Daily Devotional for February 10, 2010

February 10 ~ John 16:23-26
When that time comes, you won't have to ask me about anything. I tell you for certain that the Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name. You have not asked for anything in this way before, but now you must ask in my name. Then it will be given to you, so that you will be completely happy. I have used examples to explain to you what I have been talking about. But the time will come when I will speak to you plainly about the Father and will no longer use examples like these. You will ask the Father in my name, and I won't have to ask him for you.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

My husband and I keep our 9-month-old great-nephew, Timmy, several days a week while his mother works and attends college. We never had children of our own, and it’s been several years since I spent much time with a baby. So I have a LOT of questions. There’s an old saying that “Babies don’t come with instructions,” and that’s true! But thankfully, I have a bevy of wonderful experienced mothers I can call… and the Internet for other answers. So I don’t have to wonder if I’m caring for Timmy in the right way.

Sometimes, the answers to our questions are not so readily available. I have heard more than one person who had just lost a loved one say, “I picked up the phone to ask Dad such-and-such, and then I remembered he’s gone,” or “I was going to make Mom’s famous recipe for “whatever” – and I realized that I didn’t have it… and now I can’t ask her how to make it!” And SOME answers, like “Why does God allow children to suffer?” or “Why doesn’t God prevent natural disasters?” will just not be answered this side of heaven!

But the good news is that some day we WILL have all of the answers. I honestly believe that we are not supposed to understand everything about how God operates, because 1) we would not be able to handle it all; and 2) we would lose our need to trust Him and walk in faith that He will sustain us. We can always go to God and ask anything, in the name of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for us. We can even question why children suffer, wars take place, and natural disasters wipe out entire villages and communities. We can question anything and everything.

Does that mean God will always answer us quickly and in a way we expect? Absolutely not! But He will answer, in the best manner for us at the time. And some day, every single answer to every question we have will be available in heaven. I have a feeling when I get there, the questions/answers I have will no longer matter. But just in case… I’ve got a short list! Meanwhile, I’m leaning on God to meet my daily needs and answer my prayers as He sees fit. He has never failed me yet… and I know He never will.

©2009 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 9, 2010

February 9 ~ John 14:11-13
Have faith in me when I say that the Father is one with me and that I am one with the Father. Or else have faith in me simply because of the things I do. I tell you for certain that if you have faith in me, you will do the same things that I am doing. You will do even greater things, now that I am going back to the Father. Ask me, and I will do whatever you ask. This way the Son will bring honor to the Father. I will do whatever you ask me to do.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I don’t know about you, but there are days when I don’t feel like I’m very effective as a Christian. And honestly, I sometimes wonder why we do the things we do. It is easy for Christians to become discouraged – not because of anything God does or does not do… but because we expect God to operate on our terms and time table.

This is not always done consciously… but if we are honest, don’t we all wonder from time to time WHY God allows certain things to happen or WHEN God will answer our prayers? Don’t we grow impatient? Don’t we lack faith and trust? Sometimes, I catch myself saying, “Father, I KNOW you are handling this for me, I BELIEVE you are in charge, and certainly nothing I do is adequate. But could you PLEASE hurry up? Could you PLEASE give me some indication that this will work out and all be okay?” And you know what? God HAS answered. He sent Jesus, His only Son, to die on the cross for our sins. He resurrected Christ from the grave and returned Him to heaven. And because of JESUS, we can ask anything in His name, and God will handle it for us.

Does this mean that He answers exactly as we ask? No! Does this mean we always get everything we want? Certainly not! God knows what we truly need. His answers – and His timing – are always perfect. Believing and trusting this is often hard – I know firsthand! But we MUST believe it. We MUST trust that God hears our prayers and answers. We must “keep on keepin’ on!” and serving faithfully – and confidently.

Sunday when our church worshipped in Holy Communion, I confessed to God that I have not been as trusting and faithful as I should… but I vowed to do better. I “ate of the body and drank of the cup” and committed to faithfully serving with Christ. You don’t have to partake of Holy Communion to do this – you can stop what you are doing right now and recommit to a life of faithfulness. Don’t you want to live in confidence that God is meeting your needs and answering your prayers? Won’t you ask Him, in the name of Jesus Christ, to do just that?

