Daily Devotional for November 25, 2016

Psalm 95:1-7    
Sing joyful songs to the Lord!
    Praise the mighty rock
    where we are safe.
Come to worship him
with thankful hearts
    and songs of praise.
The Lord is the greatest God,
    king over all other gods.
He holds the deepest part
    of the earth in his hands,
    and the mountain peaks
    belong to him.
The ocean is the Lord’s
    because he made it,
    and with his own hands
    he formed the dry land.
Bow down and worship
    the Lord our Creator!
The Lord is our God,
    and we are his people,
    the sheep he takes care of
    in his own pasture.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I saw a meme on Facebook today with a photo background that featured the silhouettes of three men hanging from crosses. The caption read, “Only one Black Friday offers eternal savings.” Greg and I spent a lazy “Black Friday” mostly relaxing and watching football. We visited some family members, ate leftovers and commented about what a good Thanksgiving Day we had with everyone. We didn’t fight the crowds to shop.  We didn’t start putting up Christmas decorations. We just rested and counted our blessings.

The view out our back windows is a panorama of somewhat dulled color, due to the fall drought…but there are some bursts of yellow and red here and there. Every few trees it seems like God dipped his paintbrush in some brilliant yellow or orange paint and said, “Let me show you what I can do!”  A maple tree in our front yard is filled with bright yellow leaves – and about three clusters that are an incredibly deep hue of red!  God did this…just because He can!  He is full of surprises!

As we take a moment between “holiday seasons” to catch our breath and regroup, let’s spend some time remembering WHO is really in charge.  Who made the mountains and gave us beautiful fall color?  Who is responsible for our abundance and the freedoms that we enjoy?  Who formed us and granted us family, friends, and blessings on every side?  Who takes care of His people in His own pasture like none other?

The answer to all of these questions is God Almighty – the Lord our Creator!  And we should at least pause for a few minutes to worship Him…to sing His praises and give thanks for the safety and protection of His love and care.  We should acknowledge our abundance in the very fact that we are His. And we should be grateful that we belong to the King of all gods…which makes us heirs to His Kingdom for all eternity!

Before you get caught up in the hoopla of the coming holiday season, take a few more minutes to be deliberately grateful for God and all that He has given us.  Bow down and worship the Lord our Creator!  On THIS “Black Friday,” thank Him for the Black Friday that gave us eternal savings…and for His gift of the One who made this all possible.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 6, 2015

Philippians 4:13
…for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I’ve been working on a lesson for 4th and 5th graders for this Sunday, and the objective is that “Jesus still has the power to perform miracles today as we pray.”  There are several activities that we will conduct during the class to demonstrate how there are things that we cannot do under our own power – and how Jesus can “make a way where we see none.”   I’m not necessarily talking about physical actions, like walking on water…but more the miracles and “intangible” thoughts and experiences that Jesus helps us with each day.

In our lifetimes, we will all encounter situations and circumstances that seem impossible to handle…setbacks, illnesses, the death of loved ones, disappointments.  We will all face challenges…from how to get up and speak in front of a group when we are scared stiff to trepidation about traveling in bad weather…to passing that chemistry test that has us worried sick or surviving a baby’s bout with colic on little to no sleep…to starting a new job, class, or small group.  There will be times when we have no clue about how we are to proceed – or what decision is the right one.  There will be nights when sleep doesn’t come…and days that we think won’t ever end.  And Jesus can help us with all of them.

Sunday, I hope that the children will learn more about the power of prayer and how to keep Jesus close at all times.  We will hopefully gain a better understanding of his strength and power…and a key point in this scripture - that Jesus strengthens and empowers us to do all that God desires for us.  In other words, there will be times when we do not get the wishes of our heart…because they don’t line up with God’s plans.  But when we learn to trust Jesus’ answers and recognize that His guidance is perfect, we confidently operate in His power and find lasting peace.

This is one of my favorite Bible verses.  I know that God’s plans for my life are perfect.   When I listen for His voice and follow His lead, I know that the power of Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit will always guide me to the right answers - and protect me perfectly.  With Christ’s strength and power, I truly can do everything that God asks me to do.  What about you?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 10, 2015

John 3:5-8
Jesus said, “You’re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the ‘wind-hovering-over-the-water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. When you look at a baby, it’s just that: a body you can look at and touch. But the person who takes shape within is formed by something you can’t see and touch—the Spirit—and becomes a living spirit.

