Psalm 106:1-5
We will celebrate and praise you, LORD! You are good to us, and your love never fails. No one can praise you enough for all of the mighty things you have done. You bless those people who are honest and fair in everything they do.
Remember me, LORD, when you show kindness by saving your people. Let me prosper with the rest of your chosen ones, as they celebrate with pride because they belong to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last few weeks, you know that we are in full “back-to-school” mode. Everywhere you turn, there are new beginnings… first days at kindergarten, middle school, junior high, high school – and college. Some are starting new teaching careers… some are spending their first “first day” of school in decades as a newly retired teacher. There is a lot to celebrate… a whole lot of history in the making… and many things for which to thank God.
At the same time, school is not anywhere near the radar of some who are facing their own “firsts”. Some are starting their life without a loved one who has begun a “new life” in Heaven. A friend of mine just kissed her mom “Goodbye” for the last time, while another is lovingly waiting with her dad as he enters his last days on this earth. A former member of our community died in a motorcycle accident… and other friends and relatives lie in hospital beds across the country, struggling to get well again and experience a “first day” of good health.
Yet in all of these things, we give thanks and celebrate. We celebrate because those who are beginning new school years have so much ahead of them. Those who are dying or have just passed into Glory belong to God and have received the ultimate blessing… a place in His physical presence. Those who are sick are under God’s care… covered by the prayers of countless faithful believers who have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and believe He will do mighty things.
What I want you to take away from this scripture today is this… even in our darkest hours, we can celebrate God. He is with us for our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. We can choose to walk with Him… or we can choose to go through life alone. I guarantee you, the “highs” won’t be as high, and the “lows” will be almost unbearable unless you make a place for God in your life.
I don’t know what you are experiencing today – where you are on the spectrum of “highs” and “lows” – but I do know that God is ready and able to do mighty things… to bless you in ways you cannot even begin to imagine! And that is worth celebrating. Have you asked God to walk with you today – and always? Have you given Him praise for His never-ending care? How will you celebrate God today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label God's love and care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's love and care. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 3, 2011
Psalm 102:1-5
I pray to you, LORD! Please listen. Don't hide from me in my time of trouble. Pay attention to my prayer and quickly give an answer. My days disappear like smoke, and my bones are burning as though in a furnace. I am wasting away like grass, and my appetite is gone. My groaning never stops, and my bones can be seen through my skin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Somehow a scripture passage about burning as though in a furnace seems amazingly appropriate for such a hot day as this one! Temperatures in our state are reaching as high as 113+, with a heat index as high as 120 or more! Even if you sit inside all day in air conditioning, you are probably noticing that you feel some effects of the heat… and maybe your appetite has been suppressed lately because of it.
Our “misery,” while physically palpable… especially for those who have to be outside right now… is somewhat temporary. We don’t have to look very far to see people whose genuine misery is on a scale that, thankfully, we cannot even comprehend. Our present heat wave may be making us uncomfortable, but it can’t hold a candle to the drought that is ravaging the Horn of Africa and starving countless people there… including more than 2 million children in Somalia alone. Truly their groaning never stops, and their bones are seen through the skin.
I have asked myself, “Has God hidden Himself from the people of Somalia and others who are suffering around the world… even in our own back yard? How can we assure others that God loves them and is watching over them, when all they know is starvation, dehydration, pain and sadness? How do we trust in God when our days disappear like smoke?”
The answer is complicated… and requires tremendous faith. If we read further in the 102nd Psalm, we see that verses 16-17 say, “…Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered.” I believe that God is with us in our heat wave… and I believe He is with the starving children of Africa and others who are suffering around the world. When our children fall and bump their heads, we scoop them into our arms and cuddle them… kiss their “owies” and assure them that all will be well again. I believe that God did this for Jesus at Calvary… and He is holding each of us closely now – especially those who suffer.
God is working in these dire situations. We have heard the reports on our local news stations of relief centers opening to house those in need… the admonitions to check on the elderly and our pets… the “Good Samaritan” features on people who are delivering fans to those with no air conditioning - and cold water to those who need extra hydration. We know that agents of such organizations as UNICEF are at work in the Horn of Africa and other areas throughout the world… providing food, water, medical care, and a hug to those who so desperately need one – and our donations and prayers fuel these efforts. In these ways and more, God is showing up each day… saying, “I’m right here with you. I care deeply about you.”
I encourage you to pray today for all who are suffering… from the heat, famine, illness and disease, and more. Ask God to reveal Himself to each of us in a profound and unique way. Ask Him to scoop us into His arms and sooth our “owies”… and to give us courage and faith for the challenges of these next few days… and beyond. Then be sure to thank God for loving us so well… for answering our prayers and meeting our needs according to His perfect plan.
This is a great time to stay inside where it’s cool and spend some time meditating on all of the blessings of our amazing God. Find a few minutes today to sit in the shadow of the Almighty and give Him praise. Ask Him to show you how you can help others... through this present heat wave and into the coming seasons.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I pray to you, LORD! Please listen. Don't hide from me in my time of trouble. Pay attention to my prayer and quickly give an answer. My days disappear like smoke, and my bones are burning as though in a furnace. I am wasting away like grass, and my appetite is gone. My groaning never stops, and my bones can be seen through my skin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Somehow a scripture passage about burning as though in a furnace seems amazingly appropriate for such a hot day as this one! Temperatures in our state are reaching as high as 113+, with a heat index as high as 120 or more! Even if you sit inside all day in air conditioning, you are probably noticing that you feel some effects of the heat… and maybe your appetite has been suppressed lately because of it.
Our “misery,” while physically palpable… especially for those who have to be outside right now… is somewhat temporary. We don’t have to look very far to see people whose genuine misery is on a scale that, thankfully, we cannot even comprehend. Our present heat wave may be making us uncomfortable, but it can’t hold a candle to the drought that is ravaging the Horn of Africa and starving countless people there… including more than 2 million children in Somalia alone. Truly their groaning never stops, and their bones are seen through the skin.
I have asked myself, “Has God hidden Himself from the people of Somalia and others who are suffering around the world… even in our own back yard? How can we assure others that God loves them and is watching over them, when all they know is starvation, dehydration, pain and sadness? How do we trust in God when our days disappear like smoke?”
The answer is complicated… and requires tremendous faith. If we read further in the 102nd Psalm, we see that verses 16-17 say, “…Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered.” I believe that God is with us in our heat wave… and I believe He is with the starving children of Africa and others who are suffering around the world. When our children fall and bump their heads, we scoop them into our arms and cuddle them… kiss their “owies” and assure them that all will be well again. I believe that God did this for Jesus at Calvary… and He is holding each of us closely now – especially those who suffer.
