Deuteronomy 6:5
Love GOD, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
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.
My husband and I did not think we could ever love another cat as much as we loved our first two “babies.” We loved them like children for 15 and 19 years respectively… and we grieved their passing deeply. It still makes me teary-eyed to think about our furry companions. Then we got Mabel and Lucy… and 12 years later, we can’t imagine life without them. Even when they are getting into trouble, we love them with all that is in us.
We love all of our nieces, nephews, cousins and little friends madly. And because we have spent so much time with Timothy, he is like our own child… and we love him with all we have - with our whole heart. When you love someone like this, you take on their joys, fears, hurts, heartaches, frustrations… whatever they experience, you feel deeply and internalize. This kind of love is incredibly personal and profound.
The question is… “Do we feel this same connection with God?” We’re supposed to! We are supposed to love God with our whole heart… to feel such a profound, personal connection to Him that we love what He loves... and who He loves. We are supposed to grieve over things that break His heart… and take great pride and joy in things that please and glorify Him. But I’m not sure that we always experience God in this way. I’m not sure that we fully commit our heart to Him in such a deep, intense manner, or that we spend a significant portion of each day thinking about Him.
How is it that the love we so easily give to a child or a pet… a significant other… or even a hobby or a career… we cannot muster for the God of the Universe? Isn’t it time we did some soul searching? Isn’t it time to love God with all we’ve got? Do you have a deep, abiding “love connection” with God? Shouldn’t you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label God's love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's love. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 26, 2011
Psalm 62: 11-12
God said this once and for all; how many times have I heard it repeated? "Strength comes straight from God." Love to you, Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day's work!
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 been disappointed by someone? Maybe they promised to do something with you and then didn’t show up… or maybe someone said, “I’ll buy that from you,” and then never paid you the money. And maybe you have said, “Never again will I trust So-and-So,” and the next thing you knew, you were hoodwinked again. Maybe he/she played on your sympathies… or maybe they tricked you into doing something… or maybe you just wanted to believe this person might have actually changed, only to find that everything really was the same.
If you have escaped being duped by someone else… good for you! Maybe everyone in your life has always shown up on time, made good on promises, and kept commitments. Maybe all of your loans have always been repaid, and you’ve led a charmed life.
One thing is for certain… God will always make good on His promises. He always “pays a fair wage for a good day’s work,” even though I’m afraid we don’t do the same for Him. In ways great and small, we are unreliable, undependable, and untrustworthy with our Heavenly Father. Yet He strengthens us and gives us hope and courage for whatever we face. He loves us, even though we are incredibly unlovely! God’s love, grace and mercy last, yet we tend to be as fickle as the spores on a dandelion… here one second and blowing in the wind the next!
If you go back and read the first two verses of this Psalm again, you will see that it says, “God, the one and only – I’ll wait as long as He says.” We grow so impatient… our faith and trust is so momentary. If God doesn’t answer us like we want… right away… we dismiss Him. We offer more patience to untrustworthy friends and acquaintances than we do our Heavenly Father! It’s time we realized Who really loves us. It’s time we gave our attention and devotion to The One who gives us our real strength! Who do you love? Where are you seeking strength… are you looking in the right direction?
©2011 Debbie Robus
God said this once and for all; how many times have I heard it repeated? "Strength comes straight from God." Love to you, Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day's work!
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 been disappointed by someone? Maybe they promised to do something with you and then didn’t show up… or maybe someone said, “I’ll buy that from you,” and then never paid you the money. And maybe you have said, “Never again will I trust So-and-So,” and the next thing you knew, you were hoodwinked again. Maybe he/she played on your sympathies… or maybe they tricked you into doing something… or maybe you just wanted to believe this person might have actually changed, only to find that everything really was the same.
If you have escaped being duped by someone else… good for you! Maybe everyone in your life has always shown up on time, made good on promises, and kept commitments. Maybe all of your loans have always been repaid, and you’ve led a charmed life.
One thing is for certain… God will always make good on His promises. He always “pays a fair wage for a good day’s work,” even though I’m afraid we don’t do the same for Him. In ways great and small, we are unreliable, undependable, and untrustworthy with our Heavenly Father. Yet He strengthens us and gives us hope and courage for whatever we face. He loves us, even though we are incredibly unlovely! God’s love, grace and mercy last, yet we tend to be as fickle as the spores on a dandelion… here one second and blowing in the wind the next!
If you go back and read the first two verses of this Psalm again, you will see that it says, “God, the one and only – I’ll wait as long as He says.” We grow so impatient… our faith and trust is so momentary. If God doesn’t answer us like we want… right away… we dismiss Him. We offer more patience to untrustworthy friends and acquaintances than we do our Heavenly Father! It’s time we realized Who really loves us. It’s time we gave our attention and devotion to The One who gives us our real strength! Who do you love? Where are you seeking strength… are you looking in the right direction?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 16, 2011
Exodus 34:5-9
The LORD God came down in a cloud and stood beside Moses there on the mountain. God spoke his holy name, "the LORD." Then he passed in front of Moses and called out, "I am the LORD God. I am merciful and very patient with my people. I show great love, and I can be trusted. I keep my promises to my people forever, but I also punish anyone who sins. When people sin, I punish them and their children, and also their grandchildren and great-grandchildren." Moses quickly bowed down to the ground and worshiped the LORD. He prayed, "LORD, if you really are pleased with me, I pray that you will go with us. It is true that these people are sinful and rebellious, but forgive our sin and let us be your people."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is filled with promises. And being human, we often make promises we cannot keep. Oh, sure… our intentions are often good ones… promises to love someone forever, to stop smoking or drinking… promises to pay back loans or keep in touch with someone. But somehow, “life” gets in the way, as we like to say, and the first thing you know, we’ve broken more promises than we’ve kept.
Aren’t you glad you don’t serve a God who is human and frail? Aren’t you glad that our God keeps His promises… and has since the time of Moses? Doesn’t He deserve our utmost loyalty and devotion… immeasurable trust and confidence… our unfailing obedience? And don’t we often promise all of this… then fall short?
Moses’ prayer should be ours… “forgive our sin and let us be your people” – and because of the blood of Jesus, it can be. God does just this, and more. He understands our humanness and does for us what we cannot seem to do for Him… He loves us even when we break promises to Him and others… and He promises to always do this. God shows us great love, and He can be trusted to keep His promises to us forever. How will you treat Him in return?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD God came down in a cloud and stood beside Moses there on the mountain. God spoke his holy name, "the LORD." Then he passed in front of Moses and called out, "I am the LORD God. I am merciful and very patient with my people. I show great love, and I can be trusted. I keep my promises to my people forever, but I also punish anyone who sins. When people sin, I punish them and their children, and also their grandchildren and great-grandchildren." Moses quickly bowed down to the ground and worshiped the LORD. He prayed, "LORD, if you really are pleased with me, I pray that you will go with us. It is true that these people are sinful and rebellious, but forgive our sin and let us be your people."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is filled with promises. And being human, we often make promises we cannot keep. Oh, sure… our intentions are often good ones… promises to love someone forever, to stop smoking or drinking… promises to pay back loans or keep in touch with someone. But somehow, “life” gets in the way, as we like to say, and the first thing you know, we’ve broken more promises than we’ve kept.
Aren’t you glad you don’t serve a God who is human and frail? Aren’t you glad that our God keeps His promises… and has since the time of Moses? Doesn’t He deserve our utmost loyalty and devotion… immeasurable trust and confidence… our unfailing obedience? And don’t we often promise all of this… then fall short?
Moses’ prayer should be ours… “forgive our sin and let us be your people” – and because of the blood of Jesus, it can be. God does just this, and more. He understands our humanness and does for us what we cannot seem to do for Him… He loves us even when we break promises to Him and others… and He promises to always do this. God shows us great love, and He can be trusted to keep His promises to us forever. How will you treat Him in return?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 15, 2011
Matthew 11:29-30
Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. For some, I’m sure this is a great relief. Not everyone enjoys Valentine’s Day. Movies have been made about it… there are “I Hate Valentine’s” parties, and more. I’ll admit, Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday… and not because I have no one with whom to share it.
As a teenager, I remember the contrast of how it felt to have a special someone to give you a Valentine’s gift – and how it felt when others got them and you didn’t have anyone. When my grandfather died… and again when my father-in-law passed… I felt badly on Valentine’s Day for my grandmother and mother-in-law. My grandfather was not one to send cards, candy and such, but he had his way of showing love for his Valentine. My father-in-law was the card and candy type of guy, and I am sure my mother-in-law received both on many Valentine’s Days.