“So don’t be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be ‘born from above’—out of this world, so to speak. You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it’s headed next. That’s the way it is with everyone ‘born from above’ by the wind of God, the Spirit 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.

I love Jesus’ analogy of the wind, because this physical phenomenon is something we all accept and “understand”…yet none of us can explain the origin of its force.  And if you think about wind…sometimes it is like a gentle whisper…and sometimes it blows with a rage and impact so profound that the results are devastating…almost beyond belief!

This is how we experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Some moments, the voice of God is just a whisper…a gentle breeze that brushes over us.  Other times, He nearly knocks us off our feet with an experience or event that says, “HEY!  Wake up!  I’m talking to you!”  Just as we readily accept and acknowledge physical “wind”…some of us need to learn to transfer this understanding to the Holy Spirit and how He operates in our hearts and minds.

Timothy sings a song from the movie “Pocahontas” about the “Colors of the Wind”.  One of the lines asks, “Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?”  Jesus “paints with all the colors of the ‘wind’” of His Holy Spirit.  Do you see them in your life?  Have you embraced Him and experienced this “born-from-above” breath from God?  Do you recognize His presence and the many “colors of the wind” in your daily living?  Don’t you want to? 

Stop what you are doing and spend some time calling on the Holy Spirit to fill you.  Say three simple words…”Come, Holy Spirit!”  Listen for the “wind” of God…and learn to recognize it as readily as you do the earthy breezes.  Let His love and care blow across your heart like a gentle whisper of wind across your face.  Get ready to see God’s kingdom come into focus…maybe for the first time ever.  Get ready to fully embrace your “new life in Christ”…and to see all of the “colors of the Wind” in every minute of your day!

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 1, 2015

John 1:1
In the beginning was the one
    who is called the Word.
The Word was with God
    and was truly God.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I’ve been working with old photographs lately...scanning, labeling and cataloging them.  My goal is to have a digital copy of all of our photos that identifies the persons or subject matter and is preserved for posterity.  Wish me luck!

This week, I’ve worked mostly on photos that I inherited from my grandparents, who were born between 1907 and 1912, so you can “do the math”.  One of the things that struck me as I worked with these photos has been the “family resemblance” in so many.  In one photo of my maternal grandmother, I clearly see the face of my sister.  I’ve had to look at more than one picture of my Mam-ma Polly when she was young to convince myself that I was not the person in the photo.  And in pictures of each of these ancestors when they were babies, I have seen some familiar facial features of present-day “babies”.

All of this reminds me that our DNA predates us throughout every generation.  Long before we were born, many of our smirks, defining physical characteristics – and even mannerisms – were present in our ancestors.  I use this illustration as an attempt to describe this passage from John 1.  This is the best way I know to explain what John is telling us - that Jesus has been with us “since the beginning”.

Jesus Christ is “the Word”…and as hard as it is to wrap our brains around this, the “DNA” of Jesus was with God before creation. What does this mean for us today?  I believe that the message God is giving us is that He has ALWAYS been with us and available to us – even since before He created the earth. Just as there is no denying our DNA, there is no viable explanation to substitute for God’s presence in our lives.  He is unique…one-of-a-kind…all encompassing and completely perpetual.

Try as some might to deny His existence…God remains steadfast and available to each of us.  All we have to do is acknowledge Him. THIS is the God I want to serve!  God is more than family…He was, is, and will always be EVERYTHING – and He wants ME to be a part of His world! 

Just as I am labeling old photos with names, descriptions, and relationships to one another, I want to be labeled as a child of God…one of His chosen – now and forever.  I cannot change that God chose me…but I get to decide whether to accept my place in His family.  I wouldn’t want to belong to any other…what about you?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 29, 2014

Isaiah 53:4-5
Yet it was our grief he bore, our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, for his own sins! But he was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed!

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.

Pick someone...anyone...who is truly important to you.  I don’t care if you choose a “significant other”, your spouse, a child, a parent, your best friend – or even your beloved pet.  Now imagine that every time you sin, this person (or pet) takes a beating.  Every time you get sick, this person or animal will be whipped until bloody.  And you will feel better...right? 

