Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Today a social worker from
Hospice visited with us. She was here to get acquainted with us and
basically to make sure that we were all okay as a family. She asked my
mother how she was doing, and Mother assured her that she was trusting
God. She said, “I know that God is taking care of this."
When my
mother was first diagnosed with cancer in September, she e-mailed me
and said, “I have a serious problem, Debbie. The tests show cancer
markers. This is going to be OK—no matter what. Just going to be a
battle ahead.” The battle has come…and my mother is smack in the middle
of it!
The GOOD NEWS is that cancer is not winning. From the
very first diagnosis, my mother has said, “Either way, this will all be
okay.” And she is right. Because my mother’s refuge does not lie in
successful chemotherapy treatments or some miracle cure at a reputable
facility. Her “tested help” does not have “M.D.” after his/her name.
My
mother is relying on Almighty God to work things out according to His
will…on HIS timetable. And it doesn’t look like He intends for her to
hang out with us much longer. This morning, a dear friend texted my
mother a message. Another woman she knows is also battling ovarian
cancer. She wrote of this friend and my mother…”Your mom and my dear
special friend have packed her [Mom’s] RV for a new journey. She doesn’t
need a map or a GPS thing. The road has been ready for her trip for a
long time. What gives me comfort and peace is GOD is in the driver’s
seat! Instead of a seat belt, she has on her angel’s wings. The highway
is paved in gold, and Heaven is singing, “Coming Home!”
If that
doesn’t describe a “beautiful refuge” and “tested help in times of
trouble,” I’m not sure what would. My prayer for you today is that YOU
know this Refuge…that YOU trust Him to be your “tested help in times of
trouble.” I pray that nothing is too big for God to solve for you…that
you know that all will be okay, no matter what happens.
It’s a beautiful thing to go headlong into battle knowing that God is leading the way. Are you secure in that faith today? Isn’t it time you were?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label acknowledging God and his strength. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acknowledging God and his strength. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 27, 2014
Colossians 1:9-12
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
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 friend of mine is embarking on a huge project to create a home for single mothers whose children were placed in foster care and are now transitioning back into a “traditional home” setting. Many of these women need help developing the necessary skills to create a solid, stable family unit that can sustain them and their children. It is hoped that a commitment to six months in this group home will equip these families to function well enough to stay out of the foster care system and “make a go of it”. Is this project fraught with opportunities for difficulties – even failure? Absolutely! Does this mean that my friend should not pursue what she believes God has called her to do? Absolutely not!
There are plenty of situations where we hesitate to get involved because we fear the outcome. Will we offend the person we are trying to comfort? Will we say the right things? Will this endeavor work…or will it fail miserably? Will all parties be left disappointed – even devastated? If we cannot guarantee that our efforts and ministries will be successful – and fruitful – should we pursue them? Read this scripture passage again…pay particular attention to the phrase that says “It is strength [the God-given glory-strength] that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy…”
Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.” There are a lot of situations where we will be called to pour out our hearts…to invest our physical, mental and emotional strength…and every indication will be that our attempts to share the compassion, mercy, love and grace of Jesus Christ were ineffective…rejected…a total waste of time. But this is never the case.
We do not get to decide whether our service for Jesus was effective or not. In fact, whether we have a visible, tangible result or not is totally unimportant. What matters is that we are obedient…that we do what God leads us to do…that we make the effort and trust Him for the outcome. So my friend feels that God is calling her to do this…and she is obediently serving. Whether the desired outcome is achieved or not is totally up to God. At the end of the day, all who were involved will know that they “worked hard in God’s orchard”…that they listened to His voice and operated in His strength.
Where is God calling you to step up and out today? Who needs a hug…a hand…a word of encouragement…or whatever you feel God leading you to share as an act of mercy and compassion? How are you offering God’s love to others…and how are you serving Him? Are you obedient and eager to learn more about how to do His work? Are you willing to accept the challenge…and the potential for “failure”?
God will not waste your efforts…you will not serve Him in vain – even if it seems that your offers of love and support have been rejected. When we listen to God’s voice and serve Him obediently, He will make the difference…and we will be strengthened and blessed in the process. Are you ready to discover this for yourself?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
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 friend of mine is embarking on a huge project to create a home for single mothers whose children were placed in foster care and are now transitioning back into a “traditional home” setting. Many of these women need help developing the necessary skills to create a solid, stable family unit that can sustain them and their children. It is hoped that a commitment to six months in this group home will equip these families to function well enough to stay out of the foster care system and “make a go of it”. Is this project fraught with opportunities for difficulties – even failure? Absolutely! Does this mean that my friend should not pursue what she believes God has called her to do? Absolutely not!
