Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For days, all we heard from newscasters was “Get ready for the big storm.” We were told to make sure we had non-perishable food items, water, fuel, cash, flashlights, batteries and more… in case we were iced in for several days and lost power. We were warned to run any errands and make preparations to stay at home for a while. I saw people in Wal-Mart who were gathering games and other activities to occupy their kiddos over the weekend – especially things that wouldn’t require electrical power. I helped a couple of bewildered husbands find the candles their wives had sent them to purchase.
The ice came, and some areas lost power. Those who didn’t have a plan in place must take personal responsibility, because we were all given ample time and warning to face this storm with hope for a positive outcome.
Anyone who knows me very well can tell you that I am one of those people who like to have a plan. I don’t function well in the realm of “whatever comes along”. I can be spontaneous, and I can adjust on the fly… but I really like to know what’s on the agenda. Of course, there are always unknowns. We can’t always prepare for trees that fall on our house… cars that spin out of control on an icy driveway…or power outages that last far longer than we expected. We can’t know that we will get sick…that certain events will have to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, and more. In short… we truly don’t know for certain what our future holds… at least not 100 percent!
The GOOD NEWS is that God knows exactly what’s in store for us. His plans are perfect. He knows what will be cancelled, what obstacles we will face… and even if the power will go out – and for how long! If we trust God’s plans for our lives… if we have faith and confidence that He will work things out for good and not for disaster… we can live with hope that our future is bright. We still won’t know what is going to happen at any given moment… but we know that God is working things out perfectly. In other words, we don’t know what the future holds, but we know WHO holds the future.
Because of this promise, I can handle the “surprises” that come my way… both the happy ones and those that are not so pleasant. I know that God is planning every minute of my future…and it is indeed a good one. Because I believe in God… because I trust His promises are true…I have hope - and I pray that the same can be said for you. Are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label Gods perfect plans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gods perfect plans. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 15, 2013
Psalm 139:13-18
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.
Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I’ll never comprehend them!
I couldn’t even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
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.
If you visited my laundry/craft room, you would see stacks of projects. In my head, I can see how they will look when they are finished. When I complete a garment… or a greeting card or whatever I am making, I know every stitch or piece of paper that went into it. I see every seam… each layer… and all the steps that went into its creation. Sometimes my projects work out as planned… sometimes they don’t. Once in a while, something turns out so badly that I have to totally scrap it and start over! And more than once, I’ve made something for myself that I disliked so much that it rarely – if ever – was worn. Every time I put it on, I saw all of the flaws… or it just didn’t look and feel right.
Maybe you have had a similar experience. Many of us have envisioned a recipe in our heads that sounded delicious. I recently read a recipe on Pinterest for a pumpkin smoothie. It sounded wonderful! I could almost taste it as I read through the ingredients and process. But I have to tell you, I was terribly disappointed with the finished product, and I don’t care to make another one… ever!
It’s a beautiful thing to know that God planned and envisioned us long before we were ever conceived. He designed, planned, and created every “seam” in the garment that is our body – each “layer” that is the greeting card of our personality – all of the ingredients that make up the “recipe” of our lives. And the coolest part of all is that He loves every single thing about us. There may be “stitches” that are a little uneven…a crooked “caption” here or there… or even an off-putting “taste” occasionally. Still, God loves us. He looks past the flaws and imperfections and says, “This is My creation. Perfection and purpose lie within him/her. There may be bumps in the road and even a few wrong turns… but at the end of the day, I know how this ends - and I am in love with My handiwork.”
No one will ever love you like God. Your parents may have planned for your birth. They may have thought about you and dreamed of your conception and delivery. They may have nurtured you and given you every advantage as you grew and developed. You may have friends, relatives and/or a significant other who adore you and make you feel important each and every day. But none of these compares to the immeasurable, unconditional love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance that God offers us every single minute of the day.
God would never “scrap” us like an ill-fitting garment or a distasteful recipe… yet many of us are ready to toss Him to the side at every turn. Our “justifications” run the gamut from disappointments over events in our lives and prayers we felt were unanswered – or answered in a way we did not like… a desire to have our own way in all things – at all times…or accession to outside forces that convince us that God is not real – that He could not possibly love us so amazingly. Regardless of the reasons, we can choose to correct our course. We can acknowledge God’s presence – and His power. We can say, “Thank You, LORD… for everything!”
One of my favorite things to do is to take an old garment that has begun to show wear – or has been donated to the thrift store – and repurpose it to create something new and useful. You may have somehow fallen into the “thrift store bin. You may feel useless, unloved… or separated from God. The good news is that He can repurpose you… He planned for this and knows exactly what to do to get you back on track. All you have to do is to choose Him… to ask GOd to let you rise in the morning and live always with Him. He will handle the rest.
God choose you… have you chosen Him in return?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvelously made!
I worship in adoration—what a creation!
You know me inside and out,
you know every bone in my body;
You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something.
Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;
all the stages of my life were spread out before you,
The days of my life all prepared
before I’d even lived one day.
Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!
God, I’ll never comprehend them!
I couldn’t even begin to count them—
any more than I could count the sand of the sea.
Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!
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.
If you visited my laundry/craft room, you would see stacks of projects. In my head, I can see how they will look when they are finished. When I complete a garment… or a greeting card or whatever I am making, I know every stitch or piece of paper that went into it. I see every seam… each layer… and all the steps that went into its creation. Sometimes my projects work out as planned… sometimes they don’t. Once in a while, something turns out so badly that I have to totally scrap it and start over! And more than once, I’ve made something for myself that I disliked so much that it rarely – if ever – was worn. Every time I put it on, I saw all of the flaws… or it just didn’t look and feel right.
Maybe you have had a similar experience. Many of us have envisioned a recipe in our heads that sounded delicious. I recently read a recipe on Pinterest for a pumpkin smoothie. It sounded wonderful! I could almost taste it as I read through the ingredients and process. But I have to tell you, I was terribly disappointed with the finished product, and I don’t care to make another one… ever!
It’s a beautiful thing to know that God planned and envisioned us long before we were ever conceived. He designed, planned, and created every “seam” in the garment that is our body – each “layer” that is the greeting card of our personality – all of the ingredients that make up the “recipe” of our lives. And the coolest part of all is that He loves every single thing about us. There may be “stitches” that are a little uneven…a crooked “caption” here or there… or even an off-putting “taste” occasionally. Still, God loves us. He looks past the flaws and imperfections and says, “This is My creation. Perfection and purpose lie within him/her. There may be bumps in the road and even a few wrong turns… but at the end of the day, I know how this ends - and I am in love with My handiwork.”
No one will ever love you like God. Your parents may have planned for your birth. They may have thought about you and dreamed of your conception and delivery. They may have nurtured you and given you every advantage as you grew and developed. You may have friends, relatives and/or a significant other who adore you and make you feel important each and every day. But none of these compares to the immeasurable, unconditional love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance that God offers us every single minute of the day.
God would never “scrap” us like an ill-fitting garment or a distasteful recipe… yet many of us are ready to toss Him to the side at every turn. Our “justifications” run the gamut from disappointments over events in our lives and prayers we felt were unanswered – or answered in a way we did not like… a desire to have our own way in all things – at all times…or accession to outside forces that convince us that God is not real – that He could not possibly love us so amazingly. Regardless of the reasons, we can choose to correct our course. We can acknowledge God’s presence – and His power. We can say, “Thank You, LORD… for everything!”
One of my favorite things to do is to take an old garment that has begun to show wear – or has been donated to the thrift store – and repurpose it to create something new and useful. You may have somehow fallen into the “thrift store bin. You may feel useless, unloved… or separated from God. The good news is that He can repurpose you… He planned for this and knows exactly what to do to get you back on track. All you have to do is to choose Him… to ask GOd to let you rise in the morning and live always with Him. He will handle the rest.
God choose you… have you chosen Him in return?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 8, 2013
Proverbs 16:9
We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One year ago today, Greg and I were in Arlington, Texas, loading up my niece, her husband and three children – and moving them back to Arkansas. When I was her age (23), I would have never believed anyone who told me that someday we would be so actively involved in the lives of children ages 4, 2, and 1. Even at age FORTY-THREE, I would not have imagined this! We did not have children… we felt God sent us in a different direction - and we planned accordingly.
When we retired in 2005, I was not even fifty years old. My “retirement plans” included spending time with Greg and our two cats, exploring lots of writing projects – blogs, music, and articles for “content” websites, antiquing, catching up on the stacks of books I had purchased and never read… and much more. God has allowed me to fulfill some of these plans… just not in the way I had envisioned them. I now write mostly devotionals and a few blog posts…my “antiquing phase” has greatly waned… and I play the piano and guitar about once a week for an hour or so – or when the children visit. Many of those books I bought are still on the shelf - waiting to be read.
My “retirement plans” have taken a pretty sharp turn… but the results have been no less blessed or fulfilling. Our home has frequently been filled with the noise of at least one – and sometimes two or three babies and toddlers. Watching this family grow and develop has been an unexpected joy. I am so grateful that God gave me such a compatible mate. Greg and I spend virtually every waking moment together, and we still enjoy each other’s company after almost 40 years of marriage. Our 14-year-old cats have learned to tolerate frequent visits from little ones who love to chase them… and yes, I think that is somewhat God’s doing, as well. I was able to provide the necessary care for my grandmother in her last years and spend a lot of time with her – or doing things behind the scenes with regard to her care. Now that she is gone, those memories – even the less than happy ones – sustain me.
God has shifted my focus… and I am trying to stay alert to His plans for my life instead of my own. I’m a slow learner, but I’m learning nonetheless… that each day has its own ebb and flow – and blessings. The key is to choose to see them! I can plan the way I want to live… but only God will make me able to live it. And on the days when things don’t go according to my plans, I can choose to be upset – or to look for God’s hand in the shifting… and work with what He allows. I can clearly see that God has been orchestrating the events of my life from the very beginning… with some fairly amazing experiences and outcomes. Why on earth would I want to start trying to tell Him how to run things now?
What about you? Are you planning the way you want to live and fully expecting everything to go just as you designed it? Are you frustrated, angry and upset when things do not materialize as you expected? Isn’t it time you recognize God’s hand in making us able to live out our plans… and embrace the changes He allows and/or arranges? I promise you… God is at work in every single detail of our lives. It is up to us to see this… and to acknowledge His presence. How we react to the events of our lives is totally up to us. What will you choose to do?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 13, 2013
September 13 ~ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Everything you were taught can be put into a few words:
Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My late cousin Carla Lou came from Ohio for a visit one year near the end of November. As I decorated our house for Christmas, she sat on the couch and read recipes aloud to me from some of my cookbooks. We would discuss whether the dish sounded tasty or not and exactly how we would prepare it. She came to a recipe for peanut butter cookies… and it only had 3 ingredients – 1 egg, 1 cup of peanut butter, and 1 cup of sugar. “That can’t be right!” we agreed… but we both said we were going to try it and see what happened!
That peanut butter cookie recipe has become one of my staples…a family favorite that is quick and easy – and oh, so delicious! No one can believe that there isn’t more to the recipe. How can something so simple be so perfect? Doesn’t it need flour, salt, baking powder… SOMETHING else? The answer is a solid, “NO!”
Do you realize that this is how we often are in our relationship with God? We want to add unnecessary things to the mix… rituals, rules that He never established, ideas and expectations that don’t belong. In short, we want to take something that is sheer perfection and ruin it with added ingredients. What we need to do is to study this scripture passage and take it to heart… “Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about.”
