Daily Devotional for November 3, 2014

1 Corinthians 15:10
But whatever I am now it is all because God poured out such kindness and grace upon me—and not without results: for I have worked harder than all the other apostles, yet actually I wasn’t doing it, but God working in me, to bless me.
 
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

 Rise and shine
 And give God the glory, glory
 Rise and shine
 And give God the glory, glory
 Rise and shine
 And give God the glory, glory
 Children of the Lord
 
Do you remember this song we sang as kids?  It starts off…”The lord said to Noah: there's gonna be a floody, floody” - and “Rise and shine” is the chorus of this little song that has been around for decades.  I was unable to find its origin, although there are derivations of it sung as “spirituals” that may be centuries old.  But the theme seems to originate from Isaiah 60:1, which says, “Arise, my people! Let your light shine for all the nations to see! For the glory of the Lord is streaming from you.”
 
My Mam-ma Polly was a notoriously early riser.  She could accomplish more before 9:00 a.m. than most people get done in a day or more!  And a common question that she asked me a zillion times, it seems, was…”What have you done today?” Often, this was asked as I had my first or second cup of coffee - while still wearing my pajamas! She was not necessarily asking to make a point…I think she just assumed that the whole world “got up and at ‘em” like she did!  To be perfectly honest…my idea of “rise and shine” occurs somewhere later in the morning!
 
The thing is…while I marveled at all that my grandmother was able to accomplish each day, she brushed it off as “business as usual”…merely “all in a day’s work”.  In other word, her deeds were nothing special or extraordinary – certainly nothing that she would brag about!  My grandmother did not seek the praise of others for what she had done – especially if it involved helping someone else!  She was grateful for the energy and ability to do these things – and she knew WHO gave her the strength and power to accomplish them.
 
Did my grandmother work harder than most people?  Perhaps.  But she didn’t see it that way.  My grandmother was not the richest woman in the world, but her needs were always met.  She worked at more than one job out of necessity to pay her bills…but she gave of her time and talents out of the abundance of her heart and a spirit of gratitude for God’s blessings.  There was always room for one more at her table – even when it appeared there was only enough food for her own plate. She always had a clean spare bed if someone needed a place to stay.  She was ready to take food to a sick or grieving family…or to pack a shoebox for a Christmas mission project at her church.  She shared flowers from her yard and her creative talents to decorate for parties and church functions. She sewed perfectly tailored garments and created amazing quits – totally by hand – and she shared many of these with others.
 
I will admit…my grandmother had talents and creativity in spades.  But we all do in our own way…because God is “at the wheel”.  You may not be able to cook a meal or grow a flower – much less arrange the cuttings beautiful in a vase or create a hand-sewn quilt.  But God has plans to use you in some way…to bless you with “talents” and abilities that no one else has…to work through you to reach others in a way that nobody else ever could.  OUR JOB is to open our hearts and minds to the endless possibilities…to look at the needs that surround us and “RISE AND SHINE” to meet them under God’s power…then “give God the glory” for what He can do with us.
 
If we would wake up every morning and say, “Here I am LORD…what would You like for me to do today?”…our lives would be so very different.  I’m not suggesting that you start walking around telling everyone that you are something special…or that you are the hardest working disciple for Christ.  But I am suggesting that you open your heart and mind to the possibilities with God…and that you work hard every single day to give Him your best - whether anyone else recognizes it or not.  Operate from a place of incredible gratitude…as if you cannot possibly do enough to thank God for all that He has done for you…and see what happens! 
 
“Rise and shine…and give God the glory!”  If you are a child of the LORD…it’s time to act like it!
 
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 3, 2014

Jeremiah 33:2-3
“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’”

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.

People often tell me, “I don’t know how you come up with these daily devotionals.”  I’ll be honest…I don’t know either.  Well, okay…that’s not exactly true.  Several years ago, I switched from trying to write several devotionals – like as much as a few weeks’ worth – in one sitting…and I started writing them each day. The first step is to ask God to show me what topic is timely (and you would be amazed at how well this works!)…and then I search online for scripture references that match this theme.

I continue to be amazed each day at how the scripture passage coincides so well with what is happening – in my life, and in the world at large.  I consider this a “marvelous and wondrous thing” that I could never figure out on my own.  God cares so much about me and those who read these “daily devos” that He meticulously orchestrates the themes and the scripture passages. He points me in the direction of appropriate analogies to drive home the point and make it relevant.  There are days when I read something online or hear a story on the news and think, “Why on earth am I giving this my time and attention?”  When I open my devotional outline and begin to study the scripture passage for that day, the answer often becomes abundantly clear!

If you haven’t figured it out by now, my “theme” for the most recent devotionals has been “finding God”.  This was brought to my attention by the Facebook post of a friend who said he had known about God all of his life…but on Easter Sunday while attending a service at a church in our community, he truly “found God” – maybe for the first time ever.  And some of us are still searching for God.  We’ve known who He is and what He is about for a long, long time…but we still haven’t quite found Him.  We don’t see His hand in everyday, trivial circumstances - much less the unpleasant events of our lives.  We don’t think to ask, “LORD, what do you want me to do with this information…or that instance?”  We don’t understand that all we have to do is call to God…and He will answer.

Today, I read a story online about a woman whose son was killed in the April 27th tornado in Vilonia.  Only 22 years old, Jeffrey Turner, a senior at the University of Central Arkansas, knew that he was in the direct path of the tornado when he texted his mother, “Mama, I’m so scared.”  Jeffrey lived with his father and stepmother, who were both injured.  Jeffrey died as a result of his injuries in the category EF-4 twister.  His last text messages to his mother read, “Good-bye, mama…It’s heading right for me.” 

