Psalm 28:3
Don't drag me away, LORD, with those cruel people, who speak kind words, while planning trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever uttered the words, “I hope nobody sees me here,” or “I was there, but I was not participating,” this passage is for you. For years, I have been telling others, particularly teenagers and young children, “Whether you are doing anything wrong or not, if you are with those who are, you are likely to be accused, also.” But this has merit for adults, too.
When we go to a sporting event and sit on the sidelines, don’t people naturally assume that we are sitting on the side of “our” team? When you attend a particular church or belong to a certain club, don’t people assume you believe in the tenets of that group? So if we go to a party where people are engaged in underage drinking or doing drugs, doesn’t it appear we are involved… or at the very least that we approve? When you laugh at a joke or comment that is obscene or disrespects a particular race, ethnicity, or lifestyle, doesn’t this imply you agree? When you gossip or talk badly about someone, don’t those in the group have to ask themselves, “What does he/she say about me when I’m not around?”
Ask God to show you where you should spend time… with whom you should keep company… when you should walk away from improper comments – or speak up against them… and how to conduct yourself in a manner that pleases Him. Talk to God and see where He wants you to hang out and how He wishes for you to handle challenging situations.
It is important that we keep all of our behavior in check. People are watching, and what we say and do matters! Are you pleasing God with your words and actions? Has He rescued you from the potential for trouble?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label attention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label attention. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 17, 2010
2 Peter 1:9-10
But you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done.
The Scriptures say, "Once you were nobody. Now you are God's people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever felt like a nobody? It’s not a good feeling… and none of us wants to feel as if we don’t belong to someone or something. But from an early age, we are programmed to become a “somebody” – to aspire to greatness. For many of this, we interpret this to mean becoming famous – a great athlete, singer, actor, or even politician! At the very least, we equate being a “somebody” with success in life… usually some career goal to which we aspire.
Stop and take a good look at those who have attained “star” status. Are most of them truly happy? Just recently I read about a homegrown athlete who made it to the pros and enjoyed many years of success and recognition. Now he is struggling with debt because he mismanaged his millions. The daily news and gossip shows are full of stories about entertainers and pro athletes who rose to stardom and fell like a rock. Grueling tour schedules, living out of a suitcase, and having to be surrounded by bodyguards and an entourage everywhere you go is not my idea of greatness!
It took me a while to figure out that the “greatness” I sought in life was waiting for me all along…in the light of Jesus. There is no bigger “star status” than to be a royal priest of the holy nation of Almighty God. There is no bigger honor than to serve as a priest or priestess to the Prince of Peace. God is ready to lavish all sorts of blessings and kindness, grace and mercy on us… and to guide each and every step of our days and nights. He is ready to put us in the spotlight… to shine His marvelous light on each of us as if we were on a red carpet!
Sound hokey to you? Let me assure you… it’s not! This “fame” LASTS! The rest is so momentary. Being chosen by God has more “star power” than you can imagine…the kind that brings you joy and doesn’t wear you down…the kind that fills you up and never drains. Realize that with God, you can never be a “nobody.” With God, you are always in the spotlight of His love and blessings.
Hold your head up high and walk proudly wherever God leads you, knowing He chose you and gave you holy status… filled with responsibility and honor. Accept this status and never feel like a “nobody” again. With God, you are always a very important “somebody.”
©2010 Debbie Robus
But you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done.
The Scriptures say, "Once you were nobody. Now you are God's people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever felt like a nobody? It’s not a good feeling… and none of us wants to feel as if we don’t belong to someone or something. But from an early age, we are programmed to become a “somebody” – to aspire to greatness. For many of this, we interpret this to mean becoming famous – a great athlete, singer, actor, or even politician! At the very least, we equate being a “somebody” with success in life… usually some career goal to which we aspire.
Stop and take a good look at those who have attained “star” status. Are most of them truly happy? Just recently I read about a homegrown athlete who made it to the pros and enjoyed many years of success and recognition. Now he is struggling with debt because he mismanaged his millions. The daily news and gossip shows are full of stories about entertainers and pro athletes who rose to stardom and fell like a rock. Grueling tour schedules, living out of a suitcase, and having to be surrounded by bodyguards and an entourage everywhere you go is not my idea of greatness!
It took me a while to figure out that the “greatness” I sought in life was waiting for me all along…in the light of Jesus. There is no bigger “star status” than to be a royal priest of the holy nation of Almighty God. There is no bigger honor than to serve as a priest or priestess to the Prince of Peace. God is ready to lavish all sorts of blessings and kindness, grace and mercy on us… and to guide each and every step of our days and nights. He is ready to put us in the spotlight… to shine His marvelous light on each of us as if we were on a red carpet!
Sound hokey to you? Let me assure you… it’s not! This “fame” LASTS! The rest is so momentary. Being chosen by God has more “star power” than you can imagine…the kind that brings you joy and doesn’t wear you down…the kind that fills you up and never drains. Realize that with God, you can never be a “nobody.” With God, you are always in the spotlight of His love and blessings.