©2009 Debbie Robus

December 2009 Devotionals - Week 3

December 21 ~ Hebrews 4:12
What God has said isn't only alive and active! It is sharper than any double-edged sword. His word can cut through our spirits and souls and through our joints and marrow, until it discovers the desires and thoughts of our hearts.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

If you have ever cut up a chicken, you know that a good, sharp knife is required to cut through the bones and joints. If you have ever cut into a watermelon, you know that a good sharp knife makes this task much easier and quicker, and gets you to the deepest “meat” of the melon. This passage compares God’s word to a sharp knife that can cut through our body to get to the deepest parts of our soul and reach our innermost thoughts and desires.

Many of us have spent a lot of time trying to keep those thoughts and desires hidden – even buried – so that others don’t see who we truly are. And some of us have done such a good job of hiding our feelings that we don’t even know ourselves what we really think and feel about some things. But God’s word can cut straight through. It can penetrate the deepest, darkest regions of our mind and heart. And the best part is that where we are impure in thought and feeling, God’s word can change us! God’s word can work in us to bring about a renewed mind and heart… I’ve seen it for myself and in others!

Get into God’s word… study what He has to say to us about everything that matters. Let it really soak in… let it cut through the joints and marrow, spirit and soul and get straight to your heart and mind. The answers are there… the solutions to all of your problems lie within the Word… the healing, peace, comfort and joy of a life in God can be found there, too. If you keep reading in Hebrews 4, you will see that nothing in our heart and mind is hidden from God – He knows the truth. And verse 15-16 says that “Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Come before God and let him use the “knife” of His word to reveal to you areas that could use some help – then let Him do the work to change you from the inside out and “remodel” your heart and mind.

©2009 Debbie Robus

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December 20 ~ Titus 2:14
He gave himself to rescue us from everything that is evil and to make our hearts pure. He wanted us to be his own people and to be eager to do right.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

If you have watched very many infomercials on television, you know that there is a pill or a “fix” for virtually every problem. Have a tummy bulge? There’s a machine, belt or DVD that will help you melt it away. Losing your hair? There are creams and cures for that. Acne? Not a problem… just try the regimens offered on late-night TV! Lost your job? Buy real estate with “no money down,” or work from home selling cheap “gifts and home décor” to others.

The trouble with these products is that the driving force behind them is not pure. I guess the best thing I heard about one of these was the news reporter on a local television station who does “We Try It Before You Buy It.” He tried those miracle globes that are supposed to water your plants for you. Trouble is… you still have to remember to water the globes! So much for not having to remember to water your plants! And that’s how it is with so many shortcuts and gimmicks in life… they don’t offer a complete package.

But JESUS offers the complete package. He gave His life to save ours… HE is “the cure for what ails us.” He died so that we could live… and live well. He took all of the evil on Himself, so that we could live pure lives. So why aren’t we? What’s stopping us? I believe it is a matter of committing our hearts to Him – FULLY! That means we can’t hold on to prejudice, judgment, gossip, selfishness, indiscretion, discrimination, unkindness – or anything else that is in any way impure.

It isn’t easy, and becoming completely pure in heart is a process… it doesn’t happen overnight. But with God’s help, our hearts can grow more pure every day – and honor Jesus and His sacrifice in the bargain. Are you ready to truly be Christ’s own – are you eager to do right? Are you at least willing to try? Ask God to help you release anything impure in your heart… begin to make the move toward Him, and He will draw you nearer every day.

©2009 Debbie Robus

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December 19 ~ Titus 1:15
Everything is pure for someone whose heart is pure. But nothing is pure for an unbeliever with a dirty mind. That person's mind and conscience are destroyed.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

Remember how your mom always told you to be sure you had on clean underwear? Let’s be real… who’s to know? Oh, sure… there is that remote possibility you will be run over by a bus. But most days, nobody else will ever know how clean your drawers are! But just because people don’t see that you have on clean or tattered underwear doesn’t make a difference. YOU know what you are wearing underneath your clothes.