Wouldn’t you be mortified if you thought that your well-being...mentally, physically or spiritually...depended on the suffering and mistreatment of someone else?  Yet this is exactly the exchange that Jesus offers us.  He was wounded, beaten, and pressed down by our sorrows and sins...all so that we could have peace and healing of all kinds – and Eternal Life in His presence!

Crazy, isn’t it?  Heart-wrenching even!  Yet we essentially brandish the whip and hammer the nails day in and day out.  We press the thorns of the crown deeper into His head and either take His forgiveness and restoration for granted...or we thumb our nose and effectively say, “I really don’t care what He did for me.”

Here’s a challenge for each of us...the next time you are tempted to be unkind to someone else...to pass judgment...to criticize...or to berate...hear the lash of the whip as it tears Jesus’ flesh – for you.  The next time you are healed of a sickness or injury...think of the Roman soldiers spitting on our Savior – for you.  The next time you turn your back on God and try to do things your way...the next time you go days without talking to God or studying His word and then wondering why things aren’t going so well...think of Jesus hanging on the cross as nails dig through His hands and feet and people mock Him – all for you.

When we stop and remember Jesus...when we focus on what He did for us – it surely must seem a little harder to disappoint and disrespect Him.  Hopefully, we will pay closer attention to how we are acting and thinking as we think of Jesus and what He did for us – what He does for us each and every day. He suffered greatly...for us.  Believe it...He really loves us that much! 

We cannot fathom another breathing thing suffering such horrors because of anything we have said or done.  So why can we so readily accept this treatment of Jesus on our behalf?  Isn’t it time for a mental shift?  Don’t we need to refocus our awareness...and re-direct our efforts to live in a way that glorifies the tremendous sacrifices of our Great Healer?  Will this be the day that you say, “By His stripes I am healed...and I will serve Him forever with each word and action!”?  Don’t you think it should be?
   
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 27, 2013

Luke 14:25-27
One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple.
 
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.
 
Our property is located near a national nature trail.  Recently, builders have reconstructed a wooden overlook that anchors the end of the trail closest to our house.  This was done in preparation for the 50th anniversary celebration of the dedication of Greers Ferry Dam, a concrete dam built on the Little Red River for flood control and hydroelectric power.  Last night after dinner, Greg, Timothy and I took a walk to check out the overlook.  We had to go down a dirt path through a heavily wooded area.  The overlook is surrounded on three sides by thick woods, and the bluff underneath that leads to the river is thickly forested, also.  Timothy’s latest “thing” is a fear of the forest.  He told me all afternoon that there were monsters, alligators and crocodiles (and zombies and vampires!) in the forest, and that his dad would protect him from all of these… that “Daddy will defeat the monsters in the forest.”
 

As we walked, Timothy talked of being afraid, even though we assured him that he was safe with us… that we would protect him.  He clung to our hands and even said a few times, “Let’s go back… we better go back!”  Finally, Greg walked away from Timothy and up the trail a few yards.  Timothy was upset at first, but then he realized that he was okay… that he could manage on his own and conquer his fears.  He even climbed a big rock and stood atop it, pretending to be a ‘mean Indian”.  As we walked home and got close to our cul-de-sac, he took off running ahead of us, exploring the street and our yard and running with wild abandon.  He knew we were near… that we were still present and a part of his life… but he took ownership of his actions and ran happily ahead of us.
 
I’ll be the first to tell you that putting Jesus first can be scary.  We depend on our relationships with others… they make us feel safe, loved, important.  Our earthly relationships represent a “comfort zone” that can extend to material possessions, our job, our hobbies and interests, and more.  Change is often hard… and letting go of what we know and love can be truly difficult and uncomfortable.
 
Just as we were not asking Timothy to stay in the woods by himself, God isn’t calling you to do this with Him, either.  He’s not saying you have to fend for yourself.  But you have to be willing to trust Him and step out on your own – with only Him – in order to fully experience Christian discipleship. While this sometimes means you have to disassociate completely from people and things that compete for your attention, it often means you just have to reorder your priorities.  So you don’t have to “divorce” yourself completely from your spouse or partner, your parents, siblings, cousins, friends… or even your hobbies and possessions.  You just have to understand that they all take a backseat to Jesus Christ and your relationship with Him!
 