I grappled with this…I still do.  What if that were one of my beloved “children”…one of my nieces or nephews, cousins or precious friends who are like my own?  How would I stand it?  Jeffrey’s mother, Regina Wood, was helplessly texting from 20 miles away in Beebe, Arkansas, “Are you okay?”  Today, she says she is comforted that in his last moments, Jeffrey thought to tell her “Good-bye” – and that he loved her.

So why did people die and suffer so much damage?  How did one person survive while another right next door did not?  Why were people, animals and belongings hurled as much as 2 miles from their initial location?  We’re wasting our breath, time and energy asking most of these things, because we will never know the answer.  The only question that makes any sense is the this one…”Where was God on April 27th?”  And the answer?  He was there…in Vilonia, Mayflower, Center Hill, El Paso, Paron, and other Arkansas cities that were devastated by this killer storm.  He is there now…in every hug, every prayer, every pair of hands that help to clean up the debris and rebuild, every dollar and supply that is donated.  God is there…and countless people are calling out to Him - and finding Him.  They are realizing that there are marvelous and wonderful things happening all around them, even as their hearts break - things they will never fully understand or comprehend. 

God is there.  God is with you…and me.  He is with those who are celebrating and filled with great joy today…and those who are hurting so badly they think they cannot bear the pain for one more second.  He understands every single emotion that we experience…and He has a plan.  I don’t know how…when…or where God will reveal Himself to you – or to me.  But I plan call on Him…and to be watching and waiting.  Will you?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 27, 2013

Romans 5:2-5
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
 
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
 
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.
 
A friend of mine lost her brother to cancer a few months ago, and she commented on Facebook that “I did not send Christmas cards this year.”  Between repeated trips to another state to spend precious time with her brother before he passed and the challenges of caring for her own family (and conducting the children’s program at our church, to boot), she simply did not have the time and energy for sending out seasonal greetings.  I don’t know about you, but I fully understand this. Sometimes “life” is such a challenge that we absolutely must prioritize and delegate our strength to the things that really matter.  And sending cards during the holidays may be something that we push to the bottom of the list.
 
Does this mean that we aren’t celebrating Christmas?  Have we lost our faith and confidence in the promises and blessings this season represents?  Absolutely not! To the contrary, the trials and problems of life often show us that we are tougher than we realize.  In turn, our strength and integrity are refined, so that we are more sensitive to the things of this season that really matter… sharing God’s love and care with other people… recognizing His role as the central focus of the holiday… and reminding ourselves of what is truly important.
 
This may mean scheduling a family dinner at a restaurant rather than slaving over a stove for several days to create the perfect meal – or conversely, making special recipes and carrying on the traditions that have created family memories for decades – and foregoing some other activity in order to find the time to do this.  It may mean recognizing that Christmas was not “ruined” because UPS or FedEx did not deliver our packages on time.  Or it may mean not giving gifts at all… or seriously curtailing the gift-giving… in order to focus on the true spirit of the holiday – and those who have real, tangible physical needs.
 
In strengthening our character, we truly do develop a deeper sense of hope.  Our focus is narrowed and concentrated on Jesus, who gives us the strength and uses His Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us through times of trial and difficulty.  We are better able to reach out to others who are hurting or questioning… those who might be in the early stages of “trial and tribulation”.  We can say with confidence that God loves all of us… that He is fully engaged in each and every situation for those who call on Him… and that better days are ahead.
 
I honestly cannot remember a recent Christmas season where I have been so acutely aware of people who were hurting or in great need of God’s comfort and care.  I also cannot remember a Christmas in the last few years in which I have felt more hopeful.  I wish there were some way to magically convey this hope to each of you… to fill you with a true assurance that God is at work in your life… strengthening you…building character… and offering you hope.  All I can tell you is that He has done this for me – over and again.  I know that I am not unique… that what God has done for me, He will surely do for anyone who asks in Jesus’ name.
 
So even though the actual holiday was two days ago… what are you asking for this Christmas?  Will this be the year that you fully recognize God’s strength and power in your life and begin to depend upon the confident hope of salvation through Jesus Christ?  Don’t you think it should be?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 4, 2013

John 3:23-30 
At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism. (This was before John was thrown into prison.) A debate broke out between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us.”
 
John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
 
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.
 
All teachers know that Halloween is a turning point in the fall semester, particularly for little ones.  Once the kids get their Halloween “sugar high,” it’s pretty much “Katy bar the door” until Christmas!  So when my niece told me that Timothy’s teachers had declared him to be “rowdy” on November 1st, I can’t say I was surprised.  I told her that my experience had proven that there would be lots of “rowdiness” between now and Christmas… and she said Timothy’s teachers had pretty much said the same thing.
 
This explanation doesn’t excuse “rowdy” behavior in young children… and they must accept responsibility for their actions.  So when Timothy told us on Sunday, “I didn’t get to come to your house after Halloween,” I reminded him that it was because he had misbehaved… that in order to visit us overnight on Saturday, he must be good at school – and at home – during the week.  That’s a tall order for a four-year-old.  But he can do it.  And at some point, we must hold him more accountable for his actions and intervene on his behalf less and less.  Even now, as he learns in Sunday school that God created everything… that God wants us to do our very best…that God will help us with our challenges… we must allow Him to lean more on God and less on us for these things.
 
Learning to let go – even of your child’s spiritual journey - is a hard “parenting” lesson.  It’s even harder for us sometimes as we become adults.  We often have trouble recognizing Who is really in charge.  We want to do things ourselves… our way…and to receive credit for our independence.  So we find it hard to admit that God is in charge… that while we are allowed to handle things somewhat on our own at times, the end result came from Him – by His hand, not our own.
 
