Daily Devotional for December 16, 2016

Matthew 25:1-13
“God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.

“In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’

“The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’

“They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’

“They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.

“Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’

“He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’

“So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.

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 went to Walmart this afternoon after I finished helping with Timothy’s class at school.  I know…Friday afternoon at Walmart = BAD IDEA!  But it was especially chaotic today, and I chalked it up to the fact that there are only 9 days left until Christmas.  Maybe people had decided, as had I, that along with our milk and bread, it would be a good idea to go ahead and pick up a few things for the holiday meal…last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers…and anything else we might need in the next week.  Hopefully, this would save us a return trip…or at least some of the hassle of a lengthy shopping trip.

When I entered the store, it was a miserable 37 degrees outside - with a pretty good wind.  When I left, there was also a fine mist in the air.  I didn’t know until I got home that freezing drizzle is just north of us in neighboring counties!  Let me tell you, nothing will send people to Walmart faster than a little precipitation and near-freezing temps or the mention of ice and/or snow in the forecast – and we have both!

Isn’t it funny that we are all about going to the store and getting milk and bread if we think there is even the slightest chance of frozen precipitation…but we are more than willing to play fast and loose with our Christian faith!  We’ll stockpile food, movies, and everything we need to be “snowed in” for a few days…but we won’t store up the things that draw us closer to God and prepare us for a face-to-face meeting with Jesus.  We’ve got all manner of time and energy to drop everything and gather our supplies for a “snowstorm”…but we don’t have time to open our Bibles or talk to God about anything and everything – much less share the Good News of Jesus with someone else.

We don’t have time to help a neighbor…stop and truly ask someone how he/she is doing – and stick around to hear the answer…or offer another person kindness and care.  We are too busy with WHATEVER to do the things that Jesus clearly says in scripture will make the difference for God’s Kingdom.  We may not know the hour of Jesus’ return, but we are in no hurry to “stock up on milk and bread” so that we are prepared.

Christmas IS coming in nine days…and most of us will be ready – for Santa, celebrations, and packages under the tree.  But will we be ready for Jesus?  Will we have “bought enough oil, milk and bread” and made provisions to ensure that we are not left “standing out in the cold?”  Don’t you think it’s time we did?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 27, 2016

Isaiah 25:1, 8-9  
You, Lord, are my God!
    I will praise you
for doing the wonderful things
you had planned and promised
    since ancient times.

The Lord All-Powerful
will destroy the power of death
    and wipe away all tears.
No longer will his people
be insulted everywhere.
    The Lord has spoken!
At that time, people will say,
“The Lord has saved us!
    Let’s celebrate.
We waited and hoped—
    now our God is here.”
The powerful arm of the Lord
    will protect this mountain.

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

What a wonderful conversation I had this morning with 10 second and third graders…about heaven. Their ideas about what it will be like astounded me.  Many were “spot on” with scriptural descriptions of streets paved with gold and jewels.  Others talked about no tears or sadness...and one little girl said, “You won’t have to do anything, and that’s great – because I’m lazy!”  I shared my vision of the never-ending “heavenly table” and the feast we will have there…and they were duly impressed to think they could eat forever and never get full – or FAT!

We talked of how perfect heaven will be…and how blessed we are that God loves us enough to want us there with Him forever and ever!  Most of the children have lost a loved one in the last year - if not a family member, a close friend has passed.  It seemed like we all had at least one person near and dear to our hearts who is already sitting at the feet of Jesus and celebrating His amazing love and care, front and center!  We talked about how comforting that image is for us.

My goal this morning was to give the children a clear picture of how they can spend eternity in heaven with God and Jesus…and to give them hope about their eternal future.  I don’t think of heaven as a sad place at all…and apparently, neither do they!  And that’s a good thing!

So what about you?  Are you looking forward to your eternal home?  Are you doing what Jesus has commanded on this earth while He prepares a place for you at his heavenly table?  Have you surrendered your heart to Jesus and confessed your sins…and are you serving Him with every ounce of energy you can muster?

