Proverbs 25:19
A friend you can't trust in times of trouble is like having a toothache or a sore foot.
Galatians 5:16
If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The incredible devastation of tornadoes that have ravaged our nation this week is truly mind boggling. My heart is broken for the victims of these storms, and I am praying that God will care for each of them and offer comfort and hope in the days ahead. But you may have seen the news video of the incredible tornado that was barreling down on one city, and a woman can be heard clearly praying for the storm to miss her. Miraculously, the storm turns, and her home is spared… but her town is wiped away.
I will be the first to tell you that I would have prayed exactly as that woman did… and I am not saying she was selfish or wrong to do so. But when fear sets in, we often call things into our life that we don’t need. If we could get into a mindset of calling on God to provide us with what we need, according to His will, rather than what we think is best, we might be astounded by the results. Does this mean that praying for God to stop the storm completely or to protect all in its path might have had a different outcome for this woman and her community? Not necessarily. But we often pray selfishly, giving little regard to the ultimate outcome and its ramifications for anyone but ourselves.
Our goal should be to grow closer to God… to become more like Jesus… and that means letting go of any and all selfish motives. I heard the question posed recently, “If you were in a sinking boat with two other people, and only two of you could be saved… whom would you choose?” What was your first thought – does it depend on who the other two people are and what they mean to you? Or did you think of your own faith in God… your promise of Eternity in heaven with Him… and say, “I would gladly go”? Did you base your answer on your relationship with God… and possibly the relationship you believe the other two had with Him, as well?
When we begin to operate in faith rather than fear, everything changes… our opinions, our outlooks, our prayers, our choices. I repeat, if I saw a massive tornado approaching my house, I might very well ask God to save me. But hopefully I would also ask Him to protect all in its path, according to His will… and accept whatever outcome He chose as sovereign and absolute.
Where are you operating in fear these days? Where are you living selfishly, and possibly calling into your life things that you really don’t need? Where are you asking God for blessings and care at the potential expense of others? Where are you failing to trust in His complete perfection? Is this the day you begin to change? Will you ask God to meet your needs completely, according to His will… and rest in His choices? Are you the friend that others can trust… or are you like a selfish “toothache?” Isn’t it time we reversed our fear and started living in unwavering faith?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label Gods perfect will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gods perfect will. Show all posts
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 October 1, 2011
2 Kings 17:18-20
The LORD became so furious with the people of Israel that he allowed them to be carried away as prisoners.
Only the people living in Judah were left, but they also disobeyed the LORD's commands and acted like the Israelites. So the LORD turned his back on everyone in Israel and Judah and let them be punished and defeated until no one was left.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve been reading the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, and over and again I’ve seen this phrase… “He disobeyed the LORD and caused the Israelites to sin.” Otherwise, these chapters have been pretty much an account of one king after another and commands of God that were ignored. There were a few who listened – sometimes only partially… but on a whole, these kings were “Burger Kings” – they had things their own way!
I asked myself… “Why is this important? If God felt it should be included in the Bible, what is He trying to show us with these accounts?” The conclusion I came to is found in today’s verses… God loves us and protects us – but He also doles out consequences and punishments when we misbehave. And we need to understand this!
When a child disobeys, they get “time out” or lose their toys for a while. When teenagers break the rules, they are grounded and may lose their car keys, cell phone, and other privileges. When adults break the law, they are arrested – and may go to jail or suffer a fine. And when we sin, sometimes God hangs His head in disappointment and walks away temporarily. Just because we are saved by the blood of Jesus doesn’t mean we get a free ticket, any more than becoming king made those rulers above the laws and directives of God Almighty!
When little children disobey and misbehave, we may place them in “time out” or send them to their room and walk away for a little bit… but we never desert them completely. And God will not totally abandon you, either. But He may very well turn away and leave you to fend for yourself at times, so that you learn to respect His desires and guidance for your life – and seek His forgiveness and restoration.
Whatever you do, remember that God loves you and will care for you… but He may also teach you a few hard lessons along the way. Work hard to stay obedient and to operate within His will. Don’t try to have things your way when you know that God desires something else. And most certainly do not cause others to sin!
Listen carefully for God’s voice. Seek Him in every area of your life… even those that seem small and not worth His time. I assure you, everything about you matters to God! Have you acted like He matters to you lately? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD became so furious with the people of Israel that he allowed them to be carried away as prisoners.
Only the people living in Judah were left, but they also disobeyed the LORD's commands and acted like the Israelites. So the LORD turned his back on everyone in Israel and Judah and let them be punished and defeated until no one was left.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve been reading the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, and over and again I’ve seen this phrase… “He disobeyed the LORD and caused the Israelites to sin.” Otherwise, these chapters have been pretty much an account of one king after another and commands of God that were ignored. There were a few who listened – sometimes only partially… but on a whole, these kings were “Burger Kings” – they had things their own way!
