Exodus 20:8-11
Remember that the Sabbath Day belongs
to me. You have six days when you can do your work, but the seventh day
of each week belongs to me, your God. No one is to work on that day—not
you, your children, your slaves, your animals, or the foreigners who
live in your towns. In six days I made the sky, the earth, the oceans,
and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That’s why I
made the Sabbath a special day that belongs to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’m
going to be honest with you. I don’t attend worship every single
Sunday. Sometimes I am not feeling well…sometimes in the winter the
weather is too icy…and sometimes, I just don’t go. When Greg and I were
still business owners, we often had to work on Sundays. We had
deadlines to meet…work that had to get done. And as business owners and
the only two employees for many years, the workload fell on our
shoulders - regardless of what day the calendar showed.
Do not
judge me! I understand fully the significance of the Sabbath…and even
on my busiest day – or the days when I “play hooky,” I try to spend time
with God…to listen for His voice, study His word...and to reflect on
what He has in store for me. Sometimes, we all need to sit quietly and
let God fill us…whether we’re sitting on a pew in a church sanctuary –
or on our couch or back porch, drinking a cup of coffee. There are
times when God wants us to simply be still and take a breather…from
EVERYTHING!
Here’s the thing…attending a worship service every
Sunday morning and/or evening (or both) does not make us superior
Christians…or even mean that we are truly living “in God’s will.” I
believe that corporate worship is important…that we demonstrate to
others our desire to humbly come before God and worship Him as a body of
believers…to learn more about His word, how He works, and His missions.
I believe that fellowship with others is important…both for those who
are born-again Christians, those who may be seeking God - and those who
don’t have a clue who God is, much less that they need Him in their
lives.
I also believe that some use the Sabbath to make a point
rather than to make a difference. For some, Sunday is the day to put on
a show and give others the impression that we are good, faithful, and
pleasing to God…while in truth, we may be none of these things. In our
heart, we may not be seeking a deeper relationship with God and
communion with other believers. We may be hoping to impress everyone
with our appearance (in every sense of this word), our presence in the
choir or as an usher (or simply filling a pew)…and going through the
motions of worship for an hour or so.
We do need to give God our
time and attention! We do need to take a breath, sit quietly, and let
Him fill us – and we need to do this often! We need to recognize God’s
power and supremacy…to acknowledge all that He has created…to humble
ourselves before Him and seek His presence – and His voice. We need to
spend time worshipping God…and getting our “marching orders!” We need to
fellowship with others - without a personal agenda or ulterior
motives.
The God who did so much for us deserves our full time
and attention on a regular basis. The Sabbath is a great day for
this...but it’s not the only day. The important thing is how we spend
time with God…rather than when…and how often this happens. Are you
making quality time for God in your life…resting in Him and creating an
atmosphere in which He can truly speak to you? Don’t you think it’s
time you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label alone time with God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alone time with God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for November 23, 2012
Psalm 4:4-5
Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.
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’ve been listening to the conversations Timothy has with his toy dinosaurs and jungle animals… and also his bath tub “friends.” You can learn a lot from an imaginative three-year-old! One conversation he had recently involved a “Grandpa” dinosaur and a smaller animal who wanted to come along on an adventure. Grandpa would say, “You can’t come with us…it’s too dangerous. But how can we get across this bridge… got any ideas?”
Timothy worked out his problems in these conversations and arrived at answers. Granted, they were make-believe conversations… and a lot of it was quotes from his videos about “The Land That Time Forgot.” Still, there was a great lesson here. We need to spend some time sharing our frustrations and concerns with God and asking Him… “Got any ideas?” I can assure you, He has plenty of them… and He is more than ready to share His answers with you!
More and more, I find myself in situations where I really need someone to talk to… but the “right person” just doesn’t seem to exist. Either my concerns would be worrisome or hurtful to some… or seem downright ugly and mean to others… or the things that genuinely trouble me sound totally ridiculous and/or as if I am lacking in faith when I say them out loud. So I tell these things to God. NOTHING is too ridiculous, hurtful and mean, or doubtful to share with Him. I can be myself, pour out my heart, and “let it all hang out” before God, and He will not judge me. BUT…He will answer!
