Luke 22:35-37
Then Jesus asked them, “When I
sent you out to preach the Good News and you were without money, duffle
bag, or extra clothing, how did you get along?”
“Fine,” they replied.
“But
now,” he said, “take a duffle bag if you have one and your money. And
if you don’t have a sword, better sell your clothes and buy one! For the
time has come for this prophecy about me to come true: ‘He will be
condemned as a criminal!’ Yes, everything written about me by the
prophets will come true.”
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
A couple of Sundays ago, my
friend Valerie and I taught 2nd-3rd grade Sunday school together. We
both had tan tote bags that looked very similar…and we both remarked
that we had each thought the other one’s purse was ours. Valerie showed
me how heavy her purse was…and I laughed, because mine was equally
heavy. It seems that we women try to carry the world in our purses…and
if there are small children involved, this is absolutely a necessity!
Once
in a while, Greg and I will go somewhere that I do not carry a purse.
Sometimes, I will slip a couple of things in the car…and I usually have a
pocket for my phone. But in general, the days of “traveling light”
pretty well disappeared for me years ago. Just as surely as I don’t
carry my purse, the children or I will need something – tissues or a
handkerchief…eyeglass cleaner…cream for some sort of bite, itch or
“boo-boo”…hand sanitizer…a pen…my extra set of keys or my wallet…the
kids’ sunglasses…and so much more. To go without these things might not
amount to a matter of life or death, but I would rather be prepared than
caught off guard!
How does this apply to our daily living as a
Christian? Jesus is telling us that we can’t just wander through life
and expect God to take care of everything for us. We can’t let our feet
hit the floor in the morning without our “duffel bag” by our side,
filled with the word of God (our sword), the presence of the Holy Spirit
(our currency), confidence and faith in our mission (extra clothing),
and direct communication with our Heavenly Father to assure that we are
on the right track! We have no clue what we will need in any given
minute, so we’d better be prepared for anything!
The battle is
real. The stakes are high. The days of venturing out into the world with
just the clothes on our back are gone. The devil’s enemies are waiting
and watching, and they will pick out those who are not prepared and
attack them with a vengeance. Many will never even see the “hit”
coming. Do not be among them!
Your “duffel bag” may seem so
heavy and cumbersome at times…and totally unnecessary at others. But I
assure you, it is worth the weight. There will be days when you want to
ask, “Why can’t I just ‘be’ today?” And the short answer is…”What if
Jesus had said this on the cross?” Our “burden” pales in comparison to
that of our Jesus. So pack your duffel bag and prepare for the
journey ahead. There is work to be done - and we don’t have a minute to
waste!
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label armor of God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label armor of God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 5, 2016
John 3:5-8
Jesus answered:
I tell you for certain that before you can get into God’s kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit. Humans give life to their children. Yet only God’s Spirit can change you into a child of God. Don’t be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. Only God’s Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last year after Halloween, I bought “super-hero” costumes off the clearance rack and gave Timothy, Zola and Nathan each a costume for Christmas. The children have had capes and masks before…but this was the “whole shebang”…suit, mask, and accessories. And all three kids have almost worn these costumes threadbare. Ask Nathan who he is when in costume, and he will tell you, “I’m Batman®!” or “I’m Spiderman®!” But ask about the well-known superheroes…especially Spiderman®…and these children can also readily tell you that he is the alter-ego of "Peter Parker." Even though they believe that the costume makes them (at least temporarily) into someone else (if only in a pretend sense), they also grasp the concept of “human” – and “superhuman”.
I guess it should come as no surprise to me how readily these little ones accept God. They know we cannot see Him…they understand that “God lives ‘up there’ in Heaven,” as Nathan puts it. They will even tell you that God lives in our hearts, too…and they believe it! We are working to establish the understanding that God is not just a “superhero” like Spiderman®, Iron Man® or Superman®…that He is REAL all the time – even if we cannot “see” Him – or an alter-ego - in the flesh.
I’m wondering at what point we change from being children who readily accept that God exists to the questioning beings that many of us are today. When do we stop believing what God tells us and start to doubt Him? Why do so many of us SAY we trust in Jesus, and then fail to act as if we do? How can we possibly demonstrate Christian faith to others when our own confidence is so terribly lacking?
We need to buckle down and spend some time with God…both studying His word and in prayer and conversation. We need to re-establish the connection of faith…and to truly grasp what it means to be “born of water and spirit” – and changed into a child of God. Some of us have not made that leap of faith – and fully embraced the Holy Spirit. We’re like a little kid who put on the superhero costume, then sat down and refused to play the part. The costume adds nothing if we don’t put on the “spirit.” And once we take it off, we are no different than when we began.
The time is here to put on the “spirit” of God…to carry Him in our hearts every minute of the day. We have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus…now it is time to put on His whole armor…and keep it on…to become the spirit-filled child of God that He has made us to be! By the time God calls us to heaven, our “outfit” should be so threadbare that He can’t help but reward us with a new one!
My question to you today is, “Who are you?” Have you truly been transformed into a spirit-filled child of God? Can others readily see this? Are you really ready to fully embrace your New Life in Christ – and His Holy Spirit - forever and ever? Will this be the day that you make the change?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Jesus answered:
I tell you for certain that before you can get into God’s kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by the Spirit. Humans give life to their children. Yet only God’s Spirit can change you into a child of God. Don’t be surprised when I say that you must be born from above. Only God’s Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last year after Halloween, I bought “super-hero” costumes off the clearance rack and gave Timothy, Zola and Nathan each a costume for Christmas. The children have had capes and masks before…but this was the “whole shebang”…suit, mask, and accessories. And all three kids have almost worn these costumes threadbare. Ask Nathan who he is when in costume, and he will tell you, “I’m Batman®!” or “I’m Spiderman®!” But ask about the well-known superheroes…especially Spiderman®…and these children can also readily tell you that he is the alter-ego of "Peter Parker." Even though they believe that the costume makes them (at least temporarily) into someone else (if only in a pretend sense), they also grasp the concept of “human” – and “superhuman”.
I guess it should come as no surprise to me how readily these little ones accept God. They know we cannot see Him…they understand that “God lives ‘up there’ in Heaven,” as Nathan puts it. They will even tell you that God lives in our hearts, too…and they believe it! We are working to establish the understanding that God is not just a “superhero” like Spiderman®, Iron Man® or Superman®…that He is REAL all the time – even if we cannot “see” Him – or an alter-ego - in the flesh.
I’m wondering at what point we change from being children who readily accept that God exists to the questioning beings that many of us are today. When do we stop believing what God tells us and start to doubt Him? Why do so many of us SAY we trust in Jesus, and then fail to act as if we do? How can we possibly demonstrate Christian faith to others when our own confidence is so terribly lacking?
We need to buckle down and spend some time with God…both studying His word and in prayer and conversation. We need to re-establish the connection of faith…and to truly grasp what it means to be “born of water and spirit” – and changed into a child of God. Some of us have not made that leap of faith – and fully embraced the Holy Spirit. We’re like a little kid who put on the superhero costume, then sat down and refused to play the part. The costume adds nothing if we don’t put on the “spirit.” And once we take it off, we are no different than when we began.
The time is here to put on the “spirit” of God…to carry Him in our hearts every minute of the day. We have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus…now it is time to put on His whole armor…and keep it on…to become the spirit-filled child of God that He has made us to be! By the time God calls us to heaven, our “outfit” should be so threadbare that He can’t help but reward us with a new one!
My question to you today is, “Who are you?” Have you truly been transformed into a spirit-filled child of God? Can others readily see this? Are you really ready to fully embrace your New Life in Christ – and His Holy Spirit - forever and ever? Will this be the day that you make the change?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 1, 2013
2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength to tell his full message, so that all Gentiles would hear it. And I was kept safe from hungry lions.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Timothy was a lion for Halloween. I found a little “lion suit” at the consignment store, and I made him a mask out of a paper plate, some felt, fleece fringe, and scraps from my fabric bin. He told me just last week about how the lions were after him, but because he was wearing his lion suit… “they didn’t get me.” Timothy talks a lot about the lions being after him… undoubtedly the result of some movie he has watched. I always assure him that the lions cannot get him… that he is safe with us and his family… that we will protect him. In essence, we give him strength to be the happiest three-year-old boy he can be… and we keep him safe from the “hungry lions” of the world. And apparently, he has decided that his “lion suit” from Halloween has some magical power and strength in the face of his adversaries.
Can I tell you something? There are “hungry lions” after every single one of us. They are not necessarily the four-legged kind with a mane and a tail… but their “teeth” are just as menacing. The devil sends these beasts to frighten us… to nip at our heels and cause us to worry and tremble. They come in every form imaginable… from stress about classes and workloads to dissention with family members, friends and co-workers - to concerns over how to pay bills and handle the effects of the “fiscal cliff.” When you are sad over the loss of a friend or loved one, the devil can take advantage of your grief to drag you down even further and steal your joy. When you are disappointed, discouraged or frustrated, Satan steps in to say, “See, life is lousy… things never truly work out like you envisioned.”
