Matthew 7:7-11
"Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
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.
It's almost that time of year again...Halloween! Our little "goblins" are already busy working on their costumes. One wants to be Minnie Mouse...another a Power Ranger...Timothy wants to be a vampire - and Zola says she is going to be a "dhost" or a ladybug! They will ring the doorbell and shout "Trick or treat!" But there will be few tricks, if any...and plenty of candy and other goodies.
I doubt many children fully understand the meaning behind the phrase "Trick or treat!" If a homeowner replied, "Trick!"... they would probably look perplexed. And while a few adults may actually try this, we all know that in the end, the kids get what they were after...candy - and lots of it!
Imagine if we asked God for help, and He gave us something ridiculous instead. What if we beseeched God to heal our bodies, and He presented us with even more diseases...or we asked for help with a struggle at school, work, or church, and instead, He said, "Here's a pet alligator!" This wouldn't make a lick of sense...would it?!
I am so grateful that God does not play "Trick or treat!" I am blessed by the knowledge that anything I ask for with humility and sincerity, God will consider. That doesn't mean I will receive it exactly. But God will take my prayers and requests and consider what is best for me and my situation...and He will answer - and meet all of my needs and more!
This leads me to one more thing...we don't often pray specifically enough. Yes, God already knows that you are having a problem with your girlfriend or that your back is killing you. But He wants you to express this. He doesn't want to hear a broad-spectrum request for "complete peace and healing in all areas". This doesn't mean that God won't answer anyway...but He really, really wants us to be specific, transparent, and fully communicative with Him. And aren't we glad?!
We don't seem to grasp what an honor, blessing and privilege it is to be able to speak directly to God...about anything and everything...and to expect Him to answer! Let's not take this for granted. Let's get busy talking to God and letting Him know what we need and how we feel. Let's trust Him to answer in the best way possible for every situation. With God, there are no tricks. But "treats" abound at every turn. You just have to know how to ask.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label asking God for help. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asking God for help. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 24, 2013
March 24 ~ Psalm 101:1-2
I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs. I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In 1973, country music artist Charlie Rich recorded a song called “Behind Closed Doors.” Essentially, this song tells of a woman who behaves one way in public – and another at home “behind closed doors.” The tag line to the chorus is, “…no one knows what goes on behind closed doors.” Sadly, I’m afraid this could be the tag line for a lot of us. We “play nice” in public and project the persona of someone who is polite, kind, morally upright, fair… and honest to a fault. Then we go home, and “the gloves come off” so to speak… along with our sense of propriety and decorum.
We treat our family members poorly… we use foul language and deride others. We gossip… we connive… we lie to others – and to ourselves. We think nobody else will find out how we really are, as long as we go to church on Sundays and act nicely at work, school, among our friends and/or when we are in public. But David tells us in this Psalm that integrity begins at home… where we think no one is looking. The truth is that GOD is always watching. And whether we want to believe it or not, others are watching, too.
You may think you are doing pretty well. You don’t curse… you try never to gossip… and you are kind and loving at all times. But let me ask you this… do you claim to trust Jesus in all things, then go home and wring your hands, worry and wrestle over challenges and concerns? Are you all about telling others how “the LORD will provide” as you question the very circumstances of your own life? Do you attend worship services and Bible studies and then blow up and get upset over the least of things that don’t go your way?
As human beings, there is no way we can sustain a “split personality” forever. We will slip up at some point, and the four-letter words we let fly at home will pepper our language in public. We’ll find it easy to say something we shouldn’t have or lash out at someone in the heat of the moment. If we mistreat our siblings, our spouse, our children or our pets, this behavior will carry over into our “public” lives… or someone will realize our secret. Others will discover what we really think about them… how we truly talk and act… or how weak our faith in God to meet our needs truly is…and our “Christian” witness will be tarnished.
God wants to equip us to operate with integrity at all times… in all places. He wants to help us control our thoughts and actions on every front. Through His love and justice, we are each able to come before Him and receive the help we need. Because of the blood of Jesus on the cross, our sins can be forgiven. We can ask God to enable us to live a more blameless life… and to trust Him more fully.
Jesus stands at the door and knocks, fully aware of what goes on inside your home… and your heart. Does what is on the inside match the outside? Have you entrusted Him to help you live with integrity? Have you given Him glory and praise for His love and justice? Isn’t this Holy Week a great time to renew your commitment to living a more blameless life in Christ and sharing His amazing love with others? Operating with complete integrity seems like such a small gesture of respect for the One who sacrificed so much. Will you praise the LORD in song and action - and glorify Him in your daily living… regardless of who is looking?
©2013 Debbie Robus
I will sing of your love and justice, Lord. I will praise you with songs. I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In 1973, country music artist Charlie Rich recorded a song called “Behind Closed Doors.” Essentially, this song tells of a woman who behaves one way in public – and another at home “behind closed doors.” The tag line to the chorus is, “…no one knows what goes on behind closed doors.” Sadly, I’m afraid this could be the tag line for a lot of us. We “play nice” in public and project the persona of someone who is polite, kind, morally upright, fair… and honest to a fault. Then we go home, and “the gloves come off” so to speak… along with our sense of propriety and decorum.