In everything we do, we need ask only one question… “Does this respect and obey God?” Getting ready to judge someone else or say something hateful or unkind? Does this respect and obey God? Want to cheat… anyone or on anything? Will God be respected and obeyed? Feel like doing as you please, regardless of who gets hurt or what responsibilities are shirked? Do your actions represent respect and obedience to God’s will? Choose to take a little time off from serving God to serve yourself? How do you think God will judge this?
In every word and action of our lives… every choice… every breath… if we would only ask this question, the end result might be far more beautiful…more perfect… more pleasing, and even more peaceful. If only we would consider how God will judge what we are about to say or do, we might choose otherwise. Instead, we often choose to add our own interpretation to the mix… to “play with the recipe” – often with horrible results.
Today, let’s stop and ask this simple question… “Will this choice reflect respect and obedience to God?” Let’s let this question guide how we decide… what we choose. We know His “recipe” is perfect… so why do we insist on tinkering with it? If you are swayed to decide in favor of God’s judgment, I’m betting the outcome will be far better. It’s worth a shot… isn’t it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Everything you were taught can be put into a few words:
Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about. God will judge everything we do, even what is done in secret, whether good or bad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My late cousin Carla Lou came from Ohio for a visit one year near the end of November. As I decorated our house for Christmas, she sat on the couch and read recipes aloud to me from some of my cookbooks. We would discuss whether the dish sounded tasty or not and exactly how we would prepare it. She came to a recipe for peanut butter cookies… and it only had 3 ingredients – 1 egg, 1 cup of peanut butter, and 1 cup of sugar. “That can’t be right!” we agreed… but we both said we were going to try it and see what happened!
That peanut butter cookie recipe has become one of my staples…a family favorite that is quick and easy – and oh, so delicious! No one can believe that there isn’t more to the recipe. How can something so simple be so perfect? Doesn’t it need flour, salt, baking powder… SOMETHING else? The answer is a solid, “NO!”
Do you realize that this is how we often are in our relationship with God? We want to add unnecessary things to the mix… rituals, rules that He never established, ideas and expectations that don’t belong. In short, we want to take something that is sheer perfection and ruin it with added ingredients. What we need to do is to study this scripture passage and take it to heart… “Respect and obey God! This is what life is all about.”
In everything we do, we need ask only one question… “Does this respect and obey God?” Getting ready to judge someone else or say something hateful or unkind? Does this respect and obey God? Want to cheat… anyone or on anything? Will God be respected and obeyed? Feel like doing as you please, regardless of who gets hurt or what responsibilities are shirked? Do your actions represent respect and obedience to God’s will? Choose to take a little time off from serving God to serve yourself? How do you think God will judge this?
In every word and action of our lives… every choice… every breath… if we would only ask this question, the end result might be far more beautiful…more perfect… more pleasing, and even more peaceful. If only we would consider how God will judge what we are about to say or do, we might choose otherwise. Instead, we often choose to add our own interpretation to the mix… to “play with the recipe” – often with horrible results.
Today, let’s stop and ask this simple question… “Will this choice reflect respect and obedience to God?” Let’s let this question guide how we decide… what we choose. We know His “recipe” is perfect… so why do we insist on tinkering with it? If you are swayed to decide in favor of God’s judgment, I’m betting the outcome will be far better. It’s worth a shot… isn’t it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 30, 2013
May 30 ~ Psalm 40:1
I waited and waited and waited for God.
At last he looked; finally he listened.
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.
Two years ago, my husband and I attended a James Taylor concert in North Little Rock. Believe it or not, I discovered there are people who don’t know who James Taylor is… so if you are one of these folks, James Taylor is an international icon in the world of pop music. This singer-songwriter’s albums were incredibly popular when my husband and I were dating and attending college… and he still has a world-wide following today. Such notable hits as “Fire and Rain,” “Mexico,” Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” and “Copper Line” have stood the test of time and are still sung and widely recognized today.
What is incredible to me is that we had never attended one of James Taylor’s concerts until two years ago. We were able to obtain second-row seats on the floor with a birds-eye view of Taylor and the band. We sat next to veteran attendees of James Taylor’s concerts who told us, “He will sign autographs during intermission.”
We found this hard to believe, but the couple next to us had their items and a Sharpie® marker ready to go. So we started wondering… “What could we ask him to sign?” We had not brought any album covers… or a magazine like our seat neighbors. We had nothing. Then it hit me… I could have him sign the denim jean jacket I was wearing. I had a waterproof black marker in my purse. I would take off my jacket during intermission and see if James Taylor would sign it.
When the break came, I walked to the front of the stage and stood next to the man who had been sitting next to us. We were standing almost dead-center in front. James Taylor came out and started at one end of the stage, signing all sorts of items as he made his way toward us. But the time was short, and the crowd was huge. I convinced myself long before he made it near us that we would not be successful. Surely James would say, “That’s it, guys! I have a concert to perform,” and he would dismiss us. But he kept signing, and as he neared us, my very tall seat-neighbor grabbed my jacket and put it with his magazine and handed them to the performer.
James Taylor took my marker and my jacket and looked at me with a shrug and a grimace as if to say, “I’m not sure how I’m going to do this.” Then he crooked one knee, knelt, and placed the back yoke of my jacket across his leg…and signed his name. James Taylor had looked at last… and he had “listened”… and now I am the proud owner of a jacket with his signature!
Now I in no way compare James Taylor to God. But how many times have you been “in line” so to speak… trying to get God’s attention… waiting… and waiting… and waiting? And just about the time you were ready to give up… just when you felt like God was simply not noticing you… He answered! What is the take-away from this? Keep praying! Keep asking God… and believing He sees and hears you! I know it seems like He will never answer. I know you feel like things won’t ever change. But that is simply not how God operates!
Will God respond on our time-table… and exactly as we expect? Possibly… but most likely, the schedule will be totally different… and the outcome may be very dissimilar to what we wanted. But I assure you, everything will be perfect. Last Christmas, as I prayed for my grandmother, I begged God to let her go “home” for Christmas… to be in heaven where she longed to see Him and her friends and family members who preceded her. She was tired, sick, and so weary. Christmas came and went… and my grandmother lived. Then a dear friend and tablemate died, and my grandmother sobbed uncontrollably and asked, “Why not me? Why not me?”… and again, I asked, “LORD, why not her?” And then one morning in early March, the nurse called to say, “We cannot wake Mrs. Polly.” A little more than 36 hours later, she was “home.”
Now I see that God afforded all of us a happy Christmas holiday with my grandmother… and with our other family members, including my little nephews and niece who are just beginning to understand what Christmas is about. I see that God chose a time for my grandmother to die when there were not a million other things that I needed to do… a time when I could focus on all of the things that must be attended to when someone dies. I don’t have room in this devotional to share all of the ways God orchestrated things perfectly for that single event. While the death of a dear loved one is significant, it is still one single event in a world of zillions of occurrences that God choreographs every minute of every day!
Had I given up and sat down before James Taylor got to me in the line… or had he truly stopped signing autographs and returned to the second act (as a grumbling crowd persuaded him to do at one point)… the world would not have come to an end. But when we give up on God before He answers, we truly miss out on some incredible blessings. When we fail to yield to His timetable and exercise patience, we may miss some of the subtle brushstrokes in His painting of our lives… and that would truly be a shame.
Keep waiting… and waiting… and waiting. God does see you… He is listening… and He will answer. Make sure you stick around to hear what He has to say!
©2013 Debbie Robus
I waited and waited and waited for God.
At last he looked; finally he listened.
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.
Two years ago, my husband and I attended a James Taylor concert in North Little Rock. Believe it or not, I discovered there are people who don’t know who James Taylor is… so if you are one of these folks, James Taylor is an international icon in the world of pop music. This singer-songwriter’s albums were incredibly popular when my husband and I were dating and attending college… and he still has a world-wide following today. Such notable hits as “Fire and Rain,” “Mexico,” Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” and “Copper Line” have stood the test of time and are still sung and widely recognized today.
What is incredible to me is that we had never attended one of James Taylor’s concerts until two years ago. We were able to obtain second-row seats on the floor with a birds-eye view of Taylor and the band. We sat next to veteran attendees of James Taylor’s concerts who told us, “He will sign autographs during intermission.”
We found this hard to believe, but the couple next to us had their items and a Sharpie® marker ready to go. So we started wondering… “What could we ask him to sign?” We had not brought any album covers… or a magazine like our seat neighbors. We had nothing. Then it hit me… I could have him sign the denim jean jacket I was wearing. I had a waterproof black marker in my purse. I would take off my jacket during intermission and see if James Taylor would sign it.
When the break came, I walked to the front of the stage and stood next to the man who had been sitting next to us. We were standing almost dead-center in front. James Taylor came out and started at one end of the stage, signing all sorts of items as he made his way toward us. But the time was short, and the crowd was huge. I convinced myself long before he made it near us that we would not be successful. Surely James would say, “That’s it, guys! I have a concert to perform,” and he would dismiss us. But he kept signing, and as he neared us, my very tall seat-neighbor grabbed my jacket and put it with his magazine and handed them to the performer.
James Taylor took my marker and my jacket and looked at me with a shrug and a grimace as if to say, “I’m not sure how I’m going to do this.” Then he crooked one knee, knelt, and placed the back yoke of my jacket across his leg…and signed his name. James Taylor had looked at last… and he had “listened”… and now I am the proud owner of a jacket with his signature!
Now I in no way compare James Taylor to God. But how many times have you been “in line” so to speak… trying to get God’s attention… waiting… and waiting… and waiting? And just about the time you were ready to give up… just when you felt like God was simply not noticing you… He answered! What is the take-away from this? Keep praying! Keep asking God… and believing He sees and hears you! I know it seems like He will never answer. I know you feel like things won’t ever change. But that is simply not how God operates!
Will God respond on our time-table… and exactly as we expect? Possibly… but most likely, the schedule will be totally different… and the outcome may be very dissimilar to what we wanted. But I assure you, everything will be perfect. Last Christmas, as I prayed for my grandmother, I begged God to let her go “home” for Christmas… to be in heaven where she longed to see Him and her friends and family members who preceded her. She was tired, sick, and so weary. Christmas came and went… and my grandmother lived. Then a dear friend and tablemate died, and my grandmother sobbed uncontrollably and asked, “Why not me? Why not me?”… and again, I asked, “LORD, why not her?” And then one morning in early March, the nurse called to say, “We cannot wake Mrs. Polly.” A little more than 36 hours later, she was “home.”
Now I see that God afforded all of us a happy Christmas holiday with my grandmother… and with our other family members, including my little nephews and niece who are just beginning to understand what Christmas is about. I see that God chose a time for my grandmother to die when there were not a million other things that I needed to do… a time when I could focus on all of the things that must be attended to when someone dies. I don’t have room in this devotional to share all of the ways God orchestrated things perfectly for that single event. While the death of a dear loved one is significant, it is still one single event in a world of zillions of occurrences that God choreographs every minute of every day!
Had I given up and sat down before James Taylor got to me in the line… or had he truly stopped signing autographs and returned to the second act (as a grumbling crowd persuaded him to do at one point)… the world would not have come to an end. But when we give up on God before He answers, we truly miss out on some incredible blessings. When we fail to yield to His timetable and exercise patience, we may miss some of the subtle brushstrokes in His painting of our lives… and that would truly be a shame.
