Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid. I am with you.
Don’t tremble with fear.
I am your God.
I will make you strong,
as I protect you with my arm
and give you victories.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This
verse has now been printed and taped to the wall above my desk! It
serves as a constant reminder of God’s steadfast presence and provision
in my life. I could tell you more than one story of how I have prayed
and trusted…and God has delivered a victory in a specific situation.
Hopefully you have your own “success stories.”
But this does not
mean that life is all a bed of roses – for any of us. So we must be
continually reminded of God’s power and strength…His protection and His
ability to provide us with victories. I can assure you, it would be
plenty easy for me – and probably for you, also – to be afraid…to
tremble with fear…to fall apart and say, “This is all too much! I just
can’t handle it!”
In truth, we are stronger than we realize…not
because of anything we do or have done, but because of God’s power and
protection. When I say, “God’s got this!”…I have to trust that He truly
does! And that is when He reminds me of the countless victories that
are already noted in my prayer journal – and in my heart.
If we
have to remind ourselves several times a day of the words of Isaiah
41:10, let it be so. I pray that your “journal” - and your heart - are
full of victories from God. If they aren’t, let this be the day that
you start to give God your fears and worries - and truly let Him handle
them perfectly. The victories will come. I’m living proof of
it! Won’t you make this the day that you claim the same triumphs for
yourself? Are you ready to “let go and let God” have complete control?
Is today the day you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label acknowledging Gods power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acknowledging Gods power. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 16, 2014
Acts 3:12-16
Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “Men of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why look at us as though we by our own power and godliness had made this man walk? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and of all our ancestors who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. I refer to the Jesus whom you rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s determination to release him. You didn’t want him freed—this holy, righteous one. Instead you demanded the release of a murderer. And you killed the Author of Life; but God brought him back to life again. And John and I are witnesses of this fact, for after you killed him we saw him alive!
“Jesus’ name has healed this man—and you know how lame he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name—faith given us from God—has caused this perfect healing.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Some of you may be watching the resurrected version of the television series “Dallas”. Back in the 70s and 80s when this show first aired, one of the main characters, “Bobby Ewing”, played by Patrick Duffy, was killed when the sister of his brother’s wife ran over him with a car...or so we thought. We learned in a subsequent season that this “death” had all been the “bad dream” of Bobby’s ex-wife Pamela. Still with me? I know this is crazy, and even writing it all down made me wonder, “What were we thinking?!”
I share this to tell you that we are no strangers to modern-day “resurrection” stories. They happen all the time in television series, movies...and even our favorite novels. Someone appears to be dead, but we discover that they really aren’t. Children watch cartoons in which the characters come back to life over and again. All of this combines to create a sort of “numbness” and indifference in each of us...and on certain levels, it causes us to detach from reality.
It is no surprise that we are somewhat numb to the profound significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection...that we are not as cognizant of Jesus’ healing power as we should be. It isn’t even that big of a stretch to see how we could give ourselves and the “healers” in our midst more credit than we deserve for our health and well-being in every area of life. Although it’s a “slippery slope”, one can see how easy it might be to give too much credit to physicians, therapists, coaches, teachers, parents, friends, and even clergy for enabling us to put one foot in front of the other.
While these people may play a significant role in our overall health and well-being...their true power comes from Jesus. We may benefit from their wisdom, expertise, kindness, compassion, mercy, and life experiences, but none of this would be available to us without our Savior. Jesus knows what we need...when we need it...and how to get it to us. He uses human beings as the vehicle for our healing...but ultimately, He is the Great Healer.
Unlike the original “Dallas” series and its 2012 revival, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were no television soap opera. Jesus is as real as it gets...and His power to heal and restore us – and meet our every need – is unsurpassed. His use of ordinary people like you and me to carry out His missions is equally real.
Maybe it’s time for us to open our eyes and re-align our focus a bit. Maybe we need to be more aware of Who is really running the show...and give Him the appropriate measure of gratitude. Maybe we need to stop thinking so highly of ourselves and stop to recognize Who fuels our every breath! Perhaps we need to start looking a little more closely at Who is truly the Author of our lives...and give credit where it is due. Isn’t this the perfect time to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “Men of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why look at us as though we by our own power and godliness had made this man walk? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and of all our ancestors who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. I refer to the Jesus whom you rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s determination to release him. You didn’t want him freed—this holy, righteous one. Instead you demanded the release of a murderer. And you killed the Author of Life; but God brought him back to life again. And John and I are witnesses of this fact, for after you killed him we saw him alive!