When you are sick or injured, the devil will tell you that you are weak and don’t deserve to be well. When you find yourself in a situation that is uncertain, he will send “lions” to roar that you are not smart enough and don’t deserve to do better. When you are lonely, his “lions” will do all they can to assure you that you are not worthy of companionship.
But GOD will keep us safe from all of these “lions” and more… if only we will call on Him. He will never leave our side. God will lift us, encourage us, and assure us that by His strength and power, we can do and be anything! God will fill in the gaps and raise us out of depression, disappointment, and fear. He will embolden us to learn new things… and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
We have a choice… we can put on the “lion suit” of God’s armor and fight the devil on a more-than-level playing field… or we can let the devil’s “lions” devour us. I know which I am choosing…do you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength to tell his full message, so that all Gentiles would hear it. And I was kept safe from hungry lions.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Timothy was a lion for Halloween. I found a little “lion suit” at the consignment store, and I made him a mask out of a paper plate, some felt, fleece fringe, and scraps from my fabric bin. He told me just last week about how the lions were after him, but because he was wearing his lion suit… “they didn’t get me.” Timothy talks a lot about the lions being after him… undoubtedly the result of some movie he has watched. I always assure him that the lions cannot get him… that he is safe with us and his family… that we will protect him. In essence, we give him strength to be the happiest three-year-old boy he can be… and we keep him safe from the “hungry lions” of the world. And apparently, he has decided that his “lion suit” from Halloween has some magical power and strength in the face of his adversaries.
Can I tell you something? There are “hungry lions” after every single one of us. They are not necessarily the four-legged kind with a mane and a tail… but their “teeth” are just as menacing. The devil sends these beasts to frighten us… to nip at our heels and cause us to worry and tremble. They come in every form imaginable… from stress about classes and workloads to dissention with family members, friends and co-workers - to concerns over how to pay bills and handle the effects of the “fiscal cliff.” When you are sad over the loss of a friend or loved one, the devil can take advantage of your grief to drag you down even further and steal your joy. When you are disappointed, discouraged or frustrated, Satan steps in to say, “See, life is lousy… things never truly work out like you envisioned.”
When you are sick or injured, the devil will tell you that you are weak and don’t deserve to be well. When you find yourself in a situation that is uncertain, he will send “lions” to roar that you are not smart enough and don’t deserve to do better. When you are lonely, his “lions” will do all they can to assure you that you are not worthy of companionship.
But GOD will keep us safe from all of these “lions” and more… if only we will call on Him. He will never leave our side. God will lift us, encourage us, and assure us that by His strength and power, we can do and be anything! God will fill in the gaps and raise us out of depression, disappointment, and fear. He will embolden us to learn new things… and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
We have a choice… we can put on the “lion suit” of God’s armor and fight the devil on a more-than-level playing field… or we can let the devil’s “lions” devour us. I know which I am choosing…do you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 30, 2012
May 30 ~ Ephesians 6:13-18
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Today’s scripture passage in my devotional book, God Calling, was Ephesians 6:13. I would like to share some of the commentary with you, because I can’t say it any better…
Isn’t this exactly how we so often behave? We make mistakes, we fail to live a Godly life… we SIN… and we beg God to forgive us. Then we go on wringing our hands and recanting our faults and claiming them all over again. We cannot be effective in our discipleship if we are continually beating ourselves up for past mistakes. This totally belies our faith. When we give something to God, we must give it to Him completely. This doesn’t mean you totally dismiss what happened to you… or that you fail to learn from past blunders. But there is a huge difference between forgiving past missteps and forgetting them.
What is done is done. If you have sincerely and genuinely confessed your sins and blunders to God and asked Him to forgive you, it’s time to accept His grace and mercy and move forward. God is over and done with what you did or didn’t do yesterday… He is concerned with TODAY.
Where is your focus? Are you trying to carry the burdens of a thousand yesterdays … or have you truly given them to God and faced the challenges and blessings that await you today? Isn’t it time you put on the full armor of God, started living in this twenty-four hours, and faced the future with confidence and courage?
I urge you to let your prayer for today be that God will fully equip you to handle THIS DAY… that He will show you how to cope with your challenges and encourage those in your path to do the same. Leave the past at God’s doorstep, and confidently live in His promises for today and beyond.
©2012 Debbie Robus
*From God Calling, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Today’s scripture passage in my devotional book, God Calling, was Ephesians 6:13. I would like to share some of the commentary with you, because I can’t say it any better…
- “Regret nothing. Not even the sins and failures. When a man views earth’s wonders from some mountain height, he does not spend his time in dwelling on the stones and stumbles, the faints and failures, that marked his upward path. So with you. Breathe in the rich blessings of each new day – forget all that lies behind you.
Man is so made that he can carry the weight of twenty-four hours, no more. Directly, he weighs down with the years behind, and the days ahead, his back breaks. I [God] have promised to help you with the burden of today only, the past I have taken from you; and if you, foolish hearts, choose to gather again that burden and bear it, then, indeed, you mock Me to expect ME to share it.”*
Isn’t this exactly how we so often behave? We make mistakes, we fail to live a Godly life… we SIN… and we beg God to forgive us. Then we go on wringing our hands and recanting our faults and claiming them all over again. We cannot be effective in our discipleship if we are continually beating ourselves up for past mistakes. This totally belies our faith. When we give something to God, we must give it to Him completely. This doesn’t mean you totally dismiss what happened to you… or that you fail to learn from past blunders. But there is a huge difference between forgiving past missteps and forgetting them.
What is done is done. If you have sincerely and genuinely confessed your sins and blunders to God and asked Him to forgive you, it’s time to accept His grace and mercy and move forward. God is over and done with what you did or didn’t do yesterday… He is concerned with TODAY.
Where is your focus? Are you trying to carry the burdens of a thousand yesterdays … or have you truly given them to God and faced the challenges and blessings that await you today? Isn’t it time you put on the full armor of God, started living in this twenty-four hours, and faced the future with confidence and courage?
I urge you to let your prayer for today be that God will fully equip you to handle THIS DAY… that He will show you how to cope with your challenges and encourage those in your path to do the same. Leave the past at God’s doorstep, and confidently live in His promises for today and beyond.
©2012 Debbie Robus
*From God Calling, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission.
Daily Devotional for July 28, 2010
Jonah 2:6
I had sunk down below the underwater mountains; I knew that forever, I would be a prisoner there. But, you, LORD God, rescued me from that pit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
July 22, 2010, will be a day that Lance Treankler never forgets. This resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was driving down a street on Milwaukee’s east side in his Cadillac Escalade, when the road gave way underneath him. He was unconscious for a few seconds before awaking to water rushing over him. He had fallen into a sinkhole created by massive flooding. Treankler managed to get out of his vehicle and stand on the roof, where passerby Mark Pawlik spotted him. Pawlik somehow was able to reach the man caught in the twenty-foot sinkhole. According to a report on CNN.com, Pawlik told Treankler, “"I grabbed your hand. You looked at me and said, 'Get me out of here.'"
In much the same way, God is standing before us, ready to rescue us from the pit of sin. We may not even realize how deeply we have sunk … and we may be somewhat “unconscious” to how serious our situation is. But when we awaken and recognize the seriousness of our situation, God is there… offering His hand.
The question is… are we ready to say to God, “Get me out of here!”? Have we recognized how dangerous and deadly our situation is without His rescue? Have we sunk into a pit of sin and become a prisoner there? Or have we grabbed God’s hand and held on for dear life? It’s time to get out of the pit! It’s time to recognize God’s hand and grab it with all our might. Don’t let the waters of sin cover you a second longer. Take God’s hand and get out of there!
©2010 Debbie Robus
I had sunk down below the underwater mountains; I knew that forever, I would be a prisoner there. But, you, LORD God, rescued me from that pit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
July 22, 2010, will be a day that Lance Treankler never forgets. This resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was driving down a street on Milwaukee’s east side in his Cadillac Escalade, when the road gave way underneath him. He was unconscious for a few seconds before awaking to water rushing over him. He had fallen into a sinkhole created by massive flooding. Treankler managed to get out of his vehicle and stand on the roof, where passerby Mark Pawlik spotted him. Pawlik somehow was able to reach the man caught in the twenty-foot sinkhole. According to a report on CNN.com, Pawlik told Treankler, “"I grabbed your hand. You looked at me and said, 'Get me out of here.'"
In much the same way, God is standing before us, ready to rescue us from the pit of sin. We may not even realize how deeply we have sunk … and we may be somewhat “unconscious” to how serious our situation is. But when we awaken and recognize the seriousness of our situation, God is there… offering His hand.
The question is… are we ready to say to God, “Get me out of here!”? Have we recognized how dangerous and deadly our situation is without His rescue? Have we sunk into a pit of sin and become a prisoner there? Or have we grabbed God’s hand and held on for dear life? It’s time to get out of the pit! It’s time to recognize God’s hand and grab it with all our might. Don’t let the waters of sin cover you a second longer. Take God’s hand and get out of there!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 23, 2010
June 23 ~ Luke 12:4
Whatever you say in the dark will be heard when it is day. Whatever you whisper in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops. My friends, don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have a dear friend who was my childhood neighbor. She lives in another community, and often when she e-mails me, she says, “Tell all.” When it comes to sharing our faith, Jesus has told us that we must “tell all.” We want to be sure that we share His message in a loving, inclusive, non-judgmental way. But we also don’t want to sugarcoat the truth - or water down the message out of fear of retribution or rejection.