Keep waiting… and waiting… and waiting. God does see you… He is listening… and He will answer. Make sure you stick around to hear what He has to say!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 26, 2013
May 26 ~ Matthew 25:41-43
“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—
I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’
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.
Last week, for the first time since my grandmother’s death more than a couple of months ago, I returned to the assisted living facility where she had resided. I visit with several residents and staff members there… many who have been lifelong dear friends. One man told me, “You missed my birthday! I’ve gotten a year older since you were here last.” He celebrated 95 years on May 18th, and clearly, it was important to him that we acknowledge this milestone . Another man, whom I only know as an acquaintance, told me that his wife passed away eleven days after my grandmother died. I had no idea that this had happened, and I spent a few minutes offering my condolences to him - and remembering her. Still others were eager to hug me and tell me how much they miss my grandmother – and how glad they were to see me. I promised to visit again… and I will.
There was a time in my life where I made giant “to-do” lists. I spent hours/days/weeks/months trying to accomplish everything on the lists. I set schedules and mental deadlines… and when things didn’t happen as they should, I beat myself up pretty badly over it all. If only I were more organized… more focused. Could I sleep less… or skip over something that was less significant? Many days, I hurriedly moved from one task to the next… eager to mark things off the list – and often more concerned with this than the quality of my work!
It took a long time, but I finally realized that a lot of the things on my list were never all that important in the first place… except in my own mind. Just because I say I’m going to clean the house on Tuesday doesn’t mean I can’t postpone these tasks in favor of a day trip with my husband – or a trip to the park with Timothy, Zola and Nathan. It won’t be the end of the world if someone drops by and my house is not spotless! When I get sick or someone needs my help and I don’t find time to write this daily devotional, the world will not fall apart!
If I never get all of my photos organized, closets cleaned, and all of those old greeting cards recycled into new ones, life will continue. The fabrics calling to me from my “stash” may or may not become cute outfits for my little ones… but they will not go naked. Thanks to restaurants and “take-out,” we will not go hungry if meals aren’t prepared… and there is nothing wrong with an occasional bowl of cereal for dinner!
On the other hand, these little ones won’t be little forever. The opportunities to nurture and mold them - and teach them about the love, grace, mercy and tender care of Jesus - will wane as they grow…and outgrow us in the process! The opportunities to visit elderly friends and loved ones will not last. The tray of cookies or a hot casserole we deliver to a family going through a crisis will have a far bigger impact than missing a hot meal on our own table for one night. Skipping an afternoon on the couch channel surfing in favor of a visit to someone who is house-bound – or in the hospital or in jail – will be far more impactful in the long run. Working at the local soup kitchen or volunteering for a church or community event will mean more than getting your car washed, that shopping trip you were anticipating, or hanging out at the lake with your friends. Taking time to write a note of encouragement – or thanks – or to drop someone an e-mail just to let them know you love them is more important than spending a half hour playing Angry Birds, Words with Friends, or Farmville!
Don’t misunderstand me… keeping things in order – keeping your homes, yard and vehicles clean…spending time with friends and family members… and even resting… are all important. It’s great to have hobbies and goals. But too many of us have become slaves to our schedules… and in doing so, we have become like “worthless goats” rather than Disciples who please God with our service and witness. We have placed our focus on things that are short-term. We are impatient. We cannot see the bigger picture and how what we are doing now relates to God’s overall plan.
When I was visiting with the man at my grandmother’s facility who was recently widowed, he shared a compelling analogy with me. He said someone had told him that God’s love and plans for us can be compared to a father and son who are standing behind a fence watching a parade. The father is tall enough to look over the fence and see the entire parade, from beginning to end. The son can only peer through a knothole in the fence. He only sees what advances in front of him. He cannot see the entire length of the parade until it passes before him. This is a great description of our life in Christ. He sees the entire parade… we only see the limited view from our “knothole.” And often, we grow impatient… weary… bored and/or disgruntled… and too often, we move away and focus on our own personal agendas.
The time has come to stand still and wait for the entire parade. We must re-evaluate our priorities and our “to-do” lists. We need to spend time in prayer and meditation and ask God, “Is this really where you want me to expend my efforts and energy?” When God presents us with an unexpected task or opportunity, we need to be prepared to say, “Sign me up! I’m ready!” - knowing that His plan will be far superior to our own.
In most instances, God’s “parade” looks altogether different than ours… but His is so much better! If we follow God’s “parade,” He will grant us plenty of time for many of the things that we want to do. If we are patient – and obedient – He will grant us plenty of opportunities for the things we feel are significant – and fun. Won’t you ask Him to show you where you need to rearrange your priorities and your “lists”? Are you ready to exchange your “worthless goat” agenda for the blessings and joy that come from His approval? Will this be the day that you start to trust God for the “whole parade”… or will you continue to live with a “knothole” view?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Then he will turn to the ‘goats,’ the ones on his left, and say, ‘Get out, worthless goats! You’re good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—
I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.’
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.
Last week, for the first time since my grandmother’s death more than a couple of months ago, I returned to the assisted living facility where she had resided. I visit with several residents and staff members there… many who have been lifelong dear friends. One man told me, “You missed my birthday! I’ve gotten a year older since you were here last.” He celebrated 95 years on May 18th, and clearly, it was important to him that we acknowledge this milestone . Another man, whom I only know as an acquaintance, told me that his wife passed away eleven days after my grandmother died. I had no idea that this had happened, and I spent a few minutes offering my condolences to him - and remembering her. Still others were eager to hug me and tell me how much they miss my grandmother – and how glad they were to see me. I promised to visit again… and I will.
There was a time in my life where I made giant “to-do” lists. I spent hours/days/weeks/months trying to accomplish everything on the lists. I set schedules and mental deadlines… and when things didn’t happen as they should, I beat myself up pretty badly over it all. If only I were more organized… more focused. Could I sleep less… or skip over something that was less significant? Many days, I hurriedly moved from one task to the next… eager to mark things off the list – and often more concerned with this than the quality of my work!
It took a long time, but I finally realized that a lot of the things on my list were never all that important in the first place… except in my own mind. Just because I say I’m going to clean the house on Tuesday doesn’t mean I can’t postpone these tasks in favor of a day trip with my husband – or a trip to the park with Timothy, Zola and Nathan. It won’t be the end of the world if someone drops by and my house is not spotless! When I get sick or someone needs my help and I don’t find time to write this daily devotional, the world will not fall apart!
If I never get all of my photos organized, closets cleaned, and all of those old greeting cards recycled into new ones, life will continue. The fabrics calling to me from my “stash” may or may not become cute outfits for my little ones… but they will not go naked. Thanks to restaurants and “take-out,” we will not go hungry if meals aren’t prepared… and there is nothing wrong with an occasional bowl of cereal for dinner!
On the other hand, these little ones won’t be little forever. The opportunities to nurture and mold them - and teach them about the love, grace, mercy and tender care of Jesus - will wane as they grow…and outgrow us in the process! The opportunities to visit elderly friends and loved ones will not last. The tray of cookies or a hot casserole we deliver to a family going through a crisis will have a far bigger impact than missing a hot meal on our own table for one night. Skipping an afternoon on the couch channel surfing in favor of a visit to someone who is house-bound – or in the hospital or in jail – will be far more impactful in the long run. Working at the local soup kitchen or volunteering for a church or community event will mean more than getting your car washed, that shopping trip you were anticipating, or hanging out at the lake with your friends. Taking time to write a note of encouragement – or thanks – or to drop someone an e-mail just to let them know you love them is more important than spending a half hour playing Angry Birds, Words with Friends, or Farmville!
Don’t misunderstand me… keeping things in order – keeping your homes, yard and vehicles clean…spending time with friends and family members… and even resting… are all important. It’s great to have hobbies and goals. But too many of us have become slaves to our schedules… and in doing so, we have become like “worthless goats” rather than Disciples who please God with our service and witness. We have placed our focus on things that are short-term. We are impatient. We cannot see the bigger picture and how what we are doing now relates to God’s overall plan.
When I was visiting with the man at my grandmother’s facility who was recently widowed, he shared a compelling analogy with me. He said someone had told him that God’s love and plans for us can be compared to a father and son who are standing behind a fence watching a parade. The father is tall enough to look over the fence and see the entire parade, from beginning to end. The son can only peer through a knothole in the fence. He only sees what advances in front of him. He cannot see the entire length of the parade until it passes before him. This is a great description of our life in Christ. He sees the entire parade… we only see the limited view from our “knothole.” And often, we grow impatient… weary… bored and/or disgruntled… and too often, we move away and focus on our own personal agendas.
The time has come to stand still and wait for the entire parade. We must re-evaluate our priorities and our “to-do” lists. We need to spend time in prayer and meditation and ask God, “Is this really where you want me to expend my efforts and energy?” When God presents us with an unexpected task or opportunity, we need to be prepared to say, “Sign me up! I’m ready!” - knowing that His plan will be far superior to our own.
In most instances, God’s “parade” looks altogether different than ours… but His is so much better! If we follow God’s “parade,” He will grant us plenty of time for many of the things that we want to do. If we are patient – and obedient – He will grant us plenty of opportunities for the things we feel are significant – and fun. Won’t you ask Him to show you where you need to rearrange your priorities and your “lists”? Are you ready to exchange your “worthless goat” agenda for the blessings and joy that come from His approval? Will this be the day that you start to trust God for the “whole parade”… or will you continue to live with a “knothole” view?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 23, 2013
Jeremiah 44:22
So that the Lord could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I know it’s hard to believe, but there will be “Christians” who crawl out of the woodwork and use this scripture and the surrounding verses of Jeremiah 44 to claim that the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma this week were a result of God’s impatience with His people. Nothing could be farther from the truth! For starters… we have to consider all Scripture in context. This was an Old Testament declaration…before God sent Jesus to live among us and die on the cross for our sins. Things were different before Jesus arrived. God used a variety of methods to get the attention of His people… and there were dozens of rituals and sacraments required to demonstrate love and loyalty to our Heavenly Father. And on more than one occasion, God had to use incredibly drastic measures to get the attention of His people. ALL of that changed with the coming of Jesus.
We cannot pick and choose which verses we will utilize in order to make a point. As Christians, we have been given a new life in Christ. He took our sin and changed the Spiritual landscape forever. Does this mean that God doesn’t grow impatient – even angry – with us from time to time? Absolutely not! Are we accountable for our actions and disobedience? Most certainly! But God has plenty of ways for dealing with us. While He could very well wipe all of us out in a tornado, earthquake, or other natural disaster, this is not how He operates!
While I do not believe that God directly causes natural disasters to befall us, I believe that there are times when He allows these horrific tragedies to occur. Why? Is God punishing us for our sins? I don’t think so! This is my own interpretation, but here’s how I see it… I envision Satan and his armies stirring the pot… twisting the winds, aggravating the bowels of the earth to cause earthquakes and tsunamis, drying out the land in a catastrophic drought – or flooding it with a seemingly unending water supply. And all the while, he is saying, “Look, people! God is punishing you! Look what He is doing!”
Meanwhile, I believe that God is twice as busy… orchestrating blessings and positive outcomes…sparing countless lives, bringing people together in ways they never imagined, drawing attention to the needs and burdens of others, and creating beauty out of chaos. We’re seeing that already in the news reports…as the focus shifts from the horror of the tragedy to the wonders and strength of the human spirit, the love and kindness of neighbors and strangers, and the grace of God as people recover and rebuild. I know you may ask, "Why were some allowed to perish?" And I honestly don't know. But I know that God did not allow this without a purpose - whether we ever readily see it or not.