“Jesus’ name has healed this man—and you know how lame he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name—faith given us from God—has caused this perfect healing.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Some of you may be watching the resurrected version of the television series “Dallas”. Back in the 70s and 80s when this show first aired, one of the main characters, “Bobby Ewing”, played by Patrick Duffy, was killed when the sister of his brother’s wife ran over him with a car...or so we thought. We learned in a subsequent season that this “death” had all been the “bad dream” of Bobby’s ex-wife Pamela. Still with me? I know this is crazy, and even writing it all down made me wonder, “What were we thinking?!”
I share this to tell you that we are no strangers to modern-day “resurrection” stories. They happen all the time in television series, movies...and even our favorite novels. Someone appears to be dead, but we discover that they really aren’t. Children watch cartoons in which the characters come back to life over and again. All of this combines to create a sort of “numbness” and indifference in each of us...and on certain levels, it causes us to detach from reality.
It is no surprise that we are somewhat numb to the profound significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection...that we are not as cognizant of Jesus’ healing power as we should be. It isn’t even that big of a stretch to see how we could give ourselves and the “healers” in our midst more credit than we deserve for our health and well-being in every area of life. Although it’s a “slippery slope”, one can see how easy it might be to give too much credit to physicians, therapists, coaches, teachers, parents, friends, and even clergy for enabling us to put one foot in front of the other.
While these people may play a significant role in our overall health and well-being...their true power comes from Jesus. We may benefit from their wisdom, expertise, kindness, compassion, mercy, and life experiences, but none of this would be available to us without our Savior. Jesus knows what we need...when we need it...and how to get it to us. He uses human beings as the vehicle for our healing...but ultimately, He is the Great Healer.
Unlike the original “Dallas” series and its 2012 revival, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were no television soap opera. Jesus is as real as it gets...and His power to heal and restore us – and meet our every need – is unsurpassed. His use of ordinary people like you and me to carry out His missions is equally real.
Maybe it’s time for us to open our eyes and re-align our focus a bit. Maybe we need to be more aware of Who is really running the show...and give Him the appropriate measure of gratitude. Maybe we need to stop thinking so highly of ourselves and stop to recognize Who fuels our every breath! Perhaps we need to start looking a little more closely at Who is truly the Author of our lives...and give credit where it is due. Isn’t this the perfect time to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 31, 2014
1 John 1:8-10
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
At the start of the summer, my friend Melissa telephoned me one night with a dilemma. Her son Ladd’s baseball pants had just arrived...and they were far too big. I think this was maybe a Tuesday night – and his first game was on Friday. “Do you think there is any way you could take them up for us?” she asked. I told her that I would be glad to take a look and see what I could do, and she and Ladd came over and brought his two baseball uniforms. These pants were more than just a little too big...and as I contemplated how to fix them – or IF I could fix them, 8-year-old Ladd said, “It’s okay. I’ll just wear them like this. They’re not really that bad.”
The pants really were “that bad”...particularly one pair. They were too long, and the seat hung nearly to his knees. I made some temporary adjustments and let Ladd try them on to see if I was getting anywhere, and his little face just “lit up” when he saw how much better the pants were fitting. Melissa said, “We hated to ask you to do this, but we didn’t know who else to call.” I told her that I would have been insulted if she had NOT called me. I’m not a professional seamstress, but God blessed me with a grandmother and mother who taught me to sew, and I am able to do a fairly decent job of it. The thought that my little friend would have played baseball all summer in those baggy, uncomfortable pants tugged at my heartstrings. I was thrilled to be able to come to his rescue.
Have you ever tried to help someone who you knew was in need...and this person would not let you? It was clearly evident that the person required help...an elderly man or woman who needed a ride to the store or to a doctor visit...someone who was sick and refused to let you even bring over a meal, much less do anything for them inside their house...or even a friend or classmate who could use a ride to school, work, or church. When people like this say, “I’m okay...I don’t need anything” – and you know better - it’s enough to make you crazy...right?
Even worse is when you learn later that the person you tried to help has told someone either that “I managed all on my own”...or uttered the ultimate insult...”No one cared enough to help me!” This may make you feel misunderstood – as if you offered to help with ulterior motives or hopes of “glory” and recognition, when you truly were just trying to offer support or service. You may feel insulted...because in essence, the person in need has just called you a “liar” as he/she discounted your offers of love and assistance. You would have gladly come to their aid any way you could...and asked nothing in return. And now, you’ve not only been deprived of this opportunity...you have been somewhat disrespected in the bargain.