By the same token, we must accept responsibility for our actions and not try to blame God.  Rather, we must learn to rely on Him.  Just as young children must learn to develop a trust in God… to listen to Him and follow His lead… to acknowledge right from wrong and strive to do what He desires… we must do the same.  And we must lead by example…not because we are wonderful, strong and mighty… but because we are made so by God’s great sacrifice – His love, grace and mercy over us.
 
It’s not about us… it’s about Jesus and what He did for us on the cross.  It’s about God and the love He has for us that is so great that He was willing to sacrifice His only Son for our sins.  It’s about the privilege of serving Him… of allowing God to use us to reach others in His name… and giving Him all of the glory and credit.  We are very much still the rowdy child who has lessons to learn... but it’s high time we grew up a bit and started comprehending what we have been taught!
 
Where are you in this journey?  Are you taking credit for the things that God has done in and through you?  Are you showing the proper respect for your position in life… or do you think more highly of yourself than you ought?  Are you trying to be the bridegroom instead of the best man?  Do you need to acknowledge your “rowdiness” and make an effort to behave better?  Isn’t it time you got started?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 18, 2013

Isaiah 64:8
You, Lord, are our Father.
   We are nothing but clay,
but you are the potter
    who molded us.
 
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.
 
Timothy and Zola love to play with Play-doh®.  Timothy, especially, likes to “make things” out of his.  Zola is more content to just roll “snakes” or “eggs”.  Sometimes I will make her a little “basket” and she puts her “eggs” into it.  Sometimes, she tries to eat the clay!  But Timothy wants sculptures… dinousaurs, “cuckoo birds” (a reference to an episode of Jack’s Big Music Show® on NickJr®).  The Play-doh® is nothing more than a colorful blob in the can… until we transform it into something recognizable or purposeful.  And what we make is our choice… and only as good as the skills of the creator whose hands form it.
 
There is no stretch to imagining where I am headed with this one!  As the scripture points out, God is the Potter… we are the Play-doh®.  God ultimately chooses how we will be fashioned and molded… but He allows us to dictate the options to a large degree.  Just as Timothy will say, “Make another ‘cuckoo bird’,” when I was thinking we might make something else… we tell God, “I think I will do this or that.”  And most of the time, He allows us to wander down the path of our own choosing… at least for awhile.
 
The neat thing about Play-doh® is that generally, nothing created with it is permanent.  Yes, creations can be allowed to air dry and become hard and rigid… just as our own hearts can harden for the long haul.  But just because we have made a decision that doesn’t line up with God’s… or chosen a path that ran counter to His desires for our lives… doesn’t mean we cannot change.  We can ask God to mold us again… to reform us into something more pleasing and beautiful…to “Have Thine Own Way, LORD”, as the old hymn pleads.
 
Where do you need a little “remodeling” today?  Where have you chosen to be molded into something that was not what God had in mind?  Are you beginning to harden around the edges?  It’s not too late… there is still time to ask God to “mold me and make me after Thy will”.  Won’t you take a look at the “sculpture” that is your life and see where you might need to ask Him for a little do-over?
 

Have Thine Own Way, LORD
Adelaide A. Pollard, 1907 ~ Public Domain

 

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

 

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow. 

 

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

 

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

 

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 13, 2013

Isaiah 9:2-6
Those who walked in the dark have seen a bright light. And it shines upon everyone who lives in the land of darkest shadows. Our Lord, you have made your nation stronger. Because of you, its people are glad and celebrate like workers at harvest time or like soldiers dividing up what they have taken.

You have broken the power of those who abused and enslaved your people. You have rescued them just as you saved your people from Midian. The boots of marching warriors and the blood-stained uniforms have been fed to flames and eaten by fire.

A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

“I am praying with everything I’ve got -
Send your love today.
Then send it more and more and more.
Not just to others. But to me.
So I can do what I often feel incapable of doing.
Lead with your love in everything I think, feel, say and do.
Walk a mile in others’ shoes.
Understand in new ways.
Get on board with you.
Change in the ways I need to. And go to work -
Until your will is as real on earth as it already is in heaven.
So children can walk the streets safely.
And there’s no need to carry guns.
And no one will die from hunger.
And hatred is erased from human hearts.
Hear my prayer, Lord.
Hear our prayer, Lord.
Hear your prayer, Lord.
Amen.”

Our church’s bishop, Gary Mueller, wrote this prayer as part of his morning devotional titled “A Sunday Prayer”.  In his writing, he noted the court decision handed down late last night acquitting a man who shot and killed Florida teenager… claiming he felt his life was in danger.  There is great controversy on both sides of this case, and the Bishop began his note with the comment that there is once again a huge divide in our nation.  He also noted that this breaks his heart… but it break’s God’s even more.  So he begged God to send more and more of His love to us today… to bind us together and once again strengthen our nation.
 
As I read over this passage in Isaiah, I felt a sense of encouragement.  Isaiah foretold the coming of Jesus… the “Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God…Eternal Father and Prince of Peace”.  We have all that we need in Him… we just have to tap into His power… grace…mercy… forgiveness… and abounding love.  Because of Jesus, we can set our own feelings and opinions aside and operate in His love. We can try to see people and situations as Jesus sees them.  We can go to work to erase hatred and unkindness… to lead with Christ’s love in everything we think, feel, say and do.
 
There are no winners in this situation.  As is often the case, every person involved has lost in some way.  We must turn to Jesus and find our victories in Him…discover triumph in the knowledge that Christ sacrificed His very life that we might live – abundantly and peacefully.  We must focus on the love of Jesus and incorporate it into every single minute of our day.  We must see each person as God’s creation, precious in His sight and fully entitled to the same love and care that He affords us.  Only then can we fully experience peace and confidence.
 