God is working in these dire situations. We have heard the reports on our local news stations of relief centers opening to house those in need… the admonitions to check on the elderly and our pets… the “Good Samaritan” features on people who are delivering fans to those with no air conditioning - and cold water to those who need extra hydration. We know that agents of such organizations as UNICEF are at work in the Horn of Africa and other areas throughout the world… providing food, water, medical care, and a hug to those who so desperately need one – and our donations and prayers fuel these efforts. In these ways and more, God is showing up each day… saying, “I’m right here with you. I care deeply about you.”
I encourage you to pray today for all who are suffering… from the heat, famine, illness and disease, and more. Ask God to reveal Himself to each of us in a profound and unique way. Ask Him to scoop us into His arms and sooth our “owies”… and to give us courage and faith for the challenges of these next few days… and beyond. Then be sure to thank God for loving us so well… for answering our prayers and meeting our needs according to His perfect plan.
This is a great time to stay inside where it’s cool and spend some time meditating on all of the blessings of our amazing God. Find a few minutes today to sit in the shadow of the Almighty and give Him praise. Ask Him to show you how you can help others... through this present heat wave and into the coming seasons.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 6, 2011
Psalm 97:10-12
God loves all who hate evil,
And those who love him he keeps safe,
Snatches them from the grip of the wicked.
Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people,
Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
So, God's people, shout praise to God,
Give thanks to our Holy God!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Through the magic of television, many around the world have been glued to the Casey Anthony trial, in which a young mother was accused of murdering her small child, Caylee, and covering up the death for 31 days. I have heard a few bits and pieces of information, but I chose not to follow the minute coverage of this trial. And I guess because so many did watch every single second of testimony on the airwaves, they feel that they have an “informed” opinion about whether this young mother is guilty or not. I find the whole situation very sad and heartbreaking. But honestly, I do not have an opinion one way or the other about this woman’s guilt or innocence… and that is not the point of this devotional.
I have a different “take” on some things. My perspective changed greatly when I read The Shack by William P. Young. In his fictional story, Young tells of a little girl who disappeared from her family while they are on a camping trip. Her body was never found, but the authorities did find her blood-soaked red dress, and a little “ladybug” pin – the signature “calling card” of a serial killer. The guilt-ridden father goes on a Spiritual journey that culminates in a healing experience for him, as he makes several profound discoveries about God and his faith… that God never left this child… that He was right beside her through all of the brutality… and that He swept her into His arms and carried her safely to heaven… and that the father must forgive all involved – including himself – in order to truly heal.
As I listened to the snippets of coverage about this latest trial, I was reminded over and over that God was with little Caylee Anthony every step of the way. He shielded her in ways we can’t even imagine from the horror of the events… He swept her up, kept her safe, and snatched her from the grip of evil and wickedness that might have been her life on this earth. In The Shack, Young writes as if he were speaking as God… “Nobody knows what horrors I have saved the world from ‘cuz people can’t see what never happened. All evil flows from independence, and independence is your choice. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don’t. If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all.” We don’t know why God allowed this to happen. But we do know that God never stops loving us… even in the midst of evil.
I would never venture to suggest to any of you how you should feel about this trial or any other event. But I do suggest that you spend some time in prayer for all concerned… and thank God that He is still in control. God knows every detail surrounding this horrific tragedy, and He will mete out perfect justice to everyone involved. Little Caylee Anthony is safe and whole in His arms. Any lies, cover-ups, deceit, and evil that occurred before, during, and after her death will be dealt with as only God can.
Regardless of how you are feeling about this particular case, be joyful that in the end, evil will not win. God always has the last say… and He will prevail. He will mete out perfect justice to those who embrace evil… and He will bless and keep those who are innocent. Praise God for His fairness, grace and mercy… praise Him for loving each of us… and for always meeting our needs.
©2011 Debbie Robus
God loves all who hate evil,
And those who love him he keeps safe,
Snatches them from the grip of the wicked.
Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people,
Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
So, God's people, shout praise to God,
Give thanks to our Holy God!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Through the magic of television, many around the world have been glued to the Casey Anthony trial, in which a young mother was accused of murdering her small child, Caylee, and covering up the death for 31 days. I have heard a few bits and pieces of information, but I chose not to follow the minute coverage of this trial. And I guess because so many did watch every single second of testimony on the airwaves, they feel that they have an “informed” opinion about whether this young mother is guilty or not. I find the whole situation very sad and heartbreaking. But honestly, I do not have an opinion one way or the other about this woman’s guilt or innocence… and that is not the point of this devotional.
I have a different “take” on some things. My perspective changed greatly when I read The Shack by William P. Young. In his fictional story, Young tells of a little girl who disappeared from her family while they are on a camping trip. Her body was never found, but the authorities did find her blood-soaked red dress, and a little “ladybug” pin – the signature “calling card” of a serial killer. The guilt-ridden father goes on a Spiritual journey that culminates in a healing experience for him, as he makes several profound discoveries about God and his faith… that God never left this child… that He was right beside her through all of the brutality… and that He swept her into His arms and carried her safely to heaven… and that the father must forgive all involved – including himself – in order to truly heal.
As I listened to the snippets of coverage about this latest trial, I was reminded over and over that God was with little Caylee Anthony every step of the way. He shielded her in ways we can’t even imagine from the horror of the events… He swept her up, kept her safe, and snatched her from the grip of evil and wickedness that might have been her life on this earth. In The Shack, Young writes as if he were speaking as God… “Nobody knows what horrors I have saved the world from ‘cuz people can’t see what never happened. All evil flows from independence, and independence is your choice. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don’t. If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all.” We don’t know why God allowed this to happen. But we do know that God never stops loving us… even in the midst of evil.
I would never venture to suggest to any of you how you should feel about this trial or any other event. But I do suggest that you spend some time in prayer for all concerned… and thank God that He is still in control. God knows every detail surrounding this horrific tragedy, and He will mete out perfect justice to everyone involved. Little Caylee Anthony is safe and whole in His arms. Any lies, cover-ups, deceit, and evil that occurred before, during, and after her death will be dealt with as only God can.
Regardless of how you are feeling about this particular case, be joyful that in the end, evil will not win. God always has the last say… and He will prevail. He will mete out perfect justice to those who embrace evil… and He will bless and keep those who are innocent. Praise God for His fairness, grace and mercy… praise Him for loving each of us… and for always meeting our needs.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 26, 2011
Luke 12:6-10
What's the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
"Stand up for me among the people you meet and the Son of Man will stand up for you before all God's angels. But if you pretend you don't know me, do you think I'll defend you before God's angels?
"If you bad-mouth the Son of Man out of misunderstanding or ignorance, that can be overlooked. But if you're knowingly attacking God himself, taking aim at the Holy Spirit, that won't be overlooked.
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.
Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Imagine it… God knows exactly how many hairs are on your head… and mine… and his… and hers… and theirs. Incredible, isn’t it?! “So what?” you may say… “Why would God even care about my hair?” Because God cares about everything about you! You are the apple of His eye. He knows every single detail of your life… and He loves you anyway!
So often – and for a number of reasons – people start to feel like nobody cares. Nobody is paying attention…nobody notices. I’m talking about more than self-pity… I’m talking about a feeling that we are incredibly insignificant in the scheme of things. If we died tomorrow, would it matter? The truth is that God created each of us for a purpose… and if we are not around to fulfill that purpose, it matters greatly!
God is always ready to meet you where you are… to stand with you – and to stand up for you! If someone tries to tell you that you don’t matter… or if the devil tries to plant those thoughts in your head, do not listen! Stand up, square your shoulders and say, “I’m worth more than a million canaries!” Because honestly, if God cares about every feather of a tiny canary, He surely cares about each of us even more.
There’s one other thing… because God is so loving, gracious, and merciful, and always willing to stand up for us… we must be willing to do the same. If we turn our back on God and try to make a go of things on our own terms, we can’t expect Him to bail us out of the mess we make! God is not Burger King… we can’t have it our way… and we can’t pick and choose when to serve Him and when we want to try something different! We really don’t want to do that anyway… because we’ve all seen how badly things go when we try to do them without God in control.
So thank God today for valuing you so highly – for caring about every intricate detail of your life. Ask Him to show you how to serve Him better… and take a stab at caring about the details of HIS life in return. Stand proudly knowing you are so important to Almighty God… and always remember who has your back!
©2011 Debbie Robus
What's the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
"Stand up for me among the people you meet and the Son of Man will stand up for you before all God's angels. But if you pretend you don't know me, do you think I'll defend you before God's angels?
"If you bad-mouth the Son of Man out of misunderstanding or ignorance, that can be overlooked. But if you're knowingly attacking God himself, taking aim at the Holy Spirit, that won't be overlooked.
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.
Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Imagine it… God knows exactly how many hairs are on your head… and mine… and his… and hers… and theirs. Incredible, isn’t it?! “So what?” you may say… “Why would God even care about my hair?” Because God cares about everything about you! You are the apple of His eye. He knows every single detail of your life… and He loves you anyway!
So often – and for a number of reasons – people start to feel like nobody cares. Nobody is paying attention…nobody notices. I’m talking about more than self-pity… I’m talking about a feeling that we are incredibly insignificant in the scheme of things. If we died tomorrow, would it matter? The truth is that God created each of us for a purpose… and if we are not around to fulfill that purpose, it matters greatly!
God is always ready to meet you where you are… to stand with you – and to stand up for you! If someone tries to tell you that you don’t matter… or if the devil tries to plant those thoughts in your head, do not listen! Stand up, square your shoulders and say, “I’m worth more than a million canaries!” Because honestly, if God cares about every feather of a tiny canary, He surely cares about each of us even more.
There’s one other thing… because God is so loving, gracious, and merciful, and always willing to stand up for us… we must be willing to do the same. If we turn our back on God and try to make a go of things on our own terms, we can’t expect Him to bail us out of the mess we make! God is not Burger King… we can’t have it our way… and we can’t pick and choose when to serve Him and when we want to try something different! We really don’t want to do that anyway… because we’ve all seen how badly things go when we try to do them without God in control.
So thank God today for valuing you so highly – for caring about every intricate detail of your life. Ask Him to show you how to serve Him better… and take a stab at caring about the details of HIS life in return. Stand proudly knowing you are so important to Almighty God… and always remember who has your back!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 17, 2011
Psalm 77:2-15
I found myself in trouble and went looking for my Lord; my life was an open wound that wouldn't heal. When friends said, "Everything will turn out all right," I didn't believe a word they said.
I remember God—and shake my head. I bow my head—then wring my hands. I'm awake all night—not a wink of sleep; I can't even say what's bothering me.
I go over the days one by one, I ponder the years gone by. I strum my lute all through the night, wondering how to get my life together.
Will the Lord walk off and leave us for good? Will he never smile again? Is his love worn threadbare? Has his salvation promise burned out? Has God forgotten his manners? Has he angrily stalked off and left us? "Just my luck," I said. "The High God goes out of business just the moment I need him."
Once again I'll go over what GOD has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts. O God! Your way is holy! No god is great like God! You're the God who makes things happen; you showed everyone what you can do— You pulled your people out of the worst kind of trouble, rescued the children of Jacob and Joseph.
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.
Recently someone said something to me that caused me to question myself. The person expressed an opinion about how I had handled a business matter, and all of a sudden, I was filled with doubt. I thought I had done the right thing… in fact, I was sure of it. Yet the comments of one person caused me to second-guess what I already knew.
I shared the conversation with my husband, and he said, “That’s only one person’s opinion.” I reviewed some written guidelines I had been given and found that I had complied with all of them. Yet I was bothered for several hours by this encounter… until I realized that I was wasting time… and Satan was laughing. Then I got mad… and I spent some time in prayer and got over myself!
For the record, I wasn’t mad at the person with whom I spoke… or even the devil for causing me some angst. It was more a case of being mad at myself for allowing this! When I first felt unsettled about the conversation, I should have stopped everything and talked to God about it. And God tried to use my husband to tell me I was wasting time. But I still had to wring my hands for awhile and go over some scenarios in my head for how to fix things.
Here’s the deal… the next time frustration, doubt and second-guessing about anything creeps into your thought process – even something seemingly insignificant or of a highly secular manner – STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING and PRAY! Remind yourself that God never stops working on your behalf. He always has your back. He is the God who makes things happen and pulls people out of the worst kind of trouble. Surely He can manage the doubt and worry the devil wants to give you! Don’t you think God could do a better job than you could of handling such things? Shouldn’t you at least give Him a try and find out for yourself?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I found myself in trouble and went looking for my Lord; my life was an open wound that wouldn't heal. When friends said, "Everything will turn out all right," I didn't believe a word they said.
I remember God—and shake my head. I bow my head—then wring my hands. I'm awake all night—not a wink of sleep; I can't even say what's bothering me.
I go over the days one by one, I ponder the years gone by. I strum my lute all through the night, wondering how to get my life together.
Will the Lord walk off and leave us for good? Will he never smile again? Is his love worn threadbare? Has his salvation promise burned out? Has God forgotten his manners? Has he angrily stalked off and left us? "Just my luck," I said. "The High God goes out of business just the moment I need him."
Once again I'll go over what GOD has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts. O God! Your way is holy! No god is great like God! You're the God who makes things happen; you showed everyone what you can do— You pulled your people out of the worst kind of trouble, rescued the children of Jacob and Joseph.
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.