In the last four weeks, the children and I talked about angels, the devil, prayer, and heaven…and we used the Bible to answer a lot of questions about each of these topics.  We confirmed today that the devil is headed to hell…and we are doing all we can to spend eternity in Heaven. If seven- and eight-year-olds can do this, why can’t you?  Are you making every possible effort to secure that your eternal destination is heaven?  Have you thanked God for this amazing possibility and promise?  Isn’t it time you did?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 24, 2016

Psalm 118:1-7; 27-28
Oh, thank the Lord, for he’s so good! His loving-kindness is forever.

Let the congregation of Israel praise him with these same words: “His loving-kindness is forever.” And let the priests of Aaron chant, “His loving-kindness is forever.” Let the Gentile converts chant, “His loving-kindness is forever.”

In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me. He is for me! How can I be afraid? What can mere man do to me? The Lord is on my side; he will help me. Let those who hate me beware.

Jehovah God is our light. I present to him my sacrifice upon the altar, for you are my God, and I shall give you this thanks and this praise. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is so good! For his loving-kindness is forever.

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

Last Thanksgiving Day, things were so different for my family.  Greg’s brother was alive and well and celebrating with his family.  My mother was battling ovarian cancer…but she was able to dine with us at our table and visit for a few hours afterward.  Now, both of these loved ones are feasting at God’s Heavenly Table…and that doesn’t seem possible – or right!

Last year, Mother wrote a Thanksgiving week blog post in which she noted: “This year, my 76th Thanksgiving, is totally different. I have cancer—an unwelcome and unexpected guest. I cannot host my family around my dining table. My Thanksgiving apron hung limp, not worn this year. However, my older daughter and her husband picked up the tradition. On Thanksgiving Day, we gathered around their dining table in their beautiful home perched on a bluff overlooking [the] Little Red River and Greers Ferry Dam that holds the water back in an expanse of clear blue water.”

“For the first time in my adult life, I was only expected to be present. I did not prepare the dressing, the pecan pie, or the turkey breast. But I am so thankful to have one more Thanksgiving with my loved ones; three little great-grandchildren who keep the holiday lively. A nephew and his wife traveled from Northwest Arkansas to be with us. Thanksgiving was a special day—one in which to give thanks to our Lord. Hopefully, next year, I can once again take my Thanksgiving apron from its hook and help to prepare our feast.”

Mother did not get to pick up that apron for this Thanksgiving…but the cousins drove down to be with us again.  And my immediate family is gathered together for a Thanksgiving feast and visit.  We are still standing…and we are incredibly grateful and thankful.

I lost count of the number of dear friends of ours who have lost a parent, spouse or sibling since this time last year.  Maybe I am more aware, but it seems like a lot of people are in the same boat as we are.  A few days ago, God gave me a beautiful vision.  I have been cooking for our meal for three days or more…and God showed me a lavish Thanksgiving table in heaven.  My parents were seated there, along with my brother, grandparents, my cousins, aunts, uncles, Greg’s dad and brother and HIS grandparents and extended family.

Neighbors, friends, and people from around our community and beyond who were an integral part of our lives were there, also.  There was such an abundance of food…and people lingered and laughed and visited.  Jesus moved in and among the group, sitting first one place and then another.  There was no sadness…and nobody was worried about calories – or anything else!  Did I mention that there was a lot of laughter?

I very plainly heard God tell me, “Someday, you will be here, too…and it will be glorious. Meanwhile, you have people to ‘feed’ where you are…things to do…and an important purpose.”  I was flooded with peace and comfort by this thought…and I have shared it with several loved ones who are missing their own “people” this holiday.

We have so much for which to be thankful…especially Jesus and the promise of heaven because of His sacrifice on the cross.  Someday, we WILL be there, too…and it WILL be glorious.  Meanwhile, God’s lovingkindness makes life on earth bearable – and pretty great most days – like this one!  For this, I give thanks – today, and always. What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 13, 2016

Matthew 4:17
Then Jesus started preaching, “Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here.”