We treat our family members poorly… we use foul language and deride others. We gossip… we connive… we lie to others – and to ourselves. We think nobody else will find out how we really are, as long as we go to church on Sundays and act nicely at work, school, among our friends and/or when we are in public. But David tells us in this Psalm that integrity begins at home… where we think no one is looking. The truth is that GOD is always watching. And whether we want to believe it or not, others are watching, too.
You may think you are doing pretty well. You don’t curse… you try never to gossip… and you are kind and loving at all times. But let me ask you this… do you claim to trust Jesus in all things, then go home and wring your hands, worry and wrestle over challenges and concerns? Are you all about telling others how “the LORD will provide” as you question the very circumstances of your own life? Do you attend worship services and Bible studies and then blow up and get upset over the least of things that don’t go your way?
As human beings, there is no way we can sustain a “split personality” forever. We will slip up at some point, and the four-letter words we let fly at home will pepper our language in public. We’ll find it easy to say something we shouldn’t have or lash out at someone in the heat of the moment. If we mistreat our siblings, our spouse, our children or our pets, this behavior will carry over into our “public” lives… or someone will realize our secret. Others will discover what we really think about them… how we truly talk and act… or how weak our faith in God to meet our needs truly is…and our “Christian” witness will be tarnished.
God wants to equip us to operate with integrity at all times… in all places. He wants to help us control our thoughts and actions on every front. Through His love and justice, we are each able to come before Him and receive the help we need. Because of the blood of Jesus on the cross, our sins can be forgiven. We can ask God to enable us to live a more blameless life… and to trust Him more fully.
Jesus stands at the door and knocks, fully aware of what goes on inside your home… and your heart. Does what is on the inside match the outside? Have you entrusted Him to help you live with integrity? Have you given Him glory and praise for His love and justice? Isn’t this Holy Week a great time to renew your commitment to living a more blameless life in Christ and sharing His amazing love with others? Operating with complete integrity seems like such a small gesture of respect for the One who sacrificed so much. Will you praise the LORD in song and action - and glorify Him in your daily living… regardless of who is looking?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 27, 2012
Matthew 7:7-11
Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever tried to help someone who would not tell you what he/she needed? You would ask, “What can I do for you?” and get a response like, “Oh… I don’t know,” or “Nothing… it’s okay.” Then later you find out this person needed food, money, a ride somewhere that you happened to already be going, or just a good friend to talk to about a problem. You would gladly have done whatever you could to help this person… if only he/she had asked.
We are not mind readers. And honestly, there are times when maybe we can figure out what a person needs or wants… but it’s just nice to hear that person say it. We’re not trying to be mean by withholding whatever assistance we can offer… we’re just not into playing guessing games. And it’s the same with God.
Believe me, God knows what we want and need before we ask. But He wants us to be honest with him… to come clean – maybe even with our hat in our hand – and humbly say, “LORD, I need you. I’ve got a problem here… I’m in trouble… I would really like for this or that to work out for me… I am asking YOU to help me!” But there is more… we can’t expect God to always give us exactly what we ask for, because this may not be right for us. God not only knows what we want and need before we ask… He knows what is best for us – what we really need!
So when we ask God for help, we must understand that He will not give us a “snake” when we need a “fish”… even if we ask for it! He won’t give you a sports car when what you need is a good, dependable minivan! He may not bring us the person we selected for ourselves as a life partner… the job we think we want… or the accolades we feel we deserve. God will not let us go hungry – physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally – if we sincerely ask Him to help us. But He may not “feed” us in the way we expect – or desire.
Aren’t you ready to begin genuinely asking God to meet your needs? Isn’t it time you stopped dancing around the truth and hesitating? When we come to the point in our life where we can ask God to meet our needs and accept His response, we have truly begun to live as one of His followers. When we trust God to give us good and perfect gifts - and to know what these are, He will shower us with His goodness. And it will be more than enough. What are you waiting for?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread? Would you give your child a snake if the child asked for a fish? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever tried to help someone who would not tell you what he/she needed? You would ask, “What can I do for you?” and get a response like, “Oh… I don’t know,” or “Nothing… it’s okay.” Then later you find out this person needed food, money, a ride somewhere that you happened to already be going, or just a good friend to talk to about a problem. You would gladly have done whatever you could to help this person… if only he/she had asked.
We are not mind readers. And honestly, there are times when maybe we can figure out what a person needs or wants… but it’s just nice to hear that person say it. We’re not trying to be mean by withholding whatever assistance we can offer… we’re just not into playing guessing games. And it’s the same with God.
Believe me, God knows what we want and need before we ask. But He wants us to be honest with him… to come clean – maybe even with our hat in our hand – and humbly say, “LORD, I need you. I’ve got a problem here… I’m in trouble… I would really like for this or that to work out for me… I am asking YOU to help me!” But there is more… we can’t expect God to always give us exactly what we ask for, because this may not be right for us. God not only knows what we want and need before we ask… He knows what is best for us – what we really need!