In the same way, it matters what is in your heart and mind. Many people talk a good game. They go to church on Sunday, sing loudest during the hymns and worship songs, and even do good deeds for others in their church and community. They write fat checks for missions and visit the sick and elderly, and appear to be Godly and pure. Then they sit at home and harbor hatred for other races and ethnicities. They feel disgust and disdain for others – even family members and friends – and in their heart and mind, they are critical and hateful. They hold grudges and pass judgments on others – for things as mundane as appearance and as large as legitimate injustices.

And in all of this, every “good deed” is negated. Every praise, every mission, every outward action of a Godly person is totally destroyed if his/her head and heart harbor impure feelings. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t appear to love God and serve Him and harbor unkind sentiments – even if you keep them to yourself. You can’t worship and minister – and hate. This is the “dirty mind” of which scripture speaks – a mind that is corrupt and impure. If you are going to really serve God – if you are truly a disciple of Jesus Christ – you heart has to have on “clean underwear” - your heart and mind must be clean and pure, too. How pure are your thoughts and feelings? What are you wearing today?

©2009 Debbie Robus

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December 18 ~ 2 Timothy 2:22
Run from temptations that capture young people. Always do the right thing. Be faithful, loving, and easy to get along with. Worship with people whose hearts are pure.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

Have you ever been in a situation where you knew in your heart you shouldn’t be there, but rather than look like a wimp or a “goody-two-shoes,” you just sat back and watched things unfold. You didn’t participate, but you didn’t leave or say anything, either. Maybe you went to a party with friends who were drinking or taking drugs or doing something else they shouldn’t. Maybe you were in a store where friends were shoplifting, and you looked away. Maybe you were with a group of people who were spreading vicious gossip, and you said nothing.

Maybe you were at a Bible study where someone started to speak unkindly about a group of people or another person… criticizing them and judging them - and claiming it was in the name of the Lord… and you didn’t challenge their comments. Maybe you worship in a church where subtle hints that only certain socio-economic and/or ethnicities are welcome. Maybe you think these things are okay!

The Bible is very clear. God uses Paul’s letters to tell us that we are always to do the right thing. Notice, he didn’t say the POPULAR thing… he said, “do the right thing.” Run from temptations. Stand up for your convictions and what you know is right in God’s eyes. Be faithful, loving and easy to get along with. In other words, don’t come down on your friends for their choices, but lovingly let them know you are not willing to participate. If you are involved in a church or a group within your church where hearts are hard and attitudes are not Godly, ask God to show you how to proceed. In all things, ask God to show you when to speak up, and when to walk away and find new friends and acquaintances. But don’t compromise your values – or your faith. Keep your heart pure and filled with the Holy Spirit at all times – then follow His lead. God will bless your efforts, and you will know you did the right thing in His eyes.

©2009 Debbie Robus
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December 17 ~ Philippians 1:3-11
Every time I think of you, I thank my God. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy. This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it. God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.

You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work that God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail. God himself knows how much I want to see you. He knows that I care for you in the same way that Christ Jesus does.

I pray that your love will keep on growing and that you will fully know and understand how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

Recently I have begun to reconnect on Facebook with teacher co-workers and students from my days as an elementary school kindergarten teacher. I taught for nine years and “retired” from that career at age 29. As I reflect on that time in my life, I often am somewhat embarrassed at how poorly I handled many situations. I let myself get caught up in petty disagreements. I failed to realize that a tyrannical administrator was dealing with demons I couldn’t imagine. I could have been more sympathetic toward parents at times. Now that I feel I have the wisdom and maturity to really make a difference in children’s lives, I no longer have the physical stamina required! Even then, I collapsed on Friday nights before 9:00, exhausted from the week of keeping up with 25-28 five-year-olds all day!

The one thing I did right was love my children… every one of them. I didn’t realize then that this love was the most valuable gift I could give them… more valuable than teaching them phonics, shapes and colors, or how to tie their shoes. For approximately 1300 hours over 9 months, these children knew that I loved and cared for them and would nurture them each day. And now, as I read the posts on Facebook, I see that many of “my children” are doing very well. I worship each Sunday with some of them and delight in seeing them serve God and bring up their children to know and love Him. I see students coaching community Little League teams… while others are youth pastors in churches and medical missionaries abroad, nurses, parents, teachers and more.