I’m amazed at how a four-year-old like Timothy can grasp something we often cannot.  In his night-time prayers, he said, “Father, thank You for keeping Uncle Greg and Debbie and me safe in the woods…and for letting me be the ‘mean Indian on the rock’.”  (Yes, he referred to God as "Father" - probably mimicking me or another adult he has heard offer a prayer!)  Timothy recognized Who was really in charge… Who truly kept him safe.  It didn’t diminish his love for us…he merely put it into perspective.  What about you… do you have your priorities straight?  Do you have the right perspective on your relationship with Jesus Christ – and others?  Are you ready to shoulder your own cross… step out on your own… and truly follow Him?  Isn’t it time you were?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 6, 2013

Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

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.
 
Today, cable news networks are frenetically covering the crash of Asiana Flight 214 in San Francisco, California.  The Boeing 777 was arriving from Seoul, South Korea, when something went horribly wrong as the plane approached a San Francisco International Airport runway.  Eyewitnesses report hearing a loud pop or boom… then seeing a cloud of dirt and smoke.  In the days to come, we will surely learn more about what happened, the injured and those who perished.  The investigators are still en route to the scene at this point... there are still many questions to be answered.
 
As I read today’s scripture passage and watched the video footage of passengers scrambling to get away from the plane wreckage, I thought about what must have gone through their minds as these events unfolded.  Were they panicked and frightened? Were they discouraged and convinced that they were about to die?  Did they call on God to protect them and hold them in His hand? Did they even have time to be afraid… or did it all happen “in the blink of an eye”? 
 
As many of these passengers departed the plane, they surely must have been fearful.  Most likely many of them were calling out to God to help them get out of harm’s way.  I wonder how many people involved in this tragedy… passengers, crew members, rescue personnel, and those who witnessed this on the ground… felt a sense of calm and peace – an inexplicable strength and quiet in the midst of such chaos.
 
I thought about times in my life when I have encountered a shock or some sort of panic… and how I reacted.  While I have never experienced anything even remotely as devastating or frightening as a plane crash, I have faced situations that left me panicked, frightened, and an emotional wreck.  At times, I have handled these like many of us… with sheer terror and hysterics.  And there have been times when I have operated with a surprising, mysterious calm and resolve.
 
What made the difference?  The only answer I can offer is…God.  “Was God only with you in some of these situations?” you might ask.  God has always been with me.  The difference is whether I recognize His presence.  My reactions have everything to do with my relationship with Him at the time.  When I am closely attuned to God and maintain an intimate, continual dialog with Him, I am far more aware of His presence and power.  I don’t allow my fears to overcome me as easily… I don’t succumb as deeply to panic and despair.
 
Yes, there have been times when something stunned or frightened me so greatly that I could hardly get my breath… when I felt my knees almost buckle beneath me.  But God lifted me – He carried me and sustained me.  I’m ashamed to admit that there have been times when I let the devil have his fun…when I let him convince me that things were hopeless… and that I was helpless. As a result, I did not handle these situations very well... and I know my absence of faith and confidence grieved God.  But I am determined that this will not happen again.
 
I know that we cannot prepare for every possible challenge and tragedy that might befall us.   But I know that God will always be near… that He will give us courage and strength – and hold us tightly in His hand.  The key to how we react will lie in whether or not we recognize His presence and power.  I pray that those involved in today’s tragedy felt God near them… that they were calmed by the assurance that He was helping them, offering them strength and courage, and holding them up victoriously – even in death.
 
I pray that you feel the presence of God in your own life, as well… that you are attuned to His word and will… and that you know that He is always with you.  When troubles come, may you operate in His peace and calm… with confidence that He is in control and will never give you more than the two of you can handle together!
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 1, 2013

Isaiah 12:2
I trust you to save me, Lord God, and I won’t be afraid. My power and my strength come from you, and you have saved me.”
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
I’d like to explain a little about how these devotionals come together.  Over the last few years as I’ve look at what is going on in our world and in my own life, God has shown me timely “themes”… integrity, excuses, grace and mercy, patience, peace, and many others.  For each theme, I search for scriptures that speak to these topics and create an outline.  Each day, I look at the outline and select the next scripture reference on the list.  Over and again, I am amazed at how the particular verse for that day is exactly what was needed…how God’s timing is indeed perfect!  These cannot be coincidence… a reference to childlike faith when I have just seen it from our four-year-old Timothy… a word of encouragement and strength when bombers attack the Boston marathon… and today’s words of God’s power and strength in the midst of human tragedies in our country - and locally.
 