God’s verdict will always be right and sound… and if I will just sit still for a while and listen, He will show me exactly what I need to do. A lot of the time we cannot help our feelings… our thoughts and impressions are very real to us. But we don’t need to air them for the world to hear. Instead, all we have to do is pour out our hearts to God and ask, “Got any ideas?” I guarantee you that He does! Who are you talking to these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.
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’ve been listening to the conversations Timothy has with his toy dinosaurs and jungle animals… and also his bath tub “friends.” You can learn a lot from an imaginative three-year-old! One conversation he had recently involved a “Grandpa” dinosaur and a smaller animal who wanted to come along on an adventure. Grandpa would say, “You can’t come with us…it’s too dangerous. But how can we get across this bridge… got any ideas?”
Timothy worked out his problems in these conversations and arrived at answers. Granted, they were make-believe conversations… and a lot of it was quotes from his videos about “The Land That Time Forgot.” Still, there was a great lesson here. We need to spend some time sharing our frustrations and concerns with God and asking Him… “Got any ideas?” I can assure you, He has plenty of them… and He is more than ready to share His answers with you!
More and more, I find myself in situations where I really need someone to talk to… but the “right person” just doesn’t seem to exist. Either my concerns would be worrisome or hurtful to some… or seem downright ugly and mean to others… or the things that genuinely trouble me sound totally ridiculous and/or as if I am lacking in faith when I say them out loud. So I tell these things to God. NOTHING is too ridiculous, hurtful and mean, or doubtful to share with Him. I can be myself, pour out my heart, and “let it all hang out” before God, and He will not judge me. BUT…He will answer!
God’s verdict will always be right and sound… and if I will just sit still for a while and listen, He will show me exactly what I need to do. A lot of the time we cannot help our feelings… our thoughts and impressions are very real to us. But we don’t need to air them for the world to hear. Instead, all we have to do is pour out our hearts to God and ask, “Got any ideas?” I guarantee you that He does! Who are you talking to these days?
©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
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 September 17, 2010
1 Peter 4:11
If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had some sort of virus for a few days that left me with acute laryngitis. I know some of you will find this incredibly amusing – or even “poetic justice” – so go ahead and laugh. The truth is, being unable to make a sound above a whisper for more than five days has given me time to reflect in depth on speech and communication … how and why we communicate – and what we are really saying.
I’ve considered my inability to talk – and the ramifications. What if my voice didn’t return … how would I manage? Thankfully, I can write notes by hand, send texts and e-mails, post on Facebook, and even use charades and sign language to get a message to my husband. But there are things that I cannot do … like respond to my cats when they call. I can’t read or sing to Timothy – and he isn’t old enough to understand laryngitis. I can’t telephone people who don’t have e-mail, like my grandmother and my sister. I can’t console a little friend I saw in Wal-Mart who had scraped her knee.
Satan may be having the biggest laugh over my inability to speak … but he has not won. I can still write devos. I can still mail notes of encouragement, sympathy, get well wishes, and congratulations. I can still work with my hands to do everything from housekeeping to meal prep to hugging husbands, kitties and babies. I can still give a grieving friend a hug and a smile in Wal-Mart. I can still pray.
I can still honor God in a number of ways, because we are none of us limited to one method. If God takes your hands, feet, speech, eyesight, hearing … whatever, ask Him to show you another way to serve Him. Because I assure you, with God there is always a way.
I know that in a few days my speech will return. But I won’t forget the lesson of my laryngitis. I won’t forget the blessing of being able to open your mouth and answer the telephone … or read/sing to a baby. I won’t underestimate the spoken words, “I love you.” I also won’t underestimate the power of God to use us in a variety of ways … and to bless us immensely. I will thank Him for good health and strong bodies … and a few days to learn more about Him in the peace and quiet of a raspy whisper.
How will God use you today? What will be your “tools” and gifts? Will you recognize them and ask God to give you strength and power to honor Him by their use?
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you have the gift of speaking, preach God's message. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with the strength that God supplies. Everything should be done in a way that will bring honor to God because of Jesus Christ, who is glorious and powerful forever. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had some sort of virus for a few days that left me with acute laryngitis. I know some of you will find this incredibly amusing – or even “poetic justice” – so go ahead and laugh. The truth is, being unable to make a sound above a whisper for more than five days has given me time to reflect in depth on speech and communication … how and why we communicate – and what we are really saying.