I cannot imagine what it must be like for either family involved in this case… for the parents of these two men – both the son who was killed, and the one who has been acquitted.  But we must not let disappointments and even perceived injustices define and disrupt us and take our focus off of sharing Jesus’ love.  We must allow God to handle vengeance and serve as the Ultimate Judge.  And we must ask God to fill us with His love and peace.  Pray for God’s peace today and in the days ahead… for yourself and for our nation and the world at large. 

"Hear our prayer, LORD… Hear our prayer." 

©2013 Debbie Robus
 
“A Sunday Prayer” – Bishop Gary Mueller, Arkansas Conference – The United Methodist Church

Daily Devotional for May 22, 2013

James 1:2-4
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
 
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.
 
On Monday, May 20th, Special Education aide Suzanne Haley sheltered her two daughters and several students in a classroom as an F5 tornado barreled down on Briarwood Elementary School in Moore, Oklahoma.  When the storm passed, Haley said she “felt a heaviness” on her right leg, as if something was pinning her down.  She could not lift her leg at all, and she asked one of her daughters to take a look and see if there was something in the way that could be removed.  The daughter screamed when she saw that her mother’s leg had been impaled by the metal leg of what appeared to be a child’s school desk or table.  Remarkably, the teacher’s aide/mother remained calm in front of her students.  In an interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan, Haley later said, “"Amazingly by the grace of God I kept it together. If it's shock, it's shock. I couldn't go into hysterics in front of my children, in front of the other students. I had to be calm for them. Not even until after surgery, when I came out of anesthesia, did I lose it."
 
This heroic single mother of two protected her students and children at risk of her own life.  In her interview with Morgan, she related that First Responders had whisked her away to the nearest available hospital…which was not a facility that honored her insurance coverage. While the table leg missed any bones and pierced the flesh and muscles underneath her leg, Haley still faces three months of therapy and recovery.  On top of this, she reported, “My car is now in a pond near the school.”  Haley said a fund had been established already to help defray her expenses, but that she didn’t truly know how she would make ends meet.  Morgan assured her that a link to information about her expense fund would be posted on CNN’s website.
 
This morning, Piers Morgan’s blog included a post that announced that Suzanne Haley’s insurance company plans to cover her entire hospital bill.  Whether this will include the therapies she will require is unknown… but it’s a start.  Surely, Suzanne Haley’s faith – and that of countless other Oklahomans – was tested on May 20th… and rewarded.  And I can’t help but believe that her endurance will grow as a result.  She will no doubt be a better mother, teacher’s aide, friend, and servant because of her troubles and the chance to strengthen because of them.
 
It shouldn’t take an F5 tornado to get our attention.  We should be fully developed in our faith and without any need.  But that is simply not the case for 99.9% of us.  We do have doubts, challenges, and frustrations.  We often have no clue how strong we truly are… much less Who is responsible for that strength!  But we can grow and learn… even from the horrific experiences of others like Suzanne Haley and the people of Moore, Oklahoma.
 
The next time your faith is tested, think of May 20th.  Remind yourself that the God who gave men, women and children Supernatural strength and courage in the face of what must have appeared to be most certain death and destruction will do the same for you.  I pray that your faith is never tested in this manner.  But I know that we will all be tested in some way.  How will you react?  Will you patiently endure your trials and grow through them?  Will you come out stronger and more sure of God’s love and care for you?
 
Just how needy are you today?  What is missing in your life and your “faith walk?”  Are you patiently working through whatever God has allowed to come your way?  Do you know that He is with you every step of the journey?  Won’t you allow Him to help you work through your tests… and to find joy on the other side?  Aren’t you ready to lack for nothing in the LORD?  Isn’t today a good day to start the process?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 4, 2013

April 4 ~ 1 Samuel 13:6-14 
When the Israelites saw that they were way outnumbered and in deep trouble, they ran for cover, hiding in caves and pits, ravines and brambles and cisterns—wherever. They retreated across the Jordan River, refugees fleeing to the country of Gad and Gilead. But Saul held his ground in Gilgal, his soldiers still with him but scared to death.
He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel. Samuel failed to show up at Gilgal, and the soldiers were slipping away, right and left.
 
So Saul took charge: “Bring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!” He went ahead and sacrificed the burnt offering. No sooner had he done it than Samuel showed up! Saul greeted him.  Samuel said, “What on earth are you doing?”
 
Saul answered, “When I saw I was losing my army from under me, and that you hadn’t come when you said you would, and that the Philistines were poised at Micmash, I said, ‘The Philistines are about to come down on me in Gilgal, and I haven’t yet come before God asking for his help.’ So I took things into my own hands, and sacrificed the burnt offering.”
 
“That was a fool thing to do,” Samuel said to Saul. “If you had kept the appointment that your God commanded, by now God would have set a firm and lasting foundation under your kingly rule over Israel. As it is, your kingly rule is already falling to pieces. God is out looking for your replacement right now. This time he’ll do the choosing. When he finds him, he’ll appoint him leader of his people. And all because you didn’t keep your appointment with God!”
 
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
My Mam-ma Polly had many virtues… patience was not one of them!  When I was growing up, she would call my parents and say, “The peas need to be picked,” or “We’ve got beans to snap,” or “The corn is ready to shuck.”  My parents would gather all of us together after work and head for my grandparents’ farm… and the peas would be picked, shelled and bagged for the freezer… the beans would be snapped and ready to can, and the corn would all be laid out nicely… ready to be frozen on the cob or scraped off for soups, stews and eating “cream-style.”  And a nice hot supper with some of these delectable fresh veggies would be simmering on the stove!
 
