Proverbs 16:19
You are better off to be humble and poor than to get rich from what you take by force.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have spent most of the day trying to figure out what to share with you in this devotional. This was not an especially busy day for me. When I awoke this morning, I knew that I had plenty of time to do a few household chores, write this devotional – and even squeeze in a workout before dinner time. This morning, two friends telephoned to visit with me – one delivered some sad news, and the other was checking on a mutual acquaintance. Both calls were important. Then another friend called to discuss a sewing project on which she was working and to seek some advice. That was important also. AND…I phoned my mother to share the sad news that one of the friends had delivered earlier…per her request.
In all, a lot of my morning was spent on the telephone. I decided to “park” this scripture and get in a workout. Greg was delivering Meals on Wheels, as he does each Monday. He returned before I finished exercising and said, “It’s such a beautiful day… I was hoping we could go for a bike ride.” My friend with the sewing project was due to visit later in the afternoon so that I could help her. I told Greg that it shouldn’t take long to do the sewing, and we could ride afterward… and we did. What a beautiful afternoon we shared… bright, sunny skies and cool, crisp fall air. We returned home just before time for dinner.
After we ate, Greg went to his office to watch a ballgame, and I was going to work on this devotional. My friend called… her sewing project was not going well. She had difficulties that I could not “talk her through” over the phone, so I insisted she drive back to our house, so that I could help her finish the project. As she drove away from our house, I thought… “Here’s my devotional!”
See, the “richest” part of my day was not what I was able to check off my list. It was the people with whom I spent time. Dishes can wait… that television show I might have wanted to watch can be recorded and viewed later (or skipped altogether)…the little “projects” I had hoped to work on today will still be there tomorrow – or next week – but my friends and family wanted and/or needed me today. Had I stomped my foot or made excuses and said, “I’m not answering the phone again!” or “I will not do another thing with someone else until I check XYZ off of my own list,” I might have missed out on some wonderful blessings.
The point is that we are missing out on the riches found in the little things of life, because we are focused on getting ahead or accomplishing as much as possible in as little time as possible. We truly would be “better off humble and poor” than to have trampled over the feelings of others to get what we want. To make another feel like your priorities and preferences are more important than his/hers… in even small matters… is the same as getting rich – or getting ahead – by force. When we choose to stop focusing on our own desires more than the needs of others, we have truly begun to understand what it is to be a disciple of Christ.
On any given day, our plans don’t go as we hoped. Sometimes that is our own doing… other times God is showing us opportunities to serve in His name… or even to receive a blessing that He wants to bestow. Whether we tap into what God is offering or not is totally up to us. It’s our choice. We start by being attuned to His will for our lives…and learning to ask Him, “What do YOU think I should do in this situation?” When we listen to His lead, we always make the right choice in the end. The question is… are you listening? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label acknowledging Gods will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acknowledging Gods will. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 5, 2013
Romans 2:1-4
Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. We know that God is right to judge everyone who behaves in this way. Do you really think God won’t punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Exactly one year ago this week, I sat with my grandmother in our local hospital, where she had undergone surgery to repair a broken leg bone. The surgeon bolted a rod in place alongside her leg, securing it near the hip socket and above the knee. The plan was to have her up and “walking” the day after surgery. But three days later, she had not budged and didn’t even know her own name – much less mine. After consulting with her doctors, nurses and an in-hospital therapist, I requested Hospice care. This was not an easy decision… and even my nurse-friend at Hospice initially refused, saying, “I have no medical reason to admit her.” Once she came for an evaluation, she realized just how bad my grandmother’s situation really was and readily agreed.
When we returned to the assisted living facility, many of the staff members were somewhat cool toward me. Some made comments like, “We LOVE Miss Polly… we can take care of her… we’d take her home with us if we could.” They implied that I did not care… that Hospice was not necessary…that they knew better than I what should be done in this situation. Please understand that not all of the staff members felt this way. One nurse in particular told me over and over, “Miss Polly does NOT want to be here… she tells me all the time she is ready to go ‘home.’” And indeed, when my grandmother was still able to speak, she told me more than once that she was so ready for heaven and did not understand why God was keeping her here so long.
I do not regret my decision to request Hospice care for my grandmother. And in recent weeks, I have recommended Hospice to others who are dealing with difficult health care choices for their loved ones. I would never question another person’s decision to utilize Hospice… nor would I judge those who say, “Oh, that’s not for us…” or “We’re not ready for that.” I have seen more than one family wait too late to fully benefit from this amazing organization. But this is a deeply personal decision. When I suggest to a family that they engage the services of Hospice, I am not judging their situation – nor trying to tell them what to do. All I can do is share how Hospice helped us… and how they made my grandmother’s last nine months on this earth more comfortable for her – and for us as her caregivers.
There are dozens of situations and circumstances every day in which we serve as judge and jury… instances where we are quick to voice our opinion that “he/she should have done things this way,” or “I would NEVER have said or done such-and-such.” Hopefully you will never commit murder or abuse a child – or any of God’s creatures. But you very well may take the LORD’s name in vain… lie… cheat…steal…gossip…treat others unfairly or unkindly… show bias toward another person because of his/her race, creed, color or lifestyle choices… and more. And no sin is more serious than another in God’s eyes. So when you accuse others of wrongdoing, you will have no excuse that justifies doing so. When you judge another person, God will judge you. The next time you start to pass judgment on another person, remember that you are essentially judging yourself in the bargain.
If we would only turn to God and seek His will and wisdom… then act accordingly…we would never fear judgment. Oh, sure… some on this earth might still have plenty of opinions about our decisions. But as long as we know that God is pleased with our choices, we need not worry about what anyone else thinks. Ask yourself this question…”Can I close my eyes tonight and sleep well… knowing that I have done what God asked of me? Have I spoken and acted according to His plans today? Did I serve well as Christ’s disciple? Is God pleased with me?” If the answer is uncertain, fall to your knees and ask God to show you where you missed the mark…and how to correct this.
We all fall short of complete surrender to God’s will from time to time. But He is waiting for us to turn to Him and make the necessary adjustments. What is holding you back? What is your excuse for operating in anything less than full obedience? Isn’t it time you figured out where your “faith walk” and attitude need work? Isn’t this the perfect time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Some of you accuse others of doing wrong. But there is no excuse for what you do. When you judge others, you condemn yourselves, because you are guilty of doing the very same things. We know that God is right to judge everyone who behaves in this way. Do you really think God won’t punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Exactly one year ago this week, I sat with my grandmother in our local hospital, where she had undergone surgery to repair a broken leg bone. The surgeon bolted a rod in place alongside her leg, securing it near the hip socket and above the knee. The plan was to have her up and “walking” the day after surgery. But three days later, she had not budged and didn’t even know her own name – much less mine. After consulting with her doctors, nurses and an in-hospital therapist, I requested Hospice care. This was not an easy decision… and even my nurse-friend at Hospice initially refused, saying, “I have no medical reason to admit her.” Once she came for an evaluation, she realized just how bad my grandmother’s situation really was and readily agreed.
When we returned to the assisted living facility, many of the staff members were somewhat cool toward me. Some made comments like, “We LOVE Miss Polly… we can take care of her… we’d take her home with us if we could.” They implied that I did not care… that Hospice was not necessary…that they knew better than I what should be done in this situation. Please understand that not all of the staff members felt this way. One nurse in particular told me over and over, “Miss Polly does NOT want to be here… she tells me all the time she is ready to go ‘home.’” And indeed, when my grandmother was still able to speak, she told me more than once that she was so ready for heaven and did not understand why God was keeping her here so long.
I do not regret my decision to request Hospice care for my grandmother. And in recent weeks, I have recommended Hospice to others who are dealing with difficult health care choices for their loved ones. I would never question another person’s decision to utilize Hospice… nor would I judge those who say, “Oh, that’s not for us…” or “We’re not ready for that.” I have seen more than one family wait too late to fully benefit from this amazing organization. But this is a deeply personal decision. When I suggest to a family that they engage the services of Hospice, I am not judging their situation – nor trying to tell them what to do. All I can do is share how Hospice helped us… and how they made my grandmother’s last nine months on this earth more comfortable for her – and for us as her caregivers.
There are dozens of situations and circumstances every day in which we serve as judge and jury… instances where we are quick to voice our opinion that “he/she should have done things this way,” or “I would NEVER have said or done such-and-such.” Hopefully you will never commit murder or abuse a child – or any of God’s creatures. But you very well may take the LORD’s name in vain… lie… cheat…steal…gossip…treat others unfairly or unkindly… show bias toward another person because of his/her race, creed, color or lifestyle choices… and more. And no sin is more serious than another in God’s eyes. So when you accuse others of wrongdoing, you will have no excuse that justifies doing so. When you judge another person, God will judge you. The next time you start to pass judgment on another person, remember that you are essentially judging yourself in the bargain.