I’ve considered my inability to talk – and the ramifications. What if my voice didn’t return … how would I manage? Thankfully, I can write notes by hand, send texts and e-mails, post on Facebook, and even use charades and sign language to get a message to my husband. But there are things that I cannot do … like respond to my cats when they call. I can’t read or sing to Timothy – and he isn’t old enough to understand laryngitis. I can’t telephone people who don’t have e-mail, like my grandmother and my sister. I can’t console a little friend I saw in Wal-Mart who had scraped her knee.
Satan may be having the biggest laugh over my inability to speak … but he has not won. I can still write devos. I can still mail notes of encouragement, sympathy, get well wishes, and congratulations. I can still work with my hands to do everything from housekeeping to meal prep to hugging husbands, kitties and babies. I can still give a grieving friend a hug and a smile in Wal-Mart. I can still pray.
I can still honor God in a number of ways, because we are none of us limited to one method. If God takes your hands, feet, speech, eyesight, hearing … whatever, ask Him to show you another way to serve Him. Because I assure you, with God there is always a way.
I know that in a few days my speech will return. But I won’t forget the lesson of my laryngitis. I won’t forget the blessing of being able to open your mouth and answer the telephone … or read/sing to a baby. I won’t underestimate the spoken words, “I love you.” I also won’t underestimate the power of God to use us in a variety of ways … and to bless us immensely. I will thank Him for good health and strong bodies … and a few days to learn more about Him in the peace and quiet of a raspy whisper.
How will God use you today? What will be your “tools” and gifts? Will you recognize them and ask God to give you strength and power to honor Him by their use?
©2010 Debbie Robus
April 28 ~ Proverbs 17:1
A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few months ago, my husband and I were shopping in North Little Rock, and we decided to have a nice lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. We were seated in a booth that was tucked into one of the back corners of the establishment, and it appeared we would have a wonderful, quiet lunch. However, there were two women seated in the booth next to us who were having a loud and energetic conversation, and we couldn’t help but be distracted by them… especially when we heard them mention our home town! They took phone calls, they talked and laughed, and clearly they were having a good time and enjoying their meal.
Our meal was delicious, but I have to tell you… I’ve enjoyed a tuna sandwich eaten on our back porch on a warm spring or fall day more than I did dining next to those two women. Somehow the “noise” of birds and squirrels chirping trumps the enthusiastic conversation of complete strangers in my book!
This scripture passage is about so much more than eating a meal in solitude. It is about turning down the “noise” in our lives and creating “balance.” So many of us are caught up in always being busy – always going places and doing things – and we don’t know how to sit and simply “be.” We don’t know how to enjoy the quiet solitude of an hour spent sitting and listening to the sounds of nature. We surely don’t have the capacity to spend quiet time alone with God! We want action, adventure, people – and lots of “noise!” But this verse is telling us that “less is more!”
We need to “turn down the volume.” We need to realize that constant stimulation in the form of activity and action and noise does not always spell contentment! Try turning off the television, cancelling an activity or two, and sitting quietly for a while. Whether you eat a sandwich on your back step or just sit on your couch and meditate on your blessings, I’m betting you will find yourself refreshed and more contented when you rise. Less really can be more… try it… you might just be surprised at the results!
©2010 Debbie Robus
A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few months ago, my husband and I were shopping in North Little Rock, and we decided to have a nice lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. We were seated in a booth that was tucked into one of the back corners of the establishment, and it appeared we would have a wonderful, quiet lunch. However, there were two women seated in the booth next to us who were having a loud and energetic conversation, and we couldn’t help but be distracted by them… especially when we heard them mention our home town! They took phone calls, they talked and laughed, and clearly they were having a good time and enjoying their meal.
Our meal was delicious, but I have to tell you… I’ve enjoyed a tuna sandwich eaten on our back porch on a warm spring or fall day more than I did dining next to those two women. Somehow the “noise” of birds and squirrels chirping trumps the enthusiastic conversation of complete strangers in my book!