Hold your head up high and walk proudly wherever God leads you, knowing He chose you and gave you holy status… filled with responsibility and honor. Accept this status and never feel like a “nobody” again. With God, you are always a very important “somebody.”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 15, 2010
John 15:19
If you belonged to the world, its people would love you. But you don't belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind, and that is why its people hate you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We all want to belong. We all want to fit in with our friends and family… and the world at large. This is why many of us go to great lengths to be current with our fashion, hair, makeup… even the décor of our home, the car we drive, where we shop, what music we listen to, which team we root for… and more.
We also want to belong and be included socially. So often, we compromise our faith to do this. We become worldly – participating in off-color or derogatory conversations on everything from politics to race and sexual orientation. We snicker with our friends at someone who is “different” from us or seems a little “off.” We brag about parties and drinking and fighting and more… and others love us! We brush off and ignore the bothersome things we see and hear, because calling attention to them could get us kicked out of the group!
The problem is that we are willing to risk our relationship with God and His pleasure in order to be comfortable. “Taking the high road” and refusing to participate in things we know are displeasing to God takes courage and faith. Walking away from unpleasant or unkind conversations – or challenging those who are speaking rudely or inappropriately – will probably get you ugly looks at best… and maybe cost you a relationship with those who are speaking.
Nobody ever said being a Christian was easy. But the long-term rewards far outweigh any short-term discomfort. The Apostle Paul and others were thrown in prison for standing their ground. It’s highly unlikely we will be subjected to that harsh a consequence… although it may feel like you have been ostracized and “sentenced” to a prison of sorts at times.
Stay focused. Remember WHOSE you are… keep your “eye on the Prize” – the blessings and approval of our Most High God. He chose us… we belong to Him… and nothing is more important than serving Him well. Belong to the One who matters…no matter what you feel it costs in this life. You will be blessed beyond measure… and loved for all eternity.
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you belonged to the world, its people would love you. But you don't belong to the world. I have chosen you to leave the world behind, and that is why its people hate you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We all want to belong. We all want to fit in with our friends and family… and the world at large. This is why many of us go to great lengths to be current with our fashion, hair, makeup… even the décor of our home, the car we drive, where we shop, what music we listen to, which team we root for… and more.
We also want to belong and be included socially. So often, we compromise our faith to do this. We become worldly – participating in off-color or derogatory conversations on everything from politics to race and sexual orientation. We snicker with our friends at someone who is “different” from us or seems a little “off.” We brag about parties and drinking and fighting and more… and others love us! We brush off and ignore the bothersome things we see and hear, because calling attention to them could get us kicked out of the group!
The problem is that we are willing to risk our relationship with God and His pleasure in order to be comfortable. “Taking the high road” and refusing to participate in things we know are displeasing to God takes courage and faith. Walking away from unpleasant or unkind conversations – or challenging those who are speaking rudely or inappropriately – will probably get you ugly looks at best… and maybe cost you a relationship with those who are speaking.
Nobody ever said being a Christian was easy. But the long-term rewards far outweigh any short-term discomfort. The Apostle Paul and others were thrown in prison for standing their ground. It’s highly unlikely we will be subjected to that harsh a consequence… although it may feel like you have been ostracized and “sentenced” to a prison of sorts at times.
Stay focused. Remember WHOSE you are… keep your “eye on the Prize” – the blessings and approval of our Most High God. He chose us… we belong to Him… and nothing is more important than serving Him well. Belong to the One who matters…no matter what you feel it costs in this life. You will be blessed beyond measure… and loved for all eternity.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 19, 2010
May 19 ~ Hebrews 13:6
That should make you feel like saying, "The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid of what people can do to me?"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the hardest lessons for us to learn as Christians is how to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus – and not pick them up again. We say we trust Him to care for us and meet our needs. We say we believe that He will help us and that all things are possible through Jesus Christ and His strength. Then we wring our hands and wallow in self-pity and doubt… and we worry about everything!
Sometimes I think we enjoy our little pity parties. I knew a woman once who was always complaining about some ailment. If her eyes were open and her lips were moving, she was telling about her latest health problem, doctor visit or medical treatment. Someone once remarked, “That woman delights in poor health.” Another woman I know seems to always have about ten family crises happening at once. One of her relatives is in the hospital, while another just had an accident, while another is struggling in school, and so on… and this woman almost seems to be thriving in the chaos!
To me, the difference in these two women is how they handle their circumstances. The woman who is always ailing seems to delight more in poor health than relying on God to handle her situations. She enjoys talking about her problems and doesn’t seem to ever mention that “God is taking care of me” or “I’ll be alright.” Unlike others who I know are suffering with serious illnesses and never mentioning them, she wants the whole world to know and suffer with her! The woman with the family struggles seems to take them more in stride. She will readily say, “The Lord will take care of it!” If asked, she will share her story, but she also shares her hope and faith that God will help her and recognizes that most of these situations are beyond her control – but well within God’s ability to address them perfectly.