In later life, it was things like light bulbs that needed changing or a gutter that needed cleaning.  My grandmother would call and ask for my husband or me, and before we could get to her house, she would have had the chore completed by her deacon or another church member, a neighbor, or even a friend who stopped by for a visit!  Her “excuse” was always, “Well, I decided you weren’t coming!”  Not only did her impatience keep us from truly helping her… it often made for unnecessary hard feelings on both sides – and blocked the blessing!
 
We try to hurry up all sorts of things, and like Saul, we often do a “fool thing” and block a blessing.  Does this mean that God will punish us for our impatience and/or excuses?  Maybe not in the way you think.  See, when we get in God’s way and try to handle things on our own, we often throw a kink in His plans and force Him to move in another direction.  So the person that God was grooming to witness to someone for whom you were praying may never get this opportunity, because you stepped in and tried to orchestrate things yourself.  God might give the joy that you would derive from seeing His perfect timing in action to someone else.  Your reputation for faithfulness and “waiting faithfully on the LORD” might change to that of a person who “jumps the gun” and is impulsive – and your true faithfulness might be questionable.
 
We all have our own excuses… we were trying to help… we didn’t think anyone was coming…we thought this was what God wanted us to do.  But the truth is that we often fail to keep our appointments with God.  We ask for His help and guidance… and then we go right ahead and do as we please.  Not all of God’s answers and instructions are instantaneous.  Some take days/weeks/years.  And in that waiting period, we often become impatient and try to take control.  This is never a good idea!
 
Spend some time today with God and talk to Him about the situations and circumstances in your life… and in the lives of those for whom you pray. Ask Him where – and how – you should be proceeding.  Call on Him to clearly reveal to you where you should be waiting on Him.  Don’t block a blessing… or miss an assignment!  Don’t try to hurry God… or to take matters into your own hands. There really is no good excuse for either.
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 17, 2013

Psalm 27:1
You, Lord, are the light that keeps me safe.
         I am not afraid of anyone.
You protect me, and I have no fears.

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

Timothy and I were driving home, and he said, “I had a bad dream at Paw-Paw’s. A bear was after me.” We talked about how dreams are scary, but they can’t really hurt us… how grownups can protect children and keep them safe from scary things. And I said, “If I was scared, you would protect me… right?” Timothy said, “I can’t protect YOU… you’re BIG!” So I asked him what he would do if his little sister, Zola, was scared. He said, “I would hug her and protect her and keep her safe!” I hope this big brother remembers his vow as he gets older!

Not all of us have an older brother or sister… or anyone who is “bigger” that we trust to protect us. But each and every one of us can call on Jesus. We can rely on His strength and protection. He will keep us safe… He will calm our fears.

I have no doubt that it comforts little children greatly to think that they can trust their parents and other adults to allay their fears and keep them safe. We all need a “parental figure” we can turn to when the chips are down. But more importantly, we need to fully comprehend the strength of God… how HE protects us and keeps us safe… how He can calm our fears… how He sent Jesus Christ to be the light of the world and save us from all “darkness.” And we need to put our trust in our Heavenly Father to do exactly this for us – each and every day.

Whether you are three and a half, twenty-three, or well into your eighties or nineties, you know that the dark can be a scary place… and nightmares are no fun for anyone! Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have the light of Jesus to keep us safe in all situations… to protect us and remove our fears? Are you trusting Him to do this in your life? Shouldn’t you?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 5, 2013

Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you never heard?  Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

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.

The other day, my three-year-old cousin, Owen, had a little meltdown. His mom said, “I think someone needs a nap.” Owen replied, “I don’t need a nap… I’m just tired!” Often, when Timothy is cranky, he will say, “But I did get my nap out!” In truth, this means that he did NOT have a nap… or at least a very good one!

Let us take a little rest… grab a nap for an hour or two… or get a good night’s rest, and most of us are refreshed and re-energized. But sometimes, there are circumstances that prevent us from getting a nap or plenty of rest. There are times when we do grow weary and very tired. Maybe we are studying for finals… or up half the night with a baby who is sick or refuses to sleep…or maybe a medical crisis has us sitting half the night in a hospital Emergency Room. There are times when we seem to be “running on fumes.” And honestly, there seems to be little to no explanation for how we survive without crashing in a heap in the corner of the room and falling into a much-needed sleep.

There are other times when we are mentally or emotionally drained… when stresses (both good and bad) have kept our mind racing or filled us with excitement – anxiety, anticipation, frustration, or even giddiness. Whatever has revved our motor, we can’t seem to settle down and relax… or turn off our thoughts.

In all of these circumstances, there IS a strength and power that we often fail to tap into – much less recognize… the unfailing care and nurture of Almighty God. When we are too tired to put one foot in front of the other, He gives us that little boost to take our next steps. When we think we can’t handle another challenge, God lifts us up and says, “You’re not tackling this by yourself!” When we are so worn out and frustrated that we want to throw up our hands and walk away, God says, “I will carry you for a while.”

How can we give up when we soar on wings as strong as those of eagles… when we operate under the power and strength of such a loving, everlasting God? We may be tired and need a “nap”… or even have a temporary meltdown. But at the end of the day, we need to recognize WHO is carrying us much of the time… filling us with His strength and power to endure whatever comes our way. Isn’t it time you operated in this power? Shouldn’t you embrace the strength of God and call on Him to meet your every need? Wouldn’t this a great time to begin?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 14, 2012

James 4:13-15
And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”

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.