Over the weekend, 19 firefighters in Arizona perished.  On our own lake, two young adults drowned while on a weekend outing.  And I bet you could cite other incidents – deaths, failing health and personal accidents, relationship troubles, challenges and trials of all sorts that may not be “tragic” per se… but are consequential enough to cause you distress or dismay.  What are we to think?  How do we react?  The Bible tells us very clearly in Isaiah 12:2 to trust the LORD to save us and not to be afraid… to find our strength – and our peace – in Him.
 
My church's Bishop, Gary Mueller, writes a daily “note” on Facebook.  Today’s was titled “Right Smack Dab in the Middle of Life”.  Were his topic/comments a coincidence?  I think not!  He says in part, “Life happens and, when it does, it's often painful, overwhelming and devastating. When it does, it can be tempting to give up, grow cynical and look out only for yourself. But that doesn't work. In fact, it never works. But there is something that does - join hands with God to deal with it.”
 
When we join hands with God, He gives us His power and strength to handle whatever comes.  We have already seen evidence that God is surrounding grieving families with people who care for them… other family members, friends, believers across the nation who are lifting all involved in prayer, and even rescue crews and law enforcement personnel who are sacrificing their time and risking their own lives to recover the bodies. If we will turn to God, He will supply us with whatever we need to face illness, injuries, losses, and stresses of every kind.
 
I can tell you firsthand that it is entirely possible to experience peace in the midst of tremendous heartache and chaos.  I will also tell you that I didn’t get here overnight… nor am I any sort of an expert in this department!  I still have times when I fall short – and in the words of author Lysa TerKeurst*, I “come unglued!”  As a teacher, I learned that repetition is key… most students learn best when concepts are taught via drills.  I discovered that effective lessons have a beginning, middle and end.  The point should be presented initially, reinforced in the middle, and reviewed in closing.  My journey has been filled with “faith builders”…lessons and tests in which the point that God will save me - that He will give power and strength to handle anything and everything - has been drilled into my heart and mind over and again.
 
So today, I encourage you to study Isaiah 12:2, and let it settle deeply within your heart.  Hear God’s voice in this passage as He calls upon you to join hands with Him and let His power, strength – and His peace – fill your heart.  Do not fear or dread life’s challenges.  Instead, rest in the LORD and trust Him to save you… and fill you with a sense of calm and confidence.  Remember… God’s got this!  Won’t you reach out and take His hand?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus
 
*Unglued, by Lysa TerKeurst - ©2012 Zondervan Press

Daily Devotional for April 23, 2013

Judges 6:12-17
The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, “The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.”

Gideon answered, “Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened? We’ve heard how the Lord performed miracles and rescued our ancestors from Egypt. But those things happened long ago. Now the Lord has abandoned us to the Midianites.”
 
Then the Lord himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.”  Gideon replied, “But how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest one in Manasseh, and everyone else in my family is more important than I am.”
 
“Gideon,” the Lord answered, “you can rescue Israel because I am going to help you! Defeating the Midianites will be as easy as beating up one man.”
 
Gideon said, “It’s hard to believe that I’m actually talking to the Lord. Please do something so I’ll know that you really are the Lord.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
Yesterday, I was informed that Kristina Loveless Davis, one of my former kindergarten students, was killed in a car wreck Sunday evening.  Kristina was a 39-year-old mother of two girls (ages 4 and 7).  Her sister was injured in the accident, as were her daughters – one of whom has undergone surgery and faces a long recovery.  Kristina’s mother reports that little Paige does not understand why her mommy is not visiting her at the hospital.  I thought of our little Timothy – now almost four – and wondered how we would explain to him that a terrible thing happened, and Mommy was not ever coming back.
 
With a backdrop of recent events like Hurricane Sandy, the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, the bombing in Boston, Massachusetts, and the explosion in West, Texas, it’s no wonder many of us are asking, “…if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened?”  We know the answer… most of us know that the LORD really IS the LORD – and that He truly is helping us.  But I would be willing to bet that each of us - in our own way and because of our own circumstances – has cried out to God at one time or another and said, “I am not strong enough for this!”  And the truth of the matter is that none of us really are strong enough for many of the challenges we face… under our own power.  The beauty of our faith is that we don’t have to be!
 