When you hear someone speaking unkindly about a particular person or group of people, you must find a way to let this person know this is not the way a Christian would behave. Does this mean you embarrass this person and “call them” in front of others? No. But it may mean you walk away from the conversation and speak to that person privately at a later time. Suppose someone you know is in a lot of trouble and turmoil – anything and everything from failed relationships to problems in the workplace or loss of employment, financial woes, health issues, and more. You see the way they react – you hear their frustration and lack of faith that things can improve. They don’t seem to see a way out of their current troubles – but you know Someone who can help.
Do you cram the love of Jesus down this person’s throat? Do you act all high and mighty and say, “I know what you need!” or “If you would just go to church, things would be better!” No! First of all, these are not true statements. We don’t truly know another person’s needs - and going to church in and by itself doesn’t fix anything. But we do know Someone who can help. We do know that surrounding yourself with loving, caring, faith-filled Christians who can love you, pray for you, and support you in dozens of ways can ease burdens and lead to solutions.
What we need to be doing is praying for others, and boldly sharing our love. We need to be willing to step up and say, “I’m praying for you,” or “I’m here to help.” We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus instead of sitting on our own and cowering in the corner. The worst that can happen to us is death… physically, emotionally, socially. But remember - to die to the world is to live in Christ! What are we afraid will happen if we are bold in our faith? Do we fear death of an earthly nature more than the rewards of a heavenly eternity? Whatever God speaks into your heart… whatever message He brings to you in scripture… don’t waste it. Share it with others. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and exhibit His love to others each day. Dare to live in Christ without regard to how it might affect you personally. Don’t be afraid of people… trust God to shield you and guide your steps as you share His message and minister in His name. When it comes to Jesus, be sure you “tell all.”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Whatever you say in the dark will be heard when it is day. Whatever you whisper in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops. My friends, don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have a dear friend who was my childhood neighbor. She lives in another community, and often when she e-mails me, she says, “Tell all.” When it comes to sharing our faith, Jesus has told us that we must “tell all.” We want to be sure that we share His message in a loving, inclusive, non-judgmental way. But we also don’t want to sugarcoat the truth - or water down the message out of fear of retribution or rejection.
When you hear someone speaking unkindly about a particular person or group of people, you must find a way to let this person know this is not the way a Christian would behave. Does this mean you embarrass this person and “call them” in front of others? No. But it may mean you walk away from the conversation and speak to that person privately at a later time. Suppose someone you know is in a lot of trouble and turmoil – anything and everything from failed relationships to problems in the workplace or loss of employment, financial woes, health issues, and more. You see the way they react – you hear their frustration and lack of faith that things can improve. They don’t seem to see a way out of their current troubles – but you know Someone who can help.
Do you cram the love of Jesus down this person’s throat? Do you act all high and mighty and say, “I know what you need!” or “If you would just go to church, things would be better!” No! First of all, these are not true statements. We don’t truly know another person’s needs - and going to church in and by itself doesn’t fix anything. But we do know Someone who can help. We do know that surrounding yourself with loving, caring, faith-filled Christians who can love you, pray for you, and support you in dozens of ways can ease burdens and lead to solutions.
What we need to be doing is praying for others, and boldly sharing our love. We need to be willing to step up and say, “I’m praying for you,” or “I’m here to help.” We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus instead of sitting on our own and cowering in the corner. The worst that can happen to us is death… physically, emotionally, socially. But remember - to die to the world is to live in Christ! What are we afraid will happen if we are bold in our faith? Do we fear death of an earthly nature more than the rewards of a heavenly eternity? Whatever God speaks into your heart… whatever message He brings to you in scripture… don’t waste it. Share it with others. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and exhibit His love to others each day. Dare to live in Christ without regard to how it might affect you personally. Don’t be afraid of people… trust God to shield you and guide your steps as you share His message and minister in His name. When it comes to Jesus, be sure you “tell all.”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 18, 2010
June 18 ~ Daniel 10:19
The angel touched me a second time and said, "Don't be frightened! God thinks highly of you, and he intends this for your good, so be brave and strong."
At this, I regained my strength and replied, "Please speak! You have already made me feel much better."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a news story recently about Mary Bargiel, a young mother in Conway, Arkansas, who was broadsided at an intersection by a police officer on his way to answer an emergency call. The light was green as Bargiel moved into the intersection. The officer approached from the side, lights flashing and sirens blaring, but Mary did not see or hear him. The intersection has since been reworked. Both Mary Bargiel and the police officer were injured badly, especially Mary, whose injuries included a broken hand and ribs, a collapsed lung, serious brain, spinal and eye injuries, and more. The officer, who suffered a broken neck, has recovered and returned to work. Mary Bargiel has recovered enough to return home to her family, but she still has a lot of struggles - including a rod in her leg, shoe lifts to even out her body, double vision, ongoing back pain, and she may never fully regain brain function and be able to move and live as she once did.
I don’t know the prior circumstances of this Mary Bargiel’s life, but she stated in the news story that the accident probably saved her life in many ways. After the accident, she became a Christian, and her husband attested to the validity of her claims that she is a changed woman… quite literally a new person in Christ. What seemed like the most horrific event at the time has become a tremendous turning point for this woman and her family. What Satan meant for evil, God used for good.
I hope it doesn’t take a car crash at a major intersection – even figuratively – to get our attention. I hope God doesn’t have to use frightening events to show us His power – and His love – and to capture our hearts. I pray that we can stop and look around and see how blessed we are… and how much God loves us. I pray that we would trust Him to get us through the calamities and scary times in our lives… the times when we wonder and worry… and that looking back, we would say, “Yep, there He was, right beside us all along.”
How brave and strong are we? I’m ashamed to say that I have moments when I am neither. But I am determined to do better. I am convinced that God thinks highly of me and wants only the best for my life. And that is the case for each one of us. Do you see this in your own life? Are you brave and strong and recognizing God’s desire for good in your life? Start believing this today. Look around and see how God has blessed you and rescued you already. Regain your strength and feel much better. God is our refuge and our strength… feel His love and blessings…and BELIEVE in Him!
©2010 Debbie Robus
The angel touched me a second time and said, "Don't be frightened! God thinks highly of you, and he intends this for your good, so be brave and strong."
At this, I regained my strength and replied, "Please speak! You have already made me feel much better."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a news story recently about Mary Bargiel, a young mother in Conway, Arkansas, who was broadsided at an intersection by a police officer on his way to answer an emergency call. The light was green as Bargiel moved into the intersection. The officer approached from the side, lights flashing and sirens blaring, but Mary did not see or hear him. The intersection has since been reworked. Both Mary Bargiel and the police officer were injured badly, especially Mary, whose injuries included a broken hand and ribs, a collapsed lung, serious brain, spinal and eye injuries, and more. The officer, who suffered a broken neck, has recovered and returned to work. Mary Bargiel has recovered enough to return home to her family, but she still has a lot of struggles - including a rod in her leg, shoe lifts to even out her body, double vision, ongoing back pain, and she may never fully regain brain function and be able to move and live as she once did.
I don’t know the prior circumstances of this Mary Bargiel’s life, but she stated in the news story that the accident probably saved her life in many ways. After the accident, she became a Christian, and her husband attested to the validity of her claims that she is a changed woman… quite literally a new person in Christ. What seemed like the most horrific event at the time has become a tremendous turning point for this woman and her family. What Satan meant for evil, God used for good.
I hope it doesn’t take a car crash at a major intersection – even figuratively – to get our attention. I hope God doesn’t have to use frightening events to show us His power – and His love – and to capture our hearts. I pray that we can stop and look around and see how blessed we are… and how much God loves us. I pray that we would trust Him to get us through the calamities and scary times in our lives… the times when we wonder and worry… and that looking back, we would say, “Yep, there He was, right beside us all along.”
How brave and strong are we? I’m ashamed to say that I have moments when I am neither. But I am determined to do better. I am convinced that God thinks highly of me and wants only the best for my life. And that is the case for each one of us. Do you see this in your own life? Are you brave and strong and recognizing God’s desire for good in your life? Start believing this today. Look around and see how God has blessed you and rescued you already. Regain your strength and feel much better. God is our refuge and our strength… feel His love and blessings…and BELIEVE in Him!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 11, 2010
June 11 ~ Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose your friend posted something inappropriate on Facebook. What would you do? Would you ignore it? Would you “like” it? Would you say something? Suppose the comment were something that could get your friend into trouble, if someone saw it and misconstrued its meaning? Would you say something then? If you felt your friend would be mad at you, even if your intentions were totally honorable, would you still tell them? This happened to me recently. I saw a post on Facebook that I knew my friend would never post. It was really inappropriate. I assumed right away that her account had been hacked, and I sent a private message to tell her. She replied and thanked me… and the post disappeared.