So when we ask God for help, we must understand that He will not give us a “snake” when we need a “fish”… even if we ask for it! He won’t give you a sports car when what you need is a good, dependable minivan! He may not bring us the person we selected for ourselves as a life partner… the job we think we want… or the accolades we feel we deserve. God will not let us go hungry – physically, mentally, spiritually or emotionally – if we sincerely ask Him to help us. But He may not “feed” us in the way we expect – or desire.
Aren’t you ready to begin genuinely asking God to meet your needs? Isn’t it time you stopped dancing around the truth and hesitating? When we come to the point in our life where we can ask God to meet our needs and accept His response, we have truly begun to live as one of His followers. When we trust God to give us good and perfect gifts - and to know what these are, He will shower us with His goodness. And it will be more than enough. What are you waiting for?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 17, 2012
Proverbs 15:18
Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I am reminded once again of Emily Litella, Gilda Radner’s character on “Saturday Night Live.” Litella was a little old lady who was hard of hearing. She appeared during the “Weekend Update” newscast with Chevy Chase and/or Jane Curtin. Emily Litella got things all mixed up and made a huge fuss over nothing. For instance, once there was a “news” report about a Supreme Court ruling on the death penalty, and she “heard” the reporter say “deaf” penalty. She went ballistic! Deaf people had enough problems already! In all of these spoofs, the “reporter” was finally able to get Litella to calm down, and the misunderstanding could be explained. Litella always replied, “Oh, that’s different! Never mind!”
We are all “Emily Litella” at one time or another. Whether we fail to listen carefully or to gather all the facts… or we fly off the handle in what we feel is a justified reaction…losing our temper can cause a lot of unnecessary trouble.
Do you remember the scripture verses in John 8 where a crowd gathered and tried to get Jesus to condemn an adulterous woman? Do you remember how Jesus quietly kept drawing in the dirt? With one sentence, He diffused the situation. He did not rant and rave. He didn’t stomp his feet and jump up and down. He did not yell and scream. Jesus merely said, “If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!” And then He began to write in the dirt again.
Some of us seem to be “wired” to fly off the handle. But we can change this. We can ask God to give us wisdom, patience, tolerance… and control. We can ask Him to help us count to ten, breathe deeply, or take time to pray… to do whatever is necessary to remain calm and avoid trouble. Arguments are almost never productive… and in most cases, they can cause real, lasting problems.
Let’s all work on controlling our temper and staying calm. With God’s help, We.Can.Do.This! Let’s ask Him to show us how to exercise self-control… and to give us the necessary tools to avoid conflict. We don’t want to find ourselves in a position where we have to admit, “that’s different”… much less utter, “Never mind!” Put your “Emily Litella” persona to rest and start emulating Jesus. Learn to draw in the dirt… and do your best to stay out of trouble!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I am reminded once again of Emily Litella, Gilda Radner’s character on “Saturday Night Live.” Litella was a little old lady who was hard of hearing. She appeared during the “Weekend Update” newscast with Chevy Chase and/or Jane Curtin. Emily Litella got things all mixed up and made a huge fuss over nothing. For instance, once there was a “news” report about a Supreme Court ruling on the death penalty, and she “heard” the reporter say “deaf” penalty. She went ballistic! Deaf people had enough problems already! In all of these spoofs, the “reporter” was finally able to get Litella to calm down, and the misunderstanding could be explained. Litella always replied, “Oh, that’s different! Never mind!”
We are all “Emily Litella” at one time or another. Whether we fail to listen carefully or to gather all the facts… or we fly off the handle in what we feel is a justified reaction…losing our temper can cause a lot of unnecessary trouble.
Do you remember the scripture verses in John 8 where a crowd gathered and tried to get Jesus to condemn an adulterous woman? Do you remember how Jesus quietly kept drawing in the dirt? With one sentence, He diffused the situation. He did not rant and rave. He didn’t stomp his feet and jump up and down. He did not yell and scream. Jesus merely said, “If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!” And then He began to write in the dirt again.
Some of us seem to be “wired” to fly off the handle. But we can change this. We can ask God to give us wisdom, patience, tolerance… and control. We can ask Him to help us count to ten, breathe deeply, or take time to pray… to do whatever is necessary to remain calm and avoid trouble. Arguments are almost never productive… and in most cases, they can cause real, lasting problems.
Let’s all work on controlling our temper and staying calm. With God’s help, We.Can.Do.This! Let’s ask Him to show us how to exercise self-control… and to give us the necessary tools to avoid conflict. We don’t want to find ourselves in a position where we have to admit, “that’s different”… much less utter, “Never mind!” Put your “Emily Litella” persona to rest and start emulating Jesus. Learn to draw in the dirt… and do your best to stay out of trouble!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 7, 2012
May 7 ~ 2 Corinthians 1:4-7
He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. We suffer in the hope that you will be comforted and saved. And because we are comforted, you will also be comforted, as you patiently endure suffering like ours. You never disappoint us. You suffered as much as we did, and we know that you will be comforted as we were.