The year before my dad died, he was very sick and unable to shop for anything for my mom. But he wanted to remember his Valentine. He asked me to “get something for Momma” for Valentine’s Day. I don’t remember everything I got her, but I do remember a book I found that contained copies of love letters that famous people had written throughout history. My mother is a writer and a lover of old books and history. This was perfect for her. I showed it to my dad, and he approved. It’s probably not something he would have chosen if he had done the shopping, but the whole idea was more about the gesture than the gift itself at this point.
You may be thinking, “This devo is really sad,” and in some ways, it is. But I’m telling you all of this to make a point. Not everyone has a “significant other” or even a grandma or great-aunt or uncle or friend to share a Valentine gift with them. But we all have Someone who loves us more than we can imagine, and HE can comfort us even on our saddest, loneliest day. Jesus was the Ultimate Valentine. He died on the cross for us long before we were ever even born… and He loves us more than anyone else ever can or will.
When we are lonely… when we have nobody on Valentine’s Day, the day after, or any other day… we still have Jesus, and nobody else truly matters. Jesus is more than enough. His yoke – what He asks of us – is easy compared to everything else. He will carry our burdens, sorrows and sadness. He will give us peace and joy in return. There may be a bump in the road once in awhile… and Valentine’s Day may still be a groaner for some… but with Jesus, everybody gets a Valentine… the very best One of all.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. For some, I’m sure this is a great relief. Not everyone enjoys Valentine’s Day. Movies have been made about it… there are “I Hate Valentine’s” parties, and more. I’ll admit, Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday… and not because I have no one with whom to share it.
As a teenager, I remember the contrast of how it felt to have a special someone to give you a Valentine’s gift – and how it felt when others got them and you didn’t have anyone. When my grandfather died… and again when my father-in-law passed… I felt badly on Valentine’s Day for my grandmother and mother-in-law. My grandfather was not one to send cards, candy and such, but he had his way of showing love for his Valentine. My father-in-law was the card and candy type of guy, and I am sure my mother-in-law received both on many Valentine’s Days.
The year before my dad died, he was very sick and unable to shop for anything for my mom. But he wanted to remember his Valentine. He asked me to “get something for Momma” for Valentine’s Day. I don’t remember everything I got her, but I do remember a book I found that contained copies of love letters that famous people had written throughout history. My mother is a writer and a lover of old books and history. This was perfect for her. I showed it to my dad, and he approved. It’s probably not something he would have chosen if he had done the shopping, but the whole idea was more about the gesture than the gift itself at this point.
You may be thinking, “This devo is really sad,” and in some ways, it is. But I’m telling you all of this to make a point. Not everyone has a “significant other” or even a grandma or great-aunt or uncle or friend to share a Valentine gift with them. But we all have Someone who loves us more than we can imagine, and HE can comfort us even on our saddest, loneliest day. Jesus was the Ultimate Valentine. He died on the cross for us long before we were ever even born… and He loves us more than anyone else ever can or will.
When we are lonely… when we have nobody on Valentine’s Day, the day after, or any other day… we still have Jesus, and nobody else truly matters. Jesus is more than enough. His yoke – what He asks of us – is easy compared to everything else. He will carry our burdens, sorrows and sadness. He will give us peace and joy in return. There may be a bump in the road once in awhile… and Valentine’s Day may still be a groaner for some… but with Jesus, everybody gets a Valentine… the very best One of all.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2010
Proverbs 6:20-22
Obey the teaching of your parents -- always keep it in mind and never forget it. Their teaching will guide you when you walk, protect you when you sleep, and talk to you when you are awake.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my grandmother was involved in a car accident, and she was treated at our local hospital emergency room for a bruised sternum. This was not a life-threatening injury, but at her age, the ER staff told me she would be woozy the first night and needed someone to stay with her. So I went home with her and spent the night.
My grandmother keeps a very warm house, and I was anything but chilly. However, the next morning, she got up and said, “I woke up in the night and thought… ‘I bet that kid is cold.’” At 53, I scarcely consider myself a kid, but I guess I still am to someone who is 98! And I had to laugh that, at my age, she is still worried about me with a motherly instinct… even when I sleep!
As we watch our baby Timothy learn to walk and run and talk… and we stand over him as he sleeps to make sure he is warm and cozy and safe… I find myself thinking about our Heavenly Parent – our Father God – and how He is constantly looking out for us. He is always teaching us… always talking with us and walking with us … even when we sleep.
Doesn’t this make everything better? Doesn’t it give you a laugh to think that the God of the Universe still considers you His kid and cares about the smallest details of your life? Doesn’t this make you want to live smarter, walk and talk better, and represent Him with honor and glory at every turn?
My prayer today is that we would recognize how God is monitoring our every breath … that we would remember His teachings and strive to continually grow closer to Him in every aspect of our daily living. Always keep God in your mind, and never forget Him. He will never leave your side… even when you sleep… and you will always be His kid.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Obey the teaching of your parents -- always keep it in mind and never forget it. Their teaching will guide you when you walk, protect you when you sleep, and talk to you when you are awake.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my grandmother was involved in a car accident, and she was treated at our local hospital emergency room for a bruised sternum. This was not a life-threatening injury, but at her age, the ER staff told me she would be woozy the first night and needed someone to stay with her. So I went home with her and spent the night.
My grandmother keeps a very warm house, and I was anything but chilly. However, the next morning, she got up and said, “I woke up in the night and thought… ‘I bet that kid is cold.’” At 53, I scarcely consider myself a kid, but I guess I still am to someone who is 98! And I had to laugh that, at my age, she is still worried about me with a motherly instinct… even when I sleep!
As we watch our baby Timothy learn to walk and run and talk… and we stand over him as he sleeps to make sure he is warm and cozy and safe… I find myself thinking about our Heavenly Parent – our Father God – and how He is constantly looking out for us. He is always teaching us… always talking with us and walking with us … even when we sleep.
Doesn’t this make everything better? Doesn’t it give you a laugh to think that the God of the Universe still considers you His kid and cares about the smallest details of your life? Doesn’t this make you want to live smarter, walk and talk better, and represent Him with honor and glory at every turn?
My prayer today is that we would recognize how God is monitoring our every breath … that we would remember His teachings and strive to continually grow closer to Him in every aspect of our daily living. Always keep God in your mind, and never forget Him. He will never leave your side… even when you sleep… and you will always be His kid.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 13, 2010
Psalm 84:9
You are the shield that protects your people, and I am your chosen one. Won't you smile on me?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know many people who don’t respond positively to a smile. I know it is one of the first gestures we develop. Even tiny babies smile. This has to be instinctive… they do it without prompting. And by the same token, they seem to understand a smile at a very early age. All we have to do is smile at Timothy, and he breaks into a wide grin or a giggle. He will often look toward us to see how we will react, and when we smile, it’s clear that he is very pleased and excited.
Have you ever felt God smile? Have you ever felt so covered in His love, protection and blessings that it seemed as if you were looking toward heaven and literally seeing Him smile back at you? Can you remember what you were doing at that moment? Does this happen often…sometimes…not at all?
God wants to smile on each of us. We are His chosen ones…His prize creations. He pours out blessings, protection, mercy, and grace on us in amazingly abundant quantities. What are we giving in return? Are we acting like His children? Are we behaving as if we were personally chosen by God? We should be feeling God’s smile often. We should be walking around feeling so protected – and blessed – that we almost glow with joy that Someone would love us that much. If our “smile quota” is low, it’s not God’s fault.
So what are we going to do to correct this? Examine your life, and ask God to show you where you can make changes that will be pleasing to Him. Everyone loves a smile… and God’s are the best of all. Be sure you are getting them every day!
©2010 Debbie Robus
You are the shield that protects your people, and I am your chosen one. Won't you smile on me?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know many people who don’t respond positively to a smile. I know it is one of the first gestures we develop. Even tiny babies smile. This has to be instinctive… they do it without prompting. And by the same token, they seem to understand a smile at a very early age. All we have to do is smile at Timothy, and he breaks into a wide grin or a giggle. He will often look toward us to see how we will react, and when we smile, it’s clear that he is very pleased and excited.
Have you ever felt God smile? Have you ever felt so covered in His love, protection and blessings that it seemed as if you were looking toward heaven and literally seeing Him smile back at you? Can you remember what you were doing at that moment? Does this happen often…sometimes…not at all?
God wants to smile on each of us. We are His chosen ones…His prize creations. He pours out blessings, protection, mercy, and grace on us in amazingly abundant quantities. What are we giving in return? Are we acting like His children? Are we behaving as if we were personally chosen by God? We should be feeling God’s smile often. We should be walking around feeling so protected – and blessed – that we almost glow with joy that Someone would love us that much. If our “smile quota” is low, it’s not God’s fault.
So what are we going to do to correct this? Examine your life, and ask God to show you where you can make changes that will be pleasing to Him. Everyone loves a smile… and God’s are the best of all. Be sure you are getting them every day!