In the days to come, you will no doubt hear someone suggest that God did this… that He caused this latest natural disaster. Don’t believe it! I urge you to combat such thinking by speaking positively about the present and future results. Share stories of hope and courage… how and where God is at work! Donate to the Red Cross and other service organizations and speak of reconstruction and the power of God to bring about blessings in the midst of such tragedy. We’ve already seen residents of Moore, Oklahoma - and the entire state - on camera stating that “we’ll be back.” The news reporters have acknowledged that some of the first people on the scene were church members. I heard two well-known national news anchors note that even before FEMA representatives arrived, the “Baptist Men” were there passing out meals!
I firmly believe that God will someday look at all of us and ask, “What did you do to help?” He will mete out his impatience with us by withholding blessings and opportunities… and He might even allow our home to be knocked off its foundation. But God will show us how to overcome any and all adversities… and He will help us every step of the way. At the end of our lives when we stand before Him as born-again Christians, God will not ask us to account for our sins any more than He will want to know how we handled challenges and adversity as His disciples. He will hold us accountable for how we dealt with anything and everything the devil threw our way… including physical and material destruction, mental and emotional exasperation, and even loss of life.
God will allow our faith and patience to be tested. He wants to see whether we are “all in” for Him… or just along for the ride. He’s looking for growth and increased strength through patient endurance… Christians who pick themselves up by the bootstraps, dust themselves off, and become better Disciples because of their experiences – and their faith in Him to persevere. When your day of judgment arrives… what will you have to say for yourself? How will you answer when God reviews your life? Isn’t it time to start trusting Him and recognizing His power and presence? Will you allow this latest disaster to drag you down… or strengthen your faith? Will this day in your Discipleship be one of tragedy… or triumph?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So that the Lord could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I know it’s hard to believe, but there will be “Christians” who crawl out of the woodwork and use this scripture and the surrounding verses of Jeremiah 44 to claim that the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma this week were a result of God’s impatience with His people. Nothing could be farther from the truth! For starters… we have to consider all Scripture in context. This was an Old Testament declaration…before God sent Jesus to live among us and die on the cross for our sins. Things were different before Jesus arrived. God used a variety of methods to get the attention of His people… and there were dozens of rituals and sacraments required to demonstrate love and loyalty to our Heavenly Father. And on more than one occasion, God had to use incredibly drastic measures to get the attention of His people. ALL of that changed with the coming of Jesus.
We cannot pick and choose which verses we will utilize in order to make a point. As Christians, we have been given a new life in Christ. He took our sin and changed the Spiritual landscape forever. Does this mean that God doesn’t grow impatient – even angry – with us from time to time? Absolutely not! Are we accountable for our actions and disobedience? Most certainly! But God has plenty of ways for dealing with us. While He could very well wipe all of us out in a tornado, earthquake, or other natural disaster, this is not how He operates!
While I do not believe that God directly causes natural disasters to befall us, I believe that there are times when He allows these horrific tragedies to occur. Why? Is God punishing us for our sins? I don’t think so! This is my own interpretation, but here’s how I see it… I envision Satan and his armies stirring the pot… twisting the winds, aggravating the bowels of the earth to cause earthquakes and tsunamis, drying out the land in a catastrophic drought – or flooding it with a seemingly unending water supply. And all the while, he is saying, “Look, people! God is punishing you! Look what He is doing!”
Meanwhile, I believe that God is twice as busy… orchestrating blessings and positive outcomes…sparing countless lives, bringing people together in ways they never imagined, drawing attention to the needs and burdens of others, and creating beauty out of chaos. We’re seeing that already in the news reports…as the focus shifts from the horror of the tragedy to the wonders and strength of the human spirit, the love and kindness of neighbors and strangers, and the grace of God as people recover and rebuild. I know you may ask, "Why were some allowed to perish?" And I honestly don't know. But I know that God did not allow this without a purpose - whether we ever readily see it or not.
In the days to come, you will no doubt hear someone suggest that God did this… that He caused this latest natural disaster. Don’t believe it! I urge you to combat such thinking by speaking positively about the present and future results. Share stories of hope and courage… how and where God is at work! Donate to the Red Cross and other service organizations and speak of reconstruction and the power of God to bring about blessings in the midst of such tragedy. We’ve already seen residents of Moore, Oklahoma - and the entire state - on camera stating that “we’ll be back.” The news reporters have acknowledged that some of the first people on the scene were church members. I heard two well-known national news anchors note that even before FEMA representatives arrived, the “Baptist Men” were there passing out meals!
I firmly believe that God will someday look at all of us and ask, “What did you do to help?” He will mete out his impatience with us by withholding blessings and opportunities… and He might even allow our home to be knocked off its foundation. But God will show us how to overcome any and all adversities… and He will help us every step of the way. At the end of our lives when we stand before Him as born-again Christians, God will not ask us to account for our sins any more than He will want to know how we handled challenges and adversity as His disciples. He will hold us accountable for how we dealt with anything and everything the devil threw our way… including physical and material destruction, mental and emotional exasperation, and even loss of life.
God will allow our faith and patience to be tested. He wants to see whether we are “all in” for Him… or just along for the ride. He’s looking for growth and increased strength through patient endurance… Christians who pick themselves up by the bootstraps, dust themselves off, and become better Disciples because of their experiences – and their faith in Him to persevere. When your day of judgment arrives… what will you have to say for yourself? How will you answer when God reviews your life? Isn’t it time to start trusting Him and recognizing His power and presence? Will you allow this latest disaster to drag you down… or strengthen your faith? Will this day in your Discipleship be one of tragedy… or triumph?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 18, 2013
Jeremiah 1:4-10
This is what God said:
“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations - that’s what I had in mind for you.”
But I said, “Hold it, Master God! Look at me. I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!”
God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’ I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there. I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it. Don’t be afraid of a soul. I’ll be right there, looking after you.” God’s Decree.
God reached out, touched my mouth, and said, “Look! I’ve just put my words in your mouth—hand-delivered! See what I’ve done? I’ve given you a job to do among nations and governments—a red-letter day! Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish,
And then start over, building and planting.”
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.
One of the earliest lessons we teach our children is how to speak and do things for themselves. Timothy will say to me, “I want Uncle Greg to come downstairs and see what I built with blocks.” For a long time, he was not permitted to go upstairs alone, because we were afraid he would fall on the steps. Now he is big enough to go up and down independently. Still, when I tell him to go and ask his Uncle Greg to come and have a look, he sometimes says, “But I can’t!” When I either ignore this or remind him that he can indeed do it himself, he usually decides to go alone to summon his uncle. Sometimes he will ask, “Come with me?” And I will usually oblige. My point is not to make him do things by himself as much as to teach him that he is developing capabilities for accomplishing new things.
We will start to walk somewhere together, and Timothy will say, “Carry me!” I often remind him that he is a big boy – almost too big now for me to carry – that he is perfectly capable of walking. Sometimes, he will come back with… “But I’m too little… I’m just a little boy!” And I have to laugh at this ploy for my sympathies and concession. This is exactly what Jeremiah said to God. But God had equipped Jeremiah for these tasks and knew his capabilities – and He was not buying this excuse for one minute!
If we are truly serving God, there will be plenty of times when we feel inadequate to accomplish what He has called us to do – in our own strength and wisdom. We will want to throw up our hands and say, “But I am too young/old/poor/sick… I’m not smart enough… I don’t have time… I don’t have any talent for this. But with God, all things are possible. He has equipped us to do far beyond what we ever dreamed possible. And it is time for us to realize just how ridiculous our excuses must sound to Him.
God has called me to do several things in even the last few months that I would never have dreamed were possible. There is no way I could have accomplished many of them under my own power… or even with the help of my husband, family members, friends and acquaintances. There have been too many instances where I had to stop and say, “Only God can get this done.” And I will admit… there were a few times when I wanted to throw up my hands and say, “But wait! I’m only human…I’m not strong enough… this is too hard… there is NO WAY this can ever work… I am ‘just a boy!’” And yet, God has proven to me over and again that HIS power and purpose far exceed mine. With God behind me (and beside me), I can do far more than I ever expected!
So what is God calling you to do today that seems daunting and/or impossible? Where is He sending you and equipping you to serve, even though you feel anything but adequate for the task? What is your excuse for turning Him down… and have you considered how preposterous you seem to Him for doing so? Will this be the day you step up and out - and ask, “Where, when and how, LORD?” instead of merely “Why me?” Or will you leave Him shaking His head in disappointment as you offer yet another argument as you try to justify your hesitance or refusal?
Do you really believe in the power of God to do all things? Are you confident that He formed you for His purposes… that He will equip you to handle anything and everything to which He calls you? Isn’t it time to tear down the walls of insecurity, uncertainty, and excuses… to allow God to work in and through you? Are you ready to build and plant wherever God sends you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
This is what God said:
“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations - that’s what I had in mind for you.”
But I said, “Hold it, Master God! Look at me. I don’t know anything. I’m only a boy!”
God told me, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a boy.’ I’ll tell you where to go and you’ll go there. I’ll tell you what to say and you’ll say it. Don’t be afraid of a soul. I’ll be right there, looking after you.” God’s Decree.
God reached out, touched my mouth, and said, “Look! I’ve just put my words in your mouth—hand-delivered! See what I’ve done? I’ve given you a job to do among nations and governments—a red-letter day! Your job is to pull up and tear down, take apart and demolish,
And then start over, building and planting.”
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.
One of the earliest lessons we teach our children is how to speak and do things for themselves. Timothy will say to me, “I want Uncle Greg to come downstairs and see what I built with blocks.” For a long time, he was not permitted to go upstairs alone, because we were afraid he would fall on the steps. Now he is big enough to go up and down independently. Still, when I tell him to go and ask his Uncle Greg to come and have a look, he sometimes says, “But I can’t!” When I either ignore this or remind him that he can indeed do it himself, he usually decides to go alone to summon his uncle. Sometimes he will ask, “Come with me?” And I will usually oblige. My point is not to make him do things by himself as much as to teach him that he is developing capabilities for accomplishing new things.
We will start to walk somewhere together, and Timothy will say, “Carry me!” I often remind him that he is a big boy – almost too big now for me to carry – that he is perfectly capable of walking. Sometimes, he will come back with… “But I’m too little… I’m just a little boy!” And I have to laugh at this ploy for my sympathies and concession. This is exactly what Jeremiah said to God. But God had equipped Jeremiah for these tasks and knew his capabilities – and He was not buying this excuse for one minute!
If we are truly serving God, there will be plenty of times when we feel inadequate to accomplish what He has called us to do – in our own strength and wisdom. We will want to throw up our hands and say, “But I am too young/old/poor/sick… I’m not smart enough… I don’t have time… I don’t have any talent for this. But with God, all things are possible. He has equipped us to do far beyond what we ever dreamed possible. And it is time for us to realize just how ridiculous our excuses must sound to Him.