If we would only turn to God and seek His will and wisdom… then act accordingly…we would never fear judgment. Oh, sure… some on this earth might still have plenty of opinions about our decisions. But as long as we know that God is pleased with our choices, we need not worry about what anyone else thinks. Ask yourself this question…”Can I close my eyes tonight and sleep well… knowing that I have done what God asked of me? Have I spoken and acted according to His plans today? Did I serve well as Christ’s disciple? Is God pleased with me?” If the answer is uncertain, fall to your knees and ask God to show you where you missed the mark…and how to correct this.
We all fall short of complete surrender to God’s will from time to time. But He is waiting for us to turn to Him and make the necessary adjustments. What is holding you back? What is your excuse for operating in anything less than full obedience? Isn’t it time you figured out where your “faith walk” and attitude need work? Isn’t this the perfect time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 3, 2013
Romans 1:28-32
Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.
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.
Have you ever told a child, “Don’t touch that… it’s hot!”? Or maybe you have said, “You’re going to turn over in that chair,” or “You’ll fall and hurt yourself!” In the end, chances are good that the child had to learn the hard way! It can be terribly frustrating and upsetting to watch a child do something that could very well lead to physical harm… and not be able to prevent it. You turn your back for one minute, and the unthinkable has happened. We truly cannot prevent all accidents or shield our children from every single injury. Kids will fall and skin knees… they will try the very thing we told them would hurt them… and all we can do is be there to pick them up and soothe them - or cart them off to the Emergency Room!
No matter how much we tell teenagers and young adults that we were young once… that we know – often firsthand – the perils of certain situations... they often either don’t believe us or simply have to try these for themselves. So kids start smoking…drinking…experimenting with drugs…cursing…texting while driving…driving too fast…and testing the waters in countless other ways. And often, they “encourage” their friends to do the same. Again, all we can do is stand by and offer support when things go awry.
God is really no different from any other parent in this regard… when His children show out and try things He has warned them against… when they choose to “do it anyway,” He has no choice but to “abandon them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.” Just as there are times when there is absolutely nothing a parent can do to rescue a child… there comes a time when God cannot rescue us either, because He allows us to operate with free will. And like any parent, God is grieved when things fall apart.
For his/her part, the “child” has a myriad of excuses… ranging from stubbornness to peer pressure to curiosity – and even sheer stupidity! And unless we “children” come clean and change course… admit our mistakes, beg for mercy and acknowledge God…He will have no choice but to leave us “wandering in the desert” of sin, hopelessness, and despair – and ultimately, the depths of hell. Think of the parent who leaves his/her child in jail and refuses to post bond - times a gazillion!
How would you feel to know that God wasn’t coming after you? What would you think if you realized that your choices and actions had essentially sealed the gates of heaven closed? After all He has done for you, can you really bear to grieve God by making selfish choices… could you really turn away and deny Him completely?
I know that temptations surround us. None of us likes to be told what to do… or that someone else knows what is best for us. But God truly DOES know best… His ways are perfect… His love for us is so great that He would never steer us in the wrong direction or tell us to do something that wasn’t in our very best interest. When we choose to directly contradict God, we have shown ourselves to be heartless and without mercy… two things we would NEVER wish to experience from Him! If we are so foolish as to turn our backs on God and decide that we have no need for Him in our lives, we have essentially abandoned Him. Yet we would NEVER want God to abandon us!
So why are we treating God this way? What excuse could possibly be good enough to ignore God… even for one day? Isn’t it time we fully acknowledged Him, submitted OUR desires to His will for our lives, and operated in humble obedience and gratitude? What is holding you back today? What is your excuse?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.
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.
Have you ever told a child, “Don’t touch that… it’s hot!”? Or maybe you have said, “You’re going to turn over in that chair,” or “You’ll fall and hurt yourself!” In the end, chances are good that the child had to learn the hard way! It can be terribly frustrating and upsetting to watch a child do something that could very well lead to physical harm… and not be able to prevent it. You turn your back for one minute, and the unthinkable has happened. We truly cannot prevent all accidents or shield our children from every single injury. Kids will fall and skin knees… they will try the very thing we told them would hurt them… and all we can do is be there to pick them up and soothe them - or cart them off to the Emergency Room!
No matter how much we tell teenagers and young adults that we were young once… that we know – often firsthand – the perils of certain situations... they often either don’t believe us or simply have to try these for themselves. So kids start smoking…drinking…experimenting with drugs…cursing…texting while driving…driving too fast…and testing the waters in countless other ways. And often, they “encourage” their friends to do the same. Again, all we can do is stand by and offer support when things go awry.
God is really no different from any other parent in this regard… when His children show out and try things He has warned them against… when they choose to “do it anyway,” He has no choice but to “abandon them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.” Just as there are times when there is absolutely nothing a parent can do to rescue a child… there comes a time when God cannot rescue us either, because He allows us to operate with free will. And like any parent, God is grieved when things fall apart.
For his/her part, the “child” has a myriad of excuses… ranging from stubbornness to peer pressure to curiosity – and even sheer stupidity! And unless we “children” come clean and change course… admit our mistakes, beg for mercy and acknowledge God…He will have no choice but to leave us “wandering in the desert” of sin, hopelessness, and despair – and ultimately, the depths of hell. Think of the parent who leaves his/her child in jail and refuses to post bond - times a gazillion!
How would you feel to know that God wasn’t coming after you? What would you think if you realized that your choices and actions had essentially sealed the gates of heaven closed? After all He has done for you, can you really bear to grieve God by making selfish choices… could you really turn away and deny Him completely?
I know that temptations surround us. None of us likes to be told what to do… or that someone else knows what is best for us. But God truly DOES know best… His ways are perfect… His love for us is so great that He would never steer us in the wrong direction or tell us to do something that wasn’t in our very best interest. When we choose to directly contradict God, we have shown ourselves to be heartless and without mercy… two things we would NEVER wish to experience from Him! If we are so foolish as to turn our backs on God and decide that we have no need for Him in our lives, we have essentially abandoned Him. Yet we would NEVER want God to abandon us!
So why are we treating God this way? What excuse could possibly be good enough to ignore God… even for one day? Isn’t it time we fully acknowledged Him, submitted OUR desires to His will for our lives, and operated in humble obedience and gratitude? What is holding you back today? What is your excuse?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 27, 2012
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever tried to help someone who would not tell you what he/she needed? You would ask, “What can I do for you?” and get a response like, “Oh… I don’t know,” or “Nothing… it’s okay.” Then later you find out this person needed food, money, a ride somewhere that you happened to already be going, or just a good friend to talk to about a problem. You would gladly have done whatever you could to help this person… if only he/she had asked.
We are not mind readers. And honestly, there are times when maybe we can figure out what a person needs or wants… but it’s just nice to hear that person say it. We’re not trying to be mean by withholding whatever assistance we can offer… we’re just not into playing guessing games. And it’s the same with God.
Believe me, God knows what we want and need before we ask. But He wants us to be honest with him… to come clean – maybe even with our hat in our hand – and humbly say, “LORD, I need you. I’ve got a problem here… I’m in trouble… I would really like for this or that to work out for me… I am asking YOU to help me!” But there is more… we can’t expect God to always give us exactly what we ask for, because this may not be right for us. God not only knows what we want and need before we ask… He knows what is best for us – what we really need!
So when we ask God for help, we must understand that He will not give us a “snake” when we need a “fish”… even if we ask for it! He won’t give you a sports car when what you need is a good, dependable minivan! He may not bring us the person we selected for ourselves as a life partner… the job we think we want… or the accolades we feel we deserve. God will not let us go hungry – physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally – if we sincerely ask Him to help us. But He may not “feed” us in the way we expect – or desire.
Aren’t you ready to begin genuinely asking God to meet your needs? Isn’t it time you stopped dancing around the truth and hesitating? When we come to the point in our life where we can ask God to meet our needs and accept His response, we have truly begun to live as one of His followers. When we trust God to give us good and perfect gifts - and to know what these are, He will shower us with His goodness. And it will be more than enough. What are you waiting for?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever tried to help someone who would not tell you what he/she needed? You would ask, “What can I do for you?” and get a response like, “Oh… I don’t know,” or “Nothing… it’s okay.” Then later you find out this person needed food, money, a ride somewhere that you happened to already be going, or just a good friend to talk to about a problem. You would gladly have done whatever you could to help this person… if only he/she had asked.
We are not mind readers. And honestly, there are times when maybe we can figure out what a person needs or wants… but it’s just nice to hear that person say it. We’re not trying to be mean by withholding whatever assistance we can offer… we’re just not into playing guessing games. And it’s the same with God.
Believe me, God knows what we want and need before we ask. But He wants us to be honest with him… to come clean – maybe even with our hat in our hand – and humbly say, “LORD, I need you. I’ve got a problem here… I’m in trouble… I would really like for this or that to work out for me… I am asking YOU to help me!” But there is more… we can’t expect God to always give us exactly what we ask for, because this may not be right for us. God not only knows what we want and need before we ask… He knows what is best for us – what we really need!