There are plenty of situations where we hesitate to get involved because we fear the outcome. Will we offend the person we are trying to comfort? Will we say the right things? Will this endeavor work…or will it fail miserably? Will all parties be left disappointed – even devastated? If we cannot guarantee that our efforts and ministries will be successful – and fruitful – should we pursue them? Read this scripture passage again…pay particular attention to the phrase that says “It is strength [the God-given glory-strength] that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy…”
Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that “You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.” There are a lot of situations where we will be called to pour out our hearts…to invest our physical, mental and emotional strength…and every indication will be that our attempts to share the compassion, mercy, love and grace of Jesus Christ were ineffective…rejected…a total waste of time. But this is never the case.
We do not get to decide whether our service for Jesus was effective or not. In fact, whether we have a visible, tangible result or not is totally unimportant. What matters is that we are obedient…that we do what God leads us to do…that we make the effort and trust Him for the outcome. So my friend feels that God is calling her to do this…and she is obediently serving. Whether the desired outcome is achieved or not is totally up to God. At the end of the day, all who were involved will know that they “worked hard in God’s orchard”…that they listened to His voice and operated in His strength.
Where is God calling you to step up and out today? Who needs a hug…a hand…a word of encouragement…or whatever you feel God leading you to share as an act of mercy and compassion? How are you offering God’s love to others…and how are you serving Him? Are you obedient and eager to learn more about how to do His work? Are you willing to accept the challenge…and the potential for “failure”?
God will not waste your efforts…you will not serve Him in vain – even if it seems that your offers of love and support have been rejected. When we listen to God’s voice and serve Him obediently, He will make the difference…and we will be strengthened and blessed in the process. Are you ready to discover this for yourself?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 19, 2013
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Like many others, my husband and I have been Arkansas Razorbacks fans for decades. I like to think we are fans whether they win or lose. But let’s be honest… it’s a whole lot more fun when they are winning! We cheer, “call the Hogs,” and sing “Oh, Lord, It’s Hard to be Humble” with the best of them at games. There is something incredibly energizing and refreshing about the drumbeat of the band and hearing the U of A Fight Song. And who can beat the exhilaration of yelling “Woo Pig Sooie!”? Even though we both graduated from Arkansas Tech, we support the Razorbacks wholeheartedly… they are forever “our team.”
There was a time when we took our fan support of the Razorbacks more seriously than we do these days… and we know some fairly rabid fans even now! They practically live and die by the ups and downs of our beloved Hogs – especially when it comes to football, basketball, baseball and track. We have settled into what I believe is a healthy loyalty… a recognition that these are just sporting events played by young men and women. We are still exuberant over victories… but far less devastated by the defeats.
I have to wonder, do we give the same allegiance to God that we give to our athletic teams? After all, He supports US like no other. He is always there for us… always winning victories on our behalf… always singing and rejoicing over our triumphs. His love refreshes and energizes us each and every day. God is much more than the “wind beneath our wings.” He is our refuge, our strength… our everything! But do we treat Him with appropriate regard?
Do we give God the same “fan support” that we give to our beloved Arkansas Razorbacks? Are we ready to praise Him and maintain a relationship with Him when the chips are down and things are not going so well in our lives? Or maybe that’s the only time we ARE in close contact… when things go badly and we need God to bail us out! We can’t have it both ways, you know. We’re either in all the way… or we’re not in at all. Faith should not be fickle… and neither should our relationship with God.
We need to recognize God’s presence and power in our lives… His ability to secure victory after victory for us… to lift us up when we are sinking… and to celebrate when we are at the top of the heap! How refreshed are you by God’s presence in your life? Do you have a “fair weather fan” relationship… or have you gone “whole hog?” Isn’t it time you gave Him your “full fan support?” God is always with YOU… can you say the same in return?