God has called me to do several things in even the last few months that I would never have dreamed were possible. There is no way I could have accomplished many of them under my own power… or even with the help of my husband, family members, friends and acquaintances. There have been too many instances where I had to stop and say, “Only God can get this done.” And I will admit… there were a few times when I wanted to throw up my hands and say, “But wait! I’m only human…I’m not strong enough… this is too hard… there is NO WAY this can ever work… I am ‘just a boy!’” And yet, God has proven to me over and again that HIS power and purpose far exceed mine. With God behind me (and beside me), I can do far more than I ever expected!
So what is God calling you to do today that seems daunting and/or impossible? Where is He sending you and equipping you to serve, even though you feel anything but adequate for the task? What is your excuse for turning Him down… and have you considered how preposterous you seem to Him for doing so? Will this be the day you step up and out - and ask, “Where, when and how, LORD?” instead of merely “Why me?” Or will you leave Him shaking His head in disappointment as you offer yet another argument as you try to justify your hesitance or refusal?
Do you really believe in the power of God to do all things? Are you confident that He formed you for His purposes… that He will equip you to handle anything and everything to which He calls you? Isn’t it time to tear down the walls of insecurity, uncertainty, and excuses… to allow God to work in and through you? Are you ready to build and plant wherever God sends you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 7, 2013
April 7 ~ 2 Peter 3:9The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Learning to wait is one of the hardest lessons for small children. And as adults, we often succumb to their whims. Our excuses seem plausible and justified… “It’s just not worth the hassle”…”It’s only this one time”…”I pick and choose my battles.” In truth, we are not any more patient than the child. We are not willing to withstand a few minutes of a meltdown from an overly tired child in order to avoid spoiling his/her dinner with cookies or candy. We let them open gifts early… then end up breaking the budget to buy something else for them to open on Christmas Day, at the birthday party, or for whatever occasion is being celebrated. We tell them they have to clean their room, sit quietly, or perform other tasks in order to receive a “reward”… then we quickly fold and say, “Okay, that’s good enough… you can have it now.”
So is it any wonder that we turn around and expect our Heavenly Father to treat us like we treat our little ones? After all, isn’t that what we think “good parents” do? Aren’t we often more worried about whether our children – or our friends, family members, co-workers – like us than whether we are doing the right thing?
This scripture reminds all of us that God’s ways are not our ways… but His ways are perfect – and so is His timing! So when we want to rush in and orchestrate things to suit our needs and desires, we need to stop and take a look at the bigger picture. We may beg and plead with God for this result or that one. We may push and prod someone to do something we want them to do. And all the while, God may be working things out in a subtle - yet more effective – manner… and we may be totally screwing up the works!
The time has come to give God room to operate. We need to grow up and learn to close our mouths and sit on our hands in many instances. We must ask God to lead us… to work on our behalf… to show us how to proceed. And then we need to be patient and give Him space… to trust His timing… to watch and learn from the Master.
Believe me, I know this is hard. I am a “jump-in-and-do” person… a “fixer.” As a result – I make some pretty big messes of things! I don’t know very many truly patient people. But I know that God can help more of us to develop this trait – if only we will call on Him and trust Him for the outcomes. God has amazing, incredible, perfect plans for all of us. He needs our patience and our help in making them happen… not our excuses for jumping the gun. Are you willing to take a step back and wait on the LORD? He is so patient with us… will you be patient with Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Learning to wait is one of the hardest lessons for small children. And as adults, we often succumb to their whims. Our excuses seem plausible and justified… “It’s just not worth the hassle”…”It’s only this one time”…”I pick and choose my battles.” In truth, we are not any more patient than the child. We are not willing to withstand a few minutes of a meltdown from an overly tired child in order to avoid spoiling his/her dinner with cookies or candy. We let them open gifts early… then end up breaking the budget to buy something else for them to open on Christmas Day, at the birthday party, or for whatever occasion is being celebrated. We tell them they have to clean their room, sit quietly, or perform other tasks in order to receive a “reward”… then we quickly fold and say, “Okay, that’s good enough… you can have it now.”
So is it any wonder that we turn around and expect our Heavenly Father to treat us like we treat our little ones? After all, isn’t that what we think “good parents” do? Aren’t we often more worried about whether our children – or our friends, family members, co-workers – like us than whether we are doing the right thing?
This scripture reminds all of us that God’s ways are not our ways… but His ways are perfect – and so is His timing! So when we want to rush in and orchestrate things to suit our needs and desires, we need to stop and take a look at the bigger picture. We may beg and plead with God for this result or that one. We may push and prod someone to do something we want them to do. And all the while, God may be working things out in a subtle - yet more effective – manner… and we may be totally screwing up the works!
The time has come to give God room to operate. We need to grow up and learn to close our mouths and sit on our hands in many instances. We must ask God to lead us… to work on our behalf… to show us how to proceed. And then we need to be patient and give Him space… to trust His timing… to watch and learn from the Master.
Believe me, I know this is hard. I am a “jump-in-and-do” person… a “fixer.” As a result – I make some pretty big messes of things! I don’t know very many truly patient people. But I know that God can help more of us to develop this trait – if only we will call on Him and trust Him for the outcomes. God has amazing, incredible, perfect plans for all of us. He needs our patience and our help in making them happen… not our excuses for jumping the gun. Are you willing to take a step back and wait on the LORD? He is so patient with us… will you be patient with Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 28, 2012
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
How many times have you made plans that somehow were derailed? Just today, I made plans to clean out some boxes in my garage. I decided that this project was going so well that I would also gather some things from my craft room. After all, I am taking unwanted items to the thrift shop later this week… I just as well take as much as I can! Then my husband called to me to help him clean out some boxes in the attic. I got involved in his project, along with my own, and before I knew it, the day that was going to have room for lots of projects was over!
I can’t complain. We have accomplished a lot today. And I have learned to roll with the punches… very seldom do my days go completely as planned. Everyone has twists and turns in their plans, and I learned a long time ago that getting upset when “life happens” will not be very healthy in the long run! But if I stay on course and sort of “reboot” every now and again, what needs to get done is eventually accomplished.
The beautiful thing is that God has plans for each of us… perfect plans. And we can try all we want to derail them… we can insert our own desires and two-cents-worth into the mix…and we can fall apart when things don’t go as we hoped or anticipated. But at the end of the day, if we will pay close attention, God’s plans will be the ones that get us the farthest down the road.
We need to begin each morning by asking, “LORD, what are YOUR plans for me today? Show me how to accomplish what YOU have in store for me… to listen for Your voice and direction.” We need to stay the course as much as possible. But when bumps in the road occur, we need to ask God to help us handle them and get back on track as quickly as possible. If we try to fix things on our own… or we veer away from the designs that God has for us, we can expect problems, disappointments and heartaches.
I am amazed when I stop and recognize that God created a plan precisely for my life… and yours… and the next guy’s, and the next. I see His hand in so many aspects of my days, and I see Him at work for others, too. I have to laugh at how ridiculous we are to think we could do better… or that He doesn’t care about us. And I am truly, deeply humbled by such a generous gift.
I don’t know the plans God has for you… but I know they are amazing. Have you asked Him lately what He has in store for you… and which direction you should take? Isn’t it about time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
How many times have you made plans that somehow were derailed? Just today, I made plans to clean out some boxes in my garage. I decided that this project was going so well that I would also gather some things from my craft room. After all, I am taking unwanted items to the thrift shop later this week… I just as well take as much as I can! Then my husband called to me to help him clean out some boxes in the attic. I got involved in his project, along with my own, and before I knew it, the day that was going to have room for lots of projects was over!
I can’t complain. We have accomplished a lot today. And I have learned to roll with the punches… very seldom do my days go completely as planned. Everyone has twists and turns in their plans, and I learned a long time ago that getting upset when “life happens” will not be very healthy in the long run! But if I stay on course and sort of “reboot” every now and again, what needs to get done is eventually accomplished.
The beautiful thing is that God has plans for each of us… perfect plans. And we can try all we want to derail them… we can insert our own desires and two-cents-worth into the mix…and we can fall apart when things don’t go as we hoped or anticipated. But at the end of the day, if we will pay close attention, God’s plans will be the ones that get us the farthest down the road.
We need to begin each morning by asking, “LORD, what are YOUR plans for me today? Show me how to accomplish what YOU have in store for me… to listen for Your voice and direction.” We need to stay the course as much as possible. But when bumps in the road occur, we need to ask God to help us handle them and get back on track as quickly as possible. If we try to fix things on our own… or we veer away from the designs that God has for us, we can expect problems, disappointments and heartaches.
I am amazed when I stop and recognize that God created a plan precisely for my life… and yours… and the next guy’s, and the next. I see His hand in so many aspects of my days, and I see Him at work for others, too. I have to laugh at how ridiculous we are to think we could do better… or that He doesn’t care about us. And I am truly, deeply humbled by such a generous gift.
I don’t know the plans God has for you… but I know they are amazing. Have you asked Him lately what He has in store for you… and which direction you should take? Isn’t it about time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 24, 2012
Proverbs 3:5-12
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.
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.
I know I use our nephew Timothy as an analogy a lot, but God shows me so much through this little three-year-old. For most of his first three years, it was just us and Timothy. He stayed with us a lot… even after his mom and dad and little sister, Zola, moved to Texas. Then baby brother Nathan joined the family in August. Now the family has moved back to Arkansas, and we see all of them nearly every day. And for the first time, Timmy has to share his grandparents, great-grandparents… and his Uncle Greg and Aunt Debbie. Nearly every time we are together, he asks me, “Are you still my baby?”… and by this he means, is he still MY baby. I assure him that yes, he will ALWAYS be our baby.
Trust is a difficult thing when you are three. And figuring everything out is hard. So there is a lot of “water testing,” more than a few temper tantrums, and even some loving correction – which leads to lots and lots of tears. Timothy is still learning that the adults in his life mean business… and for the moment, know best…and that our gentle correction and “rules” are put in place out of a deep and abiding love.
We are all so much like the three-year-old child. We think we know what is best for our lives…we test the waters to see how much God will let us get by with… and then we pout when He reins us in. We need to recognize that God has our very best interests at heart… we need to trust Him from the bottom of our hearts.
I know! I know… sometimes we want to do it ourselves… our way! We get frustrated and impatient… or we don’t like the direction in which we feel God leading us, and we say, “I’ll take it from here!” What generally results is a huge hot mess! Read this passage again. Don’t you want your bones to vibrate with life? Don’t you want your body to glow with good health? Isn’t it time you ran to God rather than away from Him? Wouldn’t today be a perfect time to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this.
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.
I know I use our nephew Timothy as an analogy a lot, but God shows me so much through this little three-year-old. For most of his first three years, it was just us and Timothy. He stayed with us a lot… even after his mom and dad and little sister, Zola, moved to Texas. Then baby brother Nathan joined the family in August. Now the family has moved back to Arkansas, and we see all of them nearly every day. And for the first time, Timmy has to share his grandparents, great-grandparents… and his Uncle Greg and Aunt Debbie. Nearly every time we are together, he asks me, “Are you still my baby?”… and by this he means, is he still MY baby. I assure him that yes, he will ALWAYS be our baby.
Trust is a difficult thing when you are three. And figuring everything out is hard. So there is a lot of “water testing,” more than a few temper tantrums, and even some loving correction – which leads to lots and lots of tears. Timothy is still learning that the adults in his life mean business… and for the moment, know best…and that our gentle correction and “rules” are put in place out of a deep and abiding love.
We are all so much like the three-year-old child. We think we know what is best for our lives…we test the waters to see how much God will let us get by with… and then we pout when He reins us in. We need to recognize that God has our very best interests at heart… we need to trust Him from the bottom of our hearts.