What is your story? Are you known to others as one who delights in problems and self-pity and seems to have little faith? Or are you known as a person who may have BIG mountains to climb, but an even bigger faith that God will lift you up and over them? I hope that I am viewed by others as a woman of faith. I am working hard to lay my worries at Jesus’ feet – and leave them there! What are you doing with your burdens? Who has your back these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
That should make you feel like saying, "The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid of what people can do to me?"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the hardest lessons for us to learn as Christians is how to lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus – and not pick them up again. We say we trust Him to care for us and meet our needs. We say we believe that He will help us and that all things are possible through Jesus Christ and His strength. Then we wring our hands and wallow in self-pity and doubt… and we worry about everything!
Sometimes I think we enjoy our little pity parties. I knew a woman once who was always complaining about some ailment. If her eyes were open and her lips were moving, she was telling about her latest health problem, doctor visit or medical treatment. Someone once remarked, “That woman delights in poor health.” Another woman I know seems to always have about ten family crises happening at once. One of her relatives is in the hospital, while another just had an accident, while another is struggling in school, and so on… and this woman almost seems to be thriving in the chaos!
To me, the difference in these two women is how they handle their circumstances. The woman who is always ailing seems to delight more in poor health than relying on God to handle her situations. She enjoys talking about her problems and doesn’t seem to ever mention that “God is taking care of me” or “I’ll be alright.” Unlike others who I know are suffering with serious illnesses and never mentioning them, she wants the whole world to know and suffer with her! The woman with the family struggles seems to take them more in stride. She will readily say, “The Lord will take care of it!” If asked, she will share her story, but she also shares her hope and faith that God will help her and recognizes that most of these situations are beyond her control – but well within God’s ability to address them perfectly.
What is your story? Are you known to others as one who delights in problems and self-pity and seems to have little faith? Or are you known as a person who may have BIG mountains to climb, but an even bigger faith that God will lift you up and over them? I hope that I am viewed by others as a woman of faith. I am working hard to lay my worries at Jesus’ feet – and leave them there! What are you doing with your burdens? Who has your back these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 4, 2010
May 4 ~ Psalm 37:7
Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever heard it said of someone, “He/she always comes out smelling like a rose,” or maybe “He/she gets by with murder!”? Maybe you have wondered why you have to work so hard when others seem to skirt by and still do okay. Or you see those who take advantage of others to get ahead and never bat an eyelash, and you start to feel like maybe they have the right idea.
Maybe… just maybe… it’s time we quit looking at what others are doing wrong and focused on doing what God demands of us. Maybe it’s time we started trusting God to take care of us and forgot about what the other guy is doing – or not doing. Patience really is a virtue… but it does not come easy to most of us. Being patient and waiting on God to take care of us has incredible rewards. Relax and rest in this knowledge… be confident in your faith. Be patient, and trust the LORD!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever heard it said of someone, “He/she always comes out smelling like a rose,” or maybe “He/she gets by with murder!”? Maybe you have wondered why you have to work so hard when others seem to skirt by and still do okay. Or you see those who take advantage of others to get ahead and never bat an eyelash, and you start to feel like maybe they have the right idea.
Maybe… just maybe… it’s time we quit looking at what others are doing wrong and focused on doing what God demands of us. Maybe it’s time we started trusting God to take care of us and forgot about what the other guy is doing – or not doing. Patience really is a virtue… but it does not come easy to most of us. Being patient and waiting on God to take care of us has incredible rewards. Relax and rest in this knowledge… be confident in your faith. Be patient, and trust the LORD!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 3, 2010
May 3 ~ Psalm 23:1-6
You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When things start to fall apart in your life… when you are frightened or worried or frustrated… where do you turn? Do you throw up your hands or kick and scream? Do you wallow in self-pity? Do you call on God and demand that He help you? None of these things are really harmful… and certainly calling on God is a good thing. But look at the first verse of this passage… “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Imagine yourself saying these words when a troubling or upsetting situation arises.
Imagine really acknowledging God’s presence and power in your life – and resting in this. “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Of course, the rest of this Psalm explains all the many ways that God cares for us and nurtures us. But some of the most important words are those in the first verse. When you find yourself in a situation that you cannot handle on your own – when life becomes a burden or a challenge, think on these words. Say them out loud – and internalize their meaning for your life. Take consolation in knowing that the LORD truly IS our shepherd, and we will never be in need. Let this promise rest in your heart and give you peace and comfort.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When things start to fall apart in your life… when you are frightened or worried or frustrated… where do you turn? Do you throw up your hands or kick and scream? Do you wallow in self-pity? Do you call on God and demand that He help you? None of these things are really harmful… and certainly calling on God is a good thing. But look at the first verse of this passage… “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Imagine yourself saying these words when a troubling or upsetting situation arises.