Recently someone said something to me that caused me to question myself. The person expressed an opinion about how I had handled a business matter, and all of a sudden, I was filled with doubt. I thought I had done the right thing… in fact, I was sure of it. Yet the comments of one person caused me to second-guess what I already knew.
I shared the conversation with my husband, and he said, “That’s only one person’s opinion.” I reviewed some written guidelines I had been given and found that I had complied with all of them. Yet I was bothered for several hours by this encounter… until I realized that I was wasting time… and Satan was laughing. Then I got mad… and I spent some time in prayer and got over myself!
For the record, I wasn’t mad at the person with whom I spoke… or even the devil for causing me some angst. It was more a case of being mad at myself for allowing this! When I first felt unsettled about the conversation, I should have stopped everything and talked to God about it. And God tried to use my husband to tell me I was wasting time. But I still had to wring my hands for awhile and go over some scenarios in my head for how to fix things.
Here’s the deal… the next time frustration, doubt and second-guessing about anything creeps into your thought process – even something seemingly insignificant or of a highly secular manner – STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING and PRAY! Remind yourself that God never stops working on your behalf. He always has your back. He is the God who makes things happen and pulls people out of the worst kind of trouble. Surely He can manage the doubt and worry the devil wants to give you! Don’t you think God could do a better job than you could of handling such things? Shouldn’t you at least give Him a try and find out for yourself?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 3, 2011
Psalm 68:19-20
We praise you, Lord God! You treat us with kindness day after day, and you rescue us. You always protect us and save us from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago, friends of ours purchased a house we were selling. Aside from needing more space, the couple told us that their present home was located on a busy city street, and their young 2½-year-old-son – then just a little older than our Timothy is now – was apt to dash out into the street to chase a ball or toy… or simply running with abandon. In order to keep their children safe… to protect them and save them from death… this couple made the necessary efforts to take measures to ensure their safety. The health, safety and well-being of their children was (and is) their chief concern day after day.
This is what good parents do. They put the needs of their children first… and they love them unconditionally with kindness… and protection. And as our Heavenly Father, this is what God does for each of us. He treats us with more kindness than we could ever deserve… and He protects us and keeps us safe from death. I’m not talking about physical death… although there are certainly instances where God rescues us from that, as well. But God puts obstacles… people, wisdom, discernment… angels… in our path to protect us from Spiritual death. For all of the sins we commit… for every mess we get ourselves into… God steers us away from the chance for dozens more out of His kindness and protection.
So if God is our protector, why do bad things happen? We’ve been over this! Tests and challenges lead to growth and deeper faith. They build the relationship as we learn to rely more on God’s strength and power and less upon our own. But God NEVER stops loving us… and He never stops looking out for our best interests. And for this He deserves our utmost praise.
Have you thanked God lately for all He does in your life?
©2011 Debbie Robus
We praise you, Lord God! You treat us with kindness day after day, and you rescue us. You always protect us and save us from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago, friends of ours purchased a house we were selling. Aside from needing more space, the couple told us that their present home was located on a busy city street, and their young 2½-year-old-son – then just a little older than our Timothy is now – was apt to dash out into the street to chase a ball or toy… or simply running with abandon. In order to keep their children safe… to protect them and save them from death… this couple made the necessary efforts to take measures to ensure their safety. The health, safety and well-being of their children was (and is) their chief concern day after day.
This is what good parents do. They put the needs of their children first… and they love them unconditionally with kindness… and protection. And as our Heavenly Father, this is what God does for each of us. He treats us with more kindness than we could ever deserve… and He protects us and keeps us safe from death. I’m not talking about physical death… although there are certainly instances where God rescues us from that, as well. But God puts obstacles… people, wisdom, discernment… angels… in our path to protect us from Spiritual death. For all of the sins we commit… for every mess we get ourselves into… God steers us away from the chance for dozens more out of His kindness and protection.
So if God is our protector, why do bad things happen? We’ve been over this! Tests and challenges lead to growth and deeper faith. They build the relationship as we learn to rely more on God’s strength and power and less upon our own. But God NEVER stops loving us… and He never stops looking out for our best interests. And for this He deserves our utmost praise.
Have you thanked God lately for all He does in your life?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 20, 2011
Psalm 56:8-13
You have kept record of my days of wandering. You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them. When I pray, LORD God, my enemies will retreat, because I know for certain that you are with me. I praise your promises!
I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me. I will keep my promises to you, my God, and bring you gifts. You protected me from death and kept me from stumbling, so that I would please you and follow the light that leads to life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of NBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?”, Rosie O’Donnell traced her ancestry from New York and New Jersey back through Quebec, Canada, to County Kildare, Ireland. Along the way, she discovered that her great-grandfather’s first wife, Anna, was badly burned in a fire in their Manhattan home in the 1800’s. Anna was cooking breakfast and holding an infant daughter, who reached out and grabbed a kerosene lantern and pulled it toward the stove, where it exploded. The baby was not injured (probably do to the heroics of her mother), but Anna suffered for 20 days before dying. Anyone who has spent time with a small baby knows how quickly they can grab something and innocently cause havoc… so I truly felt for this woman and her family.
But that’s not all… Rosie discovered that her great-grandfather, Michael (husband of Anna), was born in Quebec… after his parents emigrated from Ireland, somewhere between 1846 and 1861, when the Murtagh family first appears in a Canadian census. Rosie learns that her great-great grandparents and four children were so poor that they had to enter a “Poor Law workhouse” during the potato famine. She visited a “workhouse” similar to the one in which her ancestors were placed, and she was devastated to see the conditions there. Straw mattresses were placed on the floor, with as many as four people assigned to one bed. Children ages 2-15 were separated from their families and relegated to the top floor. The women were placed in one area – the men in another. Over one million people died during the potato famine… many of them children, who were especially susceptible to disease and infection. Just thinking about someone taking my children from me as I entered such a place… cold, hungry and desperate… gave me chills and made me heartsick.
Rosie found records from 1854 indicating her great-great grandparents were living in a workhouse, but she also discovered that two men in charge recommended this family as suitable candidates to emigrate to Canada. Moved to tears, Rosie considers the incredible hardships her ancestors endured. She recognizes the success and accomplishments that she and her siblings have enjoyed, and she realizes that her life has always been blessed. She says in the episode that she would not be here, were it not for the two men who recommended her ancestors for emigration.
Surely God stored the tears of Rosie’s ancestors in His bottle and numbered them. Surely He had his hand upon this family – and others - even in the suffering that their great-great-granddaughter endured – and Rosie compared to a concentration camp. Rosie was able to do what King David did in the Psalm… look beyond her sadness, grief, and suffering and see the blessings God was preparing for her. And we can do the same. Every family… and every life… will have times of challenge, hardship, sadness, and suffering on some level. No one is immune to these tools of the devil… his attempts to drag us down and make us turn our back on God.