This scripture passage is about so much more than eating a meal in solitude. It is about turning down the “noise” in our lives and creating “balance.” So many of us are caught up in always being busy – always going places and doing things – and we don’t know how to sit and simply “be.” We don’t know how to enjoy the quiet solitude of an hour spent sitting and listening to the sounds of nature. We surely don’t have the capacity to spend quiet time alone with God! We want action, adventure, people – and lots of “noise!” But this verse is telling us that “less is more!”
We need to “turn down the volume.” We need to realize that constant stimulation in the form of activity and action and noise does not always spell contentment! Try turning off the television, cancelling an activity or two, and sitting quietly for a while. Whether you eat a sandwich on your back step or just sit on your couch and meditate on your blessings, I’m betting you will find yourself refreshed and more contented when you rise. Less really can be more… try it… you might just be surprised at the results!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 27, 2010
April 27 ~ Proverbs 16:8
It's better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve always told my husband that “I’d live with you in a pup tent.” He laughs at that… knowing I like the comfort of a warm bed and a good hot shower… but he also understands what I am saying. As long as we are together, it really doesn’t matter where we live or how much “stuff” we have. Many people assume that the “rich” are happier – or that becoming wealthy will equal lifelong contentment. We toss around phrases like “When I win the lottery…” or “When my ship comes in…” or “When I marry a rich man/woman…” The truth is… chasing wealth has been the downfall of many people. This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to have ambition or to desire to be financially secure. If you work hard, with honesty and integrity, and treat people well – and you make a lot of money as a result - good for you! But if you “kick and claw your way to the top” and are willing to do things that are dishonest or illegal – or you mistreat others along the way – your “victory” will be rather hollow. You may not go to jail like Bernie Madoff and others, but Judgment Day will surely come.
God wants us to be happy. And while some think that Jesus’ call for the disciples to leave everything and follow Him means that we are supposed to live meager lives in very simple houses, drive clunkers and wear cheap, plain clothing, they are mistaken. God doesn’t begrudge us having nice homes, clothes, cars and more… as long as we earn them honestly and honor Him in the bargain.
Please hear me… you do not have to apologize for what you have… or what you don’t have… as long as you are serving God according to His will for your life. If God wants you to sell all of your belongings and move to a Third World country to serve him, do it! But God may want you to use your fancy house and car to witness to others in your neighborhood… or to host meals and get-togethers for a group in your church. He may have helped you afford a Suburban so that you can haul the youth group to weekly activities. Or He may have chosen you to work with the less fortunate – and to relate well to them because they readily accept you as “one of them.”
The point is… God isn’t doling out favors and punishments in the form of monetary wealth and possessions. He is calling us to be rich in HIM… not in things. This is not a license to be a slacker and decide that God wants you to goof off and just barely get by in life. Truly find out where God wants you to be… then serve Him honestly and faithfully in that station. Be the best employee, boss, teacher, student, parent, son/daughter, servant that you can become. Always do your “job” honestly and make sure your behavior is beyond question or reproach. Measure your wealth in terms of God’s favor… not man’s. You’ll find your value is far higher in HIS sight than on this earth… and that’s where it really counts!
©2010 Debbie Robus
It's better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve always told my husband that “I’d live with you in a pup tent.” He laughs at that… knowing I like the comfort of a warm bed and a good hot shower… but he also understands what I am saying. As long as we are together, it really doesn’t matter where we live or how much “stuff” we have. Many people assume that the “rich” are happier – or that becoming wealthy will equal lifelong contentment. We toss around phrases like “When I win the lottery…” or “When my ship comes in…” or “When I marry a rich man/woman…” The truth is… chasing wealth has been the downfall of many people. This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to have ambition or to desire to be financially secure. If you work hard, with honesty and integrity, and treat people well – and you make a lot of money as a result - good for you! But if you “kick and claw your way to the top” and are willing to do things that are dishonest or illegal – or you mistreat others along the way – your “victory” will be rather hollow. You may not go to jail like Bernie Madoff and others, but Judgment Day will surely come.
God wants us to be happy. And while some think that Jesus’ call for the disciples to leave everything and follow Him means that we are supposed to live meager lives in very simple houses, drive clunkers and wear cheap, plain clothing, they are mistaken. God doesn’t begrudge us having nice homes, clothes, cars and more… as long as we earn them honestly and honor Him in the bargain.
