – can compare to Jesus! He will stick with us through thick and thin… and then bless us with an Eternity in His presence. With Christ, we can ask, “What’s next, Papa?” and know that the answer will be absolutely amazing!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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