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

Today I accompanied Timothy’s second grade class (and the other second grade classes) to Little Rock to visit the Museum of Discovery.  The children had a wonderful time exploring such things as weather, earth science, the human body, mechanics and physical science, chemistry, and more.  Virtually every exhibit is interactive.  The children can punch buttons, pull knobs, crank handles and more to make things happen and learn in the process.

Timothy’s teacher asked me to keep up with him and three of his classmates.  One of the activities the boys tried was a demonstration of water flow.  They tilted a board to try to get a metal ball to roll down a “waterway” without falling into a hole.  The boys had to jostle the board and maneuver this metal ball along a maze that included several holes and pitfalls. We saw another group manage to navigate this “waterway” successfully. Our metal ball somehow always fell in the hole!

The boys had fun, but they never could get a handle on which way to turn in order to get the ball to go down a path with no holes or pitfalls.  And this is a good example of how you and I operate a lot of the time. We have the best intentions.  We try really hard…and still, we move in the wrong direction and encounter a few “holes.”  OR…like the 4 seven-year-old boys in my group, we get in a hurry or decide to do things our way…and the outcome is less than stellar.

But you and I know Someone who can steer us in the right direction each and every time.  Jesus can show us the way and help us avoid every hazard and obstacle.  If only we will turn back to God and trust HIM to guide our steps, He will show us how to navigate the “waters” of life and get on a course that ultimately leads us to Heaven.  This is the ultimate prize…one that we can all receive.

Will you turn to God and get on His path?  Or are you “hell-bent” on having things your way?  It really is that simple…which course are you on today?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 23, 2016

Acts 1:6-8
When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?”

He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

“Now can we have a prize?” This is the question our children asked me after they had played together nicely for a few minutes earlier this week.  I explained that we had the whole day to spend together…and if they continued to behave well, I would indeed bring out the prize basket at some point.  The kids didn’t know when this would happen…but they knew what they had to do to earn a treat or toy!  And for the most part, they waited patiently and got along.  When they least expected it, I brought out the prize basket and let them choose a reward.

Okay, so this is a really simplified illustration to unpack the return of Jesus.  But there ARE some parallels.  1) We don’t know the hour or day for Christ’s return.  It could happen before you finish reading this devotional, or it could happen centuries from now.  We simply do not know. 2) We have been given a purpose…the “Great Commission” to witness for Jesus to all people throughout the world.  This is not a command for you to hop on a plane and travel to Africa to become a missionary.  It is a call for us to serve wherever and whenever God provides us with opportunities…to “be the hands and feet of Jesus” on this earth until He returns or calls us Home.

I’ve thought a lot about timing lately.  None of us knows how long we will be on this earth…or what the day will bring.  If you had told me three months ago what all would happen in our family alone, I’m pretty sure I would not have believed you.  Life is filled with surprises…and none of us is promised tomorrow…or even the next hour!

But what we ARE promised is that Jesus has sent His Holy Spirit to be with us every step of the way! We are promised Eternity in His presence, if we surrender our heart and our sins to Him.  We are offered the ultimate “prize”…and in the scheme of things, very little is required in return.  The question becomes, “Why wouldn’t we want to share this Good News with others?”  I don’t serve Jesus because I have to…but because I want to do this!  It seems like a no-brainer to me in light of Who He is in my life and the way that He cares for me every single minute!

My prayer this week is that you would take a hard look at what Jesus did…and what He DOES for you every single day.  Think about all that He has sacrificed just so we can be with Him forever…free of guilt and shame, sin and sickness.  How can we not share His message with others?  How can we not strive to live as He designed each and every day – and serve Him with our whole heart? 