©2010 Debbie Robus
June 30 ~ Luke 15:31-32
His father replied, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is the ending verses of one of Jesus’ parables, known to us as the story of “The Prodigal Son.” If you start reading in Luke 15 at Verse 11, you will see that a man had two sons, and he divided his wealth between them. One worked hard and honored his father, while the other ran off and partied and spent everything he had inherited on food, wine, and women. When he was penniless and working as a slave for others, he realized that his father’s pigs ate better than he did, so he decided to return to his father on his hands and knees and ask for a job – feeding the livestock or serving in some other way.
The father was so glad to have his son back that he welcomed him and planned a party to celebrate his return. This made the hard-working son mad and jealous… as it would a lot of us. But here’s the deal… think about how hard it was for that “prodigal son” to come home. He must have been scared to death of his father and what he might say and do. And aren’t we the same way? Aren’t we afraid, sometimes, to go to someone with whom we have disagreed or wronged in some way and say to them, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I’m asking you to forgive me.”
More than this, aren’t we often afraid to go to our Heavenly Father and admit that we have sinned against Him? Aren’t we embarrassed by our behavior and lack of respect and honor for God? Does this fear and embarrassment keep us from humbling ourselves before God and asking for His forgiveness? It shouldn’t. Take a good hard look at this passage… and at the father’s answer to the angry, jealous brother. In essence, he said, “You should be glad your brother is back. I have enough love and wealth for both of you. You’ll never lack for anything just because I took your brother back. You still have my love… but your brother needs it, too.”
I’m willing to bet that most of the people you are afraid to approach and apologize to…or mend a relationship with…would be glad to hear from you – if you came with a humble, sincere attitude. And I know that God would be glad to have you back. It’s time to stop being so afraid. It’s time to trust God to protect us and guide our steps… and to take a leap of faith and repair a relationship, mend a fence, apologize to someone we have wronged… and admit our sins and shortcomings to our Heavenly Father. We have operated in fear long enough… and given Satan far too much pleasure and satisfaction in the bargain. Be glad for those who have taken this step – those who were once lost and are now found. And if you need to be next in line… now is the time to start.
©2010 Debbie Robus
His father replied, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is the ending verses of one of Jesus’ parables, known to us as the story of “The Prodigal Son.” If you start reading in Luke 15 at Verse 11, you will see that a man had two sons, and he divided his wealth between them. One worked hard and honored his father, while the other ran off and partied and spent everything he had inherited on food, wine, and women. When he was penniless and working as a slave for others, he realized that his father’s pigs ate better than he did, so he decided to return to his father on his hands and knees and ask for a job – feeding the livestock or serving in some other way.
The father was so glad to have his son back that he welcomed him and planned a party to celebrate his return. This made the hard-working son mad and jealous… as it would a lot of us. But here’s the deal… think about how hard it was for that “prodigal son” to come home. He must have been scared to death of his father and what he might say and do. And aren’t we the same way? Aren’t we afraid, sometimes, to go to someone with whom we have disagreed or wronged in some way and say to them, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I’m asking you to forgive me.”
More than this, aren’t we often afraid to go to our Heavenly Father and admit that we have sinned against Him? Aren’t we embarrassed by our behavior and lack of respect and honor for God? Does this fear and embarrassment keep us from humbling ourselves before God and asking for His forgiveness? It shouldn’t. Take a good hard look at this passage… and at the father’s answer to the angry, jealous brother. In essence, he said, “You should be glad your brother is back. I have enough love and wealth for both of you. You’ll never lack for anything just because I took your brother back. You still have my love… but your brother needs it, too.”
I’m willing to bet that most of the people you are afraid to approach and apologize to…or mend a relationship with…would be glad to hear from you – if you came with a humble, sincere attitude. And I know that God would be glad to have you back. It’s time to stop being so afraid. It’s time to trust God to protect us and guide our steps… and to take a leap of faith and repair a relationship, mend a fence, apologize to someone we have wronged… and admit our sins and shortcomings to our Heavenly Father. We have operated in fear long enough… and given Satan far too much pleasure and satisfaction in the bargain. Be glad for those who have taken this step – those who were once lost and are now found. And if you need to be next in line… now is the time to start.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 27, 2010
June 27 ~ Hebrews 13:6
That should make you feel like saying, "The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid of what people can do to me?"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have heard of “tough love.” This is a behavior modification model that utilizes hard decisions and choices in order to force the other person to change his/her behavior. Examples would be parents who tell a son or daughter who is using drugs or drinking that he/she has to move out of their home until this behavior ceases. Or, a coach may be really stern with his/her players… forcing them to work hard, and using strong language and berating them with criticism on the court or field… but showing them much love and affection otherwise. Sometimes human beings get carried away with this approach, and their “tough love” becomes something far different.
We could argue that God operates in “tough love” sometimes – allowing us to go through things that are not all that pleasant for us – or maybe they challenge us greatly. In the end, they build our faith and strengthen us… and the bottom line is that God never left us… He was there to help us every step of the way. And this is important… because sometimes we go through situations where we have to risk our relationship with other people. We have to say to our friend or loved one, “I am concerned about how you are living. You are making poor choices, and it’s affecting everyone around you. Your behaviors are inappropriate. You need to grow up.” The other person may not appreciate your “concern” or your comments. This person may alienate you, try to discredit you to others, and/or lash out at you and try to hurt you. But if you feel God leading you to confront someone with “tough love,” you must do so.
We see in Hebrews 13:6 that “tough love” practiced under God’s guidance will carry God’s protection. In other words, if God tells you to be bold in your faith about anything toward anyone or any situation, He’s got your back! I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel 1000% better! I know that backlash, retribution, and alienation may still come… at least temporarily… but that’s where the faith comes into play. If we step out for God in faith, He will help us… no weapon formed against us will prosper… and ultimately, we will have nothing to fear.
©2010 Debbie Robus
That should make you feel like saying, "The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid of what people can do to me?"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have heard of “tough love.” This is a behavior modification model that utilizes hard decisions and choices in order to force the other person to change his/her behavior. Examples would be parents who tell a son or daughter who is using drugs or drinking that he/she has to move out of their home until this behavior ceases. Or, a coach may be really stern with his/her players… forcing them to work hard, and using strong language and berating them with criticism on the court or field… but showing them much love and affection otherwise. Sometimes human beings get carried away with this approach, and their “tough love” becomes something far different.
We could argue that God operates in “tough love” sometimes – allowing us to go through things that are not all that pleasant for us – or maybe they challenge us greatly. In the end, they build our faith and strengthen us… and the bottom line is that God never left us… He was there to help us every step of the way. And this is important… because sometimes we go through situations where we have to risk our relationship with other people. We have to say to our friend or loved one, “I am concerned about how you are living. You are making poor choices, and it’s affecting everyone around you. Your behaviors are inappropriate. You need to grow up.” The other person may not appreciate your “concern” or your comments. This person may alienate you, try to discredit you to others, and/or lash out at you and try to hurt you. But if you feel God leading you to confront someone with “tough love,” you must do so.
We see in Hebrews 13:6 that “tough love” practiced under God’s guidance will carry God’s protection. In other words, if God tells you to be bold in your faith about anything toward anyone or any situation, He’s got your back! I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel 1000% better! I know that backlash, retribution, and alienation may still come… at least temporarily… but that’s where the faith comes into play. If we step out for God in faith, He will help us… no weapon formed against us will prosper… and ultimately, we will have nothing to fear.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 25, 2010
June 25 ~ Romans 8:15
God's Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about television fathers of the fifties and sixties (or for some of you, from today’s reruns on TV Land). Consider Andy Griffith, or Fred McMurray’s character on “My Three Sons,” or even Ward Cleaver on “Leave it to Beaver.” These men were “large and in charge” and commanded respect. But when their sons misbehaved or made a mistake, they had nothing to fear. Sure, there were consequences, and sometimes the dads were disappointed or upset. But these fathers lovingly showed their sons their mistakes and how to correct them… and how to avoid repeating them in the future. The sons respected their fathers. Oh, sure, Beaver acted like he was afraid of his dad at times, but he wasn’t really… and he never felt like his slave.
In my mind, God is the same kind of Father as Andy Griffith – only super-sized and far more powerful. God takes things in stride… enjoys my successes, cries when I’m sad, and is disappointed and upset with me when I disobey Him or make wrong choices. But He is not a “slave-owner,” and He is not waiting to beat me into submission… or keep score of every time I’ve failed Him. At the day’s end, I am still His child, and He loves me. He wants me to have the very best He can provide – and to be all that I can be. Like most fathers, He wants me to live up to my full potential as His child – and to get all I can out of life on this earth… and my life in Him. If we are honest, we all want to please our parents. We want to feel that they are proud of us, and that we lived up to their expectations. And God is no exception to this.