Remember the angel’s words to Gideon… “The Lord is helping you… and you are a strong warrior.”  I believe that God often understands our excuses and weaknesses in these situations.  But we have to realize that God expects us to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, to trust His power over our circumstances, and to move forward.  God may allow us a momentary pity party… He may listen to our justifications for why we cannot do what He asks or accept His will for our lives.  But we dare not linger here!  God expects us to operate in faith… to acknowledge His sovereignty… and to proceed under His power and care!
 
I am as heartbroken as anyone over the inexplicable tragedies that have surrounded us in recent months.  I still see Kristina’s bright, smiling, 5-year-old face, and I cannot fathom that her own little daughters will not have her to nurture them as they grow.  But I know that God has big plans for each of us… that He is already bringing about blessings and knitting together circumstances that we could never even imagine on our own – much less implement.  God is providing each of us with opportunities to serve and to share His message with others… even in the midst of our own trials and uncertainties.  Of this, I am 100% certain!
 
So I will mourn the loss of a little-girl-turned-mother who has left us too soon… as well as the losses of those who have suffered and died in other recent tragedies.  But I will not allow these experiences to defeat me – or to diminish my faith in God to give me power and strength far beyond what I have as a mortal being.  I will believe that I am actually talking to the LORD… that He is always with me… and that with His help, I am a strong warrior.  What about you?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 16, 2013

Psalm 23:4
I may walk through valleys as dark as death,
but I won’t be afraid.

You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod
makes me feel safe.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

My husband and I took a walk one recent evening, shortly before dusk. There is a hiking trail near our house, with an access road for vehicular traffic that runs parallel to it. We have hiked the trail, but most of the time we take the access road. The trail runs underneath the side of a tall bluff and is steep in spots, rocky - and in certain areas – fairly dark. At one end of the trail, there is also an observation deck.

As we approached the overlook, we encountered a family… a father, mother, pre-teen and toddler. We said “Hello,” and the parents asked if the access road would take them back to the Visitor Center, where we assumed they had parked their car. We detected a foreign accent… perhaps German…and we decided maybe they were tourists. My husband and I pointed in the direction we were walking and gestured for them to follow us. But they were still taking in the view from the overlook, and as we trekked ahead at a steady gait, we lost sight of the group.

By the time we got to the Visitor Center, it was starting to get dark… and cold… and we could not see this family. We both agreed that surely they took the access road and had not gotten back on the trail. And soon enough, as we circled back to head home, we met all four of them walking toward us. We had been fairly certain the clan was safe. But I have to tell you, I wasn’t relishing the thought of a night-time rescue mission on that cold, precipitous hiking trail!

Isn’t it wonderful to know that God is always with us? Even when we set out on unknown trails in the dark, He is there to guide our steps. Just as this verse says…the mere thought of our Shepherd’s strong hook at the ready - should we need protection - gives us comfort. We truly have nothing to fear. The image of the strength and power of God combined with His incredible love and gentle care for us gives me goose bumps! NO ONE ELSE can do this for us! There is no other who can provide us with all of these things in anything near the measures that God does.

The next time you walk through a valley as dark as death - and you will - think about this scripture passage. Remind yourself WHO is walking alongside you. Picture God shielding and guiding you with one arm… fighting off your enemies with a shepherd’s rod in His other hand. It’s a powerful image… and He’s a powerful God. Do you recognize His presence by your side? Isn’t it time you did?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 15, 2013

Psalm 18:32-34
God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.

He makes me as surefooted as a deer, He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.

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.

Since I was a very small child, I have been able to play the piano “by ear.” This means that if I hear a song once or twice, I can play it – or at least parts of it – from memory. Because I can play by ear, I can jump in on jam sessions, recall a song I heard in a movie or on the radio – then sit down at the piano, and play a few measures, or someone who hums a few bars of a tune and says, “Can you play this one?”.

Honestly, until I was an adult, I truly thought every musician could play by ear – at least to some degree. I did not realize what a strength this is musically. But as with any “muscle,” I can tell you that this “natural ability” requires bolstering. So all of the hours my sister and I sat in child-sized rocking chairs behind my mother as she taught piano lessons - marking up old music books in an imitation of her - we were strengthening and developing our musical abilities. When we sat for hours at the piano as teenagers, playing and singing the latest tunes from the radio, we were building our “musical muscle.”