If my grandmother lives to November 5th, we will celebrate her 100th birthday. I’ve begun to make plans… reserved the parlor at her assisted living facility, sent in the forms to Willard Scott for recognition on the TODAY show, and started thinking about refreshments and who to invite. At the same time, I am well aware that a LOT can happen in fifty-two days – especially when you are 99 and in declining health. So I preface all statements about future events with regard to my Mam-ma Polly with the word “if.”

I’ve also learned that any and all plans are subject to change. People get sick, accidents happen, events beyond our control occur… and our course is revised. Sometimes these are momentary setbacks… sometimes the result of the alteration is permanent. Many probably thought Hurricane Katrina would blow through and change things for a few days – or possibly weeks. No one knew that, in some ways, all of our lives would be forever altered by this natural disaster. We could not predict that terrorists would fly planes into the Twin Towers on a beautiful September morning eleven years ago and alter life for millions of people worldwide.

My friend had no clue that a visit to the doctor to investigate her husband’s headaches would result in a diagnosis of a cancerous – and virtually incurable – brain tumor. A young man who got caught in a 40+-car pileup on his way to work one icy, foggy morning last fall in Tennessee did not know that his life was over… his one-month marriage finished…that his destiny was heaven instead of his place of work.

Please understand that this is not meant to be a “bad news” message. More importantly, do not for one minute think that I am saying that God caused any of these events. But I know that He used them, because God never wastes an opportunity to work in and through His people. I am not telling you to stop making plans… to forget goals and aspirations. I am just reminding you that we are not in charge… and every plan we make is subject to change. We must learn to plan with God in mind. We must focus on expecting God to chart our course… and to guide us as we make our plans.

We must develop such a close relationship with God that we know for certain when HE is the one trying to alter our course… and when we are listening to the devil. And we must be very careful not to blame Satan when God says, “You’re on the wrong path.” “The devil did this,” is not a good excuse – or an “out” when things don’t go our way! We must trust that any alterations God allows in our plans are for our benefit…and we must be ready and willing to say, “Okay, LORD… which way do I go now?”

Will the devil try to trip you up? Absolutely – and often! Will you know the difference between his interference and a change in course designed or allowed by God? I surely hope so! Are you prepared to let God to chart your path… to guide your plans according to His perfect will? More importantly, will you accept God’s modifications with a glad heart and complete faith that plans are perfect? Do you get it that every minute of our life is like a wispy fog… here one minute and gone the next… but that God’s love and care – and His plans for us – endure forever?

Prayerfully – and carefully – plot a course for your life. Make every effort to stay attuned to God’s will and His design for each step you take. Live deliberately... don't put off telling others you love them, "mending fences," or fulfilling obligations. If you feel that God has told you something is important enough to incorporate into your plans, the phrase "I'll do it later" should not be uttered. Learn to tell the difference between the devil’s efforts to trip you up and a bona fide change in course delivered by God.

Live in the faith and confidence of knowing that you are obediently operating in God’s will for your life, and that He will never desert you… never allow more than you can handle with His help. When changes in your plans happen, stop and ask Him, “Which way now, LORD?” – and mean it!

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 13, 2012

James 4:11-12
My friends, don’t say cruel things about others! If you do, or if you condemn others, you are condemning God’s Law. And if you condemn the Law, you put yourself above the Law and refuse to obey either it or God who gave it. God is our judge, and he can save or destroy us. What right do you have to condemn anyone?

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

If ever there was a season where we need these two verses… this is it! Criticisms and condemnations are flying from people in every political camp. And I get it… the temptation is surely there to rail against my candidates’ opponents in many cases… to call some of them names like “liar, idiot, or loser.” But this would be wrong on many levels… beginning with others’ entitlement to their own opinion and the right to free speech. Additionally, none of us likes it when the other guy is critical or judgmental of us or our candidates. So I have tried very hard to keep my opinions to myself… and hopefully no one has been offended by anything I have said or done.

What I had not fully considered is that judging and saying cruel or condescending things about others condemns God’s Law… and essentially puts us above the Law – and God! So we must be very careful what we say about others… how we react to their words and actions… and any impression we might give that we are condemning one another.

“But wait!” you may say… “What about terrorists? What about tyrants and dictators? Shouldn’t we condemn them?” If I read what James is telling us correctly, we must be careful that what we condemn is the behavior… the comment - or action – not the person who delivered it. So to say that the activities of a terrorist are wrong is one thing… but to say cruel things about him/her is another. For instance, when Osama bin Laden was captured and killed, few would disagree that he committed heinous atrocities towards thousands of people. But for late night comedians to joke about his death was cruel and unGodly.

When we know that someone has done reprehensible things… or spoken hatefully of another, we must not call that person names or publicly condemn the individual. This makes us no better or different than that person. But to say, “I don’t agree with his/her comments or actions,” or “I am praying that he/she has a change of heart” seems to be more in line with God’s Law. We are leaving the actual judging and consequences in His hands, rather than inserting ourselves into this mix.

As I said, I think these are incredibly important scripture verses for all of us to study and incorporate… not just for the next few weeks, but forever. We need to make this a habit… to trust God to handle these things… and to demonstrate His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness by keeping OUR opinions to ourselves… and carefully monitoring our own words and actions. When you feel the urge to say something cruel or judgmental about another person… stop and ask myself… “Would Jesus do this? How would He (who has every right to criticize and condemn) treat this person if they stood face to face?”

Let’s remember… we are all God’s children. He loves that person you have labeled a “liar, idiot or loser” just as much as He loves you. Our responsibility as Christians is to behave in a way that honors God and shows Him due respect. He can – and will – handle the rest. Are you ready to let Him?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 26, 2012

James 1:19-21
My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things that God wants done. You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. Instead be humble and accept the message that is planted in you to save you.