If you view God as anything besides loving, just, fair, and taking your best interests to heart, you’ve misunderstood Him. If you think of God as a fierce judge who is waiting with a list of your infractions and a whip and chain to beat you into submission and correction, you are dead wrong. God loves us. He may correct us from time to time or allow us to suffer consequences of our actions, but He does not want us to serve Him out of fear. If you have any feelings toward God other than love and a healthy respect and reverence, I encourage you to spend some time reading His word and getting to really know him. Go to www.biblegateway.com and do a keyword search for “God’s love,” or “love of God” or other phrases about our Father and His love. See for yourself how deeply He cares. Discover Him in a new way, and serve Him joyfully as His child… and not a slave. God wants us to serve Him willingly and out of a deep joy and love. He’s worthy of that, and more. Find out why… and get busy being His child.
©2010 Debbie Robus
God's Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about television fathers of the fifties and sixties (or for some of you, from today’s reruns on TV Land). Consider Andy Griffith, or Fred McMurray’s character on “My Three Sons,” or even Ward Cleaver on “Leave it to Beaver.” These men were “large and in charge” and commanded respect. But when their sons misbehaved or made a mistake, they had nothing to fear. Sure, there were consequences, and sometimes the dads were disappointed or upset. But these fathers lovingly showed their sons their mistakes and how to correct them… and how to avoid repeating them in the future. The sons respected their fathers. Oh, sure, Beaver acted like he was afraid of his dad at times, but he wasn’t really… and he never felt like his slave.
In my mind, God is the same kind of Father as Andy Griffith – only super-sized and far more powerful. God takes things in stride… enjoys my successes, cries when I’m sad, and is disappointed and upset with me when I disobey Him or make wrong choices. But He is not a “slave-owner,” and He is not waiting to beat me into submission… or keep score of every time I’ve failed Him. At the day’s end, I am still His child, and He loves me. He wants me to have the very best He can provide – and to be all that I can be. Like most fathers, He wants me to live up to my full potential as His child – and to get all I can out of life on this earth… and my life in Him. If we are honest, we all want to please our parents. We want to feel that they are proud of us, and that we lived up to their expectations. And God is no exception to this.
If you view God as anything besides loving, just, fair, and taking your best interests to heart, you’ve misunderstood Him. If you think of God as a fierce judge who is waiting with a list of your infractions and a whip and chain to beat you into submission and correction, you are dead wrong. God loves us. He may correct us from time to time or allow us to suffer consequences of our actions, but He does not want us to serve Him out of fear. If you have any feelings toward God other than love and a healthy respect and reverence, I encourage you to spend some time reading His word and getting to really know him. Go to www.biblegateway.com and do a keyword search for “God’s love,” or “love of God” or other phrases about our Father and His love. See for yourself how deeply He cares. Discover Him in a new way, and serve Him joyfully as His child… and not a slave. God wants us to serve Him willingly and out of a deep joy and love. He’s worthy of that, and more. Find out why… and get busy being His child.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 22, 2010
June 22 ~ Matthew 10:31
Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Lately, the talk of our neighborhood has been wild “critters” that are tearing up our yards and eating our flowers. We’ve got deer, rabbits, raccoons, foxes, opossums, armadillos, squirrels, chipmunks, and more! At a recent neighborhood luncheon, methods of protecting vegetation and dealing with “pests” were discussed. And while I am not happy about animals tearing up the expensive new sod we just laid this summer, I thought about these animals and how much I enjoy watching them play and run through our yard.
One morning last week, I looked up and three small birds – maybe wrens or sparrows? – were buzzing around the hanging flower baskets and perched on our back porch ceiling fan. My first thought was… they are looking for a nesting spot! So I went out and clapped my hands and sent them packing! Later, I thought about how important all of these backyard “critters” are to God. He knows every single one of them by name! We don’t know their names, but God does. He numbers the hairs on their body… the feathers on a sparrow’s wing… the flutters of a hummingbird’s wings as it gathers nectar from my petunias.
Stop and think about this… the same God who sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross also knows how many feathers are on a sparrow – and how many hairs are on your head. The same God who moves mountains and created oceans and the universe knows each of us not only by name – He also knows every miniscule thought we ever have! He has the power to change oceans to dry deserts – and to handle our silliest of problems. And He is willing to do whatever we need in order to keep us safe and in line with His will.
So why is it we find trusting Him to be so hard? Why are we so fearful, knowing Who has our back? Why do we value ourselves in God’s eyes as less than even a sparrow? Isn’t it time we changed our attitude and realized our true value? Isn’t it time to let go – and let God have control? Is today the day we start living in, through, and for Him? Shouldn’t it be?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Lately, the talk of our neighborhood has been wild “critters” that are tearing up our yards and eating our flowers. We’ve got deer, rabbits, raccoons, foxes, opossums, armadillos, squirrels, chipmunks, and more! At a recent neighborhood luncheon, methods of protecting vegetation and dealing with “pests” were discussed. And while I am not happy about animals tearing up the expensive new sod we just laid this summer, I thought about these animals and how much I enjoy watching them play and run through our yard.
One morning last week, I looked up and three small birds – maybe wrens or sparrows? – were buzzing around the hanging flower baskets and perched on our back porch ceiling fan. My first thought was… they are looking for a nesting spot! So I went out and clapped my hands and sent them packing! Later, I thought about how important all of these backyard “critters” are to God. He knows every single one of them by name! We don’t know their names, but God does. He numbers the hairs on their body… the feathers on a sparrow’s wing… the flutters of a hummingbird’s wings as it gathers nectar from my petunias.
Stop and think about this… the same God who sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross also knows how many feathers are on a sparrow – and how many hairs are on your head. The same God who moves mountains and created oceans and the universe knows each of us not only by name – He also knows every miniscule thought we ever have! He has the power to change oceans to dry deserts – and to handle our silliest of problems. And He is willing to do whatever we need in order to keep us safe and in line with His will.
So why is it we find trusting Him to be so hard? Why are we so fearful, knowing Who has our back? Why do we value ourselves in God’s eyes as less than even a sparrow? Isn’t it time we changed our attitude and realized our true value? Isn’t it time to let go – and let God have control? Is today the day we start living in, through, and for Him? Shouldn’t it be?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 20, 2010
June 20 ~ Haggai 2:5
...just as I promised your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt. Don't worry. My Spirit is right here with you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember a time in your life when you felt like you were out of options? Maybe you were failing a class, and you knew there was nothing you could do to bring your grade up in time. Maybe you were losing a loved one – even a pet – and you were told, “I’m sorry – we’ve done all we can do.” Maybe your relationship with a friend, spouse, or significant other was failing, and you realized there was no way to restore it. Or maybe you lost your job and had no prospects for another one – and no money to pay bills or even buy food. If you cannot come up with a single time when your options were exhausted – or severely limited, you are a rare gem! If you are like most people, there has been at least one time in your life where you felt quite desperate.
I thank God that my “desperate” times have been few and far between. I’ve never missed a meal or been unable to pay bills. I never failed a class. But I remember distinctly the finality of death and a terminal diagnosis for loved ones. I know the overwhelming wash of desperation when the doctors are working frantically to revive a friend or family member and cannot. I understand completely the powerless feeling of watching someone you care about slide from your grip – and the “what-do-I-do-now?” feeling that follows.
But I also know the calming peace of getting a call to come immediately to the hospital…and feeling God’s presence – hearing Him say, “It will be okay… I’m right here with you.” I know the comfort and confidence of wondering what we will do if our house doesn’t sell and feeling God say, “I’m on it… don’t worry.” I am trusting God continually to handle things for me that are too big for me to handle – and believing that He will. I know that the same God who brought a nation out of bondage in Egypt will rescue me and those I love. I pray that you will know this, too.
Know that God is with you – every minute of every day. Call on Him to help you. Just say, “Lord, this is bigger than I am… but nothing is too big for You. Handle this for me, according to Your will. I’m trusting in Your power and expecting that You will orchestrate everything perfectly. I am thanking you now for showing up in my life each and every day.” Once you have given your problems, fears, and desperate situations to God… pay attention. Don’t go off half-cocked and assume all will be well. Listen for His voice – look for His guidance. Do your part to make things better… as He directs you. With God, all things really are possible… even when things seem “desperate.”
©2010 Debbie Robus
...just as I promised your ancestors when I brought them out of Egypt. Don't worry. My Spirit is right here with you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you remember a time in your life when you felt like you were out of options? Maybe you were failing a class, and you knew there was nothing you could do to bring your grade up in time. Maybe you were losing a loved one – even a pet – and you were told, “I’m sorry – we’ve done all we can do.” Maybe your relationship with a friend, spouse, or significant other was failing, and you realized there was no way to restore it. Or maybe you lost your job and had no prospects for another one – and no money to pay bills or even buy food. If you cannot come up with a single time when your options were exhausted – or severely limited, you are a rare gem! If you are like most people, there has been at least one time in your life where you felt quite desperate.