©2013 Debbie Robus
The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Like many others, my husband and I have been Arkansas Razorbacks fans for decades. I like to think we are fans whether they win or lose. But let’s be honest… it’s a whole lot more fun when they are winning! We cheer, “call the Hogs,” and sing “Oh, Lord, It’s Hard to be Humble” with the best of them at games. There is something incredibly energizing and refreshing about the drumbeat of the band and hearing the U of A Fight Song. And who can beat the exhilaration of yelling “Woo Pig Sooie!”? Even though we both graduated from Arkansas Tech, we support the Razorbacks wholeheartedly… they are forever “our team.”
There was a time when we took our fan support of the Razorbacks more seriously than we do these days… and we know some fairly rabid fans even now! They practically live and die by the ups and downs of our beloved Hogs – especially when it comes to football, basketball, baseball and track. We have settled into what I believe is a healthy loyalty… a recognition that these are just sporting events played by young men and women. We are still exuberant over victories… but far less devastated by the defeats.
I have to wonder, do we give the same allegiance to God that we give to our athletic teams? After all, He supports US like no other. He is always there for us… always winning victories on our behalf… always singing and rejoicing over our triumphs. His love refreshes and energizes us each and every day. God is much more than the “wind beneath our wings.” He is our refuge, our strength… our everything! But do we treat Him with appropriate regard?
Do we give God the same “fan support” that we give to our beloved Arkansas Razorbacks? Are we ready to praise Him and maintain a relationship with Him when the chips are down and things are not going so well in our lives? Or maybe that’s the only time we ARE in close contact… when things go badly and we need God to bail us out! We can’t have it both ways, you know. We’re either in all the way… or we’re not in at all. Faith should not be fickle… and neither should our relationship with God.
We need to recognize God’s presence and power in our lives… His ability to secure victory after victory for us… to lift us up when we are sinking… and to celebrate when we are at the top of the heap! How refreshed are you by God’s presence in your life? Do you have a “fair weather fan” relationship… or have you gone “whole hog?” Isn’t it time you gave Him your “full fan support?” God is always with YOU… can you say the same in return?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 9, 2013
Joshua 1:9
I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I made superhero capes and masks for my nephew, Timothy, and our cousin, Owen… both boys are three and a half. You know how this goes… when the superhero dons his/her costume, they are equipped with powers and strengths beyond any human capacity. Evil villains can be conquered… there is no challenge or problem too big – no force too formidable to be overcome. When Timmy and Owen put on their capes and “fly” around the room, they feel invincible. They have no fear… discouragement is not in their vocabularies.
None of us are superheroes… but all of us can wear the cape and mask! We can “put on the full armor of God” and feel His continual presence. We can call on His help in any and all situations. We can be brave and strong, because our strength comes from the LORD. We don’t have to be afraid or discouraged about a single thing.
Please don’t misunderstand me… if something has you worried, frustrated or frightened today, this does not mean you have no faith. If you are discouraged, you are not a bad person. This simply means you are human – and the devil is working hard to pull you over to his side. Call on God to give you superhuman strength. Believe that HE can make the difference… trust Him to help you work through whatever issues you face with courage and hope. Believe that God can – and will – make the difference!
Too many of us know deep in our hearts that God can help us with anything and everything… yet we choose to wallow in worry, fear and frustration anyhow. Don’t let this be said of you. As Pastor Joel Osteen likes to say… be a victor, not a victim. Call on God to strengthen you… be strong and brave. Put on your “superhero cape” of faith and fly with Christ!
©2013 Debbie Robus
I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I made superhero capes and masks for my nephew, Timothy, and our cousin, Owen… both boys are three and a half. You know how this goes… when the superhero dons his/her costume, they are equipped with powers and strengths beyond any human capacity. Evil villains can be conquered… there is no challenge or problem too big – no force too formidable to be overcome. When Timmy and Owen put on their capes and “fly” around the room, they feel invincible. They have no fear… discouragement is not in their vocabularies.
None of us are superheroes… but all of us can wear the cape and mask! We can “put on the full armor of God” and feel His continual presence. We can call on His help in any and all situations. We can be brave and strong, because our strength comes from the LORD. We don’t have to be afraid or discouraged about a single thing.
Please don’t misunderstand me… if something has you worried, frustrated or frightened today, this does not mean you have no faith. If you are discouraged, you are not a bad person. This simply means you are human – and the devil is working hard to pull you over to his side. Call on God to give you superhuman strength. Believe that HE can make the difference… trust Him to help you work through whatever issues you face with courage and hope. Believe that God can – and will – make the difference!