I know! I know… sometimes we want to do it ourselves… our way! We get frustrated and impatient… or we don’t like the direction in which we feel God leading us, and we say, “I’ll take it from here!” What generally results is a huge hot mess! Read this passage again. Don’t you want your bones to vibrate with life? Don’t you want your body to glow with good health? Isn’t it time you ran to God rather than away from Him? Wouldn’t today be a perfect time to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 28, 2012
Ephesians 1:11-14
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
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.
When my husband and I first started our own business, we stuck to a very strict monthly budget. We had allotted so much for the basics… groceries, utilities, gas for the vehicles, insurance, and other household expenses. We also had allotted a certain amount each month for business expenses…office supplies, postage, telephone bill, and more. Because we had planned carefully and spent frugally early in our careers, we had saved enough money to pay for our home outright. So we didn’t have the monthly expense of a house payment or rent. This was very liberating!
We also had what we called a “nest egg” – money we had set aside from our retirement funds and savings, in case we had an emergency or the business did not develop and go well. We worked very hard… God blessed us… and our business was successful. After a few years, we didn’t have to adhere to the budget nearly as tightly as we did those first years.
Think of your life sort of like a budget. You must be careful with the details… how you conduct yourself, where you spend your time and energy. When you give your heart to Jesus, it’s sort of like when we paid for our house… there is a burden lifted… you no longer have to worry about eternity or forgiveness for your sins. Does this mean you can “blow the budget?” Absolutely not! You still must be careful, monitor all “expenditures” and how you conduct your life. But you have the security of knowing that your future is secure in Jesus Christ… you will spend eternity with Him in heaven someday.
Now think of the Holy Spirit as your “nest egg” – the gift God has given you of a guiding force in your life… someone who you can fall back on in hard times... something of a security blanket. Again, you can’t expect the Holy Spirit to carry you while you coast along and do as you please. But you know He is there… that He is directing your path when you ask for help… that He will watch over you and help you plan a future filled with abundance and blessings.
Budgets and plans are wonderful tools. I’m so glad that God “budgeted and planned” for me… and that the Holy Spirit is helping me each and every day. What an amazing God we serve. To think that He cares that deeply for each of us boggles my mind. But I’m surely glad He does… aren’t you?
How are you budgeting these days… not just in the regular world, but spiritually, as well? Are you a good steward of God’s gifts? Do you take advantage of the presence of His Holy Spirit? Are you living in a way that says, “I’m ready for the next level! I know that God has great things in store for me, and I can’t wait to experience them!”? Today is the perfect time to start to live according to God’s plan… to pay closer attention to how you are using the gifts and blessings He has provided… and to “operate within the budget.” Are you ready to do this?
©2012 Debbie Robus
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
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.
When my husband and I first started our own business, we stuck to a very strict monthly budget. We had allotted so much for the basics… groceries, utilities, gas for the vehicles, insurance, and other household expenses. We also had allotted a certain amount each month for business expenses…office supplies, postage, telephone bill, and more. Because we had planned carefully and spent frugally early in our careers, we had saved enough money to pay for our home outright. So we didn’t have the monthly expense of a house payment or rent. This was very liberating!
We also had what we called a “nest egg” – money we had set aside from our retirement funds and savings, in case we had an emergency or the business did not develop and go well. We worked very hard… God blessed us… and our business was successful. After a few years, we didn’t have to adhere to the budget nearly as tightly as we did those first years.
Think of your life sort of like a budget. You must be careful with the details… how you conduct yourself, where you spend your time and energy. When you give your heart to Jesus, it’s sort of like when we paid for our house… there is a burden lifted… you no longer have to worry about eternity or forgiveness for your sins. Does this mean you can “blow the budget?” Absolutely not! You still must be careful, monitor all “expenditures” and how you conduct your life. But you have the security of knowing that your future is secure in Jesus Christ… you will spend eternity with Him in heaven someday.
Now think of the Holy Spirit as your “nest egg” – the gift God has given you of a guiding force in your life… someone who you can fall back on in hard times... something of a security blanket. Again, you can’t expect the Holy Spirit to carry you while you coast along and do as you please. But you know He is there… that He is directing your path when you ask for help… that He will watch over you and help you plan a future filled with abundance and blessings.
Budgets and plans are wonderful tools. I’m so glad that God “budgeted and planned” for me… and that the Holy Spirit is helping me each and every day. What an amazing God we serve. To think that He cares that deeply for each of us boggles my mind. But I’m surely glad He does… aren’t you?
How are you budgeting these days… not just in the regular world, but spiritually, as well? Are you a good steward of God’s gifts? Do you take advantage of the presence of His Holy Spirit? Are you living in a way that says, “I’m ready for the next level! I know that God has great things in store for me, and I can’t wait to experience them!”? Today is the perfect time to start to live according to God’s plan… to pay closer attention to how you are using the gifts and blessings He has provided… and to “operate within the budget.” Are you ready to do this?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 26, 2012
Ephesians 1:3-6
How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
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.
When the time came for my high school class to celebrate a 20-year reunion, two other classmates and I did most of the planning. We didn’t mind… it was fun! We were excited about seeing everyone again, and we eagerly arranged for a venue, food, entertainment, decorations, and more. We contacted classmates and gathered “where-have-you-been-for-twenty-years” information to compile into a booklet. We collected old photos and enhanced the memory book with fun pictures of class members in poses from our childhood. We worked for almost a year to create this party, which lasted only a few hours one Saturday evening.
As the date for our reunion neared, we grew even more excited about making sure everyone had a good time... ensuring that each attendee got plenty of food, some take-home souvenirs, and plenty of memories. Outside of the small circle of us who had directly planned the event, none of the classmates knew what to expect. And when they arrived, I’m fairly confident that everyone had a great time.
The event was fun. But I must admit, those of us who did the planning experienced something of a let-down. The classmates didn’t respond as we had hoped. Some were appreciative of our efforts. Others acted as if they wished they were somewhere else. In the end, we all vowed we would never plan another class reunion! Actually, I think we were all just a little bit glad to go back to our “regular” lives the next day and forget about the party.
I don’t regret working so hard on this reunion, but I do recognize that often we are more excited about the planning and preparation… the anticipation… than we are the actual series of events. Think about Christmas morning, when all of the gifts are open, the meal is eaten, and you are left with a pile of wrapping paper, leftovers, and sleepy guests! We still decorate, purchase gifts, cook and plan all over again the next Christmas… but sometimes, the greatest joy was in the planning.
Paul tells us in this letter to the Ephesians how lovingly God planned for each of us… how He anticipated so much… planned for our bright futures, and lavished love and attention on every detail. But God also instilled free will in each of us - the ultimate gift of love - and we are not always good stewards of this gift. So often, we are the “after-Christmas-Day” to God’s great plan… we are ungrateful, lazy, or downright rebellious. It’s enough to make God say, “That’s it! I love So-and-So… but I’m never doing anything nice for him/her again!”
I’m glad that God does not react to us in precisely this way… although I do think there are times He must surely temper His blessings according to how we are behaving. But the point is that we serve a God who gives great gifts… who loves us far beyond what we could ever imagine – much less deserve. And for this we should be eternally grateful and filled with praise. We should “make the Christmas party or class reunion last forever,” so to speak…with our service, obedience, and loyalty to Him. We should live in such a way that says to everyone we meet… “I am a child of God… blessed beyond measure, designed and carefully planned, wonderfully made, and loved unconditionally… and I am incredibly grateful! I want to celebrate each and every day in God’s honor!”
What does your attitude reflect? How are you behaving toward the God who has given you everything… planned for your life for eons…and lavished His amazing and unending love upon you? Do you need to make a change in how you treat Him today? Isn’t this the perfect time to recognize how blessed you are… and start living accordingly? Will today be the day you truly “get the party started”… and keep it rolling?
©2012 Debbie Robus
How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
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.
When the time came for my high school class to celebrate a 20-year reunion, two other classmates and I did most of the planning. We didn’t mind… it was fun! We were excited about seeing everyone again, and we eagerly arranged for a venue, food, entertainment, decorations, and more. We contacted classmates and gathered “where-have-you-been-for-twenty-years” information to compile into a booklet. We collected old photos and enhanced the memory book with fun pictures of class members in poses from our childhood. We worked for almost a year to create this party, which lasted only a few hours one Saturday evening.
As the date for our reunion neared, we grew even more excited about making sure everyone had a good time... ensuring that each attendee got plenty of food, some take-home souvenirs, and plenty of memories. Outside of the small circle of us who had directly planned the event, none of the classmates knew what to expect. And when they arrived, I’m fairly confident that everyone had a great time.
The event was fun. But I must admit, those of us who did the planning experienced something of a let-down. The classmates didn’t respond as we had hoped. Some were appreciative of our efforts. Others acted as if they wished they were somewhere else. In the end, we all vowed we would never plan another class reunion! Actually, I think we were all just a little bit glad to go back to our “regular” lives the next day and forget about the party.
I don’t regret working so hard on this reunion, but I do recognize that often we are more excited about the planning and preparation… the anticipation… than we are the actual series of events. Think about Christmas morning, when all of the gifts are open, the meal is eaten, and you are left with a pile of wrapping paper, leftovers, and sleepy guests! We still decorate, purchase gifts, cook and plan all over again the next Christmas… but sometimes, the greatest joy was in the planning.
Paul tells us in this letter to the Ephesians how lovingly God planned for each of us… how He anticipated so much… planned for our bright futures, and lavished love and attention on every detail. But God also instilled free will in each of us - the ultimate gift of love - and we are not always good stewards of this gift. So often, we are the “after-Christmas-Day” to God’s great plan… we are ungrateful, lazy, or downright rebellious. It’s enough to make God say, “That’s it! I love So-and-So… but I’m never doing anything nice for him/her again!”
I’m glad that God does not react to us in precisely this way… although I do think there are times He must surely temper His blessings according to how we are behaving. But the point is that we serve a God who gives great gifts… who loves us far beyond what we could ever imagine – much less deserve. And for this we should be eternally grateful and filled with praise. We should “make the Christmas party or class reunion last forever,” so to speak…with our service, obedience, and loyalty to Him. We should live in such a way that says to everyone we meet… “I am a child of God… blessed beyond measure, designed and carefully planned, wonderfully made, and loved unconditionally… and I am incredibly grateful! I want to celebrate each and every day in God’s honor!”
What does your attitude reflect? How are you behaving toward the God who has given you everything… planned for your life for eons…and lavished His amazing and unending love upon you? Do you need to make a change in how you treat Him today? Isn’t this the perfect time to recognize how blessed you are… and start living accordingly? Will today be the day you truly “get the party started”… and keep it rolling?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 15, 2012
James 4:16-17
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 14, 2012
James 4:13-15
And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”
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.
If my grandmother lives to November 5th, we will celebrate her 100th birthday. I’ve begun to make plans… reserved the parlor at her assisted living facility, sent in the forms to Willard Scott for recognition on the TODAY show, and started thinking about refreshments and who to invite. At the same time, I am well aware that a LOT can happen in fifty-two days – especially when you are 99 and in declining health. So I preface all statements about future events with regard to my Mam-ma Polly with the word “if.”