How can we “celebrate” Holy Week and not understand what it means to truly be Christ’s disciple…and demonstrate this to the world – or our little corner of it?  Are YOU “all in” this week before Easter?  Will you continue to serve after the eggs and bunnies are packed away?  The question the Disciples asked Jesus about His return could be asked of us in regard to our Christian service.  So I ask you today…”Is this the time?”  Don’t you think it should be?
   
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 16, 2016

2 Corinthians 5:1-5
For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven—God-made, not handmade—and we’ll never have to relocate our “tents” again. Sometimes we can hardly wait to move—and so we cry out in frustration. Compared to what’s coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and we’re tired of it! We’ve been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what’s ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we’ll never settle for less.

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.

Timothy’s Sunday school teachers have done an excellent job of teaching him about Heaven…so good that he has said more than once, “I can’t wait to go there!”  I reminded him that we will go when God is ready for us…but that meanwhile, we have things to do here - like grow up, go to school, have families, get jobs and serve others.  He agrees with me…but I honestly do not think this child fears Heaven in the least. 

This is heady stuff for an almost-seven-year-old.  But then, this little boy has experienced more death in the last three years than most children his age…my grandmother, several pets, and the recent passing of Greg’s brother, Bruce (who was Timmy’s friend), and my mother – his Granny.  He is truly comforted to picture them in Heaven…as are we.

I like the thought that God whets our appetite for Heaven by giving us glimpses of what it will be like…a beautiful sunset…a gorgeous day spent on the lake or in the woods…the faces of our children…even the striking images that have appeared this week on Facebook of wall clouds and funnel clouds as storms moved across our state.  A friend shared video today of his daughter’s hiking trip in Patagonia, and I marveled at the mountains and glaciers. Greg and I watched a “Smithsonian Channel” program of aerial footage of some of America’s most beautiful places, and we were in awe of the spectacular scenery. 

Someone does something kind for us out of the blue, and we are reminded of the blessings of God.  We look at the intricacies of a newborn baby … the incredible markings of our pet or another animal…or the amazing details of spring flowers…and we think, “Surely this is a touch of Heaven on Earth.”

I don’t know about you, but I believe that Heaven is all that the Bible says it is…and more.  I believe that for every beautiful experience I have on this earth…I will have ten thousand times more when I get to Heaven.  Yes, there are days when I want to “fold up my tent” and just “get on with it!”  But as I told Timothy…God is not ready for me yet. I have work to do…people to love, service to offer, and sunsets and beauty of all kinds still to enjoy!

Having some idea of what lies ahead does make this earthly life sweeter…and I thank God for this gift – and for all of His blessings.  I’m Heaven bound…and that makes everything better!  What about you?

© Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for January 7, 2016

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble.

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

Today a social worker from Hospice visited with us.  She was here to get acquainted with us and basically to make sure that we were all okay as a family.  She asked my mother how she was doing, and Mother assured her that she was trusting God.  She said, “I know that God is taking care of this."

When my mother was first diagnosed with cancer in September, she e-mailed me and said, “I have a serious problem, Debbie. The tests show cancer markers. This is going to be OK—no matter what. Just going to be a battle ahead.”  The battle has come…and my mother is smack in the middle of it!

The GOOD NEWS is that cancer is not winning.  From the very first diagnosis, my mother has said, “Either way, this will all be okay.”  And she is right.  Because my mother’s refuge does not lie in successful chemotherapy treatments or some miracle cure at a reputable facility.  Her “tested help” does not have “M.D.” after his/her name.

My mother is relying on Almighty God to work things out according to His will…on HIS timetable.  And it doesn’t look like He intends for her to hang out with us much longer.  This morning, a dear friend texted my mother a message.  Another woman she knows is also battling ovarian cancer.  She wrote of this friend and my mother…”Your mom and my dear special friend have packed her [Mom’s] RV for a new journey. She doesn’t need a map or a GPS thing. The road has been ready for her trip for a long time. What gives me comfort and peace is GOD is in the driver’s seat!  Instead of a seat belt, she has on her angel’s wings. The highway is paved in gold, and Heaven is singing, “Coming Home!”