Was I concerned that my friend would be upset, or even possibly block me for mentioning this? Maybe a little… but here’s what I did. I waited an hour or so before contacting her, and during this time, I asked God what I should do. I kept being drawn back to the computer and this post, so I felt God was saying, “Tell her. I’ll handle the rest.” So that’s what I did… and I am very glad that I listened.
I’ll be the first to tell you, I have not always handled things this way. I’ve not always entered into these situations prayerfully, which is a huge mistake. And I’ve also buried my head in the sand and failed to act because of what I thought others might think – or how they might react. We need to realize that God can use us for His purposes – even when we are afraid. And when we listen to God and only act when HE says to do so, He will always protect us. If we go off half-cocked and without consulting Him, we may have to suffer the consequences of our actions. I’m not saying God’s protection is conditional, necessarily… but to some extent it is. He will never desert us, but He may allow us to squirm a little in order to learn and grow.
So be brave and courageous. Stay in close communication with God at all times and about all things. When you feel He is telling you to make a move… don’t be afraid… don’t fear the consequences. Trust God to work out the details. Recognize His strength and power to work in - and through - you to accomplish His will in all circumstances.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose your friend posted something inappropriate on Facebook. What would you do? Would you ignore it? Would you “like” it? Would you say something? Suppose the comment were something that could get your friend into trouble, if someone saw it and misconstrued its meaning? Would you say something then? If you felt your friend would be mad at you, even if your intentions were totally honorable, would you still tell them? This happened to me recently. I saw a post on Facebook that I knew my friend would never post. It was really inappropriate. I assumed right away that her account had been hacked, and I sent a private message to tell her. She replied and thanked me… and the post disappeared.
Was I concerned that my friend would be upset, or even possibly block me for mentioning this? Maybe a little… but here’s what I did. I waited an hour or so before contacting her, and during this time, I asked God what I should do. I kept being drawn back to the computer and this post, so I felt God was saying, “Tell her. I’ll handle the rest.” So that’s what I did… and I am very glad that I listened.
I’ll be the first to tell you, I have not always handled things this way. I’ve not always entered into these situations prayerfully, which is a huge mistake. And I’ve also buried my head in the sand and failed to act because of what I thought others might think – or how they might react. We need to realize that God can use us for His purposes – even when we are afraid. And when we listen to God and only act when HE says to do so, He will always protect us. If we go off half-cocked and without consulting Him, we may have to suffer the consequences of our actions. I’m not saying God’s protection is conditional, necessarily… but to some extent it is. He will never desert us, but He may allow us to squirm a little in order to learn and grow.
So be brave and courageous. Stay in close communication with God at all times and about all things. When you feel He is telling you to make a move… don’t be afraid… don’t fear the consequences. Trust God to work out the details. Recognize His strength and power to work in - and through - you to accomplish His will in all circumstances.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 9, 2010
June 9 ~ Psalm 46:2
And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever gotten news that absolutely sent you into a tailspin? As soon as you heard it, your mind started racing… “Omigosh… what will happen next? How will this end? Will everyone be okay? What does this mean for me?” It seems that Satan has a tremendous ability to upset our apple cart with very little effort sometimes. All he has to do is plant a seed of doubt or fear in our mind, and we are off to the races!
The next time you get this feeling… the next time something rattles your cage even momentarily, remember Psalm 46:2… “and so, we won’t be afraid. Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.” Let the devil try his hardest to upset us and make us worry, shake, rattle and roll. But let God’s peace and power cover us! Stand up and say, “It will be okay. God will make it so! I am not going to let this concern me for even one minute!”
Psalm 46:10 says, “Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God!’” Stop and rest in that for a while. Then thank Him for being so merciful… for blessing us with His power, grace and mercy. Thank God that you don’t have to operate in fear for even one minute… and kick that ole devil to the curb!
©2010 Debbie Robus
And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever gotten news that absolutely sent you into a tailspin? As soon as you heard it, your mind started racing… “Omigosh… what will happen next? How will this end? Will everyone be okay? What does this mean for me?” It seems that Satan has a tremendous ability to upset our apple cart with very little effort sometimes. All he has to do is plant a seed of doubt or fear in our mind, and we are off to the races!
The next time you get this feeling… the next time something rattles your cage even momentarily, remember Psalm 46:2… “and so, we won’t be afraid. Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.” Let the devil try his hardest to upset us and make us worry, shake, rattle and roll. But let God’s peace and power cover us! Stand up and say, “It will be okay. God will make it so! I am not going to let this concern me for even one minute!”
Psalm 46:10 says, “Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God!’” Stop and rest in that for a while. Then thank Him for being so merciful… for blessing us with His power, grace and mercy. Thank God that you don’t have to operate in fear for even one minute… and kick that ole devil to the curb!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 1, 2010
June 1 ~ Deuteronomy 3:21-22
Then I told Joshua, " You saw how the LORD our God helped us destroy King Sihon and King Og. So don't be afraid! Wherever you go, the LORD will fight on your side and help you destroy your enemies."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s just about summertime! We will be scattering in a zillion directions… vacations, summer camps, Boys State and Girls State, football practice, baseball and softball tournaments, swimming lessons, and much more. Some of you will be getting ready to head to college… or possibly Basic Training for the military. Some may be retiring or changing jobs… or getting married…having a baby, or moving to another city - or just to another apartment!
At every turn, our lives are filled with changes and new situations… and often, fears of the unknown. But if we stop and look around, we see that people have been going through these same things for years and doing just fine – with God’s help! Sometimes when I face something new or different and think it seems daunting, I remind myself of two things: 1) God is with me and will help me; and 2) plenty of other people have done this with His help - and so can I!
The message for today, this first day of a new month is… “You can do it… whatever ‘it’ is, because God will fight on your side and help you destroy any and all enemies.” God will see you through your challenges and obstacles - and even the new and exciting adventures that seem a little scary. Nothing is too big for God! Have a wonderful summer, and keep always Him close!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Then I told Joshua, " You saw how the LORD our God helped us destroy King Sihon and King Og. So don't be afraid! Wherever you go, the LORD will fight on your side and help you destroy your enemies."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s just about summertime! We will be scattering in a zillion directions… vacations, summer camps, Boys State and Girls State, football practice, baseball and softball tournaments, swimming lessons, and much more. Some of you will be getting ready to head to college… or possibly Basic Training for the military. Some may be retiring or changing jobs… or getting married…having a baby, or moving to another city - or just to another apartment!
At every turn, our lives are filled with changes and new situations… and often, fears of the unknown. But if we stop and look around, we see that people have been going through these same things for years and doing just fine – with God’s help! Sometimes when I face something new or different and think it seems daunting, I remind myself of two things: 1) God is with me and will help me; and 2) plenty of other people have done this with His help - and so can I!
The message for today, this first day of a new month is… “You can do it… whatever ‘it’ is, because God will fight on your side and help you destroy any and all enemies.” God will see you through your challenges and obstacles - and even the new and exciting adventures that seem a little scary. Nothing is too big for God! Have a wonderful summer, and keep always Him close!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 24, 2010
May 24 ~ Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD will lead you into the land. He will always be with you and help you, so don't ever be afraid of your enemies.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The older brother of one of my classmates is now my friend on Facebook, and I am so in awe of him. I always knew John to be a fine, upstanding, GODLY man… but his insights into the commentaries people present on Facebook – and in the world in general – are “spot on” and always delivered in a kind, non-threatening way. I feel quite certain that he asks himself, “How would Jesus address this?” and then formulates his responses. He is not afraid to step in and discuss controversial issues – or to present what many see as an unfavorable response. He carefully and clearly states facts and gently corrects those who set out (consciously or not) to stir trouble and spread falsehoods… and he does it in such a loving manner that nobody is embarrassed or gets their feelings hurt.
So often, we are hesitant to speak up for our beliefs… and especially for God… because we think others will attack us. We don’t say anything when someone makes a racial slur or tells an off-color joke, because we are afraid of what they will think or say. We don’t dare challenge another person’s criticisms of our government or their “take” on social issues. We fear we might be embarrassed in front of others… or rejected. See, the devil has this sneaky little way of playing a “recording” in our heads that says, “People won’t like you… you’ll make a fool of yourself… your opinions don’t matter… keep your mouth shut… you’ll be sorry…don’t say that!” and much more. He drags us down and mires us in fear, and we forget who we are… and more importantly – WHOSE we are! Living in fear imposed on us by Satan is miserable!
Is this a license to run amok saying whatever we please and spouting our opinions to anyone who will listen? Am I telling you to take risks with wild abandon and expect God to protect you? Absolutely not! Remember, before you say or do anything, you need to make sure it lines up with God’s will and His word. But if you are certain of your position…and that you are hearing from God… then count on Him to be right beside you every step of the way.