Imagine really acknowledging God’s presence and power in your life – and resting in this. “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Of course, the rest of this Psalm explains all the many ways that God cares for us and nurtures us. But some of the most important words are those in the first verse. When you find yourself in a situation that you cannot handle on your own – when life becomes a burden or a challenge, think on these words. Say them out loud – and internalize their meaning for your life. Take consolation in knowing that the LORD truly IS our shepherd, and we will never be in need. Let this promise rest in your heart and give you peace and comfort.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 20, 2010
April 20 ~ Luke 14:8-11
When you are invited to a wedding feast, don't sit in the best place. Someone more important may have been invited. Then the one who invited you will come and say, "Give your place to this other guest!" You will be embarrassed and will have to sit in the worst place.
When you are invited to be a guest, go and sit in the worst place. Then the one who invited you may come and say, "My friend, take a better seat!" You will then be honored in front of all the other guests. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For three years in the late 80’s/early 90’s, I handled publicity for a locally-based company that sold its products internationally. My job was to get the products mentioned in magazines, newspapers, and other media. I also wrote press releases and traveled with company executives and employees to promote their products at markets, parties, and special events. I jetted around the country, dined in fancy restaurants and stayed in posh hotels. In my job, I often functioned in a world completely the opposite of my quiet home life with my husband and two cats on a little farm outside of Heber Springs.
This was before the Internet really came into everyday use, so I spent countless hours on the phone with magazine editors, designers, and other PR people. I became well acquainted with magazine editors from VOGUE, HOME, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, and dozens more. I met many famous people and even dined with a few.
Are you impressed? Don’t be! These were all ordinary people who happened to be in extraordinary positions. One of the best lessons I learned from this three-year experience was not to be affected by celebrity. It’s not that I became numb to the fame and fortune. I simply realized that when you strip away the fancy clothes, the jets, the money, the cameras and media recognition, each is an ordinary person who probably grew up very much like you and I did. They may still have “regular” home towns and families… and probably plenty of “regular” problems and challenges. We want to define them by their surroundings and “things,” but we are mistaken to do so.
I came to appreciate some of these people as genuine folks who happened to have interesting jobs or lifestyles. Some of them recognized me as a person and not just the means to a good story or photo for their magazine spread. Some I realized were really lonely human beings hiding behind a façade of fame and fortune. Still others were caught up in the hoopla and wanted others to think they were really “special!” Looking back, I see all of these people I met very differently. I wonder, “How did they see me? Did I reflect Jesus to them? Did they think I saw them as real people, or just a means to a mention for my company’s products?”
I pray that we would all take a good hard look at ourselves and see what sort of image we are projecting. Are we the “real deal” – a true, humble servant of Christ who reflects His love and light to others? Or are we hangers-on… wannabes… blinded by the lure of recognition and celebrity? Do we teeter on the brink of embarrassment, should others find out who we really are? Or have we stripped away any layers of phoniness, blind ambition, greed, and self-service, and let Jesus use us for His purposes? The question of the day is, “Where does God see you sitting… and how did you get there?”
©2010 Debbie Robus
When you are invited to a wedding feast, don't sit in the best place. Someone more important may have been invited. Then the one who invited you will come and say, "Give your place to this other guest!" You will be embarrassed and will have to sit in the worst place.
When you are invited to be a guest, go and sit in the worst place. Then the one who invited you may come and say, "My friend, take a better seat!" You will then be honored in front of all the other guests. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For three years in the late 80’s/early 90’s, I handled publicity for a locally-based company that sold its products internationally. My job was to get the products mentioned in magazines, newspapers, and other media. I also wrote press releases and traveled with company executives and employees to promote their products at markets, parties, and special events. I jetted around the country, dined in fancy restaurants and stayed in posh hotels. In my job, I often functioned in a world completely the opposite of my quiet home life with my husband and two cats on a little farm outside of Heber Springs.
This was before the Internet really came into everyday use, so I spent countless hours on the phone with magazine editors, designers, and other PR people. I became well acquainted with magazine editors from VOGUE, HOME, GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, and dozens more. I met many famous people and even dined with a few.
Are you impressed? Don’t be! These were all ordinary people who happened to be in extraordinary positions. One of the best lessons I learned from this three-year experience was not to be affected by celebrity. It’s not that I became numb to the fame and fortune. I simply realized that when you strip away the fancy clothes, the jets, the money, the cameras and media recognition, each is an ordinary person who probably grew up very much like you and I did. They may still have “regular” home towns and families… and probably plenty of “regular” problems and challenges. We want to define them by their surroundings and “things,” but we are mistaken to do so.