If that doesn’t describe a “beautiful refuge” and “tested help in times of trouble,” I’m not sure what would.  My prayer for you today is that YOU know this Refuge…that YOU trust Him to be your “tested help in times of trouble.”  I pray that nothing is too big for God to solve for you…that you know that all will be okay, no matter what happens. 

It’s a beautiful thing to go headlong into battle knowing that God is leading the way.  Are you secure in that faith today? Isn’t it time you were?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 22, 2015

Philippians 3:12-14
I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

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.

On January 15, 2015, climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson reached the summit of The Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.  At an elevation of 3,000 feet, this smooth sheer granite mountainside is considered to be the most difficult free climb in the world.  Somewhere around 70 people greeted the climbers atop the summit and celebrated with champagne.

This was not the first time these two had attempted the climb.  In 2010, Jorgeson broke his ankle early in an ascent and could not continue...while Caldwell got to the most difficult pitch and could not finish.  The two climbers subsequently worked on the areas of the mountain that gave them the most trouble…before attempting the full climb again in December 2014.

I watched footage of the climb on television news reports...and even from the safety of my own home, I sometimes felt like I could not “look down”. There was coverage of the men lounging in "tents" that were somehow tethered to the side of the mountain.  I marveled at how calmly they lay reading, texting, eating...as if they were perfectly secure on level ground.

Our journey as Christians is something like the free climb of El Capitan's Dawn Wall...fraught with potential for danger and disaster, yet so worth the struggle.  It is reported that these climbers…Caldwell in particular…were focused on accomplishing this ascent with something akin to single-minded obsession.  They “kept their eye on the goal” and trusted in the safety measures they had set in place – and the coaching and encouragement from each other, family members and friends – and they forged onward and upward.  And this is what we are called to do with Christ.

There will be days when we will be tempted to “look down”…there will be “injuries” and setbacks along the way.  But if we stay focused…if we keep on looking toward heaven and working toward the goal of standing before Jesus someday in celebration of a “good climb”…we will get there.  God will make it so.

Don’t throw in the towel.  Don’t let “life” beat you down and discourage you to the point that you cannot continue the “climb” with Christ.  Hear God’s voice encouraging you to reach higher…to dig deeper…to stick with Him for the long haul.  Feel His hands supporting you in safety…His arms surrounding you in love…His spirit filling your heart.  Know that you can do this…that with God, all things truly are possible.  Keep looking upward toward Heaven and working toward the goal that God has set for you in Jesus.  Now…don’t you have some climbing to do?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 11, 2015

John 14:6
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through 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.
 
It’s an icy day in Arkansas.  Freezing rain has spread across much of the state, and many local churches canceled services to keep people off of slick roadways, sidewalks and parking lots. Better safe than sorry…I don’t think God takes any pleasure in one of his children suffering an injury – or worse – while trying to get to a Sunday church service!
 
A friend of mine whose church services were canceled for today posted this comment on Facebook…”Since we didn't have church this morning.....thought for the day: John 17 tells of Jesus's prayer for His disciples as He's about to leave them. What three things would you pray for your children if you knew you would die in 24 hours?”
 
I had already formulated some thoughts in my head, but they were confirmed when I read John 14:6.  My first prayer would be that my “children” – and other loved ones – know Jesus.  I mean, really KNOW Him!  My second prayer would be that their every word, thought, deed and action would be guided by God…that they would be so in tune with Him through prayer, Bible study and Christian fellowship that He directs their every breath.  My third prayer would be that they always love others as Jesus loves them…that they would be tolerant, accepting, gracious, merciful, compassionate, and forgiving…without exception.
 