Rick Warren says in The Purpose Driven Life that “You will have happy moments here, but nothing compared to what God has planned for you…faithfulness to God does not guarantee success in a career or even ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns.” When we stop and consider this, we can see that what we consider to be extremely difficult… even horrific… times in our lives are truly just bumps in the road in the overall scheme of God’s plans for us.
If we can learn to focus on worshipping God and making Him smile… if we can look beyond our immediate little world and realize that there is a much bigger picture, we can begin to live in the blessings that God has for us. When we realize just how important we are to Him… how everything weaves together to bring us to the exact spot we are now… we more clearly see how important it is that we stay faithful and do our part to honor and glorify the One who counts our tears.
Sometimes it’s hard to see the blessings and the intricate details of how God is working on our behalf, because we get bogged down in the everyday incidents and focus too much on the immediate rather than the long-term. Where do you need to adjust your focus? Ask God to show you how to trust Him more… and trust His promises. Begin to operate in faith that He will not only number your tears… but your steps as well. Realize how blessed you are to be a child of God… and start to live accordingly!
©2011 Debbie Robus
You have kept record of my days of wandering. You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them. When I pray, LORD God, my enemies will retreat, because I know for certain that you are with me. I praise your promises!
I trust you and am not afraid. No one can harm me. I will keep my promises to you, my God, and bring you gifts. You protected me from death and kept me from stumbling, so that I would please you and follow the light that leads to life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of NBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?”, Rosie O’Donnell traced her ancestry from New York and New Jersey back through Quebec, Canada, to County Kildare, Ireland. Along the way, she discovered that her great-grandfather’s first wife, Anna, was badly burned in a fire in their Manhattan home in the 1800’s. Anna was cooking breakfast and holding an infant daughter, who reached out and grabbed a kerosene lantern and pulled it toward the stove, where it exploded. The baby was not injured (probably do to the heroics of her mother), but Anna suffered for 20 days before dying. Anyone who has spent time with a small baby knows how quickly they can grab something and innocently cause havoc… so I truly felt for this woman and her family.
But that’s not all… Rosie discovered that her great-grandfather, Michael (husband of Anna), was born in Quebec… after his parents emigrated from Ireland, somewhere between 1846 and 1861, when the Murtagh family first appears in a Canadian census. Rosie learns that her great-great grandparents and four children were so poor that they had to enter a “Poor Law workhouse” during the potato famine. She visited a “workhouse” similar to the one in which her ancestors were placed, and she was devastated to see the conditions there. Straw mattresses were placed on the floor, with as many as four people assigned to one bed. Children ages 2-15 were separated from their families and relegated to the top floor. The women were placed in one area – the men in another. Over one million people died during the potato famine… many of them children, who were especially susceptible to disease and infection. Just thinking about someone taking my children from me as I entered such a place… cold, hungry and desperate… gave me chills and made me heartsick.
Rosie found records from 1854 indicating her great-great grandparents were living in a workhouse, but she also discovered that two men in charge recommended this family as suitable candidates to emigrate to Canada. Moved to tears, Rosie considers the incredible hardships her ancestors endured. She recognizes the success and accomplishments that she and her siblings have enjoyed, and she realizes that her life has always been blessed. She says in the episode that she would not be here, were it not for the two men who recommended her ancestors for emigration.
Surely God stored the tears of Rosie’s ancestors in His bottle and numbered them. Surely He had his hand upon this family – and others - even in the suffering that their great-great-granddaughter endured – and Rosie compared to a concentration camp. Rosie was able to do what King David did in the Psalm… look beyond her sadness, grief, and suffering and see the blessings God was preparing for her. And we can do the same. Every family… and every life… will have times of challenge, hardship, sadness, and suffering on some level. No one is immune to these tools of the devil… his attempts to drag us down and make us turn our back on God.
Rick Warren says in The Purpose Driven Life that “You will have happy moments here, but nothing compared to what God has planned for you…faithfulness to God does not guarantee success in a career or even ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns.” When we stop and consider this, we can see that what we consider to be extremely difficult… even horrific… times in our lives are truly just bumps in the road in the overall scheme of God’s plans for us.
If we can learn to focus on worshipping God and making Him smile… if we can look beyond our immediate little world and realize that there is a much bigger picture, we can begin to live in the blessings that God has for us. When we realize just how important we are to Him… how everything weaves together to bring us to the exact spot we are now… we more clearly see how important it is that we stay faithful and do our part to honor and glorify the One who counts our tears.
Sometimes it’s hard to see the blessings and the intricate details of how God is working on our behalf, because we get bogged down in the everyday incidents and focus too much on the immediate rather than the long-term. Where do you need to adjust your focus? Ask God to show you how to trust Him more… and trust His promises. Begin to operate in faith that He will not only number your tears… but your steps as well. Realize how blessed you are to be a child of God… and start to live accordingly!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 27, 2011
1 Peter 1:3-5
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. God has something stored up for you in heaven, where it will never decay or be ruined or disappear.
You have faith in God, whose power will protect you until the last day. Then he will save you, just as he has always planned to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever moved… or even taken a trip… you know that you have to make decisions about what to take and what to leave at home. Some moves/trips are easier than others. Sometimes we are actually moving into a bigger space, where storage is not an issue… and sometimes we are downsizing, perhaps drastically. We are moving my grandmother into an assisted living facility, so this is one of those “monumental” moves. On the surface, it would seem easy – you take your best things – just what will fit into the space – and leave the rest to be dispersed among family members and/or sold or donated.
But when you get down to it, we are all attached to our things, and 98-year-old grandmothers are no exception. My grandmother has an “edge” on some, because she and my grandfather lost virtually everything in a house fire 30 years ago. However, in the last 30 years, a lot of “stuff” has been accumulated… and there is sentimental attachment for much of it. So jewelry that belonged to my grandmother’s sisters is important. The little wind chime that hung in my great-aunt’s window has meaning for my grandmother (her older sister). She remembers the kindness of those who gave her things – and the “back-story” behind many of these items.
My grandmother is going on a journey of sorts. She is moving into what will most likely be her final earthly home. What do you take? What do you leave behind? If we study 1 Peter and other scriptures throughout the Bible, we see that there will come a day when, quite literally, we can’t take it with us! The things we store up on this earth and place such value on will not matter when we depart this earth and make the move to Heaven. But the treasures we store for Eternity will be waiting on us… and then some.
I love my home and my “things” as much as the next guy. But I’m starting to question some of my choices a little more closely. Do I need to buy this gadget or that knick-knack… or do I need to contribute more to world hunger relief? Do I really need to spend this hour shopping online, or should I spend it visiting a shut-in or calling a friend I haven’t spoken with in a long time? Should I tip the car hop an extra dollar for delivering my burger or save that money for something I want at a later date? Is it better to concentrate on myself for awhile and do some things for myself (because let’s face it, it’s all about us!) or look around and see who needs my help, prayers, encouragement, and more?