I asked myself… “Why is this important? If God felt it should be included in the Bible, what is He trying to show us with these accounts?” The conclusion I came to is found in today’s verses… God loves us and protects us – but He also doles out consequences and punishments when we misbehave. And we need to understand this!
When a child disobeys, they get “time out” or lose their toys for a while. When teenagers break the rules, they are grounded and may lose their car keys, cell phone, and other privileges. When adults break the law, they are arrested – and may go to jail or suffer a fine. And when we sin, sometimes God hangs His head in disappointment and walks away temporarily. Just because we are saved by the blood of Jesus doesn’t mean we get a free ticket, any more than becoming king made those rulers above the laws and directives of God Almighty!
When little children disobey and misbehave, we may place them in “time out” or send them to their room and walk away for a little bit… but we never desert them completely. And God will not totally abandon you, either. But He may very well turn away and leave you to fend for yourself at times, so that you learn to respect His desires and guidance for your life – and seek His forgiveness and restoration.
Whatever you do, remember that God loves you and will care for you… but He may also teach you a few hard lessons along the way. Work hard to stay obedient and to operate within His will. Don’t try to have things your way when you know that God desires something else. And most certainly do not cause others to sin!
Listen carefully for God’s voice. Seek Him in every area of your life… even those that seem small and not worth His time. I assure you, everything about you matters to God! Have you acted like He matters to you lately? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 14, 2011
Proverbs 21:1
The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
MSNBC commentator Rachel Maddow recently posted a photo on Facebook that featured a portion of Route 4 in Vermont before and after Tropical Storm Irene visited the area. You can see the photo at http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/13/7736973-route-4-in-vermont-after-hurricane-irene. The change in the roadway and nearby river is dramatic, to say the least… and gives illustration to how the LORD determines the course of such pathways!
Do not misunderstand me… I am in no way declaring that God caused Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene and the devastation it wrought… though clearly, He could. But the power of “nature” is God-given. He created the wind, rain, rivers, forests, and all that surrounds us… and He can surely change the course of a river whenever He chooses – and in a matter of minutes or hours! He can also bring about change in leadership in the same way – and just as quickly.
On the reality TV show Project Runway, host Heidi Klum declares, “One day you’re in, and the next, you’re out!” And in the Old Testament, we see this over and again with rulers and kings who are powerful and effective one moment… and the next thing you know, they are dead and gone – or ousted in favor of a new ruler. But we’re not rulers or leaders… so what does this mean for us?
The point is that God is in control… and He can bring about all kinds of shifts and changes in the blink of an eye. He can allow us to come to our knees in order to awaken us to His will for our lives… and He can rescue us in a heartbeat. We need to recognize that God can change the entire course of our life in an instant. Just as the graphic illustration of Vermont’s Route 4 shows us, the change can seem drastic and devastating… but God can bring tremendous growth – and even improvement – from such destruction. When you are in the middle of a crisis and a change in course, it may be hard to see this. But never underestimate God’s power… and His perfection!
I don’t know what course God is changing for you today. I don’t know what path He may be showing you… or what temporary “wash-out in the road” you may be facing. But I do know that the same God who controls rulers and the course of rivers stands ready to help you find the perfect track for your own life. Our job is to be awake and alert… to pay attention to God’s direction… and to trust Him when the “tropical storms” arise. Whose course are you on today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
MSNBC commentator Rachel Maddow recently posted a photo on Facebook that featured a portion of Route 4 in Vermont before and after Tropical Storm Irene visited the area. You can see the photo at http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/13/7736973-route-4-in-vermont-after-hurricane-irene. The change in the roadway and nearby river is dramatic, to say the least… and gives illustration to how the LORD determines the course of such pathways!
Do not misunderstand me… I am in no way declaring that God caused Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene and the devastation it wrought… though clearly, He could. But the power of “nature” is God-given. He created the wind, rain, rivers, forests, and all that surrounds us… and He can surely change the course of a river whenever He chooses – and in a matter of minutes or hours! He can also bring about change in leadership in the same way – and just as quickly.
On the reality TV show Project Runway, host Heidi Klum declares, “One day you’re in, and the next, you’re out!” And in the Old Testament, we see this over and again with rulers and kings who are powerful and effective one moment… and the next thing you know, they are dead and gone – or ousted in favor of a new ruler. But we’re not rulers or leaders… so what does this mean for us?
The point is that God is in control… and He can bring about all kinds of shifts and changes in the blink of an eye. He can allow us to come to our knees in order to awaken us to His will for our lives… and He can rescue us in a heartbeat. We need to recognize that God can change the entire course of our life in an instant. Just as the graphic illustration of Vermont’s Route 4 shows us, the change can seem drastic and devastating… but God can bring tremendous growth – and even improvement – from such destruction. When you are in the middle of a crisis and a change in course, it may be hard to see this. But never underestimate God’s power… and His perfection!