James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anyone who has ever spent time “hospital sitting” will understand me when I say that my faith has been tested, and I we’ve been in trouble more than once this week. Last night, my grandmother muttered, “I’m worried about you.” I reminded her of the scripture from Galatians 6 and Isaiah 41 in yesterday’s devotional… how God has his arms around us – and as long as I am doing what I am supposed to in caring for her and helping her, He will help me. “You believe that, don’t you?” I asked. “Yes,” she nodded.
We wonder why suffering is allowed… why such challenges are given to us… but truly, we just don’t see what God is doing behind the scenes. As I think back to the nurse’s aide who gleaned information from my sister about getting a Health Information Services degree… to the R.N. who shared her concern over rearing her grandson while also taking her mother for a scan today to see if she is cancer-free following surgery and treatment… to the friends we met who also had loved ones hospitalized, I realize that God used us to help others even as others helped us! So many people were blessed by my grandmother’s smile and gentle spirit. Housekeepers stopped by just to hold her hand for a few minutes. Doctors marveled at her long life and how so many people love and care for her.
My grandmother has been blessed with a glorious life. There have been challenges… and times when I’m sure her faith has been tested. She has suffered terribly at times. But she has been comforted, and she has not given up. Now, at nearly 100 years of age, she asks why it is taking so long to get to heaven, and I tell her that maybe God is still working on a mega-mansion for her!
I know that many of you are facing enormous challenges. As nurses and medical staff have passed through my grandmother’s room, I’ve picked up little snippets of information – enough to know that EVERYBODY has issues and struggles… some of them pretty huge! My prayer is that your faith is as big as your challenges… that even when you struggle, you do not give up. Remember Jesus and His sufferings… and that He is with you in your own trials. Hold fast to the promise of better days and the wonderful comfort of One who counts each of your tears and stores them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). Remember to “Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort.” May He give you comfort and renew your faith today… and always.
©2012 Debbie Robus
He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. We share in the terrible sufferings of Christ, but also in the wonderful comfort he gives. We suffer in the hope that you will be comforted and saved. And because we are comforted, you will also be comforted, as you patiently endure suffering like ours. You never disappoint us. You suffered as much as we did, and we know that you will be comforted as we were.
James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Anyone who has ever spent time “hospital sitting” will understand me when I say that my faith has been tested, and I we’ve been in trouble more than once this week. Last night, my grandmother muttered, “I’m worried about you.” I reminded her of the scripture from Galatians 6 and Isaiah 41 in yesterday’s devotional… how God has his arms around us – and as long as I am doing what I am supposed to in caring for her and helping her, He will help me. “You believe that, don’t you?” I asked. “Yes,” she nodded.
We wonder why suffering is allowed… why such challenges are given to us… but truly, we just don’t see what God is doing behind the scenes. As I think back to the nurse’s aide who gleaned information from my sister about getting a Health Information Services degree… to the R.N. who shared her concern over rearing her grandson while also taking her mother for a scan today to see if she is cancer-free following surgery and treatment… to the friends we met who also had loved ones hospitalized, I realize that God used us to help others even as others helped us! So many people were blessed by my grandmother’s smile and gentle spirit. Housekeepers stopped by just to hold her hand for a few minutes. Doctors marveled at her long life and how so many people love and care for her.
My grandmother has been blessed with a glorious life. There have been challenges… and times when I’m sure her faith has been tested. She has suffered terribly at times. But she has been comforted, and she has not given up. Now, at nearly 100 years of age, she asks why it is taking so long to get to heaven, and I tell her that maybe God is still working on a mega-mansion for her!
I know that many of you are facing enormous challenges. As nurses and medical staff have passed through my grandmother’s room, I’ve picked up little snippets of information – enough to know that EVERYBODY has issues and struggles… some of them pretty huge! My prayer is that your faith is as big as your challenges… that even when you struggle, you do not give up. Remember Jesus and His sufferings… and that He is with you in your own trials. Hold fast to the promise of better days and the wonderful comfort of One who counts each of your tears and stores them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). Remember to “Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort.” May He give you comfort and renew your faith today… and always.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 20, 2012
2 Chronicles 1:1,7-12
Solomon, David’s son, was securely established over his kingdom because the LORD his God was with him and made him very great.
That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
“You showed so much kindness to my father David,” Solomon replied to God, “and you have made me king in his place. Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be fulfilled because you have made me king over a people as numerous as the earth’s dust. Give me wisdom and knowledge so I can lead this people, because no one can govern this great people of yours without your help.”