When my great-aunt passed away, the pastor reminded us that her 89-year life was a long, rich one. But by the same token, 89 years was a blip on the screen compared to Eternity. The “stuff” we store up here on earth pales in comparison to what God is storing for us in Heaven. In fact, much of what we think is so fantastic now, we would pile on the junk heap in Heaven. So we have some big choices to make.
As we sort our lives and decide what to keep and what to pitch, we need to take a long hard look at every single area. We need to ask ourselves, “Does this really matter? Would we want to take this to Heaven?” It’s a daunting task – and a challenging question. But the last verse of our passage for today says it all… God will save us. He will protect us to the last day. And He will meet ALL of our needs, and then some… now - and most surely in Heaven. For me, this is worth any “tough choices” I have to make now. Wouldn’t you agree?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. God has something stored up for you in heaven, where it will never decay or be ruined or disappear.
You have faith in God, whose power will protect you until the last day. Then he will save you, just as he has always planned to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever moved… or even taken a trip… you know that you have to make decisions about what to take and what to leave at home. Some moves/trips are easier than others. Sometimes we are actually moving into a bigger space, where storage is not an issue… and sometimes we are downsizing, perhaps drastically. We are moving my grandmother into an assisted living facility, so this is one of those “monumental” moves. On the surface, it would seem easy – you take your best things – just what will fit into the space – and leave the rest to be dispersed among family members and/or sold or donated.
But when you get down to it, we are all attached to our things, and 98-year-old grandmothers are no exception. My grandmother has an “edge” on some, because she and my grandfather lost virtually everything in a house fire 30 years ago. However, in the last 30 years, a lot of “stuff” has been accumulated… and there is sentimental attachment for much of it. So jewelry that belonged to my grandmother’s sisters is important. The little wind chime that hung in my great-aunt’s window has meaning for my grandmother (her older sister). She remembers the kindness of those who gave her things – and the “back-story” behind many of these items.
My grandmother is going on a journey of sorts. She is moving into what will most likely be her final earthly home. What do you take? What do you leave behind? If we study 1 Peter and other scriptures throughout the Bible, we see that there will come a day when, quite literally, we can’t take it with us! The things we store up on this earth and place such value on will not matter when we depart this earth and make the move to Heaven. But the treasures we store for Eternity will be waiting on us… and then some.
I love my home and my “things” as much as the next guy. But I’m starting to question some of my choices a little more closely. Do I need to buy this gadget or that knick-knack… or do I need to contribute more to world hunger relief? Do I really need to spend this hour shopping online, or should I spend it visiting a shut-in or calling a friend I haven’t spoken with in a long time? Should I tip the car hop an extra dollar for delivering my burger or save that money for something I want at a later date? Is it better to concentrate on myself for awhile and do some things for myself (because let’s face it, it’s all about us!) or look around and see who needs my help, prayers, encouragement, and more?
When my great-aunt passed away, the pastor reminded us that her 89-year life was a long, rich one. But by the same token, 89 years was a blip on the screen compared to Eternity. The “stuff” we store up here on earth pales in comparison to what God is storing for us in Heaven. In fact, much of what we think is so fantastic now, we would pile on the junk heap in Heaven. So we have some big choices to make.
As we sort our lives and decide what to keep and what to pitch, we need to take a long hard look at every single area. We need to ask ourselves, “Does this really matter? Would we want to take this to Heaven?” It’s a daunting task – and a challenging question. But the last verse of our passage for today says it all… God will save us. He will protect us to the last day. And He will meet ALL of our needs, and then some… now - and most surely in Heaven. For me, this is worth any “tough choices” I have to make now. Wouldn’t you agree?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 9, 2011
Exodus 15:1-15
The LORD is my strength, the reason for my song, because he has saved me. I praise and honor the LORD -- he is my God and the God of my ancestors. The LORD is his name, and he is a warrior! He threw the chariots and army of Egypt's king into the Red Sea, and he drowned the best of the king's officers. They sank to the bottom just like stones. With the tremendous force of your right arm, our LORD, you crushed your enemies.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We never know where or when we will get an opportunity to share with someone just how powerful God is. Recently I walked in to a local office to drop off some papers, and as soon as I opened the door, I was blasted by the smell of cigarettes. I’m not talking the faint smell of smoke, as if someone snuffed a cigarette in the parking lot as they entered the building. I’m talking the smell of a dozen or more people sitting in a crowded room, all lit up and puffing away.
The cigarette smell belonged to one man who was standing at the counter, and he appeared to be in his late forties. He was talking to the receptionist about his paper work. He was animated and friendly, and when he turned and saw me standing off to the side awaiting my turn, he graciously stepped aside and gestured for me to “come on over.” I walked up to the window. Then he moved in toward me and began to chat. What did I think about the snow we’re having? Who was the man in the photo hanging on the wall? (Governor Beebe – it was a state office.) The receptionist was busy copying the man’s papers, so we had a few minutes to stand in line together.
The man then began to talk about how much we needed the snow, because the drought last summer really hurt the trees in his yard. Then he asked me, “You don’t know anyone who would like to buy a beautiful home, do you? Because I think I’m selling mine and leaving this place. There just aren’t many opportunities for a guy my age to meet someone here.” And he winked and nudged my arm. I smiled, not knowing quite what to say… and he continued, “I tried going to church, but that didn’t work, so I’m not going back.”
Very clearly, I felt my opportunity present itself… “Why would you not go back to church?” I asked. He replied, “I don’t figure God would like it too much if I came to church to find a woman.” I asked him, “How do you know? What if you thought you were only going to church to meet someone, but God was leading you to church so He could do other things for you?” He stopped and looked at me with a puzzled look, and asked, “So you’re saying I’m selling God short?” “Maybe,” I told him. “You might be underestimating the power of God… and you are surely underestimating how much He cares about you.”
The man seemed a bit caught off guard by my comments. He smiled and said, “So in other words, I should give God another chance?” “Probably,” I said with a smile… “there are a lot of wonderful churches around here… you should check them out and give God another try.” I did not invite him to my church… I planted a seed, and I thought I’d let God handle the rest. This was not a “sales pitch” for my own church.
The receptionist came back to the window and finished her business with this man. He thanked me and said, “You’ve given me a new way to look at all of this.” He smiled and walked away.
I thought about the brief encounter, and I know that the outcome was totally God’s doing. Because of the strong cigarette smell, I was maintaining a wide berth. When the man stepped aside and gestured for me to approach the window, I could have waved him off and stayed where I was, but I stepped up, signed in, and stood beside him. And when he started to talk to me and get chummy, I could have given him one-word answers, nods of the head, and generally let him know I was not interested in what he had to say. I kept reminding myself, “He’s God’s child, too… he’s God’s child, too. Get past this.”