I came to appreciate some of these people as genuine folks who happened to have interesting jobs or lifestyles. Some of them recognized me as a person and not just the means to a good story or photo for their magazine spread. Some I realized were really lonely human beings hiding behind a façade of fame and fortune. Still others were caught up in the hoopla and wanted others to think they were really “special!” Looking back, I see all of these people I met very differently. I wonder, “How did they see me? Did I reflect Jesus to them? Did they think I saw them as real people, or just a means to a mention for my company’s products?”
I pray that we would all take a good hard look at ourselves and see what sort of image we are projecting. Are we the “real deal” – a true, humble servant of Christ who reflects His love and light to others? Or are we hangers-on… wannabes… blinded by the lure of recognition and celebrity? Do we teeter on the brink of embarrassment, should others find out who we really are? Or have we stripped away any layers of phoniness, blind ambition, greed, and self-service, and let Jesus use us for His purposes? The question of the day is, “Where does God see you sitting… and how did you get there?”
©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
January 2010 Devotionals - Week 3
January 21 ~ Ephesians 1:3-10
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children. God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding,and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways. Then when the time is right, God will do all that he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year for my birthday, my husband said, “Pack a bag… we’re going somewhere for the weekend.” He would not tell me where we were going… just that I needed casual clothes, one nice outfit, and a swimsuit. I later learned that he had told ONE person our plans, in case of emergency, but otherwise, he kept our destination a secret… and a surprise. I didn’t know where we were going until we exited the Interstate at a certain point, and then I knew in reason we were headed to Hot Springs. Careful planner that he was, my husband had reserved a room for us in the hotel where we spent our honeymoon some twenty years earlier. Knowing if he did this near our actual anniversary, I might figure out the surprise, he arranged this weekend a month earlier around my birthday. And that did throw me off track for quite some time! He had also carefully planned the weekend and the events we would enjoy while returning to Hot Springs… and we really had a good time there. We even watched a Fourth of July fireworks display from our hotel balcony… although my husband had to admit that was a surprise even to him!
My husband carefully planned this weekend for us because he loves me. He is always thinking up ways to surprise me and make me smile… he blesses me each and every day. But I know that my husband is only human. As much as I love him and as well as he cares for me, God blesses and cares for me in ways I can’t even begin to express. He plans for my daily needs. He knows how He will help me overcome challenges. He numbers my steps and guides my plans… and after all of that, He has more surprises planned.
As amazing as my surprise weekend in Hot Springs was, I’m pretty sure God’s surprises are going to be far more impressive. Like most people, I have questions I want Him to answer – and He will someday. I have mysteries I want Him to unlock – and I know He can. I dream about what Heaven will be like, but I know it will be so much more than I could ever begin to imagine. God has surprises on the horizon… and plans that will astound us… and love for us we cannot begin to measure. We must praise Him every day for this! We must thank Him over and over for sending Jesus… and for the plans yet to be realized… the surprises yet to come for His children. When we serve such a loving and generous God, how can we not be grateful? Anything less than our very best for Him is an insult to One who is so giving and merciful. I am surprised by God every day… and I praise Him for it. Do you?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 20 ~ Acts 5:35-39
Then he said to the council: People of Israel, be careful what you do with these men. Not long ago Theudas claimed to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed. All his followers were scattered, and that was the end of that.
Later, when the people of our nation were being counted, Judas from Galilee showed up. A lot of people followed him, but he was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
So I advise you to stay away from these men. Leave them alone. If what they are planning is something of their own doing, it will fail. But if God is behind it, you cannot stop it anyway, unless you want to fight against God.
The council members agreed with what he said...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you noticed that from time to time, people rise to a place of prominence in the Christian faith – either as an evangelist, a worship leader, or maybe a new sound/face in Christian music – and people jump on the bandwagon and start to support this person’s ministry. We hear a lot about this new “wave” in Christianity… for a season… and then the noise dies down and people seem to drift away or worship elsewhere and in a different fashion. I can think of several movements by “televangelists” that exploded for a while but now seem to be withering on the vine. And when reports start to surface in the news about these people and their wealthy lifestyles and opulence – and the generous “gifts” they receive from their church members and “partners” - you have to wonder whether their true plan was to serve Jesus or to get rich and famous!
But it’s not just televangelists and the money hungry… some are in it to feed their ego… and that’s just as bad. We can probably all think of someone who feels that their thoughts and ideas are bigger and better than ours, and we know how much we dislike this. So why is it that Christians are so ready to fall in line with the teachings and Scripture interpretation of just one person and believe exactly as he/she does about everything from morality to politics? My humble opinion is that we do this because something is lacking in us. We have drifted away from communication with God through prayer and Bible study, and we are seeking someone or something to fill us and restore us.
In this passage, Peter is telling the church – and us – that God gave us a brain! He gave us His word – and the ability to read it for ourselves and discern what He has to say to us. God has ordained countless people to guide us as we grow in our faith. But He also gives us wisdom – and the tools of prayer and Bible study – to figure out who is serving Him as a leader… and who is in it for themselves. And this applies to ALL areas of life, not just our church leaders. If we pay close attention, we will be able to see who is serving in God’s will… and who is not. And if you find yourself hanging with people who have an agenda (or plans) that do not line up with God’s plans and His word… the Bible tells us to run like the wind in the opposite direction.