Recently, we went to an estate auction alongside a busy highway. As my husband and I started across the road, we noticed a car coming at a high rate of speed. My mother-in-law was with us, and she instinctively called out to her son, “Wait!” We laughed, halfway expecting her to add… “Here… take my hand,” as mothers do to little children. But the point is… God is saying exactly that to each of us! “Here… take my hand… cross with Me and I will keep you safe.” Who has your hand today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD will lead you into the land. He will always be with you and help you, so don't ever be afraid of your enemies.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The older brother of one of my classmates is now my friend on Facebook, and I am so in awe of him. I always knew John to be a fine, upstanding, GODLY man… but his insights into the commentaries people present on Facebook – and in the world in general – are “spot on” and always delivered in a kind, non-threatening way. I feel quite certain that he asks himself, “How would Jesus address this?” and then formulates his responses. He is not afraid to step in and discuss controversial issues – or to present what many see as an unfavorable response. He carefully and clearly states facts and gently corrects those who set out (consciously or not) to stir trouble and spread falsehoods… and he does it in such a loving manner that nobody is embarrassed or gets their feelings hurt.
So often, we are hesitant to speak up for our beliefs… and especially for God… because we think others will attack us. We don’t say anything when someone makes a racial slur or tells an off-color joke, because we are afraid of what they will think or say. We don’t dare challenge another person’s criticisms of our government or their “take” on social issues. We fear we might be embarrassed in front of others… or rejected. See, the devil has this sneaky little way of playing a “recording” in our heads that says, “People won’t like you… you’ll make a fool of yourself… your opinions don’t matter… keep your mouth shut… you’ll be sorry…don’t say that!” and much more. He drags us down and mires us in fear, and we forget who we are… and more importantly – WHOSE we are! Living in fear imposed on us by Satan is miserable!
Is this a license to run amok saying whatever we please and spouting our opinions to anyone who will listen? Am I telling you to take risks with wild abandon and expect God to protect you? Absolutely not! Remember, before you say or do anything, you need to make sure it lines up with God’s will and His word. But if you are certain of your position…and that you are hearing from God… then count on Him to be right beside you every step of the way.
Recently, we went to an estate auction alongside a busy highway. As my husband and I started across the road, we noticed a car coming at a high rate of speed. My mother-in-law was with us, and she instinctively called out to her son, “Wait!” We laughed, halfway expecting her to add… “Here… take my hand,” as mothers do to little children. But the point is… God is saying exactly that to each of us! “Here… take my hand… cross with Me and I will keep you safe.” Who has your hand today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 23, 2010
May 23 ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
Be brave and strong! Don't be afraid of the nations on the other side of the Jordan. The LORD your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent weeks, we have all heard the news reports about the controversy brewing in Arizona, where a movement to address the problem of illegal immigrants is afoot. The crackdown is a response to an increase in the number of immigrants who are taking up residence in Arizona and other border states and utilizing public services, even though they may not be legal residents of the United States. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed a law allowing police in her state to stop cars they suspect may contain illegal immigrants and demand identification. She has been accused of racial profiling and civil rights violations… and this controversy has sparked a national debate. Regardless of how you feel about this issue, we must accept the fact that much of the action and response are largely based in fear. More than that, we have to recognize that fear is one of the devil’s best tools!
Let’s be honest… we are all guilty of this to some degree. Many of us fear the person in the checkout line at Wal-Mart who looks like he/she is unclean or “a druggie.” Many of us fear the person who appears to be of another race who drives through our neighborhood or the parking lots in a car that doesn’t look like our shiny “American” sedans and SUVs. Many of us are scared to death of someone we perceive to be homosexual, whether we know this or are merely making an assumption. We fear what we do not fully understand. Someone who had a relative dying with AIDS once asked me, “Can I get it from hugging and kissing her?” This broke my heart! And for the record, the answer was “No!”
We have so forgotten who we are. We have failed to remember that we are ALL God’s children, and He loves each of us. God made each race and gave us all unique qualities. God may not be happy about a person’s choices, but He still loves the person. God loves people who are sick and dirty and homeless and strung out on drugs. He loves people with AIDS and cancer and warts! And He wants us to love them, too.
Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying we have to open our borders and allow any and all immigrants to enter into our homes - or that we have to compromise our values and beliefs about social issues like recreational drug use, sexually transmitted diseases, and anything done illegally. But we have to recognize that operating in fear does not change any of these things – in fact, if often makes them far worse. We say we believe in God’s power to save us, and then we act completely the opposite. It’s time we started “walking the walk and talking the talk.” It’s time we claimed God’s power and protection in our lives – and then acted on it. We need to reach out to others more. We need to say, “I don’t necessarily understand or agree, but I know that God loves you as much as He loves me, and that’s a good place to start.” We have sold God so short. It’s time to step up and start believing Him for BIG things. Be brave and strong! God will never abandon you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Be brave and strong! Don't be afraid of the nations on the other side of the Jordan. The LORD your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent weeks, we have all heard the news reports about the controversy brewing in Arizona, where a movement to address the problem of illegal immigrants is afoot. The crackdown is a response to an increase in the number of immigrants who are taking up residence in Arizona and other border states and utilizing public services, even though they may not be legal residents of the United States. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed a law allowing police in her state to stop cars they suspect may contain illegal immigrants and demand identification. She has been accused of racial profiling and civil rights violations… and this controversy has sparked a national debate. Regardless of how you feel about this issue, we must accept the fact that much of the action and response are largely based in fear. More than that, we have to recognize that fear is one of the devil’s best tools!
Let’s be honest… we are all guilty of this to some degree. Many of us fear the person in the checkout line at Wal-Mart who looks like he/she is unclean or “a druggie.” Many of us fear the person who appears to be of another race who drives through our neighborhood or the parking lots in a car that doesn’t look like our shiny “American” sedans and SUVs. Many of us are scared to death of someone we perceive to be homosexual, whether we know this or are merely making an assumption. We fear what we do not fully understand. Someone who had a relative dying with AIDS once asked me, “Can I get it from hugging and kissing her?” This broke my heart! And for the record, the answer was “No!”
We have so forgotten who we are. We have failed to remember that we are ALL God’s children, and He loves each of us. God made each race and gave us all unique qualities. God may not be happy about a person’s choices, but He still loves the person. God loves people who are sick and dirty and homeless and strung out on drugs. He loves people with AIDS and cancer and warts! And He wants us to love them, too.
Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying we have to open our borders and allow any and all immigrants to enter into our homes - or that we have to compromise our values and beliefs about social issues like recreational drug use, sexually transmitted diseases, and anything done illegally. But we have to recognize that operating in fear does not change any of these things – in fact, if often makes them far worse. We say we believe in God’s power to save us, and then we act completely the opposite. It’s time we started “walking the walk and talking the talk.” It’s time we claimed God’s power and protection in our lives – and then acted on it. We need to reach out to others more. We need to say, “I don’t necessarily understand or agree, but I know that God loves you as much as He loves me, and that’s a good place to start.” We have sold God so short. It’s time to step up and start believing Him for BIG things. Be brave and strong! God will never abandon you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 22, 2010
May 22 ~ Numbers 14:9
So don't rebel. We have no reason to be afraid of the people who live there. The LORD is on our side, and they won't stand a chance against us!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
New and/or unfamiliar situations can be daunting for anyone. Small children who are entering the kindergarten or pre-school classroom for the first time may stall at the door – or even turn and cling to their mothers. More than once, I’ve had to reassure a mother, “Go ahead… five minutes after you leave he/she will have stopped crying and be fine.” I’ve even pried at least one child from the support post on the covered walkway as he screamed while his tearful mother drove away. Every single child was indeed fine after a few minutes. But stepping into the unknown and out of a comfort zone was huge for them.
In Numbers 13 and 14, Moses and Aaron have sent Caleb and Joshua to scout out the land of Canaan. They returned and reported it was “flowing with milk and honey.” It was also home to some large fortified cities. Caleb admits that there is opposition to a takeover there, but he believes the Israelites can do it. But once the people see the land for themselves, they are not so sure. They rebel and want to turn and go back to Egypt, claiming they would have been better off to die there than step into what they perceive as a death trap. So in essence, they are “clinging to the pole on the covered walkway” – frozen in their tracks with fear.
Now the point is, God had told Moses to investigate the land of Canaan. He had sanctioned this, and Moses was obedient. And when we are obedient – even when it seems like a scary - or even risky - leap of faith, God paves the way and protects us. So when your friends want you to go do things with them you know you shouldn’t, don’t fear being ridiculed. Trust God to protect you. When your boss is asking you to lie or do something dishonest or illegal at work, don’t fear losing your job… trust God to make sure that you will always have one – even if it means relocating. When someone invites you to church or a new Bible study, and you don’t want to go because “I won’t know anyone there,” step out in faith that God will help you get acquainted, if He is leading you to attend.
The key to success in this is to always consult God about everything. Don’t take a new job, accept a marriage proposal, have a baby, or move to a new city without talking to Him about it first. But also don’t join a Bible study, serve on a committee, or even run for Class President without consulting God. Make sure you have talked to God about every decision and choice in your life, both the big ones and those that seem insignificant. In all things, ask God where He is leading you… then let go of the pole and move forward.