I see that God used me, even when I was “young and dumb (unaware),” to minister to others. And as I have grown in my faith, I hope I make better choices each day and minister in His name with “innocence and purity.” My point is, if God can use us even when we don’t realize it… if He can work in and through us even when we make bonehead decisions – and occasional selfish choices – think how He can use us when we focus on Him! Think how we could further His kingdom if we were consciously trying to serve Him well! I have been so blessed to watch many of my students in their ministry efforts. I can’t begin to imagine the outcome if I had been more diligent! Maybe in another 20 years I will be blown away at the evidence!

Every time I think of my students, I smile and thank God I had the chance to play even a small part in their development. Today, I thank God for the opportunity to share His word with YOU! Who has a special place in your heart – and makes you thankful to God? Who is God leading you to love and serve through Him? What choices are you making? Are you consciously asking God to help you make a difference each day? Is your love for Him – and the outpouring toward others – continually growing? Are you busy doing good deeds to bring Him glory?

©2009 Debbie Robus

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December 16 ~ Ephesians 3:14-21
I kneel in prayer to the Father. All beings in heaven and on earth receive their life from him. God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you become strong followers and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. I pray that you and all of God's people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. I want you to know all about Christ's love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is. I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

There is a great little song we teach to children in Sunday School classes or VBS called “Deep and Wide.” Kids love this song, because they can make the motions as they sing – one hand spaced a few inches above the other, palms in, to denote “deep”… and then spread wide apart to depict “wide.” And there is a line that says, “There’s a fountain flowing…” and you wiggle your fingers and simulate a fountain flowing down the front of your body. I’ve sung this song with my cousin Olivia since she was about two, and she loves it! I can’t wait to teach it to baby Timothy!

As entertaining as this song is for children, there is a HUGE meaning in it for all ages. Deep and wide – that describes how big God’s love is for us. The “fountain flowing” indicates that there is no beginning or end… God’s love and blessings continually come to us and fill us. So many of us miss this. Oh, sure, we know that God loves us. We know He blesses our lives. But we truly do not understand the depth and width of our God! We do not understand how truly impossible He is to measure! We have no clue how much God can do in and through us, because we don’t recognize His true power and vastness!

How do we improve in this area? Do what Paul suggests… become strong followers of Christ… stand firm and be deeply rooted in His love… praise God and bring praise to Him. And I would add… open your heart and mind to the possibilities. Invite God in and give Him room to work! Give Him your heart and watch how He fills it with more than you can ever measure, explain, or imagine! Seize the power of God and let Him fill you “deep and wide.”

©2009 Debbie Robus

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December 15 ~ Ephesians 1:18
My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God's people

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

Some of you know that my husband and I are helping with the care of our great-nephew, Timothy, while his mother works and goes to college. He is “a light that floods our hearts” whenever we see him. As we watch him grow and learn new things, we are overjoyed. It seems like we laugh and smile more these days!

Did you know that God laughs and smiles with joy at us – His children! Do you understand that He chose each and every one of us to belong to Him? And just like we want to lavish love and care on our baby Timothy, God wants to bless us – you and me - beyond anything we could ever imagine. But in order to do this, we have to let Him into our hearts. His light has to flood our hearts. We have to truly understand how powerful and mighty God is – and allow Him to work in and through us.

Lately, I have spent time in prayer about several issues in my life and the lives of others. I have truly surrendered more than one of these issues to God… and then I have marveled at how He handled them for me. And you know what? In every case, His answer and resolution was far better than anything I could ever have even imagined… and certainly more than what I could have accomplished on my own. The more I see how God works when I allow Him to fill my heart, the more I see how ridiculous it is for me to try to handle things myself – much less without Him. I’m telling you the truth… the more you allow the light of Christ to flood your heart - the more you understand how much God wants to give you - the more blessed you will be.

What do you have to lose? Give God a chance to work in your life – you will be amazed at what happens!