God has blessed us with faithful, loyal disciples to lead us as we grow and develop in our own Christian faith… and you may even be one of them! But there are a lot of “wannabes” who are planning for their own prosperity and growth… not the Lord’s. With God’s help, we can tell the difference! Ask God to show you how to worship and serve Him effectively… follow Him and those who humbly serve, and He will always bless your plans.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 19 ~ Acts 2:22-28
Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this. God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross.
Death could not hold him in its power. What David said are really the words of Jesus, "I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. The Lord won't leave me in the grave. I am his holy one, and he won't let my body decay. He has shown me the path to life, and he makes me glad by being near me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You probably have heard of Bill Engvall, the “Blue Collar Comedy” guy who says, “Here’s your sign.” This passage could be labeled the “Here’s Your Sign” passage… because in it we see that God has clearly given us a “sign” – hope for our future, even when “bad things happen to good people.” We will never suffer anything remotely close to what happened to Jesus… but trials and challenges will come our way. And some of them may seem pretty horrific at the time. We may wonder how we will ever survive them.
But clearly, David has given us the road map for survival. He has told us that death could not hold Jesus. He saw His Father near him at all times. And we must do that, too… because He truly IS always with us. God will not leave us in the pits… that is not His plan for us. He may allow us to wallow there a while until we really figure out that He is still in charge and guiding our every step. But He will always be there with us… and He does have a plan for us that is positive and filled with hope – and blessings.
So, “Here’s your sign!” God sent Jesus to walk among men and then die on the cross – but also to rise from the grave – as a sign to us that He will never leave us. Even in our darkest hour, He has a plan in place to restore us. This is great news! This is a plan that should thrill each and every one of us. This is the ultimate “sign.” Are you paying attention?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 18 ~ Luke 14:25-33
Large crowds were walking along with Jesus, when he turned and said: You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life.
You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me.
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. What is the first thing you will do? Won't you sit down and figure out how much it will cost and if you have enough money to pay for it? Otherwise, you will start building the tower, but not be able to finish. Then everyone who sees what is happening will laugh at you. They will say, "You started building, but could not finish the job."
What will a king do if he has only ten thousand soldiers to defend himself against a king who is about to attack him with twenty thousand soldiers? Before he goes out to battle, won't he first sit down and decide if he can win? If he thinks he won't be able to defend himself, he will send messengers and ask for peace while the other king is still a long way off. So then, you cannot be my disciple unless you give away everything you own.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The Food Network has this show called “Chopped” in which four chefs compete to create tasty dishes using “mystery ingredients” contained in a black wicker basket. The four chefs are given three to four ingredients and told to create an appetizer. The ingredients are always a little odd and not things you would normally combine for a food dish. But the chefs are given twenty minutes to use other foods and ingredients in the pantry to create their most tasty – and beautiful dish. After the presentation, the judges “chop” one of the chefs whose dish is deemed least tasty and attractive. The other three continue to create an entrée in thirty minutes, then another chef is “chopped,” and the final two chefs face off to create a dessert.
In a recent episode, the “dessert basket” contained ripe plantains (which resemble bananas), bacon, a white wine, and candied ginger. Both chefs worked frenetically for twenty minutes to create their most incredible dessert. One of the chefs decided to bake some sort of little cakes and use the requisite four ingredients to create sauces to top the cake. In the allotted twenty minutes, the cakes didn’t get done. The chef panicked and tried to turn the cake batter out onto a skillet and make pancakes, but even that failed. He ended up serving the judges his sauces without any cake. He admitted… “I did not plan well.” The other chef took what he was given and used it to create dishes considered delicious and beautiful.
Failure to plan well and work with what was provided in this competition cost three of the four chefs a $10,000 prize. Failure to plan or walk with Jesus has more far-reaching effects. This passage is not about literally giving up your relationship with your parents and other family members… or your belongings… to follow Jesus. Think of them as your “Food Network pantry” – resources that might possibly be available – and helpful – to you, but not always present… or necessary. Often all you will have is what is “in the black wicker basket.” Sometimes God will open the door for you to minister in a certain situation in which you may feel you have very little to offer – or with which to work. But HE will fill the gaps. You have to be willing to trust God… and to follow His plans. You have to plan to succeed with Him… and pay attention to all of the details. Otherwise, when the day is done, you will end up with “sauces and no cake.”