©2010 Debbie Robus
So don't rebel. We have no reason to be afraid of the people who live there. The LORD is on our side, and they won't stand a chance against us!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
New and/or unfamiliar situations can be daunting for anyone. Small children who are entering the kindergarten or pre-school classroom for the first time may stall at the door – or even turn and cling to their mothers. More than once, I’ve had to reassure a mother, “Go ahead… five minutes after you leave he/she will have stopped crying and be fine.” I’ve even pried at least one child from the support post on the covered walkway as he screamed while his tearful mother drove away. Every single child was indeed fine after a few minutes. But stepping into the unknown and out of a comfort zone was huge for them.
In Numbers 13 and 14, Moses and Aaron have sent Caleb and Joshua to scout out the land of Canaan. They returned and reported it was “flowing with milk and honey.” It was also home to some large fortified cities. Caleb admits that there is opposition to a takeover there, but he believes the Israelites can do it. But once the people see the land for themselves, they are not so sure. They rebel and want to turn and go back to Egypt, claiming they would have been better off to die there than step into what they perceive as a death trap. So in essence, they are “clinging to the pole on the covered walkway” – frozen in their tracks with fear.
Now the point is, God had told Moses to investigate the land of Canaan. He had sanctioned this, and Moses was obedient. And when we are obedient – even when it seems like a scary - or even risky - leap of faith, God paves the way and protects us. So when your friends want you to go do things with them you know you shouldn’t, don’t fear being ridiculed. Trust God to protect you. When your boss is asking you to lie or do something dishonest or illegal at work, don’t fear losing your job… trust God to make sure that you will always have one – even if it means relocating. When someone invites you to church or a new Bible study, and you don’t want to go because “I won’t know anyone there,” step out in faith that God will help you get acquainted, if He is leading you to attend.
The key to success in this is to always consult God about everything. Don’t take a new job, accept a marriage proposal, have a baby, or move to a new city without talking to Him about it first. But also don’t join a Bible study, serve on a committee, or even run for Class President without consulting God. Make sure you have talked to God about every decision and choice in your life, both the big ones and those that seem insignificant. In all things, ask God where He is leading you… then let go of the pole and move forward.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 17, 2010
May 17 ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“What in the world have I gotten myself into?” Have you ever asked this question? Have you ever accepted a job or a particular task – or agreed to serve on a committee or spearhead some project – and then second-guessed yourself? Maybe you wondered, “What was I thinking?” Often when we try something new, we have moments of doubt. “Can I really do this? Am I qualified? How will I get it all done? What will other people think?” All of these are questions we may ask. And many among us have asked some of these same questions – or similar ones – when it came to living the life of a Christian.
We worry about our past. We wonder how we can measure up to others we consider to be strong, faith-filled witnesses. “How can I serve alongside so-and-so? What can I bring to the table? Will people believe me if they know where I’ve been and what I’ve done?”
The truth is… God does not care about your past, your fears, your insecurities and your apprehensions, because He doesn’t see them. He sees His child, equipped with everything needed to serve Him and witness to others… because He gave you these things! So be confident in your faith. Step up and out and do whatever He calls you to do. And trust God to help you with the things of this world, too… from that project at school or work to how you will manage your new baby and the demands of a job and a family. God has given you the power, love, and self-control you must exercise in every situation. Be bold in your usage of His gifts and see where they can take you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“What in the world have I gotten myself into?” Have you ever asked this question? Have you ever accepted a job or a particular task – or agreed to serve on a committee or spearhead some project – and then second-guessed yourself? Maybe you wondered, “What was I thinking?” Often when we try something new, we have moments of doubt. “Can I really do this? Am I qualified? How will I get it all done? What will other people think?” All of these are questions we may ask. And many among us have asked some of these same questions – or similar ones – when it came to living the life of a Christian.
We worry about our past. We wonder how we can measure up to others we consider to be strong, faith-filled witnesses. “How can I serve alongside so-and-so? What can I bring to the table? Will people believe me if they know where I’ve been and what I’ve done?”
The truth is… God does not care about your past, your fears, your insecurities and your apprehensions, because He doesn’t see them. He sees His child, equipped with everything needed to serve Him and witness to others… because He gave you these things! So be confident in your faith. Step up and out and do whatever He calls you to do. And trust God to help you with the things of this world, too… from that project at school or work to how you will manage your new baby and the demands of a job and a family. God has given you the power, love, and self-control you must exercise in every situation. Be bold in your usage of His gifts and see where they can take you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 15, 2010
May 15 ~ Isaiah 41:10
Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mom has a 53-lb. boxer mix named Spot who is terrified of thunder and storms. My sister has a yellow lab, Wrinkles, who is the size of a small pony. But let a thunderstorm approach, and he tries to crawl in her lap. Both dogs tremble and drool. My sister says she thinks Wrinkles would get under her skin if he could! We don’t know what makes these big dogs so terrified of thunder, but we have learned that this is a common problem with dogs of all sizes and breeds. Sometimes, my sister medicates her dog to calm him when storms come. Sometimes, she just wraps her arms around him and hangs on until it’s over.
Whether we realize it or not, when the “storms of life” threaten, we all are prone to tremble. We may not show fear outwardly, but we are nervous, apprehensive, and worried about what will happen. And some of us shake, tremble, wring our hands, and “freak out” over what is happening. When the chips are down, we often fail to recognize God’s presence. We fail to feel His arms wrapping around us and giving us protection and comfort. We do not hear His voice saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am with you.” And so we “shake, rattle and roll.”
It’s time we started giving our fears to God and allowing Him to handle them for us. It’s time we started acknowledging not only His power to do this, but His desire to protect us. We’ve trembled long enough. We’ve let Satan defeat us too long. It’s time to call on God to make us strong and give us victory. Are you in?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Don't be afraid. I am with you. Don't tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mom has a 53-lb. boxer mix named Spot who is terrified of thunder and storms. My sister has a yellow lab, Wrinkles, who is the size of a small pony. But let a thunderstorm approach, and he tries to crawl in her lap. Both dogs tremble and drool. My sister says she thinks Wrinkles would get under her skin if he could! We don’t know what makes these big dogs so terrified of thunder, but we have learned that this is a common problem with dogs of all sizes and breeds. Sometimes, my sister medicates her dog to calm him when storms come. Sometimes, she just wraps her arms around him and hangs on until it’s over.
Whether we realize it or not, when the “storms of life” threaten, we all are prone to tremble. We may not show fear outwardly, but we are nervous, apprehensive, and worried about what will happen. And some of us shake, tremble, wring our hands, and “freak out” over what is happening. When the chips are down, we often fail to recognize God’s presence. We fail to feel His arms wrapping around us and giving us protection and comfort. We do not hear His voice saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am with you.” And so we “shake, rattle and roll.”
It’s time we started giving our fears to God and allowing Him to handle them for us. It’s time we started acknowledging not only His power to do this, but His desire to protect us. We’ve trembled long enough. We’ve let Satan defeat us too long. It’s time to call on God to make us strong and give us victory. Are you in?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 12, 2010
May 12 ~ 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.
When I was a little girl, my grandparents’ farm was considered “out in the country.” It sat alongside a dirt road, surrounded by thick woods on three sides. At night, it was incredibly dark and quiet there. There were no LED lights at night to illuminate the bedroom, and the only noise was the steady ticking of my grandparents’ mantel clock, which also chimed each hour and half hour. My sister and I snuggled in our bed beneath soft, warm quilts. We were not afraid of the dark, but once we got in bed, we rarely moved again until morning!
Now, most of us have all kinds of lights to brighten our homes. Someone commented recently that, even in the dark of night, we are not in the dark. Our televisions and digital clocks glow. Our smoke and radon detectors blink and flash. We illuminate our sidewalks and flower beds with landscaping lights. Street lights and “night watchmen” glow in even the most remote subdivisions and fields. And that light has become familiar to us, so that when we are truly thrust into the dark, we are uncomfortable… if not downright fearful.
In our spiritual life, God is our light. He is the bright illumination of a “night watchman” that glows in a field or the tiny blinking of a carbon monoxide detector that monitors our home – and He is protecting us from the darkness of Satan and sin at every turn. We don’t have to fear anything. God shines the light brightly on every aspect of our life and shows us where the mine fields of sin are located. He spotlights them and gives us His wisdom and care to overcome all odds. Just as we do not have to fear the dark of night, we do not have to fear the darkness of sin, either. Jesus overcame this darkness on the cross and His love, grace and mercy forever shine brightly over us.
How awesome is it to know we have this constant protection! How great it feels to know that Someone always has our back – and is lighting our way. Have no fear… God is lighting your way. Trust His protection and have confidence in His power to keep you safe.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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.
When I was a little girl, my grandparents’ farm was considered “out in the country.” It sat alongside a dirt road, surrounded by thick woods on three sides. At night, it was incredibly dark and quiet there. There were no LED lights at night to illuminate the bedroom, and the only noise was the steady ticking of my grandparents’ mantel clock, which also chimed each hour and half hour. My sister and I snuggled in our bed beneath soft, warm quilts. We were not afraid of the dark, but once we got in bed, we rarely moved again until morning!