I do not fear death – nor leaving others behind.  I anticipate that they will join me in heaven someday.  But if I knew that these three prayers would be accomplished in those I hold near and dear, I would have full confidence and peace in my departure.  With this thought in mind, I am making it my goal to demonstrate these prayers in my own life…to model this Christian faithfulness and discipleship to those in my midst – whether I am here for one more minute or dozens of years.  What about you?
 
©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 12, 2014

1 Peter 1:3-5
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

We live in an age where virtually everything we say and do has at least the possibility of being caught on camera.  There are “security cameras” on city streets and sidewalks…in parking lots and shopping centers…and in virtually every store one enters.  For as little as $200, you can own a “GoPro” camera…which “makes it easy to document and share your life’s most interesting experiences,” according to information on found at http://gopro.com.  The company’s slogan is “Wear it. Mount it. Love it.™”  With the advent of Google Glass (http://google.com/Glass), a wearable computer with OHMD (Optical Head-mounted Display), anyone you encounter can be capturing your every move while walking, riding a bike, driving a car, and more.  We are a world that is watched over by others.  Some of us would do well to remember this!

The “watchful eye” of a “GoPro” camera, Google Glass, or a security camera is significantly different from the “careful watch” of God.  Yes, all of these can potentially note every move we make.  But only One offers genuine care and protection – both now and into the future.  Only the life-giving nurture and shield of God’s love – and salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ – can sustain us…on this earth and into Eternity!  And care for us, He does!

I can see how life often wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense for those who don’t know Jesus.  I’ll be honest…Greg and I have both started giving the “news” little more than a passing glance.  He skims the “Sports” section of the newspaper…I check the obituaries (don’t judge!) and sometimes the “regional” sections.  We listen for the weather forecast and sort of “half-listen” to the local news reports.  It’s all so bleak and disheartening.  And yes, we know that bad things happen.  But these days, we are choosing to focus more on good things…happy events…blessings - and the hand of God in any and all circumstances.  We are not burying our heads in the sand…we are trusting the One who makes a way where none seems evident!

We know that our future is secure in heaven…and that God wants us to enjoy our time on this earth – and to be productive while we are here.  In the midst of war, pain, suffering, sickness, disagreement, natural disaster and so much more possible sadness and sorrow, there is great grace, mercy, hope, and delight.  God supplies all of this AND the promise of eternity with Him in heaven!  It really doesn’t get any better than that!  So let the world watch and record our every move…and let them find us joyfully serving God out of His abundance for us – and our confidence that He is not only watching, but in full control.

Let us live out our faith each and every day…let’s show the world how happy we are to be saved by the blood of Jesus…and destined for the glory of Heaven.  Let’s give others a picture of THAT for a change…and see how God works because of it!  Are you in?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 3, 2014

Hebrews 4:9-11
So there is a full complete rest still waiting for the people of God. Christ has already entered there. He is resting from his work, just as God did after the creation. Let us do our best to go into that place of rest, too, being careful not to disobey God as the children of Israel did, thus failing to get in.

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

It’s been a school year for the books in Arkansas.  Countless public schools missed as much as two weeks or more of scheduled attendance days due to winter snow and ice storms. Even with Saturday make-ups and cancellation of holiday breaks, the only option for many to get in all of the requisite days was to extend the school year into June.  So in my community, “School’s Out for Summer” won’t happen for a few more days – and everyone is more than ready!

These teachers and students realize that they have a job to do…and that this is the means to an end.  They must fulfill the requirements set forth by the state Department of Education and attend the minimum number of days the law demands.  Then they can do something else…rest, relax, and play…work at a summer job…attend summer school or a camp…travel, and more.

A restful break is important for teachers and students.  Both need time to mentally and physically unwind…to do something a little different…even if that means a summer job or attending classes.  The “change of scenery” is healthy and enables each person to regain focus when school resumes in the late summer/fall.  In this instance, the “summer break” fulfills a goal…it enables students and teachers to “regroup” so that they can give their very best effort in the weeks and months when school recommences.