I thank God that my “desperate” times have been few and far between. I’ve never missed a meal or been unable to pay bills. I never failed a class. But I remember distinctly the finality of death and a terminal diagnosis for loved ones. I know the overwhelming wash of desperation when the doctors are working frantically to revive a friend or family member and cannot. I understand completely the powerless feeling of watching someone you care about slide from your grip – and the “what-do-I-do-now?” feeling that follows.
But I also know the calming peace of getting a call to come immediately to the hospital…and feeling God’s presence – hearing Him say, “It will be okay… I’m right here with you.” I know the comfort and confidence of wondering what we will do if our house doesn’t sell and feeling God say, “I’m on it… don’t worry.” I am trusting God continually to handle things for me that are too big for me to handle – and believing that He will. I know that the same God who brought a nation out of bondage in Egypt will rescue me and those I love. I pray that you will know this, too.
Know that God is with you – every minute of every day. Call on Him to help you. Just say, “Lord, this is bigger than I am… but nothing is too big for You. Handle this for me, according to Your will. I’m trusting in Your power and expecting that You will orchestrate everything perfectly. I am thanking you now for showing up in my life each and every day.” Once you have given your problems, fears, and desperate situations to God… pay attention. Don’t go off half-cocked and assume all will be well. Listen for His voice – look for His guidance. Do your part to make things better… as He directs you. With God, all things really are possible… even when things seem “desperate.”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 11, 2010
May 11 ~ Romans 8:37-39
In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love--not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone sent me an e-mail recently and asked some very good questions with regard to our scripture passage from Psalm 91. This person said, “I am a believer and even believe every word and promise in the Bible. However, my problem is sometimes with verses like the one you have used. The verse makes no provisions other than for us to ‘Run to him for safety, and no disaster will strike you or your home.’ Just think of the millions that have been struck by disaster since Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, earthquakes, and recent tornadoes, then the drowning in Tennessee last week. I simply must believe that some of those who died were true believers who ran to God for safety. Help me! How can this be, according to the scripture?”
I do not have all of the answers, but this is my take on things... yes, troubles will come... and I say that over and over in my devotionals. If we did not endure hardship and trouble, we wouldn't need God's safety and care. I try very hard to convey my sincere conviction that even in the depths of the worst tragedy and disaster, God is there. Surely God was with Ward Baldridge when He called him to heaven recently during a tornado that struck Pearson, Arkansas - and I believe the Baldridge family would tell you today that God's care and protection has been evidenced to them in the days since the disastrous tornado - from the people who helped them clean up to the medical care given to Ward’s grandson, Blake, and his wife, Iva Jean (both seriously injured), to the thousands of prayers that have been offered for this family and others who suffered destruction and loss.
I believe that the real "meat" and meaning of this scripture passage is not that "disaster will not strike your home," but rather that no disaster will strike your home that God cannot handle for you - and help you to endure. I have asked God why family members have had to suffer and die... I've asked Him why young men have to endure the horrors of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Why was there a Holocaust? The only thing that makes sense to me is a pervading feeling that out of these horrific tragedies have come much trust and faith that God can sustain us... and an assurance that even in the darkest hours, He was with those who suffered, just as He was with Jesus on the cross.
What I hope we gain from studying these scriptures - and the insights I try to provide - is that nothing is beyond our capability to handle with God... and even when we struggle and suffer, God hears us and answers according to a far greater plan for our lives than we are able to comprehend. I go back to my opening comment that we would have no need for God if no challenges ever presented themselves. I do not believe God uses these things to humble us... but rather that He uses circumstances and events to show us how to draw closer to Him and call on Him when life is too big for us to handle. I know that has been the case in my own life... and I hope I am truly growing in trust and letting go of fears, believing that God will be with me no matter what happens.
I hope this makes sense. I welcome all questions and comments, and I hope you know that my responses do not mean I believe that I have all the answers. These are my opinions, based on prayer, study, personal experience – and conversations with others with more expertise in Bible study than I have. I encourage you to also dig and study for yourself and see where God leads you – what answers He presents. I believe God’s desire is for us to continually grow and learn about His will for our lives. Ultimately, the “big picture” will be revealed to us in Heaven…and this gives me hope and encouragement for what is yet to come. I pray that it does the same for you.
The person who wrote to ask the question replied, “If one does not read the Bible and sometimes wonder -- then I wonder why he/she does not read more.” I wholeheartedly agree. Keep learning and seeking God – see what amazing things He will reveal to you in the process!
©2010 Debbie Robus
In everything we have won more than a victory because of Christ who loves us. I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love--not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone sent me an e-mail recently and asked some very good questions with regard to our scripture passage from Psalm 91. This person said, “I am a believer and even believe every word and promise in the Bible. However, my problem is sometimes with verses like the one you have used. The verse makes no provisions other than for us to ‘Run to him for safety, and no disaster will strike you or your home.’ Just think of the millions that have been struck by disaster since Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, earthquakes, and recent tornadoes, then the drowning in Tennessee last week. I simply must believe that some of those who died were true believers who ran to God for safety. Help me! How can this be, according to the scripture?”
I do not have all of the answers, but this is my take on things... yes, troubles will come... and I say that over and over in my devotionals. If we did not endure hardship and trouble, we wouldn't need God's safety and care. I try very hard to convey my sincere conviction that even in the depths of the worst tragedy and disaster, God is there. Surely God was with Ward Baldridge when He called him to heaven recently during a tornado that struck Pearson, Arkansas - and I believe the Baldridge family would tell you today that God's care and protection has been evidenced to them in the days since the disastrous tornado - from the people who helped them clean up to the medical care given to Ward’s grandson, Blake, and his wife, Iva Jean (both seriously injured), to the thousands of prayers that have been offered for this family and others who suffered destruction and loss.
I believe that the real "meat" and meaning of this scripture passage is not that "disaster will not strike your home," but rather that no disaster will strike your home that God cannot handle for you - and help you to endure. I have asked God why family members have had to suffer and die... I've asked Him why young men have to endure the horrors of war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Why was there a Holocaust? The only thing that makes sense to me is a pervading feeling that out of these horrific tragedies have come much trust and faith that God can sustain us... and an assurance that even in the darkest hours, He was with those who suffered, just as He was with Jesus on the cross.
What I hope we gain from studying these scriptures - and the insights I try to provide - is that nothing is beyond our capability to handle with God... and even when we struggle and suffer, God hears us and answers according to a far greater plan for our lives than we are able to comprehend. I go back to my opening comment that we would have no need for God if no challenges ever presented themselves. I do not believe God uses these things to humble us... but rather that He uses circumstances and events to show us how to draw closer to Him and call on Him when life is too big for us to handle. I know that has been the case in my own life... and I hope I am truly growing in trust and letting go of fears, believing that God will be with me no matter what happens.
I hope this makes sense. I welcome all questions and comments, and I hope you know that my responses do not mean I believe that I have all the answers. These are my opinions, based on prayer, study, personal experience – and conversations with others with more expertise in Bible study than I have. I encourage you to also dig and study for yourself and see where God leads you – what answers He presents. I believe God’s desire is for us to continually grow and learn about His will for our lives. Ultimately, the “big picture” will be revealed to us in Heaven…and this gives me hope and encouragement for what is yet to come. I pray that it does the same for you.
The person who wrote to ask the question replied, “If one does not read the Bible and sometimes wonder -- then I wonder why he/she does not read more.” I wholeheartedly agree. Keep learning and seeking God – see what amazing things He will reveal to you in the process!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 10, 2010
May 10 ~ Romans 8:12-17
My dear friends, we must not live to satisfy our desires. If you do, you will die. But you will live, if by the help of God's Spirit you say "No" to your desires. Only those people who are led by God's Spirit are his children. God's Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. God's Spirit makes us sure that we are his children. His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
God has a funny sense of humor. I am a person with little to no will power when it comes to certain things… such as chocolate. I could never keep chocolate chips on hand for baking. Once the bag was opened, they seemed to methodically disappear over the course of just a few days. Cookies and candy, especially around Halloween, Christmas and Easter, may have well been wrapped in neon signs that said, “Come and get it!” So I asked God to help me control my love for chocolate, and He did… He allowed me to develop an allergy to it! I KNOW – I told you He had a sense of humor!
I have heard it all… “Life isn’t worth living without chocolate!” “That has to be the worst allergy in the world!” “How on earth do you survive?” Let me tell you something… there is a whole lot more to life than chocolate! I know some of you find that hard to believe, but there is… and there are worse things than an allergy to it! See, in some ways, I was a slave to chocolate. If it was near me, I felt I had to eat some. Now, I can bake brownies and not even lick the pan. I can be offered a box of assorted truffles or a bag of M&Ms and say, “No thank you.” Oh, sure, it smells great, and I would love to partake… until I think about the hives and the swelling, and the ITCHING… and then I’m over it! I could look at this as a huge inconvenience – or a huge blessing. I am choosing the latter.