Please hear me… you do not have to apologize for what you have… or what you don’t have… as long as you are serving God according to His will for your life. If God wants you to sell all of your belongings and move to a Third World country to serve him, do it! But God may want you to use your fancy house and car to witness to others in your neighborhood… or to host meals and get-togethers for a group in your church. He may have helped you afford a Suburban so that you can haul the youth group to weekly activities. Or He may have chosen you to work with the less fortunate – and to relate well to them because they readily accept you as “one of them.”
The point is… God isn’t doling out favors and punishments in the form of monetary wealth and possessions. He is calling us to be rich in HIM… not in things. This is not a license to be a slacker and decide that God wants you to goof off and just barely get by in life. Truly find out where God wants you to be… then serve Him honestly and faithfully in that station. Be the best employee, boss, teacher, student, parent, son/daughter, servant that you can become. Always do your “job” honestly and make sure your behavior is beyond question or reproach. Measure your wealth in terms of God’s favor… not man’s. You’ll find your value is far higher in HIS sight than on this earth… and that’s where it really counts!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 10, 2010
March 10 ~ Psalm 62:8
Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each one of your concerns. God is our place of safety.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Everyone needs a “place of safety.” Everyone needs a place to go and sit and be alone and feel sheltered from the “storms of life.” This may be your bedroom, a den, or even your car. Some parents report that their only “haven” is the bathroom with the door locked! When I was a child, my places of safety were the mossy creek bank across from my grandparents’ farm house, a ride on my horse through the pasture, or the storm cellar (where we spent MANY hours!). That probably explains why to this day, I insist on a “safe room” in our house where we can go during threats of tornadoes!
We also need a Spiritual “place of safety.” This doesn’t have to be a physical location, although for many, it is helpful to have a set “spot” where they can go to talk to God and meditate upon His word. For me, this place is currently my sun porch. At another home, it was a rocking chair or the swing on my front porch. Even on cold winter nights, I would bundle up and go there to talk to God… to pour out my concerns. I felt His presence deeply there… and every twinkling star was like His wink of reassurance.
You don’t have to have a designated “place of safety” to communicate with God and trust Him with your concerns. You might do this in the car on your commute to work… or you might develop a time of meditation with Him while sitting on a bench and waiting on your mom to pick you up from school. Your “place of safety” with God might just be a calming effect you evoke by sitting quietly, praying and meditating. The point is to feel God’s presence and to envision His arms engulfing and protecting you. The point is to trust God to always welcome you - wherever you are, whatever is happening in your life - and to know that He will be there for you. He will – He IS! Are you trusting Him enough these days? Do you have a “place of safety” with God?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each one of your concerns. God is our place of safety.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Everyone needs a “place of safety.” Everyone needs a place to go and sit and be alone and feel sheltered from the “storms of life.” This may be your bedroom, a den, or even your car. Some parents report that their only “haven” is the bathroom with the door locked! When I was a child, my places of safety were the mossy creek bank across from my grandparents’ farm house, a ride on my horse through the pasture, or the storm cellar (where we spent MANY hours!). That probably explains why to this day, I insist on a “safe room” in our house where we can go during threats of tornadoes!
We also need a Spiritual “place of safety.” This doesn’t have to be a physical location, although for many, it is helpful to have a set “spot” where they can go to talk to God and meditate upon His word. For me, this place is currently my sun porch. At another home, it was a rocking chair or the swing on my front porch. Even on cold winter nights, I would bundle up and go there to talk to God… to pour out my concerns. I felt His presence deeply there… and every twinkling star was like His wink of reassurance.