Additionally, we were guided by an incredibly gifted piano teacher named Barbara Little, who taught us not only to play with technical accuracy – but more importantly, to actually “feel” the music and give it life. She trained our hands and strengthened our arms... and accepted nothing less than our very best.

As I read this passage today, I thought of all the ways God strengthens and trains us for our daily living. This is an incredible gift… and some of us have decided that we have “natural ability” and can manage on our own. The truth is… we need His instruction and guidance. We need the honing of our proficiencies that can only come from God. We accomplish nothing on our own… God’s strength and training is necessary in order for us to do our very best.

I am grateful for the gifts that God has given me – including the ability to “play by ear.” I am even more grateful that He continues to strengthen and train me in all areas of life… from the seemingly insignificant tasks to my most daunting challenges. I am able to overcome obstacles, become more capable, and learn new things through the strength of God.

You have just as many strengths and abilities as the next guy… maybe more! God has equipped each of us with the potential to be everything He planned for us… if only we will tap into His “strength training.” Who is your Personal Trainer today? Who gives you strength and teaches you new skills? Are you doing all you can to build your “muscles” and give your very best at all times? Isn’t this a great day to begin?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 14, 2013

Psalm 119:17-24
Be generous with me and I’ll live a full life; not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road. Open my eyes so I can see what you show me of your miracle-wonders. I’m a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions.

My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—insatiable for your nourishing commands. And those who think they know so much, ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it! Don’t let them mock and humiliate me;

I’ve been careful to do just what you said. While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me, I’m absorbed in pondering your wise counsel. Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight; I listen to them as to good neighbors!

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 recently watched the Golden Globe Awards program…partly in an attempt to get some ideas for movies and television series that might interest us. There were several nominated productions that left us looking at each other and saying, “I don’t think so.” One was a mini-series that we had already tried and found so violent and depressing we could barely make it through the first episode. Another we tried was simply uninteresting. While recommended and heralded by some, these were not for us.

Just because someone recommends a movie or television series doesn’t mean that we will like it – or that we have to watch it. We have the capability of deciding for ourselves what is right – and enjoyable – and we don’t have to listen to the opinions of others. In much the same way, we get a lot of opinions and ideas from others… our “neighbors,” if you will… about how we should live, what we should think, who we should support with our vote and our allegiance, and how we should spend our time and our money. But this doesn’t mean we have to listen to – much less heed – these opinions.

The pressure can be pretty strong at times… you may feel like an outsider if you don’t agree on certain issues with those in your social circle, your class, your neighborhood, your family, or even your church! But sometimes our heads and our hearts don’t align… times when God tells us (through scripture, prayer and meditation) that we should feel one way… and people tell us something different. These are the times that we must rely on God’s strength. When we feel that God is giving us good counsel, we need to trust Him… not cave to the influence of others.

If we rent a movie or mini-series that someone recommends, and we don’t like it, we’ve not suffered a great loss. But in many instances where we allow the advice of others to influence us without first conferring with God, we put ourselves – and possibly those in OUR circle of influence – at great risk. We need to be hungry… ravenous… for the commands of God. We need to learn to rely on Him for answers both large and small… to keep our eyes squarely focused on the path toward our Heavenly Father. His directions are clear… His voice is readily detectable… His words are true – if only we will pay attention.

Are you listening? Are you watching? Do you depend on God for answers… and do you rely on His strength when He leads you down difficult paths? Have you learned to fully trust Him… to believe that what God commands is always right? Isn’t it time you began to fully operate in His wisdom… and to seek His counsel over all other? Will this be the day you choose to do exactly that?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 12, 2013

Matthew 21:21-22
But Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Yes—and if you embrace this kingdom life and don’t doubt God, you’ll not only do minor feats like I did to the fig tree, but also triumph over huge obstacles. This mountain, for instance, you’ll tell, ‘Go jump in the lake,’ and it will jump. Absolutely everything, ranging from small to large, as you make it a part of your believing prayer, gets included as you lay hold 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.