Sometimes in our Spiritual life, we hold out on total surrender to God and His will for our lives, because we think we will have to sacrifice something we really love. Who wants to live without the “sinful chocolate” that we all seem to have? For some of us it is a partying lifestyle. For others, it’s a lack of involvement with a church family and getting up off our rears and going to church on Sunday. For others, it’s something we don’t even want to talk about… an addiction of some sort, or a habit we cannot break - or even something we cannot seem to shake… like racial bias or an unloving attitude toward someone else or a particular group of people.
What we fail to realize is that if we wait until we have all of our “issues” resolved, we’ll never find our way to God. And that’s not what He expects anyway. God doesn’t want us to try to fix ourselves… that’s His job – and He does what we cannot. Total surrender to God doesn’t make you God’s slave… it frees you to be the person He called you to be! Don’t wait another day. Don’t try to fix a single other thing yourself. Give up your “sinful chocolate” and embrace the freedom life without it can bring. Acknowledge God as your Father and truly become His child – and discover the fullness of His plans for your life, both now and for all Eternity.
©2010 Debbie Robus
My dear friends, we must not live to satisfy our desires. If you do, you will die. But you will live, if by the help of God's Spirit you say "No" to your desires. Only those people who are led by God's Spirit are his children. God's Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. God's Spirit makes us sure that we are his children. His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
God has a funny sense of humor. I am a person with little to no will power when it comes to certain things… such as chocolate. I could never keep chocolate chips on hand for baking. Once the bag was opened, they seemed to methodically disappear over the course of just a few days. Cookies and candy, especially around Halloween, Christmas and Easter, may have well been wrapped in neon signs that said, “Come and get it!” So I asked God to help me control my love for chocolate, and He did… He allowed me to develop an allergy to it! I KNOW – I told you He had a sense of humor!
I have heard it all… “Life isn’t worth living without chocolate!” “That has to be the worst allergy in the world!” “How on earth do you survive?” Let me tell you something… there is a whole lot more to life than chocolate! I know some of you find that hard to believe, but there is… and there are worse things than an allergy to it! See, in some ways, I was a slave to chocolate. If it was near me, I felt I had to eat some. Now, I can bake brownies and not even lick the pan. I can be offered a box of assorted truffles or a bag of M&Ms and say, “No thank you.” Oh, sure, it smells great, and I would love to partake… until I think about the hives and the swelling, and the ITCHING… and then I’m over it! I could look at this as a huge inconvenience – or a huge blessing. I am choosing the latter.
Sometimes in our Spiritual life, we hold out on total surrender to God and His will for our lives, because we think we will have to sacrifice something we really love. Who wants to live without the “sinful chocolate” that we all seem to have? For some of us it is a partying lifestyle. For others, it’s a lack of involvement with a church family and getting up off our rears and going to church on Sunday. For others, it’s something we don’t even want to talk about… an addiction of some sort, or a habit we cannot break - or even something we cannot seem to shake… like racial bias or an unloving attitude toward someone else or a particular group of people.
What we fail to realize is that if we wait until we have all of our “issues” resolved, we’ll never find our way to God. And that’s not what He expects anyway. God doesn’t want us to try to fix ourselves… that’s His job – and He does what we cannot. Total surrender to God doesn’t make you God’s slave… it frees you to be the person He called you to be! Don’t wait another day. Don’t try to fix a single other thing yourself. Give up your “sinful chocolate” and embrace the freedom life without it can bring. Acknowledge God as your Father and truly become His child – and discover the fullness of His plans for your life, both now and for all Eternity.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 9, 2010
May 9 ~ Psalm 91:14-16
The Lord says, "If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe. When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you. You will live a long life and see my saving power."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When our nephew John was about four, he came to visit us for a few days. One night while bathing him, I turned on the water in the tub, and some hot water came out first, and he yelped! “I’m going to tell my momma!” he cried. I felt horrible. It was hot water… but he was not hurt – just startled, mostly. But immediately – and instinctively – he was ready to call on “the Big Guns” to get me! At four years of age, he figured his mom would make me pay for my transgression against him!
As children, we probably all called out to our mommas – a lot! I know that there are children who cannot call on their parents for help or protection. I saw several in my classroom. I know there are people in this world who feel like they have no protector… no one to stick up for them and say, “I will keep you safe. When you are in trouble, call me. I’ll answer.” But GOD is saying exactly this. No matter who else is or isn’t there – GOD is ready, willing and able to meet our needs.
I pray that you know God in this way. I pray that you feel safe and protected in His presence… and that you are just as quick to call on Him for help as our nephew John was to invoke the protection of his mother. And speaking of mothers, let’s thank God today for His divine inspiration in creating the family as He did. He didn’t have to give us mothers and fathers – He could have just spoken us into existence. But God gave us mothers to nurture us in a unique way. I pray that you have been blessed, as I have, to experience the care and nurturing of a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmothers, and other Godly women who have “mothered” me along the way. To God be the glory for creating our mothers… and for His constant nurture and care for those of us who call on Him.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The Lord says, "If you love me and truly know who I am, I will rescue you and keep you safe. When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you. You will live a long life and see my saving power."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When our nephew John was about four, he came to visit us for a few days. One night while bathing him, I turned on the water in the tub, and some hot water came out first, and he yelped! “I’m going to tell my momma!” he cried. I felt horrible. It was hot water… but he was not hurt – just startled, mostly. But immediately – and instinctively – he was ready to call on “the Big Guns” to get me! At four years of age, he figured his mom would make me pay for my transgression against him!
As children, we probably all called out to our mommas – a lot! I know that there are children who cannot call on their parents for help or protection. I saw several in my classroom. I know there are people in this world who feel like they have no protector… no one to stick up for them and say, “I will keep you safe. When you are in trouble, call me. I’ll answer.” But GOD is saying exactly this. No matter who else is or isn’t there – GOD is ready, willing and able to meet our needs.
I pray that you know God in this way. I pray that you feel safe and protected in His presence… and that you are just as quick to call on Him for help as our nephew John was to invoke the protection of his mother. And speaking of mothers, let’s thank God today for His divine inspiration in creating the family as He did. He didn’t have to give us mothers and fathers – He could have just spoken us into existence. But God gave us mothers to nurture us in a unique way. I pray that you have been blessed, as I have, to experience the care and nurturing of a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmothers, and other Godly women who have “mothered” me along the way. To God be the glory for creating our mothers… and for His constant nurture and care for those of us who call on Him.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 3, 2010
May 3 ~ Psalm 23:1-6
You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When things start to fall apart in your life… when you are frightened or worried or frustrated… where do you turn? Do you throw up your hands or kick and scream? Do you wallow in self-pity? Do you call on God and demand that He help you? None of these things are really harmful… and certainly calling on God is a good thing. But look at the first verse of this passage… “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Imagine yourself saying these words when a troubling or upsetting situation arises.
Imagine really acknowledging God’s presence and power in your life – and resting in this. “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Of course, the rest of this Psalm explains all the many ways that God cares for us and nurtures us. But some of the most important words are those in the first verse. When you find yourself in a situation that you cannot handle on your own – when life becomes a burden or a challenge, think on these words. Say them out loud – and internalize their meaning for your life. Take consolation in knowing that the LORD truly IS our shepherd, and we will never be in need. Let this promise rest in your heart and give you peace and comfort.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When things start to fall apart in your life… when you are frightened or worried or frustrated… where do you turn? Do you throw up your hands or kick and scream? Do you wallow in self-pity? Do you call on God and demand that He help you? None of these things are really harmful… and certainly calling on God is a good thing. But look at the first verse of this passage… “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Imagine yourself saying these words when a troubling or upsetting situation arises.
Imagine really acknowledging God’s presence and power in your life – and resting in this. “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Of course, the rest of this Psalm explains all the many ways that God cares for us and nurtures us. But some of the most important words are those in the first verse. When you find yourself in a situation that you cannot handle on your own – when life becomes a burden or a challenge, think on these words. Say them out loud – and internalize their meaning for your life. Take consolation in knowing that the LORD truly IS our shepherd, and we will never be in need. Let this promise rest in your heart and give you peace and comfort.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 1, 2010
May 1 ~ Psalm 139:13-14
You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In the last few weeks, we have celebrated several birthdays in our family – my mother’s, my husband’s - and soon we will celebrate the 6th birthday of our great-nephew Chase and the first birthday of our great-nephew Timothy. Birthdays are a wonderful time to stop and truly think about the honoree – and to truly celebrate their life and birth. Often we wonder aloud… “Where has the time gone? Has it really been a year already? Can Chase really be six?” And for those of us who are several decades along, we find ourselves musing that “Geez, I’m getting old,” or “I may be this age, but I feel twenty years younger – or older!”