I’ve also learned that any and all plans are subject to change. People get sick, accidents happen, events beyond our control occur… and our course is revised. Sometimes these are momentary setbacks… sometimes the result of the alteration is permanent. Many probably thought Hurricane Katrina would blow through and change things for a few days – or possibly weeks. No one knew that, in some ways, all of our lives would be forever altered by this natural disaster. We could not predict that terrorists would fly planes into the Twin Towers on a beautiful September morning eleven years ago and alter life for millions of people worldwide.
My friend had no clue that a visit to the doctor to investigate her husband’s headaches would result in a diagnosis of a cancerous – and virtually incurable – brain tumor. A young man who got caught in a 40+-car pileup on his way to work one icy, foggy morning last fall in Tennessee did not know that his life was over… his one-month marriage finished…that his destiny was heaven instead of his place of work.
Please understand that this is not meant to be a “bad news” message. More importantly, do not for one minute think that I am saying that God caused any of these events. But I know that He used them, because God never wastes an opportunity to work in and through His people. I am not telling you to stop making plans… to forget goals and aspirations. I am just reminding you that we are not in charge… and every plan we make is subject to change. We must learn to plan with God in mind. We must focus on expecting God to chart our course… and to guide us as we make our plans.
We must develop such a close relationship with God that we know for certain when HE is the one trying to alter our course… and when we are listening to the devil. And we must be very careful not to blame Satan when God says, “You’re on the wrong path.” “The devil did this,” is not a good excuse – or an “out” when things don’t go our way! We must trust that any alterations God allows in our plans are for our benefit…and we must be ready and willing to say, “Okay, LORD… which way do I go now?”
Will the devil try to trip you up? Absolutely – and often! Will you know the difference between his interference and a change in course designed or allowed by God? I surely hope so! Are you prepared to let God to chart your path… to guide your plans according to His perfect will? More importantly, will you accept God’s modifications with a glad heart and complete faith that plans are perfect? Do you get it that every minute of our life is like a wispy fog… here one minute and gone the next… but that God’s love and care – and His plans for us – endure forever?
Prayerfully – and carefully – plot a course for your life. Make every effort to stay attuned to God’s will and His design for each step you take. Live deliberately... don't put off telling others you love them, "mending fences," or fulfilling obligations. If you feel that God has told you something is important enough to incorporate into your plans, the phrase "I'll do it later" should not be uttered. Learn to tell the difference between the devil’s efforts to trip you up and a bona fide change in course delivered by God.
Live in the faith and confidence of knowing that you are obediently operating in God’s will for your life, and that He will never desert you… never allow more than you can handle with His help. When changes in your plans happen, stop and ask Him, “Which way now, LORD?” – and mean it!
©2012 Debbie Robus
And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”
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.
If my grandmother lives to November 5th, we will celebrate her 100th birthday. I’ve begun to make plans… reserved the parlor at her assisted living facility, sent in the forms to Willard Scott for recognition on the TODAY show, and started thinking about refreshments and who to invite. At the same time, I am well aware that a LOT can happen in fifty-two days – especially when you are 99 and in declining health. So I preface all statements about future events with regard to my Mam-ma Polly with the word “if.”
I’ve also learned that any and all plans are subject to change. People get sick, accidents happen, events beyond our control occur… and our course is revised. Sometimes these are momentary setbacks… sometimes the result of the alteration is permanent. Many probably thought Hurricane Katrina would blow through and change things for a few days – or possibly weeks. No one knew that, in some ways, all of our lives would be forever altered by this natural disaster. We could not predict that terrorists would fly planes into the Twin Towers on a beautiful September morning eleven years ago and alter life for millions of people worldwide.
My friend had no clue that a visit to the doctor to investigate her husband’s headaches would result in a diagnosis of a cancerous – and virtually incurable – brain tumor. A young man who got caught in a 40+-car pileup on his way to work one icy, foggy morning last fall in Tennessee did not know that his life was over… his one-month marriage finished…that his destiny was heaven instead of his place of work.
Please understand that this is not meant to be a “bad news” message. More importantly, do not for one minute think that I am saying that God caused any of these events. But I know that He used them, because God never wastes an opportunity to work in and through His people. I am not telling you to stop making plans… to forget goals and aspirations. I am just reminding you that we are not in charge… and every plan we make is subject to change. We must learn to plan with God in mind. We must focus on expecting God to chart our course… and to guide us as we make our plans.
We must develop such a close relationship with God that we know for certain when HE is the one trying to alter our course… and when we are listening to the devil. And we must be very careful not to blame Satan when God says, “You’re on the wrong path.” “The devil did this,” is not a good excuse – or an “out” when things don’t go our way! We must trust that any alterations God allows in our plans are for our benefit…and we must be ready and willing to say, “Okay, LORD… which way do I go now?”
Will the devil try to trip you up? Absolutely – and often! Will you know the difference between his interference and a change in course designed or allowed by God? I surely hope so! Are you prepared to let God to chart your path… to guide your plans according to His perfect will? More importantly, will you accept God’s modifications with a glad heart and complete faith that plans are perfect? Do you get it that every minute of our life is like a wispy fog… here one minute and gone the next… but that God’s love and care – and His plans for us – endure forever?
Prayerfully – and carefully – plot a course for your life. Make every effort to stay attuned to God’s will and His design for each step you take. Live deliberately... don't put off telling others you love them, "mending fences," or fulfilling obligations. If you feel that God has told you something is important enough to incorporate into your plans, the phrase "I'll do it later" should not be uttered. Learn to tell the difference between the devil’s efforts to trip you up and a bona fide change in course delivered by God.
Live in the faith and confidence of knowing that you are obediently operating in God’s will for your life, and that He will never desert you… never allow more than you can handle with His help. When changes in your plans happen, stop and ask Him, “Which way now, LORD?” – and mean it!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 8, 2012
Psalm 90:3-6
At your command we die and turn back to dust, but a thousand years mean nothing to you! They are merely a day gone by or a few hours in the night. You bring our lives to an end just like a dream. We are merely tender grass that sprouts and grows in the morning, but dries up by evening.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today, my cousin’s wife posted on Facebook that their daughter is doing a “senior pictures” photo shoot today. She made the remark, “How time flies…” And it does seem that way. One minute you are a little kid playing outside, riding your bike and swimming all summer… and the next you are working at a marina so others can play on the water… or you have a job in an office or facility with no windows that allow you to enjoy the beauty of summer… or you are taking your own children/grandchildren to parks, pools and lakes to play. It often seems like a dozen years go by like a day - or a few hours in the night!
So what does this mean for us as Christians? First, we must remember that time doesn’t mean the same thing to God as it does to us. He knew us long before we were born… and He will still care about us long after we die. We always matter to God... always!
Do you know how it feels to anticipate an event… maybe your graduation, a special party, your wedding day, a big game or concert… or even Christmas Day? You get so excited and worked up making plans and preparations… you think about the details and envision how much fun you will have… how wonderful the event will be. And then the day arrives, the event happens, and it’s over and done. So often, the planning and anticipation are more enjoyable than the actual event… most certainly better than the day after!
This brings us to the second thing to remember… that with God, there is no letdown. Each “new thing” is just that - a new experience - and He wants to give us more and more of these. But God wants us to savor each experience… to stop and appreciate where we are in life – where He has brought us, and where He will take us next.
Time does seem to pass quickly. But our job as Christians is to take time to enjoy every minute of each day… to count our blessings… and to look for opportunities to bless and serve others in God’s name. At the end of our earthly journey, when God turns us back to dust and calls us to Heaven, let it be said that we made the most of our time here. Whether you are given a few days or a hundred-plus years, make them count for Him.
God has incredible plans for each of our lives. Make sure that you give Him your very best every day of yours. The time may still seem to fly by… but you will have made the most of your earthly journey.
©2012 Debbie Robus
At your command we die and turn back to dust, but a thousand years mean nothing to you! They are merely a day gone by or a few hours in the night. You bring our lives to an end just like a dream. We are merely tender grass that sprouts and grows in the morning, but dries up by evening.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today, my cousin’s wife posted on Facebook that their daughter is doing a “senior pictures” photo shoot today. She made the remark, “How time flies…” And it does seem that way. One minute you are a little kid playing outside, riding your bike and swimming all summer… and the next you are working at a marina so others can play on the water… or you have a job in an office or facility with no windows that allow you to enjoy the beauty of summer… or you are taking your own children/grandchildren to parks, pools and lakes to play. It often seems like a dozen years go by like a day - or a few hours in the night!
So what does this mean for us as Christians? First, we must remember that time doesn’t mean the same thing to God as it does to us. He knew us long before we were born… and He will still care about us long after we die. We always matter to God... always!
Do you know how it feels to anticipate an event… maybe your graduation, a special party, your wedding day, a big game or concert… or even Christmas Day? You get so excited and worked up making plans and preparations… you think about the details and envision how much fun you will have… how wonderful the event will be. And then the day arrives, the event happens, and it’s over and done. So often, the planning and anticipation are more enjoyable than the actual event… most certainly better than the day after!
This brings us to the second thing to remember… that with God, there is no letdown. Each “new thing” is just that - a new experience - and He wants to give us more and more of these. But God wants us to savor each experience… to stop and appreciate where we are in life – where He has brought us, and where He will take us next.
Time does seem to pass quickly. But our job as Christians is to take time to enjoy every minute of each day… to count our blessings… and to look for opportunities to bless and serve others in God’s name. At the end of our earthly journey, when God turns us back to dust and calls us to Heaven, let it be said that we made the most of our time here. Whether you are given a few days or a hundred-plus years, make them count for Him.
God has incredible plans for each of our lives. Make sure that you give Him your very best every day of yours. The time may still seem to fly by… but you will have made the most of your earthly journey.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 3, 2012
Ephesians 1:11-14
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
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.
A lot of us are familiar with “installment plans.” Many jobs have a “starting salary” that increases as you take on more tasks or accrue months or years of service. In time, you may receive pay raises, bonuses, and more. Some people open a savings account for newborn babies, and as the children grow, more money is placed in these accounts… creating a “college fund” or “nest egg” for use when the child matures or reaches a certain age. You can probably think of other instances where a “base amount” is given to someone, and additional payments and perks are provided over time.
Let’s face it… getting regular “installments” creates something of an incentive to keep working… to perform well… to earn more benefits and accolades. We only have to look as far as lottery winners who blow through their fortune in short order to see what often happens when too much is awarded at once! And so it is with God’s wisdom and truth for us… and all that He has planned for our lives. God grants us Salvation and all of the security and blessings that come with a life in Christ. As we grow and serve, He provides us with “perks, raises and incentives” to continue our discipleship.
Part of the excitement of being a Christian is the anticipation of what God has in store for us next. I don’t know about you, but I am exhilarated by even the idea that I don’t know for sure how or where God will show up in my life next… but I know for certain that He will! This is a huge motivator to work harder… to spend more time in His presence… to be ready for whatever He wants to send my way.
So often, we are eager to have everything at once. We humans are not notoriously patient! We want all that God has in store for us… and we want it now! But God knows that we cannot handle everything at once. He knows the value of allowing us to grow into our new life in Christ… and to lean on His discernment for the pace and volume of the blessings He bestows. Our job is to remain faithful… to stay in close communion with God… to listen to Him and follow His lead.
The old adage “good things come to those who wait” applies to Christians, too. In our case… good things come to those who wait upon the LORD! Are you waiting on the LORD these days? Are you anticipating His next installment in your life… and will you be ready when it comes?