What are you creating? How well have you planned? What baggage to you need to unload? Can you work with what is in God’s “basket” and use it to create an atmosphere in which He can work? Our discipleship often falls short, because we either don’t plan well, or we rely too much on external resources and distractions, such as family, friends, and stuff, instead of asking God, “What are your plans, and where do You want me to serve? What do you want me to make of this?” While our walk with Christ is not a competition, we are God’s “chefs” – creating opportunities for others to hear the Good News – showing them His beauty and all that a life in Jesus has to offer. How well are you serving the Lord these days?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 17 ~ Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought to trial in the Jewish meeting places or before rulers or officials, don't worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say. At that time the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine you are on a beach and you see a young child bobbing in the water, obviously in distress, or possibly drowning. You would jump in and try to save the child, right? Would you stop to think, “Oh, wait! I’m not wearing a swimsuit,” or “I’m wearing my good shoes and my watch isn’t waterproof!” No, you would dash into the water and make every effort to save the child.
So often, we have a chance to speak to someone else about our faith… to offer hope and encouragement… and we clam up and say nothing. It’s as if we stand “frozen on the beach.” Why? Because we often feel we don’t know what to say – that we might say the wrong thing. We feel inadequate to try to tell someone else about God’s love, grace and mercy. Or maybe we feel that the person will ask questions we can’t answer… that they will attack us for our faith and make us feel like we really don’t know what we are talking about!
The truth is, God gives us “beachside opportunities” every day. We may never be literally called upon to rescue a drowning child on a beach, but people are “drowning” to know more about God every day… and we are the rescue squad. He will use us to reach these people and bring them to shore – to Him, so that He can save them. And the best part of all is that God will equip us for this mission! We don’t have to plan what we will say to others… God will give us the words. We don’t have to schedule time to share our faith… we can be spontaneous, knowing that God will give us everything we need, through His Holy Spirit, to say and do exactly what He wishes.
It’s time to “get off the beach and into the water.” It is time to start being bold in your faith, confident that God has planned and prepared for your witness. It is time to trust that the Holy Spirit is alive in you and will guide you through uncertain situations. Look around and see where God is leading you. Don’t stop to worry about how your witness will be received… just do it, and trust God to handle the details.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 16 ~ Matthew 6:25-34
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth more than birds? Can worry make you live longer? Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don't work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn't as well clothed as one of them.
God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. He will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith? Don't worry and ask yourselves, "Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?" Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine having an arm or leg trapped in something and being unable to free yourself. What if the only option was to amputate the arm or leg, and that could possibly cause you to bleed to death? Do you think you would be thinking about what you were going to wear to school or work tomorrow? Would you really care if your friend called you back or you got your tax refund check in the mail? Would it matter if you were having a bad hair day?
We waste a lot of time and energy worrying needlessly. It may seem important that we look nice and have a full stomach, plenty of friends, and money in our pocket. But a lot of us (myself included) wait until our arm or leg is trapped and we can’t get free (so to speak) before we turn to God and ask for His help. We would rather wring our hands and worry about what we have and don’t have instead of trusting that God already knows our needs and how to meet them.
If we would trust God more, if we would focus on serving Him and less on ourselves, then when real worries come our way, we would know where to turn and have hope for a solution from the One who can give it to us. God has wonderful plans for us… and they include meeting our needs according to His will. Are you willing to trust Him to deliver?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 15 ~ Jeremiah 29:11
I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The January 12th earthquake in Haiti has ravaged this Caribbean country. People have lost their homes, their belongings, and their very lives. This event of nature was no respecter of persons… rich, poor, young, and old alike are suffering. And some have tried to claim, in the name of Christianity, that all of this happened to Haiti as punishment from God because the Haitians “made a deal with the devil” decades ago. It does seem that the Haitians have had more than their share of misfortune in recent years, but I don’t believe for a minute that God is punishing them, much less that this entire nation “made a deal with the devil” or any other such nonsense.
There was other sad news this week. Candice, the young Kansas mother of two little girls that I talked about a few days ago, lost her battle with cancer and ran into the arms of Jesus.
So why does God allow bad things to happen? If this scripture in Jeremiah says that God has plans to bless us and give us hope and success, not suffering, why are there so many who suffer? Here’s what I think… God sees the tragedy in Haiti, and He sees millions of opportunities for people to minister in His name. He sees opportunities for orphans to be rescued, and for people to be fed, clothed, housed, and treated medically. He sees countless chances for those who have much to give to those who have nothing. God sees two little girls and a grandmother in Kansas who need everything from comfort and a hug to school lunch money and a ride to Girl Scouts… and He already knows who will step up to meet those needs!
God sees hope where we see none. He sees opportunities to bless where all we can see is tragedy and despair. He sees countless options, and immeasurable blessings. It can start with something as small as a donation to the The Friends of the World Food Program (http://www.wfp.org/), the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/), or Compassion International (http://www.compassion.com/) – or some other charitable relief organization. Or, it could be that you are ready to do more… to organize a local food or clothing drive… volunteer at a local service organization like Cleburne County Care, or deliver Meals on Wheels. Maybe you are ready to become a foster parent to a needy child… or even to adopt an orphan from a country such as Haiti. God knows the needs… and He knows how you can fill them. He brings hope in hopeless situations… not destruction. He has plans for us… plans for our own hope and success – and plans for us to help those less fortunate.