Now, most of us have all kinds of lights to brighten our homes. Someone commented recently that, even in the dark of night, we are not in the dark. Our televisions and digital clocks glow. Our smoke and radon detectors blink and flash. We illuminate our sidewalks and flower beds with landscaping lights. Street lights and “night watchmen” glow in even the most remote subdivisions and fields. And that light has become familiar to us, so that when we are truly thrust into the dark, we are uncomfortable… if not downright fearful.
In our spiritual life, God is our light. He is the bright illumination of a “night watchman” that glows in a field or the tiny blinking of a carbon monoxide detector that monitors our home – and He is protecting us from the darkness of Satan and sin at every turn. We don’t have to fear anything. God shines the light brightly on every aspect of our life and shows us where the mine fields of sin are located. He spotlights them and gives us His wisdom and care to overcome all odds. Just as we do not have to fear the dark of night, we do not have to fear the darkness of sin, either. Jesus overcame this darkness on the cross and His love, grace and mercy forever shine brightly over us.
How awesome is it to know we have this constant protection! How great it feels to know that Someone always has our back – and is lighting our way. Have no fear… God is lighting your way. Trust His protection and have confidence in His power to keep you safe.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 7, 2010
May 7 ~ Psalm 91:3-8
The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall. You won't need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day. And you won't fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon. You will not be harmed, though thousands fall all around you. And with your own eyes you will see the punishment of the wicked.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 2004, while teaching a junior High Sunday School class at our church, I searched for a way to get the kids to read their Bible. I asked them to write down twelve issues that they struggled with or had questions about… and they listed school, family, peer pressure, love, friends, possessions, and more. I searched the Bible for scriptures to fit each topic and developed an outline… “devos” for each month. I printed them out each week as a hand-out for the students on Sundays, and several began using them to study their Bible.
In 2005, Susan Miles, the wife of our pastor at that time, came to me and said, “We need something for our “in-betweeners” – those who have graduated from high school but are not quite adults. It needs to be something we could e-mail them – like a daily devotional. Would you help me do this?” I shared with her the year-long set of daily devos that I had written, and Susan used a list of e-mail addresses – mostly youth in our church who had graduated, along with those I worked with in Jr/Sr High Sunday School classes and S.P.A.M. small groups – to send the “devos” each day, beginning in August when school resumed. When we had used all of the devotionals for that year, I started writing more… and I’ve written them ever since.
If you ever wonder why sometimes the devo seems slanted toward younger people, this is the reason. As years have passed, people have shared the devos with friends and family who said, “I want to be on the list,” and now I send the daily devotional to over 120 e-mail addresses for people whose ages range from early teens to late 80’s. I have no idea how many people actually see each devo, because I know some of you share them with family and friends… and that’s wonderful. I also post them on my blog… http://auntdebsattic.blogspot.com. Since I started writing the devos, I have truly come to appreciate God’s protection. I have used personal experiences and current events to show you how God’s word is real for our lives every day – and at every age… and how He is always working on our behalf. I’ve shared with you the struggles and joys of the journey of a little boy named Job, who received a lung transplant in 2007 - and just celebrated his 12th birthday, by the way! (www.caringbridge.org/ar/job) I’ve tried to always write what God wants me to say and not what I want to share. And I’ll tell you, the days when I feel that my words are not that great are often when I hear from more of you – things like “That was just what I needed today!” See…God spoke, not me… and what He wanted said was sent to you that day. What is really cool is a day when several of you write and say, “That was just for me!” How amazing it is to realize that God uses the same message for so many individuals. My prayer is to send out what God wants said each and every day!
So today, know that God is protecting you and caring for you – each step of every day. He knows your joys, your sorrows, your fears, your thrills, your illnesses, and your good health. He cares about everything that has to do with you… and He stands ready to shield you from all of Satan’s slings and arrows. I do hope you believe this… and that you are trusting God to keep you safe. I pray that you will find encouragement and answers in these daily devotionals. As long as God keeps giving me words to share, I will keep writing. If you know someone who would be interested in receiving the devos each day, they can send their e-mail address to me, and I will add them to the list. I’m so happy to be able to share with you my insights on how God’s word works for us today. I pray you feel Him at work in your life this day – and always.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The Lord will keep you safe from secret traps and deadly diseases. He will spread his wings over you and keep you secure. His faithfulness is like a shield or a city wall. You won't need to worry about dangers at night or arrows during the day. And you won't fear diseases that strike in the dark or sudden disaster at noon. You will not be harmed, though thousands fall all around you. And with your own eyes you will see the punishment of the wicked.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 2004, while teaching a junior High Sunday School class at our church, I searched for a way to get the kids to read their Bible. I asked them to write down twelve issues that they struggled with or had questions about… and they listed school, family, peer pressure, love, friends, possessions, and more. I searched the Bible for scriptures to fit each topic and developed an outline… “devos” for each month. I printed them out each week as a hand-out for the students on Sundays, and several began using them to study their Bible.
In 2005, Susan Miles, the wife of our pastor at that time, came to me and said, “We need something for our “in-betweeners” – those who have graduated from high school but are not quite adults. It needs to be something we could e-mail them – like a daily devotional. Would you help me do this?” I shared with her the year-long set of daily devos that I had written, and Susan used a list of e-mail addresses – mostly youth in our church who had graduated, along with those I worked with in Jr/Sr High Sunday School classes and S.P.A.M. small groups – to send the “devos” each day, beginning in August when school resumed. When we had used all of the devotionals for that year, I started writing more… and I’ve written them ever since.
If you ever wonder why sometimes the devo seems slanted toward younger people, this is the reason. As years have passed, people have shared the devos with friends and family who said, “I want to be on the list,” and now I send the daily devotional to over 120 e-mail addresses for people whose ages range from early teens to late 80’s. I have no idea how many people actually see each devo, because I know some of you share them with family and friends… and that’s wonderful. I also post them on my blog… http://auntdebsattic.blogspot.com. Since I started writing the devos, I have truly come to appreciate God’s protection. I have used personal experiences and current events to show you how God’s word is real for our lives every day – and at every age… and how He is always working on our behalf. I’ve shared with you the struggles and joys of the journey of a little boy named Job, who received a lung transplant in 2007 - and just celebrated his 12th birthday, by the way! (www.caringbridge.org/ar/job) I’ve tried to always write what God wants me to say and not what I want to share. And I’ll tell you, the days when I feel that my words are not that great are often when I hear from more of you – things like “That was just what I needed today!” See…God spoke, not me… and what He wanted said was sent to you that day. What is really cool is a day when several of you write and say, “That was just for me!” How amazing it is to realize that God uses the same message for so many individuals. My prayer is to send out what God wants said each and every day!
So today, know that God is protecting you and caring for you – each step of every day. He knows your joys, your sorrows, your fears, your thrills, your illnesses, and your good health. He cares about everything that has to do with you… and He stands ready to shield you from all of Satan’s slings and arrows. I do hope you believe this… and that you are trusting God to keep you safe. I pray that you will find encouragement and answers in these daily devotionals. As long as God keeps giving me words to share, I will keep writing. If you know someone who would be interested in receiving the devos each day, they can send their e-mail address to me, and I will add them to the list. I’m so happy to be able to share with you my insights on how God’s word works for us today. I pray you feel Him at work in your life this day – and always.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 17, 2010
April 17 ~ John 13:33-35
My children, I will be with you for a little while longer. Then you will look for me, but you won't find me. I tell you just as I told the people, "You cannot go where I am going." But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I think of J.B. Hunt, I think of a faithful Christian man who was also successful in business. A few years ago, I was attending a “class reunion” banquet called “Early Decades.” The banquet is a chance for people who graduated 30 years ago or longer to get together and see one another and reminisce about “the good ole days.” On this particular night, I recognized Mr. Hunt standing beside a nearby table, along with his wife and some family members I know quite well. I greeted him and shook his hand, and I told him who I was by referencing my parents and my grandfather. I told him that my grand-dad spoke of him often and was so proud of what he had accomplished.
I didn’t tell Mr. Hunt this, but my grand-dad always spoke more of his personal character and strong Christian faith than he did J.B.’s business success. In fact, the last conversation I ever had with my grand-dad was about J.B. Hunt. He was scheduled to speak at the Rotary Club in Heber Springs, and my grand-dad said, “Oh, I would love to hear him speak.” Ironically, the last conversation I had with Mr. Hunt was at that banquet. He died a few months later after falling on some ice.
Having grown up in Heber Springs, I know a lot of the “old-timers.” My husband likes to joke that people need to be careful what they say to me about folks around here – because they are probably my relatives! And while that is not as true today as a few years ago, it still bodes well to watch who you talk about when you are around me! I’m just kidding! But the point is… how do people know you? Are you the child or grand-child of someone that others recognize? Are you known for your reputation – good or poor? Are you known as the banker’s son or the cop’s daughter or the preacher’s kid? Are you known as Joe’s wife or Sue’s husband? Are you known as a Christian – a disciple of Christ?