©2012 Debbie Robus
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
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.
A lot of us are familiar with “installment plans.” Many jobs have a “starting salary” that increases as you take on more tasks or accrue months or years of service. In time, you may receive pay raises, bonuses, and more. Some people open a savings account for newborn babies, and as the children grow, more money is placed in these accounts… creating a “college fund” or “nest egg” for use when the child matures or reaches a certain age. You can probably think of other instances where a “base amount” is given to someone, and additional payments and perks are provided over time.
Let’s face it… getting regular “installments” creates something of an incentive to keep working… to perform well… to earn more benefits and accolades. We only have to look as far as lottery winners who blow through their fortune in short order to see what often happens when too much is awarded at once! And so it is with God’s wisdom and truth for us… and all that He has planned for our lives. God grants us Salvation and all of the security and blessings that come with a life in Christ. As we grow and serve, He provides us with “perks, raises and incentives” to continue our discipleship.
Part of the excitement of being a Christian is the anticipation of what God has in store for us next. I don’t know about you, but I am exhilarated by even the idea that I don’t know for sure how or where God will show up in my life next… but I know for certain that He will! This is a huge motivator to work harder… to spend more time in His presence… to be ready for whatever He wants to send my way.
So often, we are eager to have everything at once. We humans are not notoriously patient! We want all that God has in store for us… and we want it now! But God knows that we cannot handle everything at once. He knows the value of allowing us to grow into our new life in Christ… and to lean on His discernment for the pace and volume of the blessings He bestows. Our job is to remain faithful… to stay in close communion with God… to listen to Him and follow His lead.
The old adage “good things come to those who wait” applies to Christians, too. In our case… good things come to those who wait upon the LORD! Are you waiting on the LORD these days? Are you anticipating His next installment in your life… and will you be ready when it comes?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 27, 2011
Psalm 139:13-18
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. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1979, the teacher whose classroom was next-door to mine traveled to Oklahoma with her family for the Thanksgiving holiday. The day after Thanksgiving, a big truck careened through an intersection and plowed directly into her car. Only 34 years old, Vicki was killed instantly. Her 8-year-old son and her mother survived. Several years later on the day after Thanksgiving, the 15-year-old son of friends we have known since childhood was killed in a car accident, along with a young child traveling in the other vehicle. You probably could share similar experiences that have affected your own life at some point.
All of this is hard to understand. We can’t wrap our brains around how God could allow such shocking tragedy… such seemingly unnecessary catastrophe… especially in light of this passage of scripture. How could a God who knows us before we were formed in our mother’s womb… who knows everything about us… know that this will happen to us or someone we love, and allow it? Believe me, I’ve asked these same questions, particularly when people I knew personally were affected by such horrific events.
For me, the answer lies in the second part of this passage. “Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding.” I know that God has plans for each of us… plans we can’t begin to imagine – and may not ever fully understand this side of heaven. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is always with us. Wherever we wake up – whether safe and secure on this earth or in His arms in heaven – God allowed things to happen in the best way possible for us.
Last week, an Arkansas Razorback football player died suddenly, only one day after he had participated in a game in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium. By all accounts, Garrett Uekman was a wonderful young man… a standout athlete in several sports, a bright student, and most importantly – a devout Christian who served his God well. The cause of death was apparently a genetic heart disorder that caused irregular heartbeats and a thickening of the heart muscle. We ask, “If God knew that Garrett had this condition, couldn’t He have fixed it?” What we fail to ask is, “What did God prevent in Garrett’s life that could have been far worse? Did He save him from suffering and anguish… a lengthy illness or sadness beyond description in his own life? What was God’s purpose for Garrett on this earth… had he fulfilled this already?”
We don’t know everything about God’s plans. We’re not supposed to. But we are supposed to trust Him to do exactly what is exactly right for us. We are supposed to believe that God would never leave us… and He would never deliberately harm us. I am believing today that God looked at each of us and said, “I’m going to make So-and-So this way… and I’m going to take care of him/her every step of the way. There will be bumps in the road, but nothing that I can’t handle. And I am going to ask Him to guide my steps… and to give me courage and confidence to handle whatever He allows to come my way. If you see me doing a less than stellar job of trusting Him in this, you have my permission to remind me!
Someday, all of this will become crystal clear to us… if we still even care to question it. When we stand before God and bask in the light of His glory in Heaven, we will understand fully how amazing He is… how beautifully He formed each of us… and how perfectly He orchestrated every moment of our lives. And we will know for certain that He was always nearby… even into Eternity. For that, let’s give Him praise even in seasons of sadness. Let’s look toward a day when He will restore our joy. Let’s bolster our faith by trusting God to handle even the worst situations for us – and step forward with confidence that He is always nearby.
©2011 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. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1979, the teacher whose classroom was next-door to mine traveled to Oklahoma with her family for the Thanksgiving holiday. The day after Thanksgiving, a big truck careened through an intersection and plowed directly into her car. Only 34 years old, Vicki was killed instantly. Her 8-year-old son and her mother survived. Several years later on the day after Thanksgiving, the 15-year-old son of friends we have known since childhood was killed in a car accident, along with a young child traveling in the other vehicle. You probably could share similar experiences that have affected your own life at some point.
All of this is hard to understand. We can’t wrap our brains around how God could allow such shocking tragedy… such seemingly unnecessary catastrophe… especially in light of this passage of scripture. How could a God who knows us before we were formed in our mother’s womb… who knows everything about us… know that this will happen to us or someone we love, and allow it? Believe me, I’ve asked these same questions, particularly when people I knew personally were affected by such horrific events.
For me, the answer lies in the second part of this passage. “Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding.” I know that God has plans for each of us… plans we can’t begin to imagine – and may not ever fully understand this side of heaven. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is always with us. Wherever we wake up – whether safe and secure on this earth or in His arms in heaven – God allowed things to happen in the best way possible for us.
Last week, an Arkansas Razorback football player died suddenly, only one day after he had participated in a game in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium. By all accounts, Garrett Uekman was a wonderful young man… a standout athlete in several sports, a bright student, and most importantly – a devout Christian who served his God well. The cause of death was apparently a genetic heart disorder that caused irregular heartbeats and a thickening of the heart muscle. We ask, “If God knew that Garrett had this condition, couldn’t He have fixed it?” What we fail to ask is, “What did God prevent in Garrett’s life that could have been far worse? Did He save him from suffering and anguish… a lengthy illness or sadness beyond description in his own life? What was God’s purpose for Garrett on this earth… had he fulfilled this already?”
We don’t know everything about God’s plans. We’re not supposed to. But we are supposed to trust Him to do exactly what is exactly right for us. We are supposed to believe that God would never leave us… and He would never deliberately harm us. I am believing today that God looked at each of us and said, “I’m going to make So-and-So this way… and I’m going to take care of him/her every step of the way. There will be bumps in the road, but nothing that I can’t handle. And I am going to ask Him to guide my steps… and to give me courage and confidence to handle whatever He allows to come my way. If you see me doing a less than stellar job of trusting Him in this, you have my permission to remind me!
Someday, all of this will become crystal clear to us… if we still even care to question it. When we stand before God and bask in the light of His glory in Heaven, we will understand fully how amazing He is… how beautifully He formed each of us… and how perfectly He orchestrated every moment of our lives. And we will know for certain that He was always nearby… even into Eternity. For that, let’s give Him praise even in seasons of sadness. Let’s look toward a day when He will restore our joy. Let’s bolster our faith by trusting God to handle even the worst situations for us – and step forward with confidence that He is always nearby.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 18, 2011
Proverbs 21:31
Do your best, prepare for the worst— then trust GOD to bring victory.
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.
When my husband and I built our house four years ago, we created a “safe room” – a concrete block-enclosed structure built into the ground where we can retreat if a tornado or severe storm is approaching. We’ve visited that “safe room” a few times in the last four years. We’ve also seen the devastation that tornadoes and strong winds have brought to others in our area… the complete destruction of homes… and even loss of human life. So we have made sure that we are prepared to the best of our ability to escape physical harm, should a storm come our way.
In truth, we could someday emerge from our “safe room” to find that all above us is gone… that our house has been torn from its foundation, and everything we belong is gone. And yes, we could fail to get to the refuge in time and perish or be injured. But we’ve made the best preparations possible to guard against this, and we are trusting God to do the rest.
In so many areas of life, we don’t do the necessary preparation. We don’t do our best to prepare for the worst… and then we are totally devastated by what results. We don’t have a proper handle on trusting God to bring us victory… much less to see us through what we deem as “total destruction”. We don’t save any money in case an emergency arises. We don’t study like we should, and we drop out of school and have to take a job that, at best, is less than what we hoped for – and may be nothing more than a dead end that leaves us barely making ends meet. We don’t prayerfully consider our relationships with others, and we end up hanging out with people who are going nowhere and drag us down in the process. We don’t build a strong relationship with our Heavenly Father, and when crises come our way, we fall apart with no clue how to pick ourselves up and move forward.
Some who do make preparations fail to follow through on the most important key… trusting God to do what humans cannot. At the end of the day, when you have saved, studied, prayed and prepared, you still must allow God to have the final say. We must always trust that He will orchestrate the final outcomes according to His perfect will… and that we will be able to handle whatever comes our way because of this.
I don’t know what your “storms” are today. I don’t know what preparations you have – or have not – made. But I know that your worst day with God is better than your best day without Him. If you prayerfully plan for the best… and trust God to manage the details and the final outcome… you will be able handle anything. What plans have you made today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Do your best, prepare for the worst— then trust GOD to bring victory.
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.
When my husband and I built our house four years ago, we created a “safe room” – a concrete block-enclosed structure built into the ground where we can retreat if a tornado or severe storm is approaching. We’ve visited that “safe room” a few times in the last four years. We’ve also seen the devastation that tornadoes and strong winds have brought to others in our area… the complete destruction of homes… and even loss of human life. So we have made sure that we are prepared to the best of our ability to escape physical harm, should a storm come our way.
In truth, we could someday emerge from our “safe room” to find that all above us is gone… that our house has been torn from its foundation, and everything we belong is gone. And yes, we could fail to get to the refuge in time and perish or be injured. But we’ve made the best preparations possible to guard against this, and we are trusting God to do the rest.
In so many areas of life, we don’t do the necessary preparation. We don’t do our best to prepare for the worst… and then we are totally devastated by what results. We don’t have a proper handle on trusting God to bring us victory… much less to see us through what we deem as “total destruction”. We don’t save any money in case an emergency arises. We don’t study like we should, and we drop out of school and have to take a job that, at best, is less than what we hoped for – and may be nothing more than a dead end that leaves us barely making ends meet. We don’t prayerfully consider our relationships with others, and we end up hanging out with people who are going nowhere and drag us down in the process. We don’t build a strong relationship with our Heavenly Father, and when crises come our way, we fall apart with no clue how to pick ourselves up and move forward.
Some who do make preparations fail to follow through on the most important key… trusting God to do what humans cannot. At the end of the day, when you have saved, studied, prayed and prepared, you still must allow God to have the final say. We must always trust that He will orchestrate the final outcomes according to His perfect will… and that we will be able to handle whatever comes our way because of this.
I don’t know what your “storms” are today. I don’t know what preparations you have – or have not – made. But I know that your worst day with God is better than your best day without Him. If you prayerfully plan for the best… and trust God to manage the details and the final outcome… you will be able handle anything. What plans have you made today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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