©2009 Debbie Robus

October 2009 Devos

October 7 ~ Luke 6:12
About that time Jesus went off to a mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night there.

Luke 9:28
About eight days later Jesus took Peter, John, and James with him and went up on a mountain to pray.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

You might be wondering what on earth JESUS needed to pray about! Maybe a better way to look at this is to consider that even Jesus spent time talking with God. He realized that a time of quiet meditation with Father God was important. And then He took His disciples and showed them how to engage in quiet prayer time. Clearly, quiet prayer time is important!

I will be the first to admit that I am not good at consistently spending time each day in quiet prayer… much like I am not good at making time for a daily workout. Other things get in the way. For you it may be school and after-school activities, church activities, your family, a job, your own children and family, or even poor health. But just like our body needs exercise, so does our soul… in the form of prayer.

I need to do better at both forms of exercise… and I am going to work on this. I’ve found a “system” that seems to work for me, and I am going to do better at implementing this “system.” For me, the best way to do this is to take a daily walk… and to pray while I’m walking! On bad-weather days, when I walk on the treadmill, I need to either turn off my DVR and spend that time in prayer, too. Or, I need to set aside other time to sit and quietly meditate on God and talk with Him. For you, the best time to pray might be right after you read these daily devotionals. You don’t have to pray for a certain length of time, but you don’t need to rush through it, either. Just sit quietly for however long God leads you, and talk to Him… listen to Him… meditate on the Father and what He has to tell you. We don’t have to go to a mountain to pray, but I think Jesus’ point in doing so was to emphasize the need to get away from the noise and busyness of life and set aside time each day to talk to God. If Jesus needed quiet prayer time, surely so do we.

©2009 Debbie Robus

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October 6 ~ Acts 6:2-7
The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, "We should not give up preaching God's message in order to serve at tables. My friends, choose seven men who are respected and wise and filled with God's Spirit. We will put them in charge of these things. We can spend our time praying and serving God by preaching." This suggestion pleased everyone, and they began by choosing Stephen. He had great faith and was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they chose Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and also Nicolaus, who worshiped with the Jewish people in Antioch. These men were brought to the apostles. Then the apostles prayed and placed their hands on the men to show that they had been chosen to do this work. God's message spread, and many more people in Jerusalem became followers. Even a large number of priests put their faith in the Lord.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

One human being can’t do it all. We each have a job to do, especially when it comes to serving Christ. The disciples were wise enough to realize that their efforts needed to be focused on praying and preaching. They needed someone else to settle disagreements and run the day-to-day business of ministry. The disciples placed hands on some Godly men, prayed, and anointed them to handle the “business” side of the church work.

What I want you to realize from this passage is that everyone has a purpose… and a ministry. No person can do everything alone. YOU have been called by God to serve in some capacity… even if you are a teenager or a senior citizen. God didn’t just call young adults to do the work. Teenagers can use the tools at their disposal – texting, Facebook, and more – to reach others for Christ. Or they can do mission work to help those in their community who are not able to do things around the home, mentor young children, and assist with church activities. Even shut-ins who are experiencing poor health can be called as prayer warriors. There is a job for everyone.

So let’s all get busy praying and asking God to show us where we fit into His plan for ministry. Feel His hands on you, anointing you to do whatever He has called you to do to serve in His name, further His work, and bring others into His kingdom. You have been chosen to do specific things for God. Do you know what they are?

©2009 Debbie Robus

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October 5 ~ Acts 4:29
Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

Fear is a huge motivator. We fear all sorts of things – rejection, ridicule, loss, illness, pain and suffering, death. I come from a long line of worry worts! Some of my family members have made a career out of worry over anything and everything. When I was in college, I read a book by a man named Dale Carnegie called How to Stop Worrying and Start Living (©1948 The Chaucer Press, Ltd). Carnegie listed the “Fundamental Facts You Should Know About Worry”:

1. If you want to avoid worry, do what Sir William Osler did: Live in "day-tight compartments." Don't stew about the future. Just live each day until bedtime.
2. The next time Trouble--with a Capital T--backs you up in a corner, try the magic formula of Willis H. Carrier:
   a. Ask yourself, "What is the worst that can possibly happen if I can't solve my problem?
   b. Prepare yourself mentally to accept the worst--if necessary.
   c. Then calmly try to improve upon the worst--which you have already mentally agreed to accept.
3. Remind yourself of the exorbitant price you can pay for worry in terms of your health. "Those who do not know how to fight worry die young."