God said to Solomon, “Since this is what you wish, and because you’ve asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I’ve made you king—rather than asking for wealth, riches, fame, victory over those who hate you, or even a long life— your request for wisdom and knowledge is granted. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame beyond that of any king before you or after you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In his book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart, author Ted Tripp talks about placing children in extra-curricular activities. He questions the parents’ motives, in many cases. Do we want kids to participate in sporting activities so that they will be physically fit, develop characteristics of good sportsmanship, and learn the value of working with others as a team… or do we want them to become star athletes in their own right and winners? He maintains that when we focus on the former benefits, we often get the latter… but they must not be our primary motive. Tripp also maintains that we must carefully examine any activity in which we or our children engage and ask, “Why are we doing this?” If the motives aren’t pure and based in developing the heart – physically and emotionally – we probably shouldn’t be doing them.
In the words of comedian Bill Engvall… “here’s your sign” in 2 Chronicles 1. Solomon’s motives were pure. He desired wisdom and knowledge so that he could better lead God’s people. And because he asked for help to utilize the gifts God gave him and didn’t ask for fame and fortune, he got that as a bonus.
Often, when we ask God for the right things, He blesses us with more. God has so much He wants to give us… but He wants to make sure our heart and motives are pure first. This is something most of us have to work on all the time. We need to be asking ourselves, “Why am I doing this? If I get the things I want, will they help me serve God better?” If God helps you get a college degree and a good job, will you do all you can in your work setting to serve Him? If you are blessed with a wonderful companion and a solid relationship, will you cherish him/her and work as a couple to serve God and bless others in His name? If you live in a comfortable house and drive a nice car, will you open your doors to show hospitality to others… or even offer an occasional ride to someone who needs one?
When we take the focus off of us and put it on GOD, He shows up in ways we didn’t expect. When we consider His desires and make them ours, we often experience blessings far beyond what we expected – or even imagined! And if we don’t, that’s okay, too… because getting more than we expected or receiving God’s blessings was not our primary motive to begin with.
Where is your focus today? What are you asking of God? And even if you are asking for the right things… is that what’s really in your heart? God knows the difference! Make sure that your heart’s desires line up with God’s… and prepare to be amazed by His answers to your prayers.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Solomon, David’s son, was securely established over his kingdom because the LORD his God was with him and made him very great.
That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.”
“You showed so much kindness to my father David,” Solomon replied to God, “and you have made me king in his place. Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be fulfilled because you have made me king over a people as numerous as the earth’s dust. Give me wisdom and knowledge so I can lead this people, because no one can govern this great people of yours without your help.”
God said to Solomon, “Since this is what you wish, and because you’ve asked for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I’ve made you king—rather than asking for wealth, riches, fame, victory over those who hate you, or even a long life— your request for wisdom and knowledge is granted. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame beyond that of any king before you or after you.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In his book, Shepherding a Child’s Heart, author Ted Tripp talks about placing children in extra-curricular activities. He questions the parents’ motives, in many cases. Do we want kids to participate in sporting activities so that they will be physically fit, develop characteristics of good sportsmanship, and learn the value of working with others as a team… or do we want them to become star athletes in their own right and winners? He maintains that when we focus on the former benefits, we often get the latter… but they must not be our primary motive. Tripp also maintains that we must carefully examine any activity in which we or our children engage and ask, “Why are we doing this?” If the motives aren’t pure and based in developing the heart – physically and emotionally – we probably shouldn’t be doing them.
In the words of comedian Bill Engvall… “here’s your sign” in 2 Chronicles 1. Solomon’s motives were pure. He desired wisdom and knowledge so that he could better lead God’s people. And because he asked for help to utilize the gifts God gave him and didn’t ask for fame and fortune, he got that as a bonus.
Often, when we ask God for the right things, He blesses us with more. God has so much He wants to give us… but He wants to make sure our heart and motives are pure first. This is something most of us have to work on all the time. We need to be asking ourselves, “Why am I doing this? If I get the things I want, will they help me serve God better?” If God helps you get a college degree and a good job, will you do all you can in your work setting to serve Him? If you are blessed with a wonderful companion and a solid relationship, will you cherish him/her and work as a couple to serve God and bless others in His name? If you live in a comfortable house and drive a nice car, will you open your doors to show hospitality to others… or even offer an occasional ride to someone who needs one?
When we take the focus off of us and put it on GOD, He shows up in ways we didn’t expect. When we consider His desires and make them ours, we often experience blessings far beyond what we expected – or even imagined! And if we don’t, that’s okay, too… because getting more than we expected or receiving God’s blessings was not our primary motive to begin with.
Where is your focus today? What are you asking of God? And even if you are asking for the right things… is that what’s really in your heart? God knows the difference! Make sure that your heart’s desires line up with God’s… and prepare to be amazed by His answers to your prayers.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 9, 2011
Psalm 130:1-5
From a sea of troubles I call out to you, LORD. Won't you please listen as I beg for mercy? If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you. With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I watched a program called “Our America with Lisa Ling” about veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome – PTSD for short. These men and women harbor troubling – even horrific – images and memories of their wartime experiences. One man had been building up anger, rage and frustration for eight years… and taking aim at his wife and children with the emotions that overflowed. Yet he could not express himself… he could not explain what was causing him to be such an ogre. His wife was at a crossroads… should she and the children stay and be subjected to this rage - or should they leave?