I felt God was saying, “Okay, I’m giving you an opportunity to speak for me… what are you going to do with it?” I believe we get many of these opportunities… often several times a day. And most of the time, we either fail to recognize them… or we fail to accept them.
Later in the day, another incident reminded me of an encounter I had years ago with my cousin, J.D. Mired in all sorts of personal struggles, J.D. attended my dad’s funeral, and he tells me that I approached him at the cemetery and said, “I’m praying for you.” I have absolutely no recollection of this. I do know I was praying for J.D. – and today he is a totally new person. The road to recovery was a long, difficult one, but he now travels several states conducting worship services and tent revivals. His focus every day is living for Jesus Christ and bringing others to a relationship with Him. And in recent months, J.D. actually did meet a Christian woman at a revival service – and they were married a month ago!
I’m not saying that the man I met in the local office will find his soul mate in church - or become a minister. But what I am saying is that we do sell God short. We underestimate His love for us… and His power to make the impossible happen. I told the man yesterday that the Bible tells us, “With God, all things are possible.” I hope he understood what I was saying to him in so many words… that we are each and every one precious and incredibly important to God. He knows us… He knows our needs, our desires, our hopes and dreams – and our talents and abilities. He understands what we can accomplish – for ourselves and for His kingdom. He can free us of addictions, debt, emotional baggage, sinful attitudes and behaviors, and more. And the kicker is… He wants to do this for us!
My prayer today is that we would all start to recognize the little opportunities God provides us each day to share His message with others. I also pray that we would look past appearances, smoky jackets and overly-talkative personalities and see the person inside that God sees… and recognize that he/she has incredible value to God – just like we do!
I have to admit, I have griped and grumbled (at least to myself) every time I have had to set foot in this local office for something. But now I see that God gave me an opportunity in the very spot I didn’t want to be... and I could easily have missed it. Are you recognizing how important you are to God… and the chances He offers you to serve Him? Are you paying attention to God these days? Shouldn’t you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD is my strength, the reason for my song, because he has saved me. I praise and honor the LORD -- he is my God and the God of my ancestors. The LORD is his name, and he is a warrior! He threw the chariots and army of Egypt's king into the Red Sea, and he drowned the best of the king's officers. They sank to the bottom just like stones. With the tremendous force of your right arm, our LORD, you crushed your enemies.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We never know where or when we will get an opportunity to share with someone just how powerful God is. Recently I walked in to a local office to drop off some papers, and as soon as I opened the door, I was blasted by the smell of cigarettes. I’m not talking the faint smell of smoke, as if someone snuffed a cigarette in the parking lot as they entered the building. I’m talking the smell of a dozen or more people sitting in a crowded room, all lit up and puffing away.
The cigarette smell belonged to one man who was standing at the counter, and he appeared to be in his late forties. He was talking to the receptionist about his paper work. He was animated and friendly, and when he turned and saw me standing off to the side awaiting my turn, he graciously stepped aside and gestured for me to “come on over.” I walked up to the window. Then he moved in toward me and began to chat. What did I think about the snow we’re having? Who was the man in the photo hanging on the wall? (Governor Beebe – it was a state office.) The receptionist was busy copying the man’s papers, so we had a few minutes to stand in line together.
The man then began to talk about how much we needed the snow, because the drought last summer really hurt the trees in his yard. Then he asked me, “You don’t know anyone who would like to buy a beautiful home, do you? Because I think I’m selling mine and leaving this place. There just aren’t many opportunities for a guy my age to meet someone here.” And he winked and nudged my arm. I smiled, not knowing quite what to say… and he continued, “I tried going to church, but that didn’t work, so I’m not going back.”
Very clearly, I felt my opportunity present itself… “Why would you not go back to church?” I asked. He replied, “I don’t figure God would like it too much if I came to church to find a woman.” I asked him, “How do you know? What if you thought you were only going to church to meet someone, but God was leading you to church so He could do other things for you?” He stopped and looked at me with a puzzled look, and asked, “So you’re saying I’m selling God short?” “Maybe,” I told him. “You might be underestimating the power of God… and you are surely underestimating how much He cares about you.”
The man seemed a bit caught off guard by my comments. He smiled and said, “So in other words, I should give God another chance?” “Probably,” I said with a smile… “there are a lot of wonderful churches around here… you should check them out and give God another try.” I did not invite him to my church… I planted a seed, and I thought I’d let God handle the rest. This was not a “sales pitch” for my own church.
The receptionist came back to the window and finished her business with this man. He thanked me and said, “You’ve given me a new way to look at all of this.” He smiled and walked away.
I thought about the brief encounter, and I know that the outcome was totally God’s doing. Because of the strong cigarette smell, I was maintaining a wide berth. When the man stepped aside and gestured for me to approach the window, I could have waved him off and stayed where I was, but I stepped up, signed in, and stood beside him. And when he started to talk to me and get chummy, I could have given him one-word answers, nods of the head, and generally let him know I was not interested in what he had to say. I kept reminding myself, “He’s God’s child, too… he’s God’s child, too. Get past this.”
I felt God was saying, “Okay, I’m giving you an opportunity to speak for me… what are you going to do with it?” I believe we get many of these opportunities… often several times a day. And most of the time, we either fail to recognize them… or we fail to accept them.
Later in the day, another incident reminded me of an encounter I had years ago with my cousin, J.D. Mired in all sorts of personal struggles, J.D. attended my dad’s funeral, and he tells me that I approached him at the cemetery and said, “I’m praying for you.” I have absolutely no recollection of this. I do know I was praying for J.D. – and today he is a totally new person. The road to recovery was a long, difficult one, but he now travels several states conducting worship services and tent revivals. His focus every day is living for Jesus Christ and bringing others to a relationship with Him. And in recent months, J.D. actually did meet a Christian woman at a revival service – and they were married a month ago!
I’m not saying that the man I met in the local office will find his soul mate in church - or become a minister. But what I am saying is that we do sell God short. We underestimate His love for us… and His power to make the impossible happen. I told the man yesterday that the Bible tells us, “With God, all things are possible.” I hope he understood what I was saying to him in so many words… that we are each and every one precious and incredibly important to God. He knows us… He knows our needs, our desires, our hopes and dreams – and our talents and abilities. He understands what we can accomplish – for ourselves and for His kingdom. He can free us of addictions, debt, emotional baggage, sinful attitudes and behaviors, and more. And the kicker is… He wants to do this for us!
My prayer today is that we would all start to recognize the little opportunities God provides us each day to share His message with others. I also pray that we would look past appearances, smoky jackets and overly-talkative personalities and see the person inside that God sees… and recognize that he/she has incredible value to God – just like we do!