As wonderful as birthdays can be… the concept that God planned us before we were ever conceived is even more astounding – and quite literally, marvelous! God knew every hair on our head before we were even an embryo! Let that really soak in for a minute. God knew about you before you were formed… and He planned every detail of your life… every eyelash and freckle… how tall you would grow and what color your eyes would be. He cares so much about us that He meticulously crafted every wrinkle and fold on our body, and He wove family characteristics and resemblances into us with perfection.
Pretty much every one of us has stood before the mirror on any given day and wondered, “Why do I have such and such?” We’ve griped and complained about our freckles or the way our nose curves. We’ve lamented that “I’m short and squatty like the rest of my family,” or we’ve joked that a sibling with brown hair and eyes in a family of blonds “must be adopted!” In actuality, we should be looking at our image and saying, “WOW, God! Thank you! Thank you for the subtle, intimate thread of familiarity that runs through all the members of my family. Thank you for giving me talents, skills and abilities. Thank you for my fingers and toes, arms and legs. Thank you for such amazing, incredible plans that included ME!”
We serve an awesome, amazing God… a God who cares enough to carefully plan each creature. We stand in awe of a God who formed us in His mind before our parents even met… and then literally brought His concept to life! If that doesn’t make us feel special, nothing will. If that doesn’t make us appreciate God, it’s never gonna happen. Thank God today for the birthdays and celebrations of people in your life – and for giving YOU such an incredible, unique, and blessed life. Thank Him for choosing to love each of us so abundantly – and so well – and celebrate the wonderful way you were created.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In the last few weeks, we have celebrated several birthdays in our family – my mother’s, my husband’s - and soon we will celebrate the 6th birthday of our great-nephew Chase and the first birthday of our great-nephew Timothy. Birthdays are a wonderful time to stop and truly think about the honoree – and to truly celebrate their life and birth. Often we wonder aloud… “Where has the time gone? Has it really been a year already? Can Chase really be six?” And for those of us who are several decades along, we find ourselves musing that “Geez, I’m getting old,” or “I may be this age, but I feel twenty years younger – or older!”
As wonderful as birthdays can be… the concept that God planned us before we were ever conceived is even more astounding – and quite literally, marvelous! God knew every hair on our head before we were even an embryo! Let that really soak in for a minute. God knew about you before you were formed… and He planned every detail of your life… every eyelash and freckle… how tall you would grow and what color your eyes would be. He cares so much about us that He meticulously crafted every wrinkle and fold on our body, and He wove family characteristics and resemblances into us with perfection.
Pretty much every one of us has stood before the mirror on any given day and wondered, “Why do I have such and such?” We’ve griped and complained about our freckles or the way our nose curves. We’ve lamented that “I’m short and squatty like the rest of my family,” or we’ve joked that a sibling with brown hair and eyes in a family of blonds “must be adopted!” In actuality, we should be looking at our image and saying, “WOW, God! Thank you! Thank you for the subtle, intimate thread of familiarity that runs through all the members of my family. Thank you for giving me talents, skills and abilities. Thank you for my fingers and toes, arms and legs. Thank you for such amazing, incredible plans that included ME!”
We serve an awesome, amazing God… a God who cares enough to carefully plan each creature. We stand in awe of a God who formed us in His mind before our parents even met… and then literally brought His concept to life! If that doesn’t make us feel special, nothing will. If that doesn’t make us appreciate God, it’s never gonna happen. Thank God today for the birthdays and celebrations of people in your life – and for giving YOU such an incredible, unique, and blessed life. Thank Him for choosing to love each of us so abundantly – and so well – and celebrate the wonderful way you were created.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 18, 2010
April 18 ~ John 3:16
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was watching our great-nephew, Timmy, sleep one day. He looks like such an angel… smooth soft skin, delicate mouth and long, thick eyelashes. He curls up in a tight little ball sometimes, and often he makes little humming noises… and sometimes he even laughs in his sleep. Like many of you with your own children, he is an incredible creature in my book… and I am wildly in love with him! I would walk across hot coals or throw myself in front of a moving car to save him.
Even though I love Timmy incredibly – and unconditionally – it still does not compare to God’s love for us. Why is that? Didn’t I say I would throw myself in front of a moving car for him? Yes, I said that. I would do everything humanly possible for my little guy. But that’s just it… we are human. We do not have supernatural power. We might be able to save the mortal life of someone else, but there is nothing I can do to guarantee Timmy’s eternal life. I cannot save him from sin. I cannot make any sacrifices or give him any gifts that will matter for his soul and his Spiritual well-being.
Only GOD can do this. Only GOD can love like this. Only GOD can make such a sacrifice and give such a gift. And He did just that! He loved us more than anyone else ever can! How are we honoring him? We cannot repay Him. We cannot earn this love. But we can glorify Him, praise Him, live like the children He has called us to be… and we can share His love with others. It doesn’t seem like enough, but if we do our best, He will be pleased. How well are you glorifying your Heavenly Father these days? Are you living a rich, full, glorious life, basking in the unconditional love of God Almighty? Are you showing gratitude and honor for this privilege? God would move heaven and earth for us – and He has! What have we done for Him lately?
©2010 Debbie Robus
God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was watching our great-nephew, Timmy, sleep one day. He looks like such an angel… smooth soft skin, delicate mouth and long, thick eyelashes. He curls up in a tight little ball sometimes, and often he makes little humming noises… and sometimes he even laughs in his sleep. Like many of you with your own children, he is an incredible creature in my book… and I am wildly in love with him! I would walk across hot coals or throw myself in front of a moving car to save him.
Even though I love Timmy incredibly – and unconditionally – it still does not compare to God’s love for us. Why is that? Didn’t I say I would throw myself in front of a moving car for him? Yes, I said that. I would do everything humanly possible for my little guy. But that’s just it… we are human. We do not have supernatural power. We might be able to save the mortal life of someone else, but there is nothing I can do to guarantee Timmy’s eternal life. I cannot save him from sin. I cannot make any sacrifices or give him any gifts that will matter for his soul and his Spiritual well-being.
Only GOD can do this. Only GOD can love like this. Only GOD can make such a sacrifice and give such a gift. And He did just that! He loved us more than anyone else ever can! How are we honoring him? We cannot repay Him. We cannot earn this love. But we can glorify Him, praise Him, live like the children He has called us to be… and we can share His love with others. It doesn’t seem like enough, but if we do our best, He will be pleased. How well are you glorifying your Heavenly Father these days? Are you living a rich, full, glorious life, basking in the unconditional love of God Almighty? Are you showing gratitude and honor for this privilege? God would move heaven and earth for us – and He has! What have we done for Him lately?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 16, 2010
April 16 ~ Galatians 5:22-26
God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, I was shopping in the grocery store. I looked up as a very dirty, disheveled man came through the door. For a second, I thought to myself, “What is he doing in here?” When I got a closer look, he was a man I know very well… and he happens to be quite wealthy! Apparently he was doing yard work or heavy outside carpentry or something and happened to need an item from the store. I admit, I was ashamed of myself for my earlier thought!
Be honest… probably every single one of us has judged someone else on their appearance. We’ve deemed ourselves to be better than others based on this… or what kind of car they drive, whether they went to college, where they work, their neighborhood, or even how they smell. We quickly label people as smart or dumb, rich or poor, fat or skinny, and more. We lose our patience, our joy, our gentleness, and our self-control over the smallest of things. And often, our first thought about another person is, “What can he/she do for me?” We wonder how associating with them will affect our reputation – positively or negatively. Who does this person know and how can it help or hurt us? This is totally the opposite of what God desires and how operating in the Holy Spirit should affect us. Frankly, when we operate and behave any other way, we are pretty much denying Christ! We can’t have it both ways – either we serve ourselves or we serve God… and the reward for serving Him is love, happiness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That sounds like traits I really want to have - don’t you?
Let’s look at our lives today and see where we need to toss out some old baggage and thought processes and fill ourselves more with the Holy Spirit. Let’s start to live like the children of the Most High God… saved and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s operate under the power of the Holy Spirit and see how good life can be. I’m ready… are you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, I was shopping in the grocery store. I looked up as a very dirty, disheveled man came through the door. For a second, I thought to myself, “What is he doing in here?” When I got a closer look, he was a man I know very well… and he happens to be quite wealthy! Apparently he was doing yard work or heavy outside carpentry or something and happened to need an item from the store. I admit, I was ashamed of myself for my earlier thought!