So when we ask God for help, we must understand that He will not give us a “snake” when we need a “fish”… even if we ask for it! He won’t give you a sports car when what you need is a good, dependable minivan! He may not bring us the person we selected for ourselves as a life partner… the job we think we want… or the accolades we feel we deserve. God will not let us go hungry – physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally – if we sincerely ask Him to help us. But He may not “feed” us in the way we expect – or desire.
Aren’t you ready to begin genuinely asking God to meet your needs? Isn’t it time you stopped dancing around the truth and hesitating? When we come to the point in our life where we can ask God to meet our needs and accept His response, we have truly begun to live as one of His followers. When we trust God to give us good and perfect gifts - and to know what these are, He will shower us with His goodness. And it will be more than enough. What are you waiting for?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 11, 2012
James 4:1-6
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
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.
Eleven years ago today, a horrific terroristic attack occurred in New York City at the World Trade Center. I can’t imagine there is a person alive over the age of 10 who hasn’t at least heard about “9-11,” as it is commonly known. And yes, evil people who wanted their way took matters into their own hands, using violence and killing innocent people in an attempt to make their point.
While we cannot – and must not – forget what happened on September 11, 2001, we must remember that in our own way, we all fight and quarrel and would do anything to get what we want. More than a few of us wage an inner battle with such things as controlling our anger, our tongue or our thoughts… weight loss and/or keeping fit and healthy… addictions from smoking to drinking, drug abuse, gambling, overeating, overspending, and more… and a variety of things we crave to satisfy our ego. We trick ourselves into thinking we are asking God for His will by praying, “LORD, please help me with this,” but our translation is, “LORD… please give me what I want!” And the results wreak havoc in our own life… and the lives of many of those we encounter on a daily basis.
Let’s be honest, a lot of us are willing to go to great lengths to get what we want or to have things our way. Thankfully, very few among us will physically kill another person to accomplish this, but we destroy our health and our relationships, wipe out our bank accounts, and compromise our faith… all because we want what isn’t ours – or we want to do and say whatever we please. And in many ways, these actions are as much a form of murder as if we had pulled the trigger on a gun. We don’t ask God to give us what we want, because we know in our gut that He will say “No” – and with good reason. So we connive, argue and wage battle within our self and with others… and we make a huge mess of things.
Now that you’ve tried “having it your way” and seen how futile this can be… why not give God’s way a chance? Isn’t it time you tried humility and genuinely asked God to meet your daily needs? What if you humbly and honestly asked God to guide your steps… to give you the determination to kick that bad habit or actually engage in a daily workout… to grant you the willpower to resist buying things you don’t need and participating in activities that are wrong for you, at best – or downright immoral at their core… to control your thoughts and your tongue?
What if we started to think about the wide-ranging ramifications of our words and actions and asked God to help us do what is right for us – and for those we encounter? This passage tells us that what God gives in love is better than anything we will find on our own… that He gives His grace to the willing humble. What do you supposed could happen if we dropped pretense and ego… and operated humbly in the will of God? Are you ready to find out? Isn’t today a great day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
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.
Eleven years ago today, a horrific terroristic attack occurred in New York City at the World Trade Center. I can’t imagine there is a person alive over the age of 10 who hasn’t at least heard about “9-11,” as it is commonly known. And yes, evil people who wanted their way took matters into their own hands, using violence and killing innocent people in an attempt to make their point.
While we cannot – and must not – forget what happened on September 11, 2001, we must remember that in our own way, we all fight and quarrel and would do anything to get what we want. More than a few of us wage an inner battle with such things as controlling our anger, our tongue or our thoughts… weight loss and/or keeping fit and healthy… addictions from smoking to drinking, drug abuse, gambling, overeating, overspending, and more… and a variety of things we crave to satisfy our ego. We trick ourselves into thinking we are asking God for His will by praying, “LORD, please help me with this,” but our translation is, “LORD… please give me what I want!” And the results wreak havoc in our own life… and the lives of many of those we encounter on a daily basis.
Let’s be honest, a lot of us are willing to go to great lengths to get what we want or to have things our way. Thankfully, very few among us will physically kill another person to accomplish this, but we destroy our health and our relationships, wipe out our bank accounts, and compromise our faith… all because we want what isn’t ours – or we want to do and say whatever we please. And in many ways, these actions are as much a form of murder as if we had pulled the trigger on a gun. We don’t ask God to give us what we want, because we know in our gut that He will say “No” – and with good reason. So we connive, argue and wage battle within our self and with others… and we make a huge mess of things.
Now that you’ve tried “having it your way” and seen how futile this can be… why not give God’s way a chance? Isn’t it time you tried humility and genuinely asked God to meet your daily needs? What if you humbly and honestly asked God to guide your steps… to give you the determination to kick that bad habit or actually engage in a daily workout… to grant you the willpower to resist buying things you don’t need and participating in activities that are wrong for you, at best – or downright immoral at their core… to control your thoughts and your tongue?
What if we started to think about the wide-ranging ramifications of our words and actions and asked God to help us do what is right for us – and for those we encounter? This passage tells us that what God gives in love is better than anything we will find on our own… that He gives His grace to the willing humble. What do you supposed could happen if we dropped pretense and ego… and operated humbly in the will of God? Are you ready to find out? Isn’t today a great day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 14, 2008
Romans 14:1
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
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 have to admit… this is sometimes a hard one for me. It’s not that I think I have all the answers. I certainly do not think I know more about scripture and Christian faith than anyone else! But I really have a hard time being gentle with people who feel that natural disasters or world events are “God’s punishment” for our disobedience. I don’t feel all that welcoming toward those who insist that our country is doomed if we don’t “put prayer back into schools.” (When did it leave? You can pray silently anywhere - anytime!) These are my opinions – and not the heart of today’s message.
The point I wish to make from this scripture passage is that we all come to Jesus with our own “suitcase-full” of baggage and history. We have the opinions that have been ingrained in us since childhood by our parents, friends and peers. We recall our own personal experiences. We lay this all at the feet of Jesus… but it may take some of us a while to leave it there.
So those who have been convinced that things are one way or another may need time to come around to a new manner of thinking. Most likely, you have ideas and opinions that have been modified with time, experience, and influence from outside sources. If you have not changed your mind about something, you probably are not being very honest! But I can almost guarantee that if fellow Christians start to tell you repeatedly that you are wrong… that your thinking is off-base or un-Biblical, you will dig in your heels and hold onto these opinions!
I will never forget an experience I had almost 15 years ago. The teenage son of our dear friends was killed in a car wreck. I was talking on the phone with my cousin’s wife – one of the most faith-filled Christian women I ever knew – and I said, “This was God’s will.” Very kindly, but firmly, she said, “This was NOT God’s will! God did not make this happen! He may have allowed it… and He will use this for His purposes… but I will never believe that this was the will of God.”
When tragedy struck, I had always heard Christian family members and friends say, “It’s God’s will.” And I readily believed this! So when my cousin’s wife spoke to me with such conviction – yet so kindly – I began to investigate this for myself… to see what the Bible says about God’s will and human suffering. And a few months later, this dear woman was called to heaven after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Her words replayed in my head as I thought about her outcome. I have seen the evidence of how God used her illness and death for His purposes – and rewarded her with a beautiful, healthy body in heaven. I know that God desires only the best for us… but sometimes He allows trials and tragedies. If nothing else, God uses these circumstances to say, “Lean on Me and let Me help you through this. Let Me show you how I can give you the courage, comfort and peace to overcome anything this world throws your way.”
My point is that we cannot cram our opinions – or the word of God – down anyone’s throat and expect them to come around to our way of thinking! We cannot criticize or chastise another person for his/her beliefs… even if they seem wacky and downright absurd! Remember, we came to Jesus with some pretty ridiculous ideas of our own… yet, He welcomed us with open arms. Should we do any less for others?
Ask God to show you how and where to approach those who are strong on opinions but weak in faith. You know the ones… the guy who says he is a believer and trusts God, yet falls apart when the tiniest “crisis” arises. You can name the person who has decided that God is on his/her side… and the rest of us are all wrong and headed for hell in a hand basket! You have met the people who accepted Christ, then went right back to their old ways of living. How will you treat them? How does Jesus treat you? Shouldn’t you offer fellow believers the same?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
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 have to admit… this is sometimes a hard one for me. It’s not that I think I have all the answers. I certainly do not think I know more about scripture and Christian faith than anyone else! But I really have a hard time being gentle with people who feel that natural disasters or world events are “God’s punishment” for our disobedience. I don’t feel all that welcoming toward those who insist that our country is doomed if we don’t “put prayer back into schools.” (When did it leave? You can pray silently anywhere - anytime!) These are my opinions – and not the heart of today’s message.
The point I wish to make from this scripture passage is that we all come to Jesus with our own “suitcase-full” of baggage and history. We have the opinions that have been ingrained in us since childhood by our parents, friends and peers. We recall our own personal experiences. We lay this all at the feet of Jesus… but it may take some of us a while to leave it there.
So those who have been convinced that things are one way or another may need time to come around to a new manner of thinking. Most likely, you have ideas and opinions that have been modified with time, experience, and influence from outside sources. If you have not changed your mind about something, you probably are not being very honest! But I can almost guarantee that if fellow Christians start to tell you repeatedly that you are wrong… that your thinking is off-base or un-Biblical, you will dig in your heels and hold onto these opinions!