To this day, I have remembered the steps the “magic formula” in point #2. I find myself often asking, “What is the worst that can possibly happen?” and “Am I prepared to handle it?” Let’s say that living for Jesus could cost you your friends… won’t God bring you new ones? What if it costs you a significant other, a mate, or your parents? Can’t God bring other people or activities into your life to fill the emptiness? What if you give up old habits and bad influences to serve God… will He bless your efforts? Yes, bad things happen – and I don’t mean to be flip about the loss of relationships/family/friends. But generally, the “worst” that can happen isn’t that bad in the light of day. And in terms of serving God and His blessings, it’s nothing at all!

The disciples knew what spreading the Good News had cost Jesus. They saw first-hand the suffering and sacrifice… and yet Jesus kept preaching, and they were willing to follow. But they knew the key to making this all work was asking God to help them! So study these “Fundamental Facts You Should Know About Worry” and start trying them in your own life. BUT… remember to ask God to guide you. His help will make the difference in whether or not you are successful at conquering your fears and worries. God’s wisdom is the key to making this work!

©2009 Debbie Robus

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October 4 ~ Acts 1:24-25
Then they all prayed, "Lord, you know what everyone is like! Show us the one you have chosen to be an apostle and to serve in place of Judas, who got what he deserved." They drew names, and Matthias was chosen to join the group of the eleven apostles.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

We all make choices every day. Some are simple – like what to eat for lunch or dinner. Others are more difficult… choosing a career, a spouse, who to hire for a particular job, or which candidate would make the best leader. Many of the choices we have to make in life are beyond what we can wisely decide on our own. If we are smart, we will seek the guidance and advice of someone who is more experienced and wiser than we are. And if we are really smart, we will prayerfully ask God to help us with our decisions.

I find it very interesting that the disciples prayed for the Lord to show them who to pick to replace Judas, and then they drew names! Now, maybe the Lord told them to do it this way. And maybe Matthias was really His choice. But how many times do we ask God to show us what to do, and then in essence, we toss a coin to make our decision? How often do we truly ask God’s advice – and then wait to receive it, much less take it?

We need to learn to be more patient in our conversations with the Lord. We need to realize that His timing is perfect… and wait for a clear, distinct answer from Him for all of our needs. God will always answer on time. So if it seems like an answer isn’t coming as quickly as you had hoped, chill out and wait. God knows the need… and He will meet it when the time is right. Coin tosses at football games are one thing – but in the important questions of life, this will simply not suffice. Ask God to help you with all important decisions… and even some of those you feel aren’t so important… then wait for His answer. See how much better the outcomes can be for all concerned.

©2009 Debbie Robus
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October 3 ~ 2 Chronicles 6:41
Come to your new home, where we have already placed the sacred chest, which is the symbol of your strength. I pray that when the priests announce your power to save people, those who are faithful to you will celebrate what you've done for them.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

Have you ever watched one of those shows where someone buys a house, makes upgrades and renovations, and then invites the previous owner back to see what was done? It doesn’t always go well. Often the previous owner is not pleased with the changes. But the new owner did not make the changes to please the previous owner. Those changes were done to please the new residents.

In our spiritual life, our heart, mind, and soul are our home… the place where we wish for the Holy Spirit to dwell. And unlike a physical dwelling, we want any changes we make to our “Spiritual home” to be pleasing to God, not us! We want the Holy Spirit to be delighted and glorified by our “improvements.” We should desire that the Holy Spirit would find our “home” a celebration of what God has done for us… and a platform for Him to bless and save others.

When I pray, I often say, “Come Holy Spirit.” I invite Him to dwell within me and to be a part of everything I say and do. I know that the Holy Spirit is always with me, but I like to think that this invitation is an acknowledgment of His presence and a recognition of His power to work in and through me. Today, I pray that you will invite the Holy Spirit to your “Spiritual home.” More importantly, I pray that He will be pleased with what He finds there… that your changes will honor and glorify our Heavenly Father and celebrate His power in and through your life.