Too many of us know deep in our hearts that God can help us with anything and everything… yet we choose to wallow in worry, fear and frustration anyhow. Don’t let this be said of you. As Pastor Joel Osteen likes to say… be a victor, not a victim. Call on God to strengthen you… be strong and brave. Put on your “superhero cape” of faith and fly with Christ!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 3, 2013
Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him!
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.
As an online seller, I can tell you that positive feedback is vital. I’ve worked hard to build up a base of good feedback. The trouble is… less than half of all buyers take the time to provide any response. This is really frustrating to us sellers… and it has made me more aware of the importance of providing feedback when I purchase something – especially if it was from an individual, like a seller on Etsy, eBay or from an independent retailer on Amazon.
“What’s the big deal about feedback?” you may ask. Positive feedback tells potential buyers that this person had a good experience… that the customer got what he/she paid for… that the shipping was reasonable and quick… that the overall service was good. One customer who purchased vintage earrings from me wrote, “These are beautiful! I will cherish them! Thank you so much!” Another said of an antique table runner…“Very beautiful! It’s in great vintage condition as advertised. I LOVE it! Thanks for the careful packaging and super fast shipping!”
I wonder… what sort of feedback do we give for God? Do we let others know what wonderful things He has done for us? Are we quick to point out how amazing God is… the power He brings to our life and how beautifully He orchestrates every detail? Do we sing His praises and tell the world that He is worthy of our devotion…more than enough to meet our every need… our joy and our strength? Do we give God credit for a victorious life over sin and death? Do we acknowledge that He is preparing a mansion for us in heaven, where the streets are paved with gold?
Are we like those who buy online and never bother to let anyone know whether they had a good experience or not? Do we take all that God will give us without so much as a word or a gesture to show our appreciation? Isn’t it time we stopped and took a good hard look at how we treat our Most High God? Don’t you think He deserves to be heralded… to hear our song of praise… to feel our acknowledgment? Shouldn’t we tell everyone in sight how much God has done for us and offer them a chance to experience His incredible strength in their own life?
What are you waiting for? Make this the day that you begin to give daily positive feedback to Almighty God. Make Him not only your strength, but your song… and exalt Him to the best of your ability. We can never repay God for all He does for us… for all He will do for us in the future. But we can give Him our best effort and continual feedback. God wants to hear from us… He wants us to tell others about Him. When was the last time you sang His praises?
©2013 Debbie Robus
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him!
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.
As an online seller, I can tell you that positive feedback is vital. I’ve worked hard to build up a base of good feedback. The trouble is… less than half of all buyers take the time to provide any response. This is really frustrating to us sellers… and it has made me more aware of the importance of providing feedback when I purchase something – especially if it was from an individual, like a seller on Etsy, eBay or from an independent retailer on Amazon.
“What’s the big deal about feedback?” you may ask. Positive feedback tells potential buyers that this person had a good experience… that the customer got what he/she paid for… that the shipping was reasonable and quick… that the overall service was good. One customer who purchased vintage earrings from me wrote, “These are beautiful! I will cherish them! Thank you so much!” Another said of an antique table runner…“Very beautiful! It’s in great vintage condition as advertised. I LOVE it! Thanks for the careful packaging and super fast shipping!”
I wonder… what sort of feedback do we give for God? Do we let others know what wonderful things He has done for us? Are we quick to point out how amazing God is… the power He brings to our life and how beautifully He orchestrates every detail? Do we sing His praises and tell the world that He is worthy of our devotion…more than enough to meet our every need… our joy and our strength? Do we give God credit for a victorious life over sin and death? Do we acknowledge that He is preparing a mansion for us in heaven, where the streets are paved with gold?
Are we like those who buy online and never bother to let anyone know whether they had a good experience or not? Do we take all that God will give us without so much as a word or a gesture to show our appreciation? Isn’t it time we stopped and took a good hard look at how we treat our Most High God? Don’t you think He deserves to be heralded… to hear our song of praise… to feel our acknowledgment? Shouldn’t we tell everyone in sight how much God has done for us and offer them a chance to experience His incredible strength in their own life?
What are you waiting for? Make this the day that you begin to give daily positive feedback to Almighty God. Make Him not only your strength, but your song… and exalt Him to the best of your ability. We can never repay God for all He does for us… for all He will do for us in the future. But we can give Him our best effort and continual feedback. God wants to hear from us… He wants us to tell others about Him. When was the last time you sang His praises?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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