I have to admit, I have griped and grumbled (at least to myself) every time I have had to set foot in this local office for something. But now I see that God gave me an opportunity in the very spot I didn’t want to be... and I could easily have missed it. Are you recognizing how important you are to God… and the chances He offers you to serve Him? Are you paying attention to God these days? Shouldn’t you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 27, 2011
Psalm 8:3-9
I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. Then I ask, "Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?" You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor. You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power-- the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. Our LORD and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have not watched the movie Temple Grandin, you need to rent it! The true story of a woman with autism, this film tells not only about the life and work of Temple Grandin and how she struggled with her condition… it is also about the incredible work she has done in the area of humane treatment of cattle.
The movie is a little hard to watch in spots, because inhumane treatment of cattle is depicted. But as you will see in the movie, Temple Grandin champions the care of both horses and cattle… and her dedication serves to remind us that something as “lowly” as a cow is valuable to God and deserves to be treated kindly.
I’ve thought about this movie a lot since we viewed it, and I have come to recognize even more strongly the incredible work God has done in and through Temple Grandin. God used her to provide care and a change in the way cattle are treated today in many corners of our country. God used Temple Grandin to show others so much about autism. I don’t want to give away the movie, but let’s just say that I don’t think you can watch this movie without being struck by how much God has used her… and the fact that God can use each of us in extraordinary ways, if we will open our hearts to Him.
We all have doubts from time to time… but hear me clearly… the same God who created the moon and stars… the same God who cares about cattle and horses, bugs and birds… the same God who can accomplish miraculous things through someone with autism… this God loves you dearly. You are precious to Him, and He values you more than you realize. When you start to feel down or discourage, remember that the God of the Universe thinks you are amazing. He values you above all other of His creatures. He’s got your back! How can we not honor Him? How can we help but sing His praise and serve Him with our whole heart? How can we ever feel useless?
The same God who used Temple Grandin to accomplish incredible things wants to bless you, too. What’s holding you back… have you acknowledged Him in your life? Are you giving Him the glory and honor He deserves? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. Then I ask, "Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?" You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor. You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power-- the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. Our LORD and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have not watched the movie Temple Grandin, you need to rent it! The true story of a woman with autism, this film tells not only about the life and work of Temple Grandin and how she struggled with her condition… it is also about the incredible work she has done in the area of humane treatment of cattle.
The movie is a little hard to watch in spots, because inhumane treatment of cattle is depicted. But as you will see in the movie, Temple Grandin champions the care of both horses and cattle… and her dedication serves to remind us that something as “lowly” as a cow is valuable to God and deserves to be treated kindly.
I’ve thought about this movie a lot since we viewed it, and I have come to recognize even more strongly the incredible work God has done in and through Temple Grandin. God used her to provide care and a change in the way cattle are treated today in many corners of our country. God used Temple Grandin to show others so much about autism. I don’t want to give away the movie, but let’s just say that I don’t think you can watch this movie without being struck by how much God has used her… and the fact that God can use each of us in extraordinary ways, if we will open our hearts to Him.
We all have doubts from time to time… but hear me clearly… the same God who created the moon and stars… the same God who cares about cattle and horses, bugs and birds… the same God who can accomplish miraculous things through someone with autism… this God loves you dearly. You are precious to Him, and He values you more than you realize. When you start to feel down or discourage, remember that the God of the Universe thinks you are amazing. He values you above all other of His creatures. He’s got your back! How can we not honor Him? How can we help but sing His praise and serve Him with our whole heart? How can we ever feel useless?
The same God who used Temple Grandin to accomplish incredible things wants to bless you, too. What’s holding you back… have you acknowledged Him in your life? Are you giving Him the glory and honor He deserves? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 23, 2011
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This time of year, we sometimes have trouble planning too many things because of our weather. One day it’s sunny and in the upper 40s or low 50s, and the next, we have four or five inches of snow on the ground and our streets are icy. The weather can change quickly. I’ve seen tornadoes come through one evening, and a big snow follow the next day. We preface a lot of our plans with, “If it snows…” or “If the roads don’t get icy.” Let’s face it, weather is ever changing, and we have to adjust our own lives accordingly.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that God doesn’t change like the weather? Don’t you find comfort in knowing that you can always count on God to be the same… yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The only thing that really changes is how we respond and react to Him. When we pull away, it feels like God changed… but in truth, we were the ones who moved. When everything seems to be going very well in our lives, we are right there to thank God for the changes.
What we have to recognize is that changes in our life may be orchestrated or influenced by God and/or our relationship with Him. But HE never, ever, ever changes. God is always with us. God is always guiding us and working things together for His good. God is always ready to help us and make a way, even where we see none. God’s love never fails… never falters… never hesitates. His care never ceases.
If you sense a change, examine your life and see where and how YOU moved. If the change was positive, thank God for helping you to find your way toward that outcome. If the change was not a good one, ask God for help to restore you on the right path. Thank God for being constant… for never changing or waffling in our lives. Give Him glory for his steadfast love and care… and ask Him to keep you on the right path, so that all of your changes are ones that draw you closer to Him. Check your “Spiritual weather” today and make sure the forecast is one that reflects clear skies and a God-filled relationship.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This time of year, we sometimes have trouble planning too many things because of our weather. One day it’s sunny and in the upper 40s or low 50s, and the next, we have four or five inches of snow on the ground and our streets are icy. The weather can change quickly. I’ve seen tornadoes come through one evening, and a big snow follow the next day. We preface a lot of our plans with, “If it snows…” or “If the roads don’t get icy.” Let’s face it, weather is ever changing, and we have to adjust our own lives accordingly.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that God doesn’t change like the weather? Don’t you find comfort in knowing that you can always count on God to be the same… yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The only thing that really changes is how we respond and react to Him. When we pull away, it feels like God changed… but in truth, we were the ones who moved. When everything seems to be going very well in our lives, we are right there to thank God for the changes.
What we have to recognize is that changes in our life may be orchestrated or influenced by God and/or our relationship with Him. But HE never, ever, ever changes. God is always with us. God is always guiding us and working things together for His good. God is always ready to help us and make a way, even where we see none. God’s love never fails… never falters… never hesitates. His care never ceases.
If you sense a change, examine your life and see where and how YOU moved. If the change was positive, thank God for helping you to find your way toward that outcome. If the change was not a good one, ask God for help to restore you on the right path. Thank God for being constant… for never changing or waffling in our lives. Give Him glory for his steadfast love and care… and ask Him to keep you on the right path, so that all of your changes are ones that draw you closer to Him. Check your “Spiritual weather” today and make sure the forecast is one that reflects clear skies and a God-filled relationship.
©2011 Debbie Robus
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