The couple spent a week at a retreat in Angel Fire, New Mexico, where therapists specialize in helping veterans with PTSD. Ultimately, this man was able to express his emotions. He had served as a medic in Iraq. When the fighting ended, the civilians began to come to the medics for treatment. They were badly burned, maimed, missing limbs, and more. This man said he did all he could to treat as many as possible. But at the end of the day, many returned home untreated. There was nothing he could do for them. He said he could still see their faces… the emptiness in their eyes… their hopelessness. He said he knew that many of the children he was unable to help went home to die. And he felt guilty.
It took a lot of intensive work to get this man to release his burdens, but he was able to do it… to forgive himself and realize that he did all he could. As one therapist told him, “It’s not on you.” The veteran was able to understand this and acknowledge it… to forgive himself, and to apologize to his wife and family. He was able to accept – and love – himself again… which enabled him to love others.
So many of us are suffering from Spiritual PTSD. We are carrying burdens and sins that Jesus has already forgiven. We should let go of them… but we continue to keep a record, long after Jesus has scattered them to the four winds with His blood on the cross. If we are truly committed to Christ… if we really have invited Him to be LORD of our life and asked His Holy Spirit to dwell within us… we must express our sins and burdens to Him – then let them go. We must love and accept ourselves as Jesus does… so that we can love others in His name.
I don’t know what your “sea of troubles” is today. I don’t know what burdens are weighing you down – what sins you keep picking back up and carrying like a sack of rocks. But I do know that Jesus is waiting to relieve you of all of this. It will take a huge leap of faith on your part – and mine. It’s daunting to truly “let go and let God,” because we have gotten so used to carrying this baggage with us. Even uncomfortable/unpleasant things can become part of our “Comfort Zone,” because they are so familiar.
Today can be the first day for a new Comfort Zone in your life… one where Jesus rules and carries the big stuff, so that you are free to serve Him completely. You can love yourself and others… and do big things in His name. Worship the LORD who carries our “sea of troubles” – and scatters them. Shred the “record books” of your sins and burdens, and operate in faith and the promises of our forgiving and merciful Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
From a sea of troubles I call out to you, LORD. Won't you please listen as I beg for mercy? If you kept record of our sins, no one could last long. But you forgive us, and so we will worship you. With all my heart, I am waiting, LORD, for you! I trust your promises.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I watched a program called “Our America with Lisa Ling” about veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome – PTSD for short. These men and women harbor troubling – even horrific – images and memories of their wartime experiences. One man had been building up anger, rage and frustration for eight years… and taking aim at his wife and children with the emotions that overflowed. Yet he could not express himself… he could not explain what was causing him to be such an ogre. His wife was at a crossroads… should she and the children stay and be subjected to this rage - or should they leave?
The couple spent a week at a retreat in Angel Fire, New Mexico, where therapists specialize in helping veterans with PTSD. Ultimately, this man was able to express his emotions. He had served as a medic in Iraq. When the fighting ended, the civilians began to come to the medics for treatment. They were badly burned, maimed, missing limbs, and more. This man said he did all he could to treat as many as possible. But at the end of the day, many returned home untreated. There was nothing he could do for them. He said he could still see their faces… the emptiness in their eyes… their hopelessness. He said he knew that many of the children he was unable to help went home to die. And he felt guilty.
It took a lot of intensive work to get this man to release his burdens, but he was able to do it… to forgive himself and realize that he did all he could. As one therapist told him, “It’s not on you.” The veteran was able to understand this and acknowledge it… to forgive himself, and to apologize to his wife and family. He was able to accept – and love – himself again… which enabled him to love others.
So many of us are suffering from Spiritual PTSD. We are carrying burdens and sins that Jesus has already forgiven. We should let go of them… but we continue to keep a record, long after Jesus has scattered them to the four winds with His blood on the cross. If we are truly committed to Christ… if we really have invited Him to be LORD of our life and asked His Holy Spirit to dwell within us… we must express our sins and burdens to Him – then let them go. We must love and accept ourselves as Jesus does… so that we can love others in His name.
I don’t know what your “sea of troubles” is today. I don’t know what burdens are weighing you down – what sins you keep picking back up and carrying like a sack of rocks. But I do know that Jesus is waiting to relieve you of all of this. It will take a huge leap of faith on your part – and mine. It’s daunting to truly “let go and let God,” because we have gotten so used to carrying this baggage with us. Even uncomfortable/unpleasant things can become part of our “Comfort Zone,” because they are so familiar.
Today can be the first day for a new Comfort Zone in your life… one where Jesus rules and carries the big stuff, so that you are free to serve Him completely. You can love yourself and others… and do big things in His name. Worship the LORD who carries our “sea of troubles” – and scatters them. Shred the “record books” of your sins and burdens, and operate in faith and the promises of our forgiving and merciful Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 17, 2011
Proverbs 21:21, 23
Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
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.