©2009 Debbie Robus

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October 2 ~ Ephesians 6:18-20
Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people. Pray that I will be given the message to speak and that I may fearlessly explain the mystery about the good news. I was sent to do this work, and that's the reason I am in jail. So pray that I will be brave and will speak as I should.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

Have you ever started a new workout program or diet? The first day, you are psyched… “This is gonna be great!” you may think… and you follow the plan to the letter, anticipating that buff/thinner/healthier you in the near future. Then the trouble starts – this really didn’t feel as good as you hoped. Dieting and/or working out were not nearly as much fun as you wanted them to be. Or maybe this was downright unpleasant. You might have even overdone it a bit and come up sick or injured. Maybe you were tempted to say, “That’s it… I’ll never do this again!”

In our Christian life, many of us start out all excited and ready for anything and everything. “Bring it on, Devil…” we may think… “we’re in God’s army now!” But let the first challenge occur… a shift in your friends because of your faith, feeling like your prayers were not answered – or weren’t answered as you wished, trying to do what is right and being “thrown under the bus” by others. Let things go even slightly awry, and we are ready to throw in the towel and give up on God. Let someone ridicule us or reject us, and we are ready to go back to our old ways and wallow in self-pity and misery.

Paul was thrown into jail for preaching the Good News of Jesus, yet he kept right on preaching and praying – and praising God! Even though he knew others were not living as they should, he continued to diligently and sincerely pray for them in the power of the Holy Spirit. This means he didn’t just recite a memorized prayer and say “God bless Joe or Sue…” – he PRAYED for others, immersing himself in the act of prayer and communion with God and humbly, fervently asking Him to meet the needs of others.

The bottom line is that for all of us, it sometimes seems like we just as well quit trying. Living for Jesus doesn’t come without a price. Sometimes this means that our friends, or even our family, desert us. Sometimes living for Jesus costs us our job, our lifestyle, and for some… our very lives. But the “price” for following and serving God is NOTHING compared to the price Jesus paid so that we could have this privilege. When you think of all He did for us, giving up is not an option.

Serving God is more than worth whatever we feel it “costs” us. I’m not saying we have to enjoy the challenges, but we need to embrace them and use them to encourage and motivate us, not drag us down. Be brave and bold, and share the Good News every chance you get. Pray fervently, stay positive, and keep fighting for Jesus… the One who never quits on us!

©2009 Debbie Robus

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October 1 ~ 2 Corinthians 1:11
Please help us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks for the blessings we receive in answer to all these prayers.

(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)

I have to admit, I am having mixed feelings these days about Facebook. Oh, sure… it’s been great to connect – and reconnect – with friends. I enjoy being able to share photos and information quickly with a large group of people… and to see their photos and keep up with their lives. But the looming concern over hackers determining my password and manipulating information – or a virus or malware getting past my anti-virus software and corrupting my computer – has turned me off in a big way. I am particularly leery of the games and “trimmings” offered by Facebook, most of which require access to personal information.

Having said all of this, I have found Facebook to be a great tool for one thing in particular – prayer. Sometimes friends will post a specific prayer request on Facebook, and I am happy to offer my support. But often, there is a hidden need expressed in comments and posts. And that is where the real opportunities lie. When someone posts that they are struggling to study for a test, or their child is sick, or things are hectic and challenging at work, there is a need for prayer included in the post! When someone talks about an impending wedding date, or taking a trip, or practicing for a cross-country meet, friends can pray for them.

When someone mentions an accomplishment or how wonderful a church service or youth meeting at church was – or how well the football team did… there is an opportunity to offer a prayer of thanks – for the blessing, team safety, a chance to worship together, or whatever suits the particular event.

Through something as hi-tech as Facebook, God can be glorified… and others can receive blessings. As you read your posts in the days ahead, look for hidden opportunities to pray… and give thanks for the blessings that will result.

©2009 Debbie Robus