I pray that today you will ask God to reveal to you His plans for your own life… how – and where - He wants you to serve others. Ask God to show you where you can offer hope and success to someone else… and find your own in the bargain. It may be that God moves you out of your comfort zone a bit. It may be that His plans are for you to give up some of your time, energy, and/or money in order to do what needs to be done. But I promise, you will never regret it… nor will you miss anything you “sacrifice.” God has plans for His children – plans to give us hope and success beyond anything we could ever imagine… are you ready to get on board?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children. God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding,and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways. Then when the time is right, God will do all that he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year for my birthday, my husband said, “Pack a bag… we’re going somewhere for the weekend.” He would not tell me where we were going… just that I needed casual clothes, one nice outfit, and a swimsuit. I later learned that he had told ONE person our plans, in case of emergency, but otherwise, he kept our destination a secret… and a surprise. I didn’t know where we were going until we exited the Interstate at a certain point, and then I knew in reason we were headed to Hot Springs. Careful planner that he was, my husband had reserved a room for us in the hotel where we spent our honeymoon some twenty years earlier. Knowing if he did this near our actual anniversary, I might figure out the surprise, he arranged this weekend a month earlier around my birthday. And that did throw me off track for quite some time! He had also carefully planned the weekend and the events we would enjoy while returning to Hot Springs… and we really had a good time there. We even watched a Fourth of July fireworks display from our hotel balcony… although my husband had to admit that was a surprise even to him!
My husband carefully planned this weekend for us because he loves me. He is always thinking up ways to surprise me and make me smile… he blesses me each and every day. But I know that my husband is only human. As much as I love him and as well as he cares for me, God blesses and cares for me in ways I can’t even begin to express. He plans for my daily needs. He knows how He will help me overcome challenges. He numbers my steps and guides my plans… and after all of that, He has more surprises planned.
As amazing as my surprise weekend in Hot Springs was, I’m pretty sure God’s surprises are going to be far more impressive. Like most people, I have questions I want Him to answer – and He will someday. I have mysteries I want Him to unlock – and I know He can. I dream about what Heaven will be like, but I know it will be so much more than I could ever begin to imagine. God has surprises on the horizon… and plans that will astound us… and love for us we cannot begin to measure. We must praise Him every day for this! We must thank Him over and over for sending Jesus… and for the plans yet to be realized… the surprises yet to come for His children. When we serve such a loving and generous God, how can we not be grateful? Anything less than our very best for Him is an insult to One who is so giving and merciful. I am surprised by God every day… and I praise Him for it. Do you?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 20 ~ Acts 5:35-39
Then he said to the council: People of Israel, be careful what you do with these men. Not long ago Theudas claimed to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed. All his followers were scattered, and that was the end of that.
Later, when the people of our nation were being counted, Judas from Galilee showed up. A lot of people followed him, but he was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
So I advise you to stay away from these men. Leave them alone. If what they are planning is something of their own doing, it will fail. But if God is behind it, you cannot stop it anyway, unless you want to fight against God.
The council members agreed with what he said...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you noticed that from time to time, people rise to a place of prominence in the Christian faith – either as an evangelist, a worship leader, or maybe a new sound/face in Christian music – and people jump on the bandwagon and start to support this person’s ministry. We hear a lot about this new “wave” in Christianity… for a season… and then the noise dies down and people seem to drift away or worship elsewhere and in a different fashion. I can think of several movements by “televangelists” that exploded for a while but now seem to be withering on the vine. And when reports start to surface in the news about these people and their wealthy lifestyles and opulence – and the generous “gifts” they receive from their church members and “partners” - you have to wonder whether their true plan was to serve Jesus or to get rich and famous!
But it’s not just televangelists and the money hungry… some are in it to feed their ego… and that’s just as bad. We can probably all think of someone who feels that their thoughts and ideas are bigger and better than ours, and we know how much we dislike this. So why is it that Christians are so ready to fall in line with the teachings and Scripture interpretation of just one person and believe exactly as he/she does about everything from morality to politics? My humble opinion is that we do this because something is lacking in us. We have drifted away from communication with God through prayer and Bible study, and we are seeking someone or something to fill us and restore us.
In this passage, Peter is telling the church – and us – that God gave us a brain! He gave us His word – and the ability to read it for ourselves and discern what He has to say to us. God has ordained countless people to guide us as we grow in our faith. But He also gives us wisdom – and the tools of prayer and Bible study – to figure out who is serving Him as a leader… and who is in it for themselves. And this applies to ALL areas of life, not just our church leaders. If we pay close attention, we will be able to see who is serving in God’s will… and who is not. And if you find yourself hanging with people who have an agenda (or