Each October, an event is held in our community called “Early Decades.” It is basically a giant class reunion for all students of Heber Springs High School who graduated at least 30 years ago – or longer. The class who graduated 50 years ago hosts a banquet on Saturday night and presents the program. I did not attend last year, but I’ve read a transcript of the program, presented by Class of 1960 president, Gary Thomas. His program was about the “Dam Kids”… children whose families moved to our area to help with the construction of Greers Ferry Dam. Some were not treated so kindly… in large part because of resentments by local landowners over the government’s claim on their land to create Greers Ferry Lake.
However, Gary had a different experience. He spoke of many people in this area who befriended him… and he specifically named several who showed him great kindnesses. By the same token, on a Facebook page that recalls people and events in and around our community, many have cited teachers and leaders who were especially kind to them… who made a difference… people whom they have never forgotten. Some gave them wise advice… others gave them a hand or a hug when they needed it… but all did what was right and kind.
Perhaps you have known such people already in your own life. Or maybe, like the “Dam Kids”, you haven’t been treated so well. Either way, the Bible is clear on how we are supposed to behave… and that means hunting for what is right and kind… and watching what we say and how we say it.
In my work with elderly adults – and in talking with others who are caring for their elders – I hear often that “Mom treats me terribly,” or “Dad is so mean to me” – or even, “Grandma/Grandpa was really ugly to me/the nurse or caregiver/the neighbor/a dear friend.” The old adage about “biting the hand that feeds you” often plays out in eldercare. And while I know the sting of hurting words and actions in this situation is real – and deep – I also know that these are often very loving people who are acting out of a deep frustration… or dementia and illness. So we have to somewhat give them a “free pass”… show them grace and mercy, just as God shows us.
On the other hand, we do not have such a license to misbehave. For the most part, every person reading this message is able-bodied and of reasonably sound mind. We cannot ask others to excuse our thoughtless words or unkind gestures… much less expect God to look the other way. We must humbly and sincerely ask God to guide our thoughts and our deeds – every single day. We must ask Him to check our impulses to lash out at another… or to “speak our mind” in a brash, insensitive way. We have to ask God to help us conduct our daily lives in a way that honors Him and enables others to see His love in action.
If we “take the high road” and prayerfully walk in love and kindness… carefully choosing our words and our actions… others will see our restraint. They will know that there are times when our composure could have only come from God, and they will be inspired to pay it forward. And better than this, God will be pleased that we listened and trusted Him to work in and through us for a glorious life.
I’m glad that there have been others in my life who showed me kindness and bit their tongue. I’m thankful for teachers and leaders who have shown kindness to “kids” for countless generations. But I’m even more thankful for a God who teaches us to operate in restraint and love… and to reap the innumerable blessings that come as a result.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
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.
Each October, an event is held in our community called “Early Decades.” It is basically a giant class reunion for all students of Heber Springs High School who graduated at least 30 years ago – or longer. The class who graduated 50 years ago hosts a banquet on Saturday night and presents the program. I did not attend last year, but I’ve read a transcript of the program, presented by Class of 1960 president, Gary Thomas. His program was about the “Dam Kids”… children whose families moved to our area to help with the construction of Greers Ferry Dam. Some were not treated so kindly… in large part because of resentments by local landowners over the government’s claim on their land to create Greers Ferry Lake.
However, Gary had a different experience. He spoke of many people in this area who befriended him… and he specifically named several who showed him great kindnesses. By the same token, on a Facebook page that recalls people and events in and around our community, many have cited teachers and leaders who were especially kind to them… who made a difference… people whom they have never forgotten. Some gave them wise advice… others gave them a hand or a hug when they needed it… but all did what was right and kind.
Perhaps you have known such people already in your own life. Or maybe, like the “Dam Kids”, you haven’t been treated so well. Either way, the Bible is clear on how we are supposed to behave… and that means hunting for what is right and kind… and watching what we say and how we say it.
In my work with elderly adults – and in talking with others who are caring for their elders – I hear often that “Mom treats me terribly,” or “Dad is so mean to me” – or even, “Grandma/Grandpa was really ugly to me/the nurse or caregiver/the neighbor/a dear friend.” The old adage about “biting the hand that feeds you” often plays out in eldercare. And while I know the sting of hurting words and actions in this situation is real – and deep – I also know that these are often very loving people who are acting out of a deep frustration… or dementia and illness. So we have to somewhat give them a “free pass”… show them grace and mercy, just as God shows us.
On the other hand, we do not have such a license to misbehave. For the most part, every person reading this message is able-bodied and of reasonably sound mind. We cannot ask others to excuse our thoughtless words or unkind gestures… much less expect God to look the other way. We must humbly and sincerely ask God to guide our thoughts and our deeds – every single day. We must ask Him to check our impulses to lash out at another… or to “speak our mind” in a brash, insensitive way. We have to ask God to help us conduct our daily lives in a way that honors Him and enables others to see His love in action.