I will never forget an experience I had almost 15 years ago. The teenage son of our dear friends was killed in a car wreck. I was talking on the phone with my cousin’s wife – one of the most faith-filled Christian women I ever knew – and I said, “This was God’s will.” Very kindly, but firmly, she said, “This was NOT God’s will! God did not make this happen! He may have allowed it… and He will use this for His purposes… but I will never believe that this was the will of God.”
When tragedy struck, I had always heard Christian family members and friends say, “It’s God’s will.” And I readily believed this! So when my cousin’s wife spoke to me with such conviction – yet so kindly – I began to investigate this for myself… to see what the Bible says about God’s will and human suffering. And a few months later, this dear woman was called to heaven after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Her words replayed in my head as I thought about her outcome. I have seen the evidence of how God used her illness and death for His purposes – and rewarded her with a beautiful, healthy body in heaven. I know that God desires only the best for us… but sometimes He allows trials and tragedies. If nothing else, God uses these circumstances to say, “Lean on Me and let Me help you through this. Let Me show you how I can give you the courage, comfort and peace to overcome anything this world throws your way.”
My point is that we cannot cram our opinions – or the word of God – down anyone’s throat and expect them to come around to our way of thinking! We cannot criticize or chastise another person for his/her beliefs… even if they seem wacky and downright absurd! Remember, we came to Jesus with some pretty ridiculous ideas of our own… yet, He welcomed us with open arms. Should we do any less for others?
Ask God to show you how and where to approach those who are strong on opinions but weak in faith. You know the ones… the guy who says he is a believer and trusts God, yet falls apart when the tiniest “crisis” arises. You can name the person who has decided that God is on his/her side… and the rest of us are all wrong and headed for hell in a hand basket! You have met the people who accepted Christ, then went right back to their old ways of living. How will you treat them? How does Jesus treat you? Shouldn’t you offer fellow believers the same?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 20, 2012
Ephesians 4:26-28
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry - but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
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.
My daily calendar quote for yesterday was, “The man who can’t dance thinks the band is no good.” I think this probably describes a good number of people who are not taking ownership for their problems or responsibilities. It’s someone else’s fault… or another person’s problem… but certainly no fault of their own. In a way, this is the same thing as stealing. If we allow others to accept responsibility for our problems… debts… mistakes… or even unhappiness, we are making ends meet at their expense.
So when you “borrow” from your friends – a place to stay, food, clothing, money – with no agreement or plan for restitution… you are stealing from them. If the friends allow this, you are letting them to own your problems instead of taking responsibility for them yourself. When you say or do something you shouldn’t and try to pawn it off on another person – or make excuses – you have pretty much stolen that person’s integrity, as in the case of the man who can’t dance. It’s really not the band’s fault… but he doesn’t want to be honest and admit that he has shortcomings. He would rather allow the band to own the deficiencies.
The daily quote for today was, “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt!” I think this is timely advice. When you are doing what God has called you to do… acting responsibly – even if it means admitting mistakes and making an effort to correct them… keep going. Don’t stop! Don’t get bogged down by anger, frustration, embarrassment, disappointment, or discouragement. Trust God to help you come out on top!
Pastor Joel Osteen paraphrases Philippians 4:13 in this manner… “It's not how you start that counts, it's how you finish. Shake off the past and keep running toward the prize!” Today is the day to stand up and accept responsibility for where we are in life… to do an honest day’s work in all arenas… and to move forward. There is no time for getting angry about the past… no room for the devil to get any pleasure in this! Let’s push on – with God’s help. Let’s ask God to show us how to quit focusing on the band and improve our “dancing!”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry - but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
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.
My daily calendar quote for yesterday was, “The man who can’t dance thinks the band is no good.” I think this probably describes a good number of people who are not taking ownership for their problems or responsibilities. It’s someone else’s fault… or another person’s problem… but certainly no fault of their own. In a way, this is the same thing as stealing. If we allow others to accept responsibility for our problems… debts… mistakes… or even unhappiness, we are making ends meet at their expense.
So when you “borrow” from your friends – a place to stay, food, clothing, money – with no agreement or plan for restitution… you are stealing from them. If the friends allow this, you are letting them to own your problems instead of taking responsibility for them yourself. When you say or do something you shouldn’t and try to pawn it off on another person – or make excuses – you have pretty much stolen that person’s integrity, as in the case of the man who can’t dance. It’s really not the band’s fault… but he doesn’t want to be honest and admit that he has shortcomings. He would rather allow the band to own the deficiencies.
The daily quote for today was, “When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt!” I think this is timely advice. When you are doing what God has called you to do… acting responsibly – even if it means admitting mistakes and making an effort to correct them… keep going. Don’t stop! Don’t get bogged down by anger, frustration, embarrassment, disappointment, or discouragement. Trust God to help you come out on top!
Pastor Joel Osteen paraphrases Philippians 4:13 in this manner… “It's not how you start that counts, it's how you finish. Shake off the past and keep running toward the prize!” Today is the day to stand up and accept responsibility for where we are in life… to do an honest day’s work in all arenas… and to move forward. There is no time for getting angry about the past… no room for the devil to get any pleasure in this! Let’s push on – with God’s help. Let’s ask God to show us how to quit focusing on the band and improve our “dancing!”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 18, 2012
John 15:7-10
But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love.
I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him.
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.
Think about a time you were in an uncomfortable situation. Have you ever been to someone’s home…or to a party, place of business, or some other sort of function where you felt out of place or uneasy? It’s a miserable feeling! Now think of a place where you always feel comfortable… envision the home of your friend or family member where you instantly want to kick off your shoes and settle in… a cozy, warm, inviting place you love to visit.
Now think about your relationship with God. Does this make you feel comfortable… or do you start to squirm a bit and feel uneasy? When you imagine yourself communicating with God… worshipping Him…seeking comfort… do you immediately feel warm and welcomed – peaceful and at rest?
I am a huge “homebody.” I hear people tell me that they do not enjoy staying at home. I am totally the opposite. I am comfortable, productive and busy, calm and at rest when I am at home. When my grandmother was hospitalized for a week, I was there with her every day. I would turn into our driveway at night and exhale a huge sigh of relief. Just the sight of our house made me feel loved and at peace.
You know the feeling when you kick off your “good clothes” and get into your comfortable sweats or pjs? That’s how it feels to be intimately at home in God’s love. This doesn’t mean you can get lazy and complacent in your faith… that you can expect God to listen and act upon your requests and meet all of your needs. That would be like me never leaving the house and expecting groceries to magically appear in our pantry and refrigerator! There is work to do… and effort must be put forth on our part. But we can do all things with the confidence that God is with us. He is our Safe Haven of comfort and rest. As long as we stay close to Him and operate within His will, we will feel at home in His presence.
Where is “home” for you these days? Are you comfortable in God’s presence - and with your “Spiritual self?” Have you wandered away and forgotten where you live? Isn’t it time to “turn into the driveway” and make yourself at home in God’s love? C’mon! Kick off your shoes and stay awhile. Operate in God’s commands - and settle in with His love and care.
©2012 Debbie Robus
But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love.
I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him.
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.
Think about a time you were in an uncomfortable situation. Have you ever been to someone’s home…or to a party, place of business, or some other sort of function where you felt out of place or uneasy? It’s a miserable feeling! Now think of a place where you always feel comfortable… envision the home of your friend or family member where you instantly want to kick off your shoes and settle in… a cozy, warm, inviting place you love to visit.
Now think about your relationship with God. Does this make you feel comfortable… or do you start to squirm a bit and feel uneasy? When you imagine yourself communicating with God… worshipping Him…seeking comfort… do you immediately feel warm and welcomed – peaceful and at rest?
I am a huge “homebody.” I hear people tell me that they do not enjoy staying at home. I am totally the opposite. I am comfortable, productive and busy, calm and at rest when I am at home. When my grandmother was hospitalized for a week, I was there with her every day. I would turn into our driveway at night and exhale a huge sigh of relief. Just the sight of our house made me feel loved and at peace.
You know the feeling when you kick off your “good clothes” and get into your comfortable sweats or pjs? That’s how it feels to be intimately at home in God’s love. This doesn’t mean you can get lazy and complacent in your faith… that you can expect God to listen and act upon your requests and meet all of your needs. That would be like me never leaving the house and expecting groceries to magically appear in our pantry and refrigerator! There is work to do… and effort must be put forth on our part. But we can do all things with the confidence that God is with us. He is our Safe Haven of comfort and rest. As long as we stay close to Him and operate within His will, we will feel at home in His presence.