Now think about God and how we treat Him. He stands ready to help us...to lift us up and tackle our burdens. He knows our needs even better than we do...yet we pretend that we don’t need Him to help us with anything. We claim we are “doing okay”...that if we have committed any sins, they really weren’t that bad...and we relegate God to a back room for when things really go wrong. We like to say that we are humble, but in truth, our inability to acknowledge God’s grace and mercy and accept His help and forgiveness – and often that of our friends and neighbors – is nothing more than arrogance and/or pride – which are both sins in themselves.
If you are one of those people who cannot accept help from others, get over yourself. Quit robbing them of the blessing of serving you in Jesus’ name. If you have claimed to be sinless...or you have failed to give God credit for His grace, mercy and forgiveness in your life, it’s time you got busy figuring out who He really is – and getting better acquainted!
When I delivered Ladd’s pants to him the day of his first game, he was over-the-moon thrilled with the results. But he was not any happier than I was. To see him so relieved and confident made my heart swell. Too often, we don’t think about how we deprive God of opportunities to be delighted and pleased with us. All He wants is for us to turn to Him...to ask for His help...and to accept His grace and mercy. What He pours out on us in return is truly astonishing...and totally undeserved...but incredibly comforting nonetheless. Won’t you allow God – and others – to help you? Aren’t you ready to come clean and move forward? Will today be the day you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
At the start of the summer, my friend Melissa telephoned me one night with a dilemma. Her son Ladd’s baseball pants had just arrived...and they were far too big. I think this was maybe a Tuesday night – and his first game was on Friday. “Do you think there is any way you could take them up for us?” she asked. I told her that I would be glad to take a look and see what I could do, and she and Ladd came over and brought his two baseball uniforms. These pants were more than just a little too big...and as I contemplated how to fix them – or IF I could fix them, 8-year-old Ladd said, “It’s okay. I’ll just wear them like this. They’re not really that bad.”
The pants really were “that bad”...particularly one pair. They were too long, and the seat hung nearly to his knees. I made some temporary adjustments and let Ladd try them on to see if I was getting anywhere, and his little face just “lit up” when he saw how much better the pants were fitting. Melissa said, “We hated to ask you to do this, but we didn’t know who else to call.” I told her that I would have been insulted if she had NOT called me. I’m not a professional seamstress, but God blessed me with a grandmother and mother who taught me to sew, and I am able to do a fairly decent job of it. The thought that my little friend would have played baseball all summer in those baggy, uncomfortable pants tugged at my heartstrings. I was thrilled to be able to come to his rescue.
Have you ever tried to help someone who you knew was in need...and this person would not let you? It was clearly evident that the person required help...an elderly man or woman who needed a ride to the store or to a doctor visit...someone who was sick and refused to let you even bring over a meal, much less do anything for them inside their house...or even a friend or classmate who could use a ride to school, work, or church. When people like this say, “I’m okay...I don’t need anything” – and you know better - it’s enough to make you crazy...right?
Even worse is when you learn later that the person you tried to help has told someone either that “I managed all on my own”...or uttered the ultimate insult...”No one cared enough to help me!” This may make you feel misunderstood – as if you offered to help with ulterior motives or hopes of “glory” and recognition, when you truly were just trying to offer support or service. You may feel insulted...because in essence, the person in need has just called you a “liar” as he/she discounted your offers of love and assistance. You would have gladly come to their aid any way you could...and asked nothing in return. And now, you’ve not only been deprived of this opportunity...you have been somewhat disrespected in the bargain.
Now think about God and how we treat Him. He stands ready to help us...to lift us up and tackle our burdens. He knows our needs even better than we do...yet we pretend that we don’t need Him to help us with anything. We claim we are “doing okay”...that if we have committed any sins, they really weren’t that bad...and we relegate God to a back room for when things really go wrong. We like to say that we are humble, but in truth, our inability to acknowledge God’s grace and mercy and accept His help and forgiveness – and often that of our friends and neighbors – is nothing more than arrogance and/or pride – which are both sins in themselves.
If you are one of those people who cannot accept help from others, get over yourself. Quit robbing them of the blessing of serving you in Jesus’ name. If you have claimed to be sinless...or you have failed to give God credit for His grace, mercy and forgiveness in your life, it’s time you got busy figuring out who He really is – and getting better acquainted!
When I delivered Ladd’s pants to him the day of his first game, he was over-the-moon thrilled with the results. But he was not any happier than I was. To see him so relieved and confident made my heart swell. Too often, we don’t think about how we deprive God of opportunities to be delighted and pleased with us. All He wants is for us to turn to Him...to ask for His help...and to accept His grace and mercy. What He pours out on us in return is truly astonishing...and totally undeserved...but incredibly comforting nonetheless. Won’t you allow God – and others – to help you? Aren’t you ready to come clean and move forward? Will today be the day you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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