If we “take the high road” and prayerfully walk in love and kindness… carefully choosing our words and our actions… others will see our restraint. They will know that there are times when our composure could have only come from God, and they will be inspired to pay it forward. And better than this, God will be pleased that we listened and trusted Him to work in and through us for a glorious life.
I’m glad that there have been others in my life who showed me kindness and bit their tongue. I’m thankful for teachers and leaders who have shown kindness to “kids” for countless generations. But I’m even more thankful for a God who teaches us to operate in restraint and love… and to reap the innumerable blessings that come as a result.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 18, 2011
Psalm 107:5-15
You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice.
You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On August 5th, 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander was swimming off the coast of Washington state, just north of Long Beach. Dale was with a church group, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, when a riptide current pulled him under and began to sweep him out to sea. A 12-year-old girl with a surfboard tried to rescue Dale, but the current was too swift. When she made it to shore, she clung to the sand and said, “He’s dead. What am I supposed to do?” More rescuers retrieved Dale’s body from the waters, where he had been pulled underwater for 20-25 minutes. He was unconscious and limp. Nobody gave Dale much hope for survival. Dale’s fellow church members fell to their knees on the beach and prayed for him
In a blog established to chronicle this story – www.prayersfordale.blogspot.com – a post dated August 14th describes how Dale’s father, Chad, spoke to the congregation at church several days later:
Some of us are in some pretty strong currents, too. We have our own “riptides” pulling us under, and we are drowning a little every day. Others among us have “circled the drain” from time to time…yet God rescued us. Did we stop to thank Him? Did we even recognize His powerful hands reaching down and saving us?
Do we understand that we are often suffering under the chains and riptides of our own making… and God stands ready to save us, if only we will ask? Truly, the rescue of this 12-year-old boy is a miracle… and not all horrific events like this come to such a happy end. But so often, we fail to recognize that a rescue from our troubles is only a prayer away. We fail to see that we can ask God for anything… and He will answer perfectly. And often if we do ask, we fail to believe that God really heard us… and that help truly is on the way.
Clearly this boy’s parents prayed faithfully… trusting God for a perfect outcome. They didn’t know if that would mean life for their son on this earth – or in heaven. But they prayed and believed anyway, as did the fellow church members who were with Dale Ostrander on August 5th. The question for us is… are we praying faithfully and believing God will deliver a perfect outcome? Are we thanking Him for all of the times He has rescued us already… and trusting Him to be our lifeline in the future? Isn’t it about time we stuck out our hand and let God pull us safely to shore, so to speak? Are you ready for a rescue?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice.
You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On August 5th, 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander was swimming off the coast of Washington state, just north of Long Beach. Dale was with a church group, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, when a riptide current pulled him under and began to sweep him out to sea. A 12-year-old girl with a surfboard tried to rescue Dale, but the current was too swift. When she made it to shore, she clung to the sand and said, “He’s dead. What am I supposed to do?” More rescuers retrieved Dale’s body from the waters, where he had been pulled underwater for 20-25 minutes. He was unconscious and limp. Nobody gave Dale much hope for survival. Dale’s fellow church members fell to their knees on the beach and prayed for him
In a blog established to chronicle this story – www.prayersfordale.blogspot.com – a post dated August 14th describes how Dale’s father, Chad, spoke to the congregation at church several days later:
- “Brother Ostrander said, ‘We didn't understand, we just accepted. I knelt by his bed and put Dale on the altar, like Abraham. I told God, “You offered your son, you know how it feels. Thank you for letting us say goodbye.” We tried to let the girls know that he wasn't coming back. That night, the doctor knelt down right by Dale's ear and said, “Dale, open your eyes!” and his eyes opened! We thought, “Wow, there's hope!”’
- Today Dale got up and walked down the hall with help from the physical therapist. In Chad Ostrander's words: ‘God has shown us a miracle.’"
Some of us are in some pretty strong currents, too. We have our own “riptides” pulling us under, and we are drowning a little every day. Others among us have “circled the drain” from time to time…yet God rescued us. Did we stop to thank Him? Did we even recognize His powerful hands reaching down and saving us?
Do we understand that we are often suffering under the chains and riptides of our own making… and God stands ready to save us, if only we will ask? Truly, the rescue of this 12-year-old boy is a miracle… and not all horrific events like this come to such a happy end. But so often, we fail to recognize that a rescue from our troubles is only a prayer away. We fail to see that we can ask God for anything… and He will answer perfectly. And often if we do ask, we fail to believe that God really heard us… and that help truly is on the way.
Clearly this boy’s parents prayed faithfully… trusting God for a perfect outcome. They didn’t know if that would mean life for their son on this earth – or in heaven. But they prayed and believed anyway, as did the fellow church members who were with Dale Ostrander on August 5th. The question for us is… are we praying faithfully and believing God will deliver a perfect outcome? Are we thanking Him for all of the times He has rescued us already… and trusting Him to be our lifeline in the future? Isn’t it about time we stuck out our hand and let God pull us safely to shore, so to speak? Are you ready for a rescue?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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