Where is “home” for you these days? Are you comfortable in God’s presence - and with your “Spiritual self?” Have you wandered away and forgotten where you live? Isn’t it time to “turn into the driveway” and make yourself at home in God’s love? C’mon! Kick off your shoes and stay awhile. Operate in God’s commands - and settle in with His love and care.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 20, 2012
James 4:7-10
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
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 once knew a high school student who was involved in more than a half dozen school activities. He maintained an incredibly hectic schedule of attending this practice or meeting… actual events and competitions. Additionally, he was a member of his church youth choir and participated in other activities with his congregation. I lovingly mentioned to him one day that I was concerned… and feared he was headed for an early burnout. I suggested he pick out one or two activities that he enjoyed the most… maybe ones in which he particularly excelled… and focus on being the best participant possible in those events. He protested… “But I love all of them. How could I ever choose?” He had also been told that getting involved in a lot of different activities would present him as “well-rounded” when he applied for colleges.
It saddens me to say that the pressure to keep up such a lofty schedule caught up with this person, and he ultimately (and reluctantly) did give up a few of the activities. The demands of trying to keep up with so much led to poor choices and even poorer decisions… and he eventually “hit rock bottom,” so to speak. I am happy to say that he did not stay there. In fact, he got serious… really serious, as this scripture says. He coupled wonderful support from family and friends with a renewed dedication to following God’s will. And today, he is thriving.
You and I are really no different from this student. We may not be busy with too many school activities. School may even be a distant memory for some of us. But we all have distractions and temptations… and it’s easy to fall into the trap of “playing the field” and spreading ourselves too thinly. We may try everything from self-help programs to the latest “hot” evangelist and his/her teachings. We may get so caught up in work or a hobby, possessions… or even another person or group of people… and we may let our focus on God take a back seat.
My prayer is that we won’t have to “hit rock bottom” or experience something that “pulls the rug out from under us” before we get serious about our relationship with God and raise it to the very forefront of our daily existence. I love how The Message says that we have to shout at the devil to get him to go away… but all we have to offer God is a gentle whisper, and He shows up immediately. We can rely on the devil to be persistent… but we can rely on God to keep His promises and truly meet our needs.
Aren’t you ready to send the devil and his distractions packing for good? Is today the day you shout and scream and kick him to the curb? God is waiting to set you on your feet… to restore you according to His will for your life. Will this be the day you fall to your knees and whisper His name? Are you ready to get really serious about God?
©2012 Debbie Robus
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
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 once knew a high school student who was involved in more than a half dozen school activities. He maintained an incredibly hectic schedule of attending this practice or meeting… actual events and competitions. Additionally, he was a member of his church youth choir and participated in other activities with his congregation. I lovingly mentioned to him one day that I was concerned… and feared he was headed for an early burnout. I suggested he pick out one or two activities that he enjoyed the most… maybe ones in which he particularly excelled… and focus on being the best participant possible in those events. He protested… “But I love all of them. How could I ever choose?” He had also been told that getting involved in a lot of different activities would present him as “well-rounded” when he applied for colleges.
It saddens me to say that the pressure to keep up such a lofty schedule caught up with this person, and he ultimately (and reluctantly) did give up a few of the activities. The demands of trying to keep up with so much led to poor choices and even poorer decisions… and he eventually “hit rock bottom,” so to speak. I am happy to say that he did not stay there. In fact, he got serious… really serious, as this scripture says. He coupled wonderful support from family and friends with a renewed dedication to following God’s will. And today, he is thriving.
You and I are really no different from this student. We may not be busy with too many school activities. School may even be a distant memory for some of us. But we all have distractions and temptations… and it’s easy to fall into the trap of “playing the field” and spreading ourselves too thinly. We may try everything from self-help programs to the latest “hot” evangelist and his/her teachings. We may get so caught up in work or a hobby, possessions… or even another person or group of people… and we may let our focus on God take a back seat.
My prayer is that we won’t have to “hit rock bottom” or experience something that “pulls the rug out from under us” before we get serious about our relationship with God and raise it to the very forefront of our daily existence. I love how The Message says that we have to shout at the devil to get him to go away… but all we have to offer God is a gentle whisper, and He shows up immediately. We can rely on the devil to be persistent… but we can rely on God to keep His promises and truly meet our needs.
Aren’t you ready to send the devil and his distractions packing for good? Is today the day you shout and scream and kick him to the curb? God is waiting to set you on your feet… to restore you according to His will for your life. Will this be the day you fall to your knees and whisper His name? Are you ready to get really serious about God?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 8, 2012
John 16:23-24
"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
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.
In February, my husband and I both experienced a bout of the flu. For several days, I was unable to do my normal workout routine. Once I started to feel better, I eased back into my almost-daily regimen. I knew that the longer I went without working out, the harder it would be to get back into a groove. In large part, it was about diligence and determination. And the same can be said of our prayer life. When it comes to prayer, many of us find it very easy to fall into complacency. We get in a hurry and let other things get in the way. So instead of truly communicating with God, we give a quick “lip service” to a laundry list of concerns and desires… and we expect God to do the rest.
There is more to prayer than merely listing our needs for God. And while He already knows our heart – and our wishes – there is a “protocol” for effective prayer. In my notes, I have written… “To get results, pray ‘by the rules’: get the Word, know your covenant, understand your inheritance.” In other words, instead of praying, “Lord, heal me…” we might say, “Lord, I know that ‘by His stripes, I am healed,’ (Isaiah 53:5) so I am asking You to make me well, according to Your will – and in your perfect timing.” When we pray for a friend in need, we might say, “Father, You have promised to give us what we ask in Your name, so I am asking for you to do XYZ for Bill or Sue, in line with your plans for them,” (John 16:23-24) instead of merely saying, “LORD, I pray for Bill/Sue.”
I’m not saying that there won’t be times when quickly lifting a concern or naming someone to God is better than no prayer at all… but we should all begin to treat our prayer time with as much reverence and importance as we give to a daily workout, the nightly news, or following our favorite TV show or sport. If we are going to expect answers to our prayers… if we are truly operating in faith that God will give us our hearts’ desires, according to His will – and the joy overflowing that comes with them… we must treat our prayers with care and respect.
Does this mean we should schedule prayer time with God like we do a workout or watching our favorite TV program or sporting event? Not necessarily… although this will often help us make prayer time more of a habit and part of our daily routine. This is not about when we pray… but more about how we communicate with God. Start working on making your prayers more effective… more specific and based in the Word of God and your faithful expectations for His perfect answers.
Try this… offer a diligent, “by-the-rules” prayer for one or two concerns at a time as you go about your day. I’m betting that when you get ready for bed, you can look back and see that you communicated with God far more often – and effectively – than if you had spent a concentrated hour listing your concerns and praising Him. Look for ways all day long to thank Him… take a few minutes here and there to lift concerns as they come to mind… to recall the promises of God’s word with relation to these concerns… and to believe for His perfect outcome. See if you don’t feel closer to God as a result… and more joyful, as He answers and honors your faithfulness.
Father, I thank You for the blood of Jesus and all that He accomplished for us on the cross. I praise you for promising to give us the desires of our heart when we pray according to Your will… and I ask You to bless those who are reading this message. Strengthen each of them as they spend more time in diligent, deliberate communication with You. I ask that You answer them according to Your perfect plans… and that You shower them with the blessings You have promised – and joy overflowing. Thank You, LORD, for hearing my prayers and honoring Your covenant with me… and all who trust in You. Amen.
©2012 Debbie Robus
"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
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.
In February, my husband and I both experienced a bout of the flu. For several days, I was unable to do my normal workout routine. Once I started to feel better, I eased back into my almost-daily regimen. I knew that the longer I went without working out, the harder it would be to get back into a groove. In large part, it was about diligence and determination. And the same can be said of our prayer life. When it comes to prayer, many of us find it very easy to fall into complacency. We get in a hurry and let other things get in the way. So instead of truly communicating with God, we give a quick “lip service” to a laundry list of concerns and desires… and we expect God to do the rest.
There is more to prayer than merely listing our needs for God. And while He already knows our heart – and our wishes – there is a “protocol” for effective prayer. In my notes, I have written… “To get results, pray ‘by the rules’: get the Word, know your covenant, understand your inheritance.” In other words, instead of praying, “Lord, heal me…” we might say, “Lord, I know that ‘by His stripes, I am healed,’ (Isaiah 53:5) so I am asking You to make me well, according to Your will – and in your perfect timing.” When we pray for a friend in need, we might say, “Father, You have promised to give us what we ask in Your name, so I am asking for you to do XYZ for Bill or Sue, in line with your plans for them,” (John 16:23-24) instead of merely saying, “LORD, I pray for Bill/Sue.”
I’m not saying that there won’t be times when quickly lifting a concern or naming someone to God is better than no prayer at all… but we should all begin to treat our prayer time with as much reverence and importance as we give to a daily workout, the nightly news, or following our favorite TV show or sport. If we are going to expect answers to our prayers… if we are truly operating in faith that God will give us our hearts’ desires, according to His will – and the joy overflowing that comes with them… we must treat our prayers with care and respect.
Does this mean we should schedule prayer time with God like we do a workout or watching our favorite TV program or sporting event? Not necessarily… although this will often help us make prayer time more of a habit and part of our daily routine. This is not about when we pray… but more about how we communicate with God. Start working on making your prayers more effective… more specific and based in the Word of God and your faithful expectations for His perfect answers.
Try this… offer a diligent, “by-the-rules” prayer for one or two concerns at a time as you go about your day. I’m betting that when you get ready for bed, you can look back and see that you communicated with God far more often – and effectively – than if you had spent a concentrated hour listing your concerns and praising Him. Look for ways all day long to thank Him… take a few minutes here and there to lift concerns as they come to mind… to recall the promises of God’s word with relation to these concerns… and to believe for His perfect outcome. See if you don’t feel closer to God as a result… and more joyful, as He answers and honors your faithfulness.
Father, I thank You for the blood of Jesus and all that He accomplished for us on the cross. I praise you for promising to give us the desires of our heart when we pray according to Your will… and I ask You to bless those who are reading this message. Strengthen each of them as they spend more time in diligent, deliberate communication with You. I ask that You answer them according to Your perfect plans… and that You shower them with the blessings You have promised – and joy overflowing. Thank You, LORD, for hearing my prayers and honoring Your covenant with me… and all who trust in You. Amen.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 2, 2012
Psalm 37:4-8
Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right. Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things. Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We are apparently wired from birth to experience anger. How else would toddlers know to throw temper tantrums? Where would little children learn to lash out – at one another and at us? And even at young ages, the results of anger are often what most of us would consider “sinful”… bad behavior and “meltdowns,” physical abuse or mistreatment, and a generally poor attitude. Let’s face it… Satan is not picky about age. The younger he can gain a stronghold in our lives, the better!
But this is not the real point I want to stress today. What I want to emphasize is that we are all wired for anger, but we must not surrender to it. We must learn to rest in the LORD and let Him have control, rather than succumb to the ramifications of irritation and fury in our own lives. And we must do our part to teach children (of all ages) to do this, as well.
Does this mean that we will not be affected by news reports of injustice and mistreatment? Will we wear our rose-colored glasses and never get emotional when we see people get by with crime or dishonesty? When someone “does us wrong,” will we feel nothing? Absolutely not! But where and how we channel the energy of these emotions is what matters. We can be angry and furious… and open ourselves wide for the devil to step in and cause us to say things we shouldn’t, drive us to drink, or make us act out inappropriately… or we can turn to God, trust Him to help, and wait patiently for His response.
The next time something angers you… the next time you are bothered by some news or something you witness – or some injustice hurled in your direction… stop, breathe, listen... PRAY! Ask God to handle things according to HIS will, then give Him time and leeway to do so. Make sure that your words, actions and desires line up with God’s will. Do what pleases Him, trust Him to act as judge and jury over others, and bask in the blessings He will send your way.
When we get angry, nobody wins but Satan. Don’t give Him any victories… even for a second! Stay focused and still… and wait for the “good stuff” that God is getting ready to send your way.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right. Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things. Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We are apparently wired from birth to experience anger. How else would toddlers know to throw temper tantrums? Where would little children learn to lash out – at one another and at us? And even at young ages, the results of anger are often what most of us would consider “sinful”… bad behavior and “meltdowns,” physical abuse or mistreatment, and a generally poor attitude. Let’s face it… Satan is not picky about age. The younger he can gain a stronghold in our lives, the better!
But this is not the real point I want to stress today. What I want to emphasize is that we are all wired for anger, but we must not surrender to it. We must learn to rest in the LORD and let Him have control, rather than succumb to the ramifications of irritation and fury in our own lives. And we must do our part to teach children (of all ages) to do this, as well.
Does this mean that we will not be affected by news reports of injustice and mistreatment? Will we wear our rose-colored glasses and never get emotional when we see people get by with crime or dishonesty? When someone “does us wrong,” will we feel nothing? Absolutely not! But where and how we channel the energy of these emotions is what matters. We can be angry and furious… and open ourselves wide for the devil to step in and cause us to say things we shouldn’t, drive us to drink, or make us act out inappropriately… or we can turn to God, trust Him to help, and wait patiently for His response.
The next time something angers you… the next time you are bothered by some news or something you witness – or some injustice hurled in your direction… stop, breathe, listen... PRAY! Ask God to handle things according to HIS will, then give Him time and leeway to do so. Make sure that your words, actions and desires line up with God’s will. Do what pleases Him, trust Him to act as judge and jury over others, and bask in the blessings He will send your way.
When we get angry, nobody wins but Satan. Don’t give Him any victories… even for a second! Stay focused and still… and wait for the “good stuff” that God is getting ready to send your way.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 7, 2012
Acts 1:6-8
While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, "Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?" Jesus said to them, "You don't need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Some friends and I were visiting about a particular situation, and one of them said, “I don’t know why it took so long to resolve this. Why didn’t God show us the solution sooner?” And surely we have all asked this question at one time or another. We wonder why God doesn’t open our eyes to some things or soften our hearts sooner in specific situations. To a person, we agreed that often, we simply do not understand – or accept - God’s perfect timing.
When we look back at certain events in our lives, we may ask, “How did I not see this? What took me so long?” What we should be asking is, “What was God showing me? How was I growing during this time? How did God specifically work in and through this to accomplish things I could not envision?” Just as importantly, we should now be asking, “What is God doing in this situation? How is He using me? How am I growing, and what am I learning?”
Trusting God’s timing is such a hard thing for us. We are all impatient and unwilling to release control – at least to some degree. We have a very hard time accepting that God will do a far better job with things than we ever could… and He really doesn’t need our meddling! At the same time, God may very well need our help to accomplish His will. If we will truly submit to Him completely, surrender our desires to offer our two-cents worth, and hear what He has to say… He can use us to work in amazing ways – and bless us in the bargain.
What do you need to give to God today? I know I have several things on my list, and if you are honest, you probably have a few of your own. What “if onlys” to you need to release and accept that God worked in and through those situations to accomplish great things? What is He preparing you to accomplish in the upcoming days/weeks/months? Are you attuned, humbled, and ready to listen – and serve? Shouldn’t you be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, "Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?" Jesus said to them, "You don't need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Some friends and I were visiting about a particular situation, and one of them said, “I don’t know why it took so long to resolve this. Why didn’t God show us the solution sooner?” And surely we have all asked this question at one time or another. We wonder why God doesn’t open our eyes to some things or soften our hearts sooner in specific situations. To a person, we agreed that often, we simply do not understand – or accept - God’s perfect timing.
When we look back at certain events in our lives, we may ask, “How did I not see this? What took me so long?” What we should be asking is, “What was God showing me? How was I growing during this time? How did God specifically work in and through this to accomplish things I could not envision?” Just as importantly, we should now be asking, “What is God doing in this situation? How is He using me? How am I growing, and what am I learning?”
Trusting God’s timing is such a hard thing for us. We are all impatient and unwilling to release control – at least to some degree. We have a very hard time accepting that God will do a far better job with things than we ever could… and He really doesn’t need our meddling! At the same time, God may very well need our help to accomplish His will. If we will truly submit to Him completely, surrender our desires to offer our two-cents worth, and hear what He has to say… He can use us to work in amazing ways – and bless us in the bargain.
What do you need to give to God today? I know I have several things on my list, and if you are honest, you probably have a few of your own. What “if onlys” to you need to release and accept that God worked in and through those situations to accomplish great things? What is He preparing you to accomplish in the upcoming days/weeks/months? Are you attuned, humbled, and ready to listen – and serve? Shouldn’t you be?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 6, 2011
John 18:15-18
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That disciple knew the high priest, and he followed Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest's house. Peter stayed outside near the gate. But the other disciple came back out and spoke to the girl at the gate. She let Peter go in, but asked him, "Aren't you one of that man's followers?"
"No, I am not!" Peter answered.
It was cold, and the servants and temple police had made a charcoal fire. They were warming themselves around it, when Peter went over and stood near the fire to warm himself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is the time of year when we are all keenly aware of those around us who are in need. There are food and toy drives, programs to donate old coats to those who don’t have one, and “angel trees” that offer a chance to pick a child to provide with Christmas gifts. The Salvation Army bell ringers stand outside our department stores and urge us to drop in our spare change. And we do all of these things… and more… and go on our way feeling smug and satisfied with our own generosity.
The trouble is… many of us don’t operate with the same generous spirit the rest of the year. We develop an “it’s not my problem” attitude, and in doing so, we are no better than Peter. “Can you help?” we are asked over and again, and our answer is, “I don’t know them…” or “They don’t go to my church…” or quite literally, “That is simply not my problem.”
I will be the first to tell you that I do not donate to every cause for which I am asked. I toss plenty of solicitation letters in the trash, and I prayerfully choose who – and how – to help others. But this is the key… I try very hard to listen to God and follow His lead. If I feel God is telling me to put money in the Salvation Army bucket, I do it! If someone asks me to help a needy family in our area, and I feel that God expects me to do this, I step up to ask what is needed. Every time we fail to listen to God’s direction, we are denying our relationship with Him, just as Peter did.
I pray that you will stay in contact with God and prayerfully consider how and where He is calling you to serve. Don’t be guilty of denying your Father. Recognize His voice and answer in whatever manner He directs… not just during the Christmas holidays – but all year long.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. That disciple knew the high priest, and he followed Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest's house. Peter stayed outside near the gate. But the other disciple came back out and spoke to the girl at the gate. She let Peter go in, but asked him, "Aren't you one of that man's followers?"
"No, I am not!" Peter answered.
It was cold, and the servants and temple police had made a charcoal fire. They were warming themselves around it, when Peter went over and stood near the fire to warm himself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is the time of year when we are all keenly aware of those around us who are in need. There are food and toy drives, programs to donate old coats to those who don’t have one, and “angel trees” that offer a chance to pick a child to provide with Christmas gifts. The Salvation Army bell ringers stand outside our department stores and urge us to drop in our spare change. And we do all of these things… and more… and go on our way feeling smug and satisfied with our own generosity.
The trouble is… many of us don’t operate with the same generous spirit the rest of the year. We develop an “it’s not my problem” attitude, and in doing so, we are no better than Peter. “Can you help?” we are asked over and again, and our answer is, “I don’t know them…” or “They don’t go to my church…” or quite literally, “That is simply not my problem.”
I will be the first to tell you that I do not donate to every cause for which I am asked. I toss plenty of solicitation letters in the trash, and I prayerfully choose who – and how – to help others. But this is the key… I try very hard to listen to God and follow His lead. If I feel God is telling me to put money in the Salvation Army bucket, I do it! If someone asks me to help a needy family in our area, and I feel that God expects me to do this, I step up to ask what is needed. Every time we fail to listen to God’s direction, we are denying our relationship with Him, just as Peter did.
I pray that you will stay in contact with God and prayerfully consider how and where He is calling you to serve. Don’t be guilty of denying your Father. Recognize His voice and answer in whatever manner He directs… not just during the Christmas holidays – but all year long.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 22, 2011
Psalm 135:1-7; 14
Shout praises to the LORD! You are his servants, so praise his name. All who serve in the temple of the LORD our God, come and shout praises. Praise the name of the LORD! He is kind and good. The LORD is much greater than any other god. He chose the family of Jacob and the people of Israel for his very own.
He does as he chooses in heaven and on earth and deep in the sea. The LORD makes the clouds rise from far across the earth, and he makes lightning to go with the rain. Then from his secret place he sends out the wind.
The LORD will bring justice and show mercy to all who serve him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Since November 8th, we have received 12 inches of rain in our little corner of the world. Because we live high atop a bluff, what the ground cannot absorb rushed down a next-door creek bed and spilled into the river below us. Others were not so lucky, and friends of mine have spent several days retrieving items that tried to float away and cleaning up the muck, mud and water that filled their homes and businesses. When this sort of thing happens, people can have a hard time finding praises to shout to the LORD! After all, surely the God who makes lightning to go with the rain could send a little less at one time… right?
The key to staying positive in times of challenge, difficulty, or downright disaster and tragedy is remembering who God really is… and WHY we praise Him. Yes, God can control how much rain we get. Yes, God can heal the sick and prevent accidents that cause injury and death. Surely God can change the course of a tornado or prevent an earthquake. But God also has the power to bless us abundantly… to provide us with food, clothing, shelter, a job, family, friends… and most importantly… Eternal Life!
For every time we feel sorry for ourselves and ask “Why, LORD, why?” there are dozens of times that God worked on our behalf and we never even noticed. We need to remind ourselves of this. We need to remember that God always has our best interest at heart, even when we cannot readily see what He has done for us.
So praise God today, no matter what your circumstances. Give Him honor and glory for the countless ways He shows up in your life each and every day. Recognize His power and His unending grace and mercy. Shout praises to the LORD! You are indeed His servants… so go ahead and praise His name.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! You are his servants, so praise his name. All who serve in the temple of the LORD our God, come and shout praises. Praise the name of the LORD! He is kind and good. The LORD is much greater than any other god. He chose the family of Jacob and the people of Israel for his very own.
He does as he chooses in heaven and on earth and deep in the sea. The LORD makes the clouds rise from far across the earth, and he makes lightning to go with the rain. Then from his secret place he sends out the wind.
The LORD will bring justice and show mercy to all who serve him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Since November 8th, we have received 12 inches of rain in our little corner of the world. Because we live high atop a bluff, what the ground cannot absorb rushed down a next-door creek bed and spilled into the river below us. Others were not so lucky, and friends of mine have spent several days retrieving items that tried to float away and cleaning up the muck, mud and water that filled their homes and businesses. When this sort of thing happens, people can have a hard time finding praises to shout to the LORD! After all, surely the God who makes lightning to go with the rain could send a little less at one time… right?
The key to staying positive in times of challenge, difficulty, or downright disaster and tragedy is remembering who God really is… and WHY we praise Him. Yes, God can control how much rain we get. Yes, God can heal the sick and prevent accidents that cause injury and death. Surely God can change the course of a tornado or prevent an earthquake. But God also has the power to bless us abundantly… to provide us with food, clothing, shelter, a job, family, friends… and most importantly… Eternal Life!
For every time we feel sorry for ourselves and ask “Why, LORD, why?” there are dozens of times that God worked on our behalf and we never even noticed. We need to remind ourselves of this. We need to remember that God always has our best interest at heart, even when we cannot readily see what He has done for us.
So praise God today, no matter what your circumstances. Give Him honor and glory for the countless ways He shows up in your life each and every day. Recognize His power and His unending grace and mercy. Shout praises to the LORD! You are indeed His servants… so go ahead and praise His name.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 30, 2011
2 Kings 5:1-14
Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army. The LORD had helped him and his troops defeat their enemies, so the king of Syria respected Naaman very much.
Naaman was a brave soldier, but he had leprosy. One day while the Syrian troops were raiding Israel, they captured a girl, and she became a servant of Naaman's wife. Some time later the girl said, "If your husband Naaman would go to the prophet in Samaria, he would be cured of his leprosy."
When Naaman told the king what the girl had said, the king replied, "Go ahead! I will give you a letter to take to the king of Israel." Naaman left and took along seven hundred fifty pounds of silver, one hundred fifty pounds of gold, and ten new outfits. He also carried the letter to the king of Israel. It said, "I am sending my servant Naaman to you. Would you cure him of his leprosy?"
When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in fear and shouted, "That Syrian king believes I can cure this man of leprosy! Does he think I'm God with power over life and death? He must be trying to pick a fight with me."
As soon as Elisha the prophet heard what had happened, he sent the Israelite king this message: "Why are you so afraid? Send the man to me, so that he will know there is a prophet in Israel." Naaman left with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. Elisha sent someone outside to say to him, "Go wash seven times in the Jordan River. Then you'll be completely cured."
But Naaman stormed off, grumbling, "Why couldn't he come out and talk to me? I thought for sure he would stand in front of me and pray to the LORD his God, then wave his hand over my skin and cure me. What about the Abana River or the Pharpar River? Those rivers in Damascus are just as good as any river in Israel. I could have washed in them and been cured." His servants went over to him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. So why don't you do what he said? Go wash and be cured."
Naaman walked down to the Jordan; he waded out into the water and stooped down in it seven times, just as Elisha had told him. Right away, he was cured, and his skin became as smooth as a child's.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few weeks ago, our telephone began to crackle and buzz when we tried to call someone, so we did all of the recommended troubleshooting procedures suggested by our telephone service provider. When these did not work, I contacted the company and filed a request for repairs. I was told that a technician would come out and repair our phone – within a week! Thankfully we had cell phones for backup. For many folks, this “solution” would have left them without phone service of any kind for several days. And just as promised, the phone was repaired – about five days later!
I was using the Postal Service online options to mail a package, and a question arose for which I could not find an online answer. So I engaged in a LiveChat option. Before I could even ask my question, the rep came online and began typing a long, “canned” answer to what she perceived to be my problem. When I was finally given a chance to type, I asked, “May I have time to ask my question now?” Immediately afterward, we were disconnected. Apparently I was supposed to accept her comments and make them work for my situation.
In both of these cases, the agencies with whom I spoke appeared to take the attitude that “this action is as good as any.” Just like Namaan, who tried to cut corners and take shortcuts to heal his leprosy, I felt like they were saying… “Take it or leave it.” It appeared to me that these people were not willing to put in the time and effort to get the best result – to do their very best. And the outcome was less than satisfactory. Apparently they were satisfied to operate in “blemished skin.”
This is what happened to Namaan… he didn’t listen, and he concluded that bathing in any old river was good enough. And this is what we often do… in life, and in our life in Christ. Our best should be the only option. Nothing else is good enough. We should not give half-hearted efforts to our studies, our family, our jobs, our community, or our church… and most certainly to our Heavenly Father!
We’ve come to a point in this society where a lot of people are doing the bare minimum. Getting by and “making do” are good enough. As long as we make it through another day without the sky falling in on us, we figure we have achieved our goal! Nothing could be further from the truth!
It’s time for us to re-prioritize. We must prayerfully consider what God is calling us to do… in everything from our service to Him to the simplest hobby in which we engage. We need to be striving to do our very best at all times… not just when it is convenient or serves our purposes – and we need to always be listening for God’s voice and guidance.
Ask God to show you what He expects of you… then do everything possible to accomplish this to the very best of your abilities. Make your best the only outcome that is acceptable. Live in a way that honors God and your role as His precious child and servant. Never wear the “blemished skin of a leper”, so to speak… but live your best life every day in the “smooth skin” of a precious child of the Most High God.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Naaman was the commander of the Syrian army. The LORD had helped him and his troops defeat their enemies, so the king of Syria respected Naaman very much.
Naaman was a brave soldier, but he had leprosy. One day while the Syrian troops were raiding Israel, they captured a girl, and she became a servant of Naaman's wife. Some time later the girl said, "If your husband Naaman would go to the prophet in Samaria, he would be cured of his leprosy."
When Naaman told the king what the girl had said, the king replied, "Go ahead! I will give you a letter to take to the king of Israel." Naaman left and took along seven hundred fifty pounds of silver, one hundred fifty pounds of gold, and ten new outfits. He also carried the letter to the king of Israel. It said, "I am sending my servant Naaman to you. Would you cure him of his leprosy?"
When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes in fear and shouted, "That Syrian king believes I can cure this man of leprosy! Does he think I'm God with power over life and death? He must be trying to pick a fight with me."
As soon as Elisha the prophet heard what had happened, he sent the Israelite king this message: "Why are you so afraid? Send the man to me, so that he will know there is a prophet in Israel." Naaman left with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha's house. Elisha sent someone outside to say to him, "Go wash seven times in the Jordan River. Then you'll be completely cured."
But Naaman stormed off, grumbling, "Why couldn't he come out and talk to me? I thought for sure he would stand in front of me and pray to the LORD his God, then wave his hand over my skin and cure me. What about the Abana River or the Pharpar River? Those rivers in Damascus are just as good as any river in Israel. I could have washed in them and been cured." His servants went over to him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it. So why don't you do what he said? Go wash and be cured."
Naaman walked down to the Jordan; he waded out into the water and stooped down in it seven times, just as Elisha had told him. Right away, he was cured, and his skin became as smooth as a child's.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few weeks ago, our telephone began to crackle and buzz when we tried to call someone, so we did all of the recommended troubleshooting procedures suggested by our telephone service provider. When these did not work, I contacted the company and filed a request for repairs. I was told that a technician would come out and repair our phone – within a week! Thankfully we had cell phones for backup. For many folks, this “solution” would have left them without phone service of any kind for several days. And just as promised, the phone was repaired – about five days later!
I was using the Postal Service online options to mail a package, and a question arose for which I could not find an online answer. So I engaged in a LiveChat option. Before I could even ask my question, the rep came online and began typing a long, “canned” answer to what she perceived to be my problem. When I was finally given a chance to type, I asked, “May I have time to ask my question now?” Immediately afterward, we were disconnected. Apparently I was supposed to accept her comments and make them work for my situation.
In both of these cases, the agencies with whom I spoke appeared to take the attitude that “this action is as good as any.” Just like Namaan, who tried to cut corners and take shortcuts to heal his leprosy, I felt like they were saying… “Take it or leave it.” It appeared to me that these people were not willing to put in the time and effort to get the best result – to do their very best. And the outcome was less than satisfactory. Apparently they were satisfied to operate in “blemished skin.”
This is what happened to Namaan… he didn’t listen, and he concluded that bathing in any old river was good enough. And this is what we often do… in life, and in our life in Christ. Our best should be the only option. Nothing else is good enough. We should not give half-hearted efforts to our studies, our family, our jobs, our community, or our church… and most certainly to our Heavenly Father!
We’ve come to a point in this society where a lot of people are doing the bare minimum. Getting by and “making do” are good enough. As long as we make it through another day without the sky falling in on us, we figure we have achieved our goal! Nothing could be further from the truth!
It’s time for us to re-prioritize. We must prayerfully consider what God is calling us to do… in everything from our service to Him to the simplest hobby in which we engage. We need to be striving to do our very best at all times… not just when it is convenient or serves our purposes – and we need to always be listening for God’s voice and guidance.
Ask God to show you what He expects of you… then do everything possible to accomplish this to the very best of your abilities. Make your best the only outcome that is acceptable. Live in a way that honors God and your role as His precious child and servant. Never wear the “blemished skin of a leper”, so to speak… but live your best life every day in the “smooth skin” of a precious child of the Most High God.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 20, 2011
Psalm 111:5-9
The LORD God is famous for his wonderful deeds, and he is kind and merciful. He gives food to his worshipers and always keeps his agreement with them. He has shown his mighty power to his people and has given them the lands of other nations. God is always honest and fair, and his laws can be trusted. They are true and right and will stand forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We recently decided our two twelve-year-old cats, Mabel and Lucy, could use a little boost to their digestive systems, so we started giving them a small saucer of skim milk each night, and just a couple of teaspoons of moist cat food in the morning to supplement the dry chow they have eaten all their lives. Lucy turned up her nose at the milk, but Mabel laps it up each night. However, in the mornings, Lucy has become obsessed with her canned food. She starts a “dance” about an hour before we arise, as if to say, “Hey, you! Remember my breakfast!” Then she stands under my feet while I prepare the bowls… sometimes quite literally causing me to stumble to the mat where they are fed.
If I go into the kitchen during the day, Lucy comes right away and begs for more food. We have stuck to our guns and only fed them this moist treat in the mornings… but that doesn’t stop Lucy from begging. She stands up on the back of my legs and does a dance. She cries and whines and glares at me. She hopes I will be merciful and relent. But I’m sticking to the rules and doing what I know is right and fair – and in her best interest!
So often, we are the “Mabel and Lucy”. We stand at God’s feet and beg and plead… just get us out of one more mess, LORD. Just look the other way this once and pretend we didn’t commit this sin. Let us have our way and make it right for us. We want the mercy and kindness of God… but we also want Him to bend the rules in our favor.
Our cats cannot truly comprehend that we have their best interests at heart. But we humans know better about God. We know that He is right and fair… kind and merciful… and still we beg, plead and try to “fudge” – or outright cheat – and hope God will rule as we wish.
We need to start recognizing God’s sovereignty. We must fully acknowledge that He knows best… that His laws are perfect for us… fully trustworthy… and right on target. We must operate in the assurance that God will show us kindness and mercy… but He will also do what is fair and right – and at times we may not totally like His response.
The mark of spiritual maturity is developing a trust in God for His answers and plans… and accepting them, whether we like them or not. Are you trusting God completely and operating under His laws? Or are you dancing at His feet, whining and complaining… hoping He will bend to your will instead? How mature are you in your faith these days? God will never stumble in His steadfast devotion to you… can you say the same in return?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD God is famous for his wonderful deeds, and he is kind and merciful. He gives food to his worshipers and always keeps his agreement with them. He has shown his mighty power to his people and has given them the lands of other nations. God is always honest and fair, and his laws can be trusted. They are true and right and will stand forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We recently decided our two twelve-year-old cats, Mabel and Lucy, could use a little boost to their digestive systems, so we started giving them a small saucer of skim milk each night, and just a couple of teaspoons of moist cat food in the morning to supplement the dry chow they have eaten all their lives. Lucy turned up her nose at the milk, but Mabel laps it up each night. However, in the mornings, Lucy has become obsessed with her canned food. She starts a “dance” about an hour before we arise, as if to say, “Hey, you! Remember my breakfast!” Then she stands under my feet while I prepare the bowls… sometimes quite literally causing me to stumble to the mat where they are fed.
If I go into the kitchen during the day, Lucy comes right away and begs for more food. We have stuck to our guns and only fed them this moist treat in the mornings… but that doesn’t stop Lucy from begging. She stands up on the back of my legs and does a dance. She cries and whines and glares at me. She hopes I will be merciful and relent. But I’m sticking to the rules and doing what I know is right and fair – and in her best interest!
So often, we are the “Mabel and Lucy”. We stand at God’s feet and beg and plead… just get us out of one more mess, LORD. Just look the other way this once and pretend we didn’t commit this sin. Let us have our way and make it right for us. We want the mercy and kindness of God… but we also want Him to bend the rules in our favor.
Our cats cannot truly comprehend that we have their best interests at heart. But we humans know better about God. We know that He is right and fair… kind and merciful… and still we beg, plead and try to “fudge” – or outright cheat – and hope God will rule as we wish.
We need to start recognizing God’s sovereignty. We must fully acknowledge that He knows best… that His laws are perfect for us… fully trustworthy… and right on target. We must operate in the assurance that God will show us kindness and mercy… but He will also do what is fair and right – and at times we may not totally like His response.
The mark of spiritual maturity is developing a trust in God for His answers and plans… and accepting them, whether we like them or not. Are you trusting God completely and operating under His laws? Or are you dancing at His feet, whining and complaining… hoping He will bend to your will instead? How mature are you in your faith these days? God will never stumble in His steadfast devotion to you… can you say the same in return?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)