You don’t have to have a designated “place of safety” to communicate with God and trust Him with your concerns. You might do this in the car on your commute to work… or you might develop a time of meditation with Him while sitting on a bench and waiting on your mom to pick you up from school. Your “place of safety” with God might just be a calming effect you evoke by sitting quietly, praying and meditating. The point is to feel God’s presence and to envision His arms engulfing and protecting you. The point is to trust God to always welcome you - wherever you are, whatever is happening in your life - and to know that He will be there for you. He will – He IS! Are you trusting Him enough these days? Do you have a “place of safety” with God?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 24, 2010
February 24 ~ Psalms 35:1-3
Fight my enemies, LORD! Attack my attackers! Shield me and help me. Aim your spear at everyone who hunts me down, but promise to save me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As I read this passage, I couldn’t help but envision action figures, ready to strike... Batman, Spiderman… even Indiana Jones! Okay, so maybe I’ve watched one too many adventure movies! But imagine God as the Ultimate Superhero! He takes on all attackers… He shields us from every sling and arrow. He hunts down the devil and his agents and destroys them before they can harm a hair on our heads!
Now, think about your action figure “superheroes” for a minute. What had to happen before they could strike? They had to be summoned! Someone had to let them know that their help was needed. Batman got the “Bat Signal.” Spiderman has a “sixth sense” when danger is near. Indiana Jones ends up in situations that call for faith and courage, and bravado…to save himself and those around him.
I know this is a bit of a stretch, but stick with me… we have to call on God (through prayer) to fight our enemies. Sure, He already knows we need help, but remember… He wants to hear from us. He wants us to voice our needs. He wants us to recognize Him as our Redeemer and call upon Him to avenge us.
Let’s be honest… the Bible is the best “action adventure” ever created. God really is the Ultimate Superhero. And He stands ready to fight for us at every turn… all we have to do is give Him the signal and believe in His power. Superheroes of the comics and movies may be figments of our imagination, but God is REAL and reigns forever. Are YOU trusting Him to save you today?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Fight my enemies, LORD! Attack my attackers! Shield me and help me. Aim your spear at everyone who hunts me down, but promise to save me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As I read this passage, I couldn’t help but envision action figures, ready to strike... Batman, Spiderman… even Indiana Jones! Okay, so maybe I’ve watched one too many adventure movies! But imagine God as the Ultimate Superhero! He takes on all attackers… He shields us from every sling and arrow. He hunts down the devil and his agents and destroys them before they can harm a hair on our heads!
Now, think about your action figure “superheroes” for a minute. What had to happen before they could strike? They had to be summoned! Someone had to let them know that their help was needed. Batman got the “Bat Signal.” Spiderman has a “sixth sense” when danger is near. Indiana Jones ends up in situations that call for faith and courage, and bravado…to save himself and those around him.
I know this is a bit of a stretch, but stick with me… we have to call on God (through prayer) to fight our enemies. Sure, He already knows we need help, but remember… He wants to hear from us. He wants us to voice our needs. He wants us to recognize Him as our Redeemer and call upon Him to avenge us.
Let’s be honest… the Bible is the best “action adventure” ever created. God really is the Ultimate Superhero. And He stands ready to fight for us at every turn… all we have to do is give Him the signal and believe in His power. Superheroes of the comics and movies may be figments of our imagination, but God is REAL and reigns forever. Are YOU trusting Him to save you today?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 21, 2010
February 21 ~ Romans 8:26
In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been talking with someone and trying to think of another person’s name… or the right word to use… and the person you are talking with fills in the gap for you? Sometimes, words just won’t come. And sometimes, we find ourselves at a loss of what to say or how to pray… the words simply will not come to us. Skipping prayer at this time is NOT the solution. In fact, this is when we really need prayer the most!
Understand just how powerful the Holy Spirit is within you. When things are at a point where you find yourself at a loss… when you are so overwhelmed that you cannot express what you are feeling… the Holy Spirit can pray for you. How does this work? Try this… when you find yourself in a situation where you are at a loss for words to pray, sit quietly. Meditate on God and visualize Him handling your situation. Listen for that “Inner Voice” – do you hear it? God is speaking to you and communicating with you through the Holy Spirit. Open your Bible and read scripture… try the Psalms, for starters… and see answers, peace and reassurance come to life right before your eyes. THAT is the Holy Spirit at work, guiding you, interpreting what you cannot express and manifesting it in prayer… then giving you answers and consolation.