I often refer to our 19-month-old great-niece, Zola, as “our little monkey!” Zola absolutely loves to climb things. One day, as my husband sat on our couch, he put his feet on the ottoman in front of him. Zola wanted to pass by. She could easily have crawled underneath my husband’s legs and been on her way. Instead, she worked, wriggled, huffed and puffed as she attempted to “scale the mountain” and climb up and over. For her, those legs were a huge obstacle… one she faced head-on! I’m not sure where she gets her determination and confidence, but there is nothing she won’t tackle!

My favorite part of this particular translation of Matthew 21:21-22 is…” you’ll not only do minor feats … but also triumph over huge obstacles.” Most of us perform minor feats every single day - from getting to work or school on time… running a household a combination of people of all ages and maybe a pet or two…managing to squeeze in a workout that keeps us healthy.. and much more. Let’s call them “small victories.” I believe God blesses us with these to keep us encouraged and moving forward… to show us that we are strong and capable of “getting it done.”

By the same token, each one of us will likely face huge obstacles at one point or another in our life. Our “mountain” may be something such as finishing college or completing a difficult internship…losing a significant amount of weight (or that last stubborn 10 pounds) and getting in shape to reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure…coping with the grief of losing a loved one…losing our job and/or our home… managing a serious illness (ours or that of a friend or family member)… facing the results of a crisis, such as a natural disaster… or conquering an addiction. But God can equip us with the strength, courage and fortitude to handle these obstacles… if only we will trust Him.

Isn’t it great to know that God can help us with all of this – minor feats, huge obstacles - and everything in between? Wouldn’t it be great if we operated a little more like Zola… in the “No Fear Zone?” We DO know where our determination and confidence lies… in the strength and power of God Almighty. It is up to us to lay hold of Him… to remove all doubt and claim the dominion of God as our believing prayer. Whether He directs us to crawl under or around our hurdle… or to climb to the top and tackle it head-on, we can embrace Kingdom Life and handle anything under God’s power.

Does this mean that we can literally make mountains jump into the lake by telling them to do so? Probably not! But with God’s help, the “mountains” in our individual lives can be seized and managed, captured and dominated… and we can rest in the assurance and protection of a victorious Master who always has our back. Aren’t you ready for this? What “mountain” do you need to move today? Are you ready to lay hold of God and get it done?

©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

Daily Devotional for January 8, 2012

John 16:31-33
Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

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.

Today would be the 78th birthday of Elvis Aaron Presley. In 1960, the legendary musician and actor had a number one hit single called, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” that is ranked #81 on Billboard’s list of “greatest songs of all time.” If I were to ask you whether you are lonesome, you very well might laugh at me. “Are you kidding? I have people around me all the time… two brothers and a sister… four kids and a wife/husband…I work with dozens of people every day…I live in an apartment complex/facility with several other families and individuals… I’m a cashier at Wal-Mart or a server at a restaurant!” Yes, I get it… you are not alone. But are you lonely? There is a difference!

People who are lonely often lack the unshakable, deep peace of God. They may sense His presence… and surely they feel the company of other people in their lives. But it is entirely possible to feel lonely without being alone. And those who do not experience the profound, unwavering presence of God are vulnerable to attack from the devil… which can bring a myriad of troubles and difficulties that often seem insurmountable.

Many of us give wonderful lip service to the acknowledgement of God’s existence in our life. We agree wholeheartedly that Jesus is with us. We claim the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart. And then we totally abandon Him. We talk a good game… but we don’t actually live out our declarations. So while we readily recognize that the Father is with us… that we are not abandoned… we fail to trust Him completely. And we are shaken… we lack assurance and deep peace when troubles come. And Jesus has told us that troubles will come!

Search your heart today. See whether God is a visitor in your life… or a fulltime resident. When troubles come… or the devil suggests that you are lonely… where do you turn? Have you allowed him room to work in your heart, or are you deeply rooted in the unshakable peace and assurance that the Father is always with you, conquering all of your difficulties and securing His victories for you?

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to say unequivocally that Jesus has your back… that there is nothing you can’t handle with His help? Did you know that today can be that day? It’s a matter of shifting your attitude… and surrendering completely. When we “let go and let God,” nothing can permanently rattle us. Are you ready to operate in unshakable peace and assurance? Are you “lonesome tonight?” Is this you’re a great day to change?

©2013 Debbie Robus