See, that last one is really the only one that matters. It doesn’t matter whose son, daughter, wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, team mate, or friend you are… except for Jesus. If people can’t readily see that you are Jesus’ disciple, nothing else matters. When we get right down to it, everything else is a label applied by humans… but “disciple of Christ” was bought and paid for on the cross. That label matters! It’s the one we should want. Are you loving – and living – in a way that allows others to see your discipleship? Isn’t it time you did? How are you known these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
My children, I will be with you for a little while longer. Then you will look for me, but you won't find me. I tell you just as I told the people, "You cannot go where I am going." But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I think of J.B. Hunt, I think of a faithful Christian man who was also successful in business. A few years ago, I was attending a “class reunion” banquet called “Early Decades.” The banquet is a chance for people who graduated 30 years ago or longer to get together and see one another and reminisce about “the good ole days.” On this particular night, I recognized Mr. Hunt standing beside a nearby table, along with his wife and some family members I know quite well. I greeted him and shook his hand, and I told him who I was by referencing my parents and my grandfather. I told him that my grand-dad spoke of him often and was so proud of what he had accomplished.
I didn’t tell Mr. Hunt this, but my grand-dad always spoke more of his personal character and strong Christian faith than he did J.B.’s business success. In fact, the last conversation I ever had with my grand-dad was about J.B. Hunt. He was scheduled to speak at the Rotary Club in Heber Springs, and my grand-dad said, “Oh, I would love to hear him speak.” Ironically, the last conversation I had with Mr. Hunt was at that banquet. He died a few months later after falling on some ice.
Having grown up in Heber Springs, I know a lot of the “old-timers.” My husband likes to joke that people need to be careful what they say to me about folks around here – because they are probably my relatives! And while that is not as true today as a few years ago, it still bodes well to watch who you talk about when you are around me! I’m just kidding! But the point is… how do people know you? Are you the child or grand-child of someone that others recognize? Are you known for your reputation – good or poor? Are you known as the banker’s son or the cop’s daughter or the preacher’s kid? Are you known as Joe’s wife or Sue’s husband? Are you known as a Christian – a disciple of Christ?
See, that last one is really the only one that matters. It doesn’t matter whose son, daughter, wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, team mate, or friend you are… except for Jesus. If people can’t readily see that you are Jesus’ disciple, nothing else matters. When we get right down to it, everything else is a label applied by humans… but “disciple of Christ” was bought and paid for on the cross. That label matters! It’s the one we should want. Are you loving – and living – in a way that allows others to see your discipleship? Isn’t it time you did? How are you known these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 9, 2010
April 9 ~ 2 Peter 1:3
We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God's own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my husband and I set out with Timmy to attend a high school baseball game. I packed a bag with everything I thought I would need – diapers, bottles, a blanket, a sweater, wet wipes, sunscreen, and a toy. You would be proud of me… I did not carry my purse! I stuck the few things I felt I might need for myself in the baby’s bag. We tossed the stroller in the back of the vehicle and headed to the ball field… and the game had been cancelled. As usual, I had over-packed… although this time, I might have actually needed everything I brought if the game had taken place.
How often do we over-pack our lives? God gave us everything we need when we invited Jesus into our hearts… salvation, Eternal Life, the Holy Spirit to guide us each day, Scripture, prayer for communicating with Him directly, comfort, joy, peace, protection, and more. We are continually trying to add to this… worry, concern, fear, loneliness, frustration, pain, sorrow, discord, strife, busyness, over-indulgence, gluttony, envy, jealousy - and sins on every side.
It’s time to “un-pack the bag” and get rid of the things we really don’t need. It’s time to de-clutter our lives and get back to the basics of our faith. It’s time to take a good hard look at the things God put in the bag and see their value… and to get rid of anything that isn’t necessary or put there by God! Going to that ballgame without my big purse full of “stuff” was a huge step for me. I have to admit, I was a little uneasy at first… but in the end, it was extremely freeing. Our baggage and “extras” drag us down. What baggage have you added lately? Isn’t it time you cleaned out the bag and got back to the basics God provides? This truly is everything we need… and more. The rest is total clutter - and needs to go. Are you ready?
©2010 Debbie Robus
We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God's own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my husband and I set out with Timmy to attend a high school baseball game. I packed a bag with everything I thought I would need – diapers, bottles, a blanket, a sweater, wet wipes, sunscreen, and a toy. You would be proud of me… I did not carry my purse! I stuck the few things I felt I might need for myself in the baby’s bag. We tossed the stroller in the back of the vehicle and headed to the ball field… and the game had been cancelled. As usual, I had over-packed… although this time, I might have actually needed everything I brought if the game had taken place.
How often do we over-pack our lives? God gave us everything we need when we invited Jesus into our hearts… salvation, Eternal Life, the Holy Spirit to guide us each day, Scripture, prayer for communicating with Him directly, comfort, joy, peace, protection, and more. We are continually trying to add to this… worry, concern, fear, loneliness, frustration, pain, sorrow, discord, strife, busyness, over-indulgence, gluttony, envy, jealousy - and sins on every side.
It’s time to “un-pack the bag” and get rid of the things we really don’t need. It’s time to de-clutter our lives and get back to the basics of our faith. It’s time to take a good hard look at the things God put in the bag and see their value… and to get rid of anything that isn’t necessary or put there by God! Going to that ballgame without my big purse full of “stuff” was a huge step for me. I have to admit, I was a little uneasy at first… but in the end, it was extremely freeing. Our baggage and “extras” drag us down. What baggage have you added lately? Isn’t it time you cleaned out the bag and got back to the basics God provides? This truly is everything we need… and more. The rest is total clutter - and needs to go. Are you ready?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 30, 2010
March 30 ~ Ephesians 1:19-21
I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Sometime in the last few months, you have probably lost electrical power. It may have been due to ice or snow – or high winds and thunderstorms… or simply caused by a squirrel who decided to tightrope dance across the power lines. At any rate, when we lose electrical power, we seem to lose our way for a time. Everywhere we turn, there is something we can’t do like we normally do, because we don’t have power. Flip a switch? Oh, yeah… no power. Want to go somewhere? You have to manually raise your garage door, because the electric door opener isn’t working. Need to make a phone call? Can’t use that cordless phone, can you?! You can’t use your microwave, or maybe your stove. You can’t watch television, and you have limited battery life in your cell phones and laptops! If you live in a rural area, you may not be able to use your water, either, because your well pump runs on electricity! Very quickly, you learn the might and value of “power,” and you can’t wait for it to return!
What if we lost God’s power? Hopefully, we are depending on God to wield His power for us 24/7 in ways great and small. Hopefully we trust Him to use His power to keep us healthy, safe (from worldly enemies as well as the devil), fed, clothed, and mentally sound. We trust God to bring the sunshine each day and to provide plant and animal life to feed us, water to hydrate, people who can teach us and nurture us Spiritually through His word, and more.
You may not have consciously and deliberately given God’s power in your life much thought. Much like our electricity, you may have taken God’s power for granted. Let’s start today to pay closer attention to how God’s power is evidenced in our lives. Let’s make a list – at least mentally – of where God is operating on our behalf. Let’s stop taking this for granted and realize that God’s power has gotten us to this point and will carry us into the future – well into Eternity! Without God’s power, Jesus would never have been raised from the dead. Without God’s power, we would never have salvation and the promise of heaven. Without God’s power, the lights would go out for us in more ways than one. Thank God for giving us Jesus – and for the ways He will wield His power for us in the future. Feel the power of God in your life today… and give Him praise for exercising it on your behalf.
©2010 Debbie Robus
I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Sometime in the last few months, you have probably lost electrical power. It may have been due to ice or snow – or high winds and thunderstorms… or simply caused by a squirrel who decided to tightrope dance across the power lines. At any rate, when we lose electrical power, we seem to lose our way for a time. Everywhere we turn, there is something we can’t do like we normally do, because we don’t have power. Flip a switch? Oh, yeah… no power. Want to go somewhere? You have to manually raise your garage door, because the electric door opener isn’t working. Need to make a phone call? Can’t use that cordless phone, can you?! You can’t use your microwave, or maybe your stove. You can’t watch television, and you have limited battery life in your cell phones and laptops! If you live in a rural area, you may not be able to use your water, either, because your well pump runs on electricity! Very quickly, you learn the might and value of “power,” and you can’t wait for it to return!
What if we lost God’s power? Hopefully, we are depending on God to wield His power for us 24/7 in ways great and small. Hopefully we trust Him to use His power to keep us healthy, safe (from worldly enemies as well as the devil), fed, clothed, and mentally sound. We trust God to bring the sunshine each day and to provide plant and animal life to feed us, water to hydrate, people who can teach us and nurture us Spiritually through His word, and more.
You may not have consciously and deliberately given God’s power in your life much thought. Much like our electricity, you may have taken God’s power for granted. Let’s start today to pay closer attention to how God’s power is evidenced in our lives. Let’s make a list – at least mentally – of where God is operating on our behalf. Let’s stop taking this for granted and realize that God’s power has gotten us to this point and will carry us into the future – well into Eternity! Without God’s power, Jesus would never have been raised from the dead. Without God’s power, we would never have salvation and the promise of heaven. Without God’s power, the lights would go out for us in more ways than one. Thank God for giving us Jesus – and for the ways He will wield His power for us in the future. Feel the power of God in your life today… and give Him praise for exercising it on your behalf.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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