I don’t know what course God is changing for you today. I don’t know what path He may be showing you… or what temporary “wash-out in the road” you may be facing. But I do know that the same God who controls rulers and the course of rivers stands ready to help you find the perfect track for your own life. Our job is to be awake and alert… to pay attention to God’s direction… and to trust Him when the “tropical storms” arise. Whose course are you on today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 11, 2011
Psalm 111:1-4
Shout praises to the LORD! With all my heart I will thank the LORD when his people meet. The LORD has done many wonderful things! Everyone who is pleased with God's marvelous deeds will keep them in mind. Everything the LORD does is glorious and majestic, and his power to bring justice will never end. The LORD God is famous for his wonderful deeds, and he is kind and merciful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may feel like this is a strange scripture passage to share on a day when we commemorate the 10th anniversary of one of the most horrific events in our nation’s history. But even in the midst of such mind-boggling devastation, God was there. And if you ask family members of some of the victims, they will tell you that the love and support – and prayers – of people they didn’t even know have strengthened them and reminded them of God’s kindness, mercy, and power. And for that, they shout praises to the LORD!
I have had the honor of corresponding with the families of two victims of 9/11 over the last decade. Joe Henry was the son of Ed and Alice. Ed and Joe’s brother were NYC firefighters, too… just like his grandfather had been. In fact, Ed suffered a serious back injury at the Twin Towers, where Joe died. Imagine the gut-wrenching despair of Alice as she tended to her husband while grieving the loss of her 24-year-old son, whose body was never recovered.
Imagine the devastation of Veronica Squef, wife of NYC Firefighter Keith Glascoe, as she sat with her two babies, Nolan and Owen… pregnant with their third child… and grieved for her husband who had perished. Consider what it must have been like for her, and dozens of other mothers, to deliver babies whose daddies were gone in a split second with the dust and rubble of Ground Zero.
I know in my heart that these two families, along with countless others, could not have survived these last ten years without God’s wonderful deeds… His kindness, mercy, and power. I know that they have made it through dozens of days on the wings of prayers lifted by people like you and me… and God’s answers. And I know that if they can survive this horrible event and hold their heads up… walk with joy and confidence in a future filled with God’s bright promises… then so can we!
Today, as we pause to remember the events of 9/11/2001, let us also give thanks to God, who is bigger than even the worst day of our lives. Give Him glory for bringing perfect justice… according to His will and timing. Praise Him for equipping us to endure what seems impossible to handle… and for showing us how to move forward with our lives through His grace. God bless all who were directly – and indirectly – affected by the events of September 11, 2001… and may God bless each of us as we strive to operate in His power, mercy and grace.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! With all my heart I will thank the LORD when his people meet. The LORD has done many wonderful things! Everyone who is pleased with God's marvelous deeds will keep them in mind. Everything the LORD does is glorious and majestic, and his power to bring justice will never end. The LORD God is famous for his wonderful deeds, and he is kind and merciful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may feel like this is a strange scripture passage to share on a day when we commemorate the 10th anniversary of one of the most horrific events in our nation’s history. But even in the midst of such mind-boggling devastation, God was there. And if you ask family members of some of the victims, they will tell you that the love and support – and prayers – of people they didn’t even know have strengthened them and reminded them of God’s kindness, mercy, and power. And for that, they shout praises to the LORD!
I have had the honor of corresponding with the families of two victims of 9/11 over the last decade. Joe Henry was the son of Ed and Alice. Ed and Joe’s brother were NYC firefighters, too… just like his grandfather had been. In fact, Ed suffered a serious back injury at the Twin Towers, where Joe died. Imagine the gut-wrenching despair of Alice as she tended to her husband while grieving the loss of her 24-year-old son, whose body was never recovered.
Imagine the devastation of Veronica Squef, wife of NYC Firefighter Keith Glascoe, as she sat with her two babies, Nolan and Owen… pregnant with their third child… and grieved for her husband who had perished. Consider what it must have been like for her, and dozens of other mothers, to deliver babies whose daddies were gone in a split second with the dust and rubble of Ground Zero.
I know in my heart that these two families, along with countless others, could not have survived these last ten years without God’s wonderful deeds… His kindness, mercy, and power. I know that they have made it through dozens of days on the wings of prayers lifted by people like you and me… and God’s answers. And I know that if they can survive this horrible event and hold their heads up… walk with joy and confidence in a future filled with God’s bright promises… then so can we!
Today, as we pause to remember the events of 9/11/2001, let us also give thanks to God, who is bigger than even the worst day of our lives. Give Him glory for bringing perfect justice… according to His will and timing. Praise Him for equipping us to endure what seems impossible to handle… and for showing us how to move forward with our lives through His grace. God bless all who were directly – and indirectly – affected by the events of September 11, 2001… and may God bless each of us as we strive to operate in His power, mercy and grace.
©2011 Debbie Robus
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