In life itself, many of us are weary.  Events and circumstances have come together to cause a particular situation to “run long”…and we are in serious need of rest and respite.  How many times have you asked yourself, “Will this never end?”  Have you ever wondered how much longer you could endure a particular situation?  Have you longed for “light at the end of the tunnel”?  Are you running on fumes…physically, mentally or spiritually?

In Hebrews 4, we see that God offers us rest…both now, and for all Eternity.  We are promised complete rest in Him when we get to Heaven.  As born-again believers in Jesus Christ, we are guaranteed a forever place of peace at His feet when our earthly journey ends.  But we are also offered rest and respite in this lifetime - a “summer break” of sorts.  We can rest in the LORD…here and now.  We can give Him our burdens…our frustrations…our challenges…our weariness.  We can say, “Father, I cannot do this by myself.  But with YOUR strength and power, I know anything is possible.”  We have a long-term goal…but we also have a present hope!

So whether you are counting the minutes until this weekend and the last bell of the school year…or you are wondering how you will make it through each hour of this day…God offers you full and complete rest. Won’t you get in on this for yourself?  Aren’t you ready for a break? 

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 18, 2013

Psalm 17:15
I am innocent, Lord, and I will see your face! When I awake, all I want is to see you as you are.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
Timothy and I lay down last night to read stories and prepare for bed.  He asked me several questions about “when I wake up”… when he woke up, would we go to church? (yes!)… when he woke up, could he play with his toys again? (absolutely!)… when he woke up, could he have something to eat (certainly!)… when he woke up, would he see Uncle Greg and his “friends” (stuffed animals) again? (most definitely!).  Each time I assured him, he would smile and relax…and sometimes he would let out a heavy sigh as if he were greatly relieved to hear my answer.
 
Timothy struggled to surrender to sleep…even after admitting that he was very tired and that all of his energy was gone and he needed to rest to fill up with more.  I kept stroking his hair, singing softly to him, rubbing his back and snuggling him.  Finally, he drifted off to sweet slumber and rested soundly. This morning, he awoke refreshed and eager to see his Uncle Greg and his “friends”… to play with toys and eat breakfast.  He had trusted that my promises were true… and he was delighted to confirm this.
 
In our spiritual life, we are every bit like a 4-year-old child.  We struggle with letting God have control… with letting go and trusting Him to recharge our batteries, so to speak – to renew our energy and meet our needs.  We know in reason that we will wake up in heaven someday and meet Him face-to-face.  Still, we often toss and turn, as God tries to soothe us and offer us comfort.  We think of a zillion things that need to be done or experienced… and we live in a way that says, “I want to trust You and believe in YOU, LORD… I want to serve You and follow Your commands.  I trust that You are waiting for me and will deliver on all of Your promises.  But I’m having a little trouble giving everything over to You.”
 
If only we could have a glimpse of what lies ahead… if only we could get a little “sneak preview” of heaven!  Then, maybe we would be able to relax and rest in the LORD.  Maybe we wouldn’t struggle so much with the things of this world… with indecision, temptation, worry and nagging doubts.  Perhaps we would be able to truly take God at His word… and to serve Him out of pure faith and expectation.
 
Here’s the deal… until we learn to operate in faith and expectation… until we fully embrace the promise of heaven and live in a way that honors our anticipation of life there at the feet of Jesus… we will never truly experience the peace of God.  We will always be restless… we will always have trouble with the temptations and challenges of this world… we will always find it hard to truly relax and allow God to energize us.  We must learn to recognize God’s presence in our lives on this earth… and to anticipate His presence in person for all Eternity.
 
Aren’t you ready to “sleep like a baby”… to rest in the peace of the LORD… to operate energetically in the confidence that God is numbering your steps on this earth – and waits to greet you in person when you arrive at Heaven’s gate?  Will this be the day that you take Him at His word… with the conviction of a four-year-old who believes that morning will bring new vitality and adventures?  When you awake tomorrow, what – and WHO – will you see?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 12, 2013

Isaiah 57:2
For those who follow godly paths
    will rest in peace when they die.