When I find myself overwhelmed or at a loss, I like to find a quiet spot where I can sit, close my eyes, and whisper, “Come, Holy Spirit.” And He does… He calms me, soothes me, listens to what I cannot verbalize and works within me. I don’t get up until I sense a change… that God has heard me… that I am more peaceful and my mood has lifted. Then I know that God is working… that through the Holy Spirit, help is on the way. I’m rarely at a loss for words, but when I am, I know God will hear me anyway. I am so grateful to know God has given us His Holy Spirit to be our constant Companion. Are YOU counting on the Holy Spirit to speak for you when words fail?
©2009 Debbie Robus
In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been talking with someone and trying to think of another person’s name… or the right word to use… and the person you are talking with fills in the gap for you? Sometimes, words just won’t come. And sometimes, we find ourselves at a loss of what to say or how to pray… the words simply will not come to us. Skipping prayer at this time is NOT the solution. In fact, this is when we really need prayer the most!
Understand just how powerful the Holy Spirit is within you. When things are at a point where you find yourself at a loss… when you are so overwhelmed that you cannot express what you are feeling… the Holy Spirit can pray for you. How does this work? Try this… when you find yourself in a situation where you are at a loss for words to pray, sit quietly. Meditate on God and visualize Him handling your situation. Listen for that “Inner Voice” – do you hear it? God is speaking to you and communicating with you through the Holy Spirit. Open your Bible and read scripture… try the Psalms, for starters… and see answers, peace and reassurance come to life right before your eyes. THAT is the Holy Spirit at work, guiding you, interpreting what you cannot express and manifesting it in prayer… then giving you answers and consolation.
When I find myself overwhelmed or at a loss, I like to find a quiet spot where I can sit, close my eyes, and whisper, “Come, Holy Spirit.” And He does… He calms me, soothes me, listens to what I cannot verbalize and works within me. I don’t get up until I sense a change… that God has heard me… that I am more peaceful and my mood has lifted. Then I know that God is working… that through the Holy Spirit, help is on the way. I’m rarely at a loss for words, but when I am, I know God will hear me anyway. I am so grateful to know God has given us His Holy Spirit to be our constant Companion. Are YOU counting on the Holy Spirit to speak for you when words fail?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 15, 2010
February 15 ~ Matthew 14:23
Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later that evening, he was still there.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
How is it that we can sit through three-hour movies, a whole afternoon of football or basketball games, hours of playing video games, or chatting/texting with friends on the phone or computer, but we cannot find five minutes to pray? How often do we sit down to do something and forget all about the time… looking up hours later to realize we haven’t noticed how much time has elapsed? Yet we seldom sit quietly and just talk to God. Why is this?
I will be the first to admit that I am guilty as charged. I have the best intentions of spending a “quiet time” each day with God, but about the most I muster is my 3-mile walk a few times a week. And that’s not all bad. But doesn’t God deserve some “alone time” with us? Doesn’t He deserve some time when we “go to the mountain alone” and sit with Him for a while?
I am challenging each of us to do better in this area – myself included. I am suggesting we give up a television program, a game of solitaire, a few minutes of chat or whatever eats up our time… and spend some “quiet alone time” with our Heavenly Father. I think we will all find that this becomes the best part of our day… the most productive, rewarding, and blessed time. I believe this time spent with God could make every aspect of the rest of our day better. Are you willing to find out?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Then he went up on a mountain where he could be alone and pray. Later that evening, he was still there.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
How is it that we can sit through three-hour movies, a whole afternoon of football or basketball games, hours of playing video games, or chatting/texting with friends on the phone or computer, but we cannot find five minutes to pray? How often do we sit down to do something and forget all about the time… looking up hours later to realize we haven’t noticed how much time has elapsed? Yet we seldom sit quietly and just talk to God. Why is this?
I will be the first to admit that I am guilty as charged. I have the best intentions of spending a “quiet time” each day with God, but about the most I muster is my 3-mile walk a few times a week. And that’s not all bad. But doesn’t God deserve some “alone time” with us? Doesn’t He deserve some time when we “go to the mountain alone” and sit with Him for a while?
I am challenging each of us to do better in this area – myself included. I am suggesting we give up a television program, a game of solitaire, a few minutes of chat or whatever eats up our time… and spend some “quiet alone time” with our Heavenly Father. I think we will all find that this becomes the best part of our day… the most productive, rewarding, and blessed time. I believe this time spent with God could make every aspect of the rest of our day better. Are you willing to find out?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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