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

Most three-year-olds cannot control their temper or their tongue. They have not learned to use the right words or methods to express their feelings. So there are a lot of “I can’ts” and temper tantrums. Timothy told me one day, “I’m mad!” I asked why he was mad, and he couldn’t tell me. So he threw some toys and cried instead. As you can imagine, that really didn’t accomplish much!

I tried (unsuccessfully) to explain to Timothy that I might be able to help if I knew what made him mad. But we could not get anything done until we knew what problem we were addressing.

Even at a “grown-up” age, we are really no different. We still get angry over situations and lash out. We still behave irrationally and fail to truly spell out our issues, so that we can face them head-on. And we know better. God has equipped us with the ultimate tool for handling any and every situation… His Holy Spirit. All we have to do is stop and outline our situation… to say, “LORD, here I am… this is what’s going on… how do I proceed?”… and to trust Him to show us what needs to get done.

Instead, we often forge ahead on our own. The devil sits on our shoulder and rubs his hands greedily. And with the tiniest window of opportunity, he jumps in and says, “I think you should do it THIS way,” or “Nobody’s going to help you… you might as well have a little fun, get drunk or high, rant and rave and throw a fit…or simply give up.” Insert whatever trips your trigger here… because we all have the propensity to succumb to Satan’s voice if we are not watchful and diligent in our efforts to listen to the Holy Spirit!

Stay on your guard, and ask God to help you control your temper. Learn to express what is bothering you to the Holy Spirit… and to seek His guidance for how to handle even the smallest of everyday challenges. Not every day will be a bed of roses. Tests will come… trials and tribulations are inevitable. But God has planted a message of hope in your heart. He has equipped you with the full armor of His Holy Spirit, and you.can.do.this! Your job is to listen and pay attention. How are you doing so far?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 30, 2012

Matthew 5:43-47
"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

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.

Lately, we’ve had a lot of spotty rain showers. Just last week, my husband and I watched out our back windows as sheets of rain blew across the river valley below us – and barely a drop touched our yard for the longest time. How could the refreshing rain be so close… and yet so far away?

We have commented to each other that “Somebody who needs rain is getting it,” and we have been thankful for this. As our drought conditions continue, it would be easy to be resentful when our neighbors across town receive an inch of rain, and we get only a few drops. If that neighbor happened to be someone we really didn’t like, we could build up a pretty good head of steam over his/her soggy blessing. “That lousy fellow got water for his lawn, and we didn’t get any! How could God bless HIM?! What’s He doing letting THAT guy have rain and not us?!”

I hope you can see how ridiculous this is even as you read it. But if we are honest, we behave in exactly this manner about many things – and often! We cheer when our “enemy” is wounded in some way, and we gripe and complain if he/she gets a break. When we are wronged - or this happens to someone we care about - it rarely (if ever) occurs to us to pray for the offender… to ask God to soften his/her heart and to bring about a spirit of remorse and a desire for restitution. Instead, we rant and rave, wring our hands and cry… and we ask God “Why, LORD, WHY?” We treat these “enemies” with disdain – and sometimes disrespect.

What do you suppose would happen if we began to fervently and genuinely pray for our “enemies?” What if we prayed for the shooter who killed and injured more than 70 people recently in Colorado… or those who oppose the political candidates we support? Suppose we were to begin praying for those who mistreat and disrespect the people who do not share their views on everything from universal health care and gun control to abortion, gay rights and what constitutes a “traditional marriage?”

What if we prayed for those who protest at funerals and bomb abortion clinics? Have you ever considered what might happen if we prayed for the monsters that exploit little children, tyrants who are cruel and repressive toward the people under their control, and those who are so sick of mind as to torture innocent animals?

Closer to home, what if you prayed for that neighbor who drives you nuts, the kid in your class who is obnoxious, the teacher who intimidates students, the person who disagrees with your views on anything and everything, or the boss who is never satisfied with your work? What do you suppose would happen if you started to pray passionately for that church member who drives you up the wall or the crazy relative you wished belonged to another family?

I love how this passage explains that it’s easy to love those who agree with you and are so “lovable.” Loving the unlovely – or those who differ with us in some way – is much harder… but far more important! When we start to operate in love and concern for others… ALL others… we open the doors for God to step through and perform miracles. And notice I did NOT say to pray for these people to come around to our way of thinking! We are not asking God to necessarily change the other person… we are merely asking Him to work in this person’s life according to His will. This is very important!

When we take a step backward and look at even our worst “enemy” and say, “This is God’s child, too,” we begin to see this person in a different light. He/she may still be disagreeable, different, messed up, confused… or even evil. But God sees at least the potential for worth and significance – and HE has the final say. Our change in attitude may not have the effect that WE desire… but all concerned will be forever transformed as we place the judgment and outcome in God’s hands and operate totally in His love.

I suggest you start small. Pick out one person today that needs your love and prayers. Tomorrow, select another (you know there is more than one!), and pray for him/her. Notice how God works in and through you as you begin to release your negative feelings and allow Him to have complete control. Surrender to God’s will and operate in His love for ALL of His children. Make every effort to get to a place in your own faith walk where your joy comes from learning to truly celebrate when the other guy gets rain…and you don’t!

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 16, 2012

Genesis 50:16-21
So they sent Joseph a message, "Before his death, your father gave this command: Tell Joseph, 'Forgive your brothers' sin—all that wrongdoing. They did treat you very badly.' Will you do it? Will you forgive the sins of the servants of your father's God?”

When Joseph received their message, he wept.

Then the brothers went in person to him, threw themselves on the ground before him and said, "We'll be your slaves."

Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.

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.

19th-Century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” And truly, some of our most powerful – and effective – lessons are learned through adversity. The ability to see the positive side of a tough situation is a talent many of us could use!