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.

This week, I attended the funeral of my childhood friend Kenny.  At his funeral, the pastor noted that we all know death is inevitable… but we don’t expect the sudden death of someone 55 years young.  He shared stories about my friend and told of his earlier life when he was healthy, energetic and enthused… completely engaged in life.  In later years, health issues caused Kenny to become reclusive… even paranoid.  At the time of his death, Kenny had isolated himself so completely from everyone except his mother, brother and immediate family that his brother said, “He really had no close friends.”  Many of his classmates, childhood friends and acquaintances came to his funeral…giving testimony to the person we all knew and loved - the healthy guy who once made us laugh and smile.
 
There was one more story that the pastor related… the most important story of all, really.  He told of how a church member went out on weekly visitation ministry one evening and happened to stop in to visit with Kenny.  There, he shared the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ and how He died on the cross for our sins.  Kenny invited Jesus to be the LORD of his life.  Talk about a “game changer!”
 
As I thought about my friend and his life - and death - I couldn’t help but feel a tremendous sense of tranquility.  I know he is no longer tormented.  I know that he is at HOME and has found rest and complete peace at the feet of Jesus.  I fully understand that sometimes our healing and reconciliation comes in death.
 
If you are a young person reading this devotional, death may not be on your radar screen. We all seem to have a sense of immortality in our early years.  We don’t want to consider death… and we figure we have lots and lots of years ahead of us before we have to consider it. Then someone we know and love dies… a grandparent or a parent…another family member… a close friend… or even a celebrity we admired.  Suddenly, we are distraught, frightened, confused… and totally disheartened.  We don’t know what to make of it all… and we start to think about our own lives… and deaths.
 
Even if you are a Christian, this may be a daunting thought for you.  If you have been to more than one funeral, you have probably heard the pastor read from John 14, where Jesus tells us there are “many mansions” in His house… and He is preparing a place for each of us.  You may be thinking… “Yeah… but I’m doing just fine right here on earth!  I don’t really need a mansion!”  Or you may have fear and dread about leaving your family and friends behind.
 
Please read the words of Isaiah 57:2 again.  Those who follow Godly paths will rest in peace.  I cannot tell you exactly when I made the switch from thinking of heaven as an intimidating place to one of tremendous peace and joy. It probably began more than 20 years ago, when my grandfather - and then my father-in-law – died suddenly. As I watched other beloved family members and friends suffer with debilitating diseases or the rigors of aging, I began to see what a relief death would be for them.  It wasn’t long until I realized that many of us have a large number of loved ones waiting for us in heaven… already enjoying the blessings and rewards God promised them through Jesus Christ.
 
Yesterday I shared scripture from Isaiah about the hills singing and the trees clapping as we pass by.  My mother told me that this is how she pictures heaven.  As we arrive, hills will sing, trees will clap… and those who went before us will open their arms widely to embrace us with a “We’re so glad you’re here… you’re gonna love this place!”  My sweet childhood friend, Kenny, will be among them.
 
I feel like someone reading this today needs to hear about the peace of heaven.  If you are not that person… you could be in any given moment.  I pray you will come to think of Paradise as not only a “friendly place”… but your destination for ultimate peace and joy.  As you grieve and mourn the passing of loved ones who you miss dearly, think of them in complete bliss… healthy, whole, abundantly blessed, and continually in the presence of Jesus.  Enjoy your earthly life… but look forward to the day you can join them and experience eternal peace.
 
If you have not yet offered Jesus your heart, as my friend did one evening, I pray that you will do so.  Secure your place on the “waiting list” for heaven.  Start making preparations for your “move” by living for Jesus every single day you are placed on this earth.  Get so comfortable in your relationship with God that you anticipate the moment when the hills will sing for you and the trees will clap… and you will rest forever in His peace.

©2013 Debbie Robus