Be honest… probably every single one of us has judged someone else on their appearance. We’ve deemed ourselves to be better than others based on this… or what kind of car they drive, whether they went to college, where they work, their neighborhood, or even how they smell. We quickly label people as smart or dumb, rich or poor, fat or skinny, and more. We lose our patience, our joy, our gentleness, and our self-control over the smallest of things. And often, our first thought about another person is, “What can he/she do for me?” We wonder how associating with them will affect our reputation – positively or negatively. Who does this person know and how can it help or hurt us? This is totally the opposite of what God desires and how operating in the Holy Spirit should affect us. Frankly, when we operate and behave any other way, we are pretty much denying Christ! We can’t have it both ways – either we serve ourselves or we serve God… and the reward for serving Him is love, happiness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That sounds like traits I really want to have - don’t you?
Let’s look at our lives today and see where we need to toss out some old baggage and thought processes and fill ourselves more with the Holy Spirit. Let’s start to live like the children of the Most High God… saved and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s operate under the power of the Holy Spirit and see how good life can be. I’m ready… are you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 14, 2010
April 14 ~ Ephesians 2:8-10
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine was telling recently about being in an airport restaurant early one morning. His flight was delayed three hours, and he was hungry, so he ducked into this restaurant as soon as it opened, just after 6:00 a.m., and ordered breakfast. He was watching the people around him, and one lady in particular seemed in a rush and rather frazzled. He noticed that she ordered a coffee, but before she could pay for it, someone from the baggage counter stepped in and said, “I’ve got a spot for you, but you have to come right now.” She asked the server to take her money for the coffee, but the server was busy. My friend said, “Go ahead… I’ll get your coffee.”
This lady did nothing to earn a cup of coffee from my friend. He freely offered to pay for it. She may or may not have been a nice person who deserved a break. We will never know. She might brag about the nice man who bought her coffee, but she cannot claim to have done anything significant to merit such a gesture. About the best she can do is to “pay it forward” and do something nice for another person down the line.
I’ve oversimplified this analogy just a bit, but I think you’ll see where I’m going. My friend didn’t know anything about this woman. He helped her because he is a kind, generous man. But GOD knows everything about us, and the amazing thing is… He gives abundantly to us anyway! Like the woman who can’t repay my friend, we can’t repay God. But like her, we can “pay it forward” – if only in small measure by comparison. God sent Christ to make us loving, caring, giving people who do for others out of a desire to serve and obedience to His commands. We can’t brag about anything we have done… not even giving a stranger a cup of coffee (and for the record, my friend was not bragging!)… but we can surely brag about what God does for us each and every day!
We can never earn God’s love and blessings… but the good news is, we don’t have to. All He asks is that we trust Him to care for us… and that we share His message with others. God has a spot for you, and you should claim it right now… He’ll make sure you get whatever you need for the journey… how will you respond?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn't something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That's why he sent Christ to make us what we are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine was telling recently about being in an airport restaurant early one morning. His flight was delayed three hours, and he was hungry, so he ducked into this restaurant as soon as it opened, just after 6:00 a.m., and ordered breakfast. He was watching the people around him, and one lady in particular seemed in a rush and rather frazzled. He noticed that she ordered a coffee, but before she could pay for it, someone from the baggage counter stepped in and said, “I’ve got a spot for you, but you have to come right now.” She asked the server to take her money for the coffee, but the server was busy. My friend said, “Go ahead… I’ll get your coffee.”
This lady did nothing to earn a cup of coffee from my friend. He freely offered to pay for it. She may or may not have been a nice person who deserved a break. We will never know. She might brag about the nice man who bought her coffee, but she cannot claim to have done anything significant to merit such a gesture. About the best she can do is to “pay it forward” and do something nice for another person down the line.
I’ve oversimplified this analogy just a bit, but I think you’ll see where I’m going. My friend didn’t know anything about this woman. He helped her because he is a kind, generous man. But GOD knows everything about us, and the amazing thing is… He gives abundantly to us anyway! Like the woman who can’t repay my friend, we can’t repay God. But like her, we can “pay it forward” – if only in small measure by comparison. God sent Christ to make us loving, caring, giving people who do for others out of a desire to serve and obedience to His commands. We can’t brag about anything we have done… not even giving a stranger a cup of coffee (and for the record, my friend was not bragging!)… but we can surely brag about what God does for us each and every day!
We can never earn God’s love and blessings… but the good news is, we don’t have to. All He asks is that we trust Him to care for us… and that we share His message with others. God has a spot for you, and you should claim it right now… He’ll make sure you get whatever you need for the journey… how will you respond?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 7, 2010
April 7 ~ 1 John 4:18
A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
When I was teaching kindergarten students, one of my guidelines for classroom discipline was “The consequences must fit the crime.” My students knew from Day One what would happen if they behaved in a certain manner – and what was expected of them. Consequences were clearly outlined from the start, and these were things that mattered to the children. Taking away a recess or removing them from a fun play activity made a far bigger impact than yelling, screaming, or even a paddling.
It seems that children often learn from a very early age to fear punishment of all sorts. If they touch something they shouldn’t as a toddler, their hands are spanked. They learn to fear the principal in school and the policeman on the street. And sadly, they often learn at an early age to “love Jesus… or else!” And that “else” means fear of eternal banishment to hell.
I grew up attending a church filled with good, loving people… but many of them operated in the “fear factor” realm of Christian faith. Love Jesus, or you would go to hell. I seriously envisioned God sitting in heaven with a chair in one hand and the whip and chains in the other, ready to deliver swift judgment and send anyone who disobeyed Him straight to hell. This is not a happy way to operate as a Christian! As an adult, I discovered the love of God. I came to understand how much He desires a relationship with me… and that God does not operate in “or else.” I serve a God of second, third and fourth chances… and more. He knows my heart. And while I will stumble daily – and sin – in my human nature, I will continue to Him and love Him with all I have.
Once I learned to operate like God does – in love, rather than fear – everything changed. I no longer operate in fear… and I have to tell you, not much frightens me – certainly not death! I serve God now because I want to… not because I feel I must. I know that He will take care of all of my needs, so I do not worry about health, finances, abandonment or loneliness, and more. I may still head for the cellar when a tornado is approaching… and I will always jump and run when someone yells “Snake!” But even those things are under God’s control… and I’m working on letting Him handle them for me.
What is your biggest fear? Is it loneliness? Abandonment? Poor health? Poverty? Death? Do you fear the consequences of certain actions? Do you live for Jesus because you fear being sent to hell if you don’t? Aren’t you ready to chase the worries away and learn to love in the Lord? Aren’t you ready to relax and truly enjoy your faith? Discover God’s love today… dig into the scripture and see what He has in store for you and how much He desires a loving relationship. Learn to live in love instead of fear… and how incredible life in Christ really is.
©2010 Debbie Robus
A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
When I was teaching kindergarten students, one of my guidelines for classroom discipline was “The consequences must fit the crime.” My students knew from Day One what would happen if they behaved in a certain manner – and what was expected of them. Consequences were clearly outlined from the start, and these were things that mattered to the children. Taking away a recess or removing them from a fun play activity made a far bigger impact than yelling, screaming, or even a paddling.
It seems that children often learn from a very early age to fear punishment of all sorts. If they touch something they shouldn’t as a toddler, their hands are spanked. They learn to fear the principal in school and the policeman on the street. And sadly, they often learn at an early age to “love Jesus… or else!” And that “else” means fear of eternal banishment to hell.
I grew up attending a church filled with good, loving people… but many of them operated in the “fear factor” realm of Christian faith. Love Jesus, or you would go to hell. I seriously envisioned God sitting in heaven with a chair in one hand and the whip and chains in the other, ready to deliver swift judgment and send anyone who disobeyed Him straight to hell. This is not a happy way to operate as a Christian! As an adult, I discovered the love of God. I came to understand how much He desires a relationship with me… and that God does not operate in “or else.” I serve a God of second, third and fourth chances… and more. He knows my heart. And while I will stumble daily – and sin – in my human nature, I will continue to Him and love Him with all I have.
Once I learned to operate like God does – in love, rather than fear – everything changed. I no longer operate in fear… and I have to tell you, not much frightens me – certainly not death! I serve God now because I want to… not because I feel I must. I know that He will take care of all of my needs, so I do not worry about health, finances, abandonment or loneliness, and more. I may still head for the cellar when a tornado is approaching… and I will always jump and run when someone yells “Snake!” But even those things are under God’s control… and I’m working on letting Him handle them for me.
What is your biggest fear? Is it loneliness? Abandonment? Poor health? Poverty? Death? Do you fear the consequences of certain actions? Do you live for Jesus because you fear being sent to hell if you don’t? Aren’t you ready to chase the worries away and learn to love in the Lord? Aren’t you ready to relax and truly enjoy your faith? Discover God’s love today… dig into the scripture and see what He has in store for you and how much He desires a loving relationship. Learn to live in love instead of fear… and how incredible life in Christ really is.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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