The cool thing is that God can show each of us how to find the blessings in the “bad stuff”…to say, “That guy actually did me a favor” or “This really worked out pretty well.” I know in my own life that there have been times when I wanted to be so angry with someone over how they treated me – or I wanted to be mad and upset about unplanned circumstances and how they “ruined my day.” But when I stopped and took a hard look at what I gained from the experience, my negative feelings began to fade. I won’t say they always disappeared, but let’s just say they were not so near the surface!

A lot of this is nothing more than a resentment we harbor against someone or something. I can tell you that nobody suffers more from a grudge than the person who holds it. If you really want to live in joy and abundance, let it go. Take a page from Joseph’s book… recognize that what others plan against you for evil, God can use for good. Realize that “life happens.” The key is to stay faithful to God… close to Him in every way – at all times – and to be fully attuned to His will and desires for your life, rather than those of others.

Joseph had it right. We are not God… but we are not to be a doormat for others, either. We are to operate fully in the will of God and trust Him to show us –and others - positive aspects and outcomes for every situation. It may be hard at times. We may feel like we are going to die in the process – or possibly suffer a broken heart or public embarrassment beyond repair. And yes, we may get a little frustrated when things don’t go as we planned. But God will take care of this, too. He will meet our needs at all times - if only we will let Him. GOD will handle any “revenge” necessary. He will bless us even in adversity… and that will make all the difference.

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 6, 2012

Psalm 9:7-10
God holds the high center, he sees and sets the world's mess right. He decides what is right for us earthlings, gives people their just deserts.

God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you're never sorry you knocked.

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 really stressful time in your life… where was your sanctuary? Where did you go to “let your hair down” and relax… what gave you comfort? When I was a little girl, my “sanctuary” was a mossy creek bank across the road from my grandparents’ farm. I still can “channel” the sound of the wind in the pines and feel the softness of that damp moss beneath me… and instantly, I feel calmer. If you are like me, you have dreamed of falling into your cozy bed and getting a good long nap or a night’s rest. Last Christmas Eve, when I was at my wits’ end with the care of my grandmother in the Emergency Room, I even found refuge in the hospital chapel. In that moment, God’s “house” was where I discovered a “safe-house” for my battered nerves!

Surely you have your own list of sanctuaries… places where you feel you can relax during bad times… where you are never sorry you knocked. But what if none of those physical refuges is available? What are you supposed to do then?

As wonderful and comforting as physical safe havens can be, I believe that we truly arrive as Christians when we can “center” ourselves in God any place… at any time. When we stop and focus on Him, we see that He is at work setting the world’s mess right, no matter where we are. I was talking with a friend recently and commented that I had a running joke with someone else that… “If God can fix this, He can fix anything.” My friend quickly retorted… “God CAN fix anything!” And he’s exactly right… but often we have not given Him room to do this!

Today, I want you to take a deep breath… or two or three. Relax and open your heart to God. Allow Him to come in and handle the messes of your day and give you sanctuary, wherever you may be. Learn to find refuge in Him while sitting in traffic, handling the latest crisis of the moment, or struggling with the worries of your day. Nothing is too big for God to handle… and there is no safer place than in His arms. When was the last time you knocked at His “safe-house?” Isn’t this a good time to visit?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 11, 2012

Acts 2:1-13
On the day of Pentecost all the Lord's followers were together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there.

The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak. Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem. And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages. They were excited and amazed, and said: Don't all these who are speaking come from Galilee? Then why do we hear them speaking our very own languages?

Some of us are from Parthia, Media, and Elam. Others are from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya near Cyrene, Rome, Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were bornJews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done.

Everyone was excited and confused. Some of them even kept asking each other, "What does all this mean?" Others made fun of the Lord's followers and said, "They are drunk.”

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

Suppose someone made a sarcastic or playful comment to you about swimming in a pool with sharks, and you didn’t understand. Your response was, “You have a pool?” That would be ridiculous, wouldn’t it?! But so often, we misinterpret what is said or done – not merely out of our own ignorance, but also because of a lack of proper communication or the inflection of someone else’s humor, sarcasm, or personal opinion. And sometimes, we jump to conclusions and make snap judgments. And we do this a lot when it comes to our faith.

So when I read this passage, I was not so focused on the fact that people were speaking in tongues as I was their reaction… and the rapid conclusion by some that the people were drunk. We are no different. We often judge quickly. We assume that someone is a fanatic because of how they speak about certain issues. We decide that others are either weak in their faith – or a lost cause altogether. We write people off because of how they dress, what they drive, and which political camp they favor. We categorize people according to who they select as friends, their personal lifestyle choices, and their economic status.

We don’t truly get to know other people… and often, we don’t truly get to know God. Why would it be out of the realm of possibilities for God to allow a room full of people from different countries to speak in their own language, while we hear them in English or whatever happens to be our native language? We’re talking about the God of the Universe! He can do anything… right? Why must everything be so cut and dried in our faith? Can’t the God who loves each of us as His own precious child love those who think, speak and act differently? Is our faith so “cookie-cutter” that there is no “wiggle room?” And if this is the case, have we removed God’s ability to work in and through each of us by being so rigid?

My challenge for each of us is to stop limiting God. Let’s stop setting up boundaries and jumping to conclusions about other people and situations, just because we may not clearly understand them. When we open our hearts and minds to the possibilities with God… when we allow Him room to work and an open invitation… amazing things can happen, just as they did at Pentecost.

Where have you made snap judgments lately? Where have you limited God? Isn’t it time you let go and let Him have control? Isn’t today a good day to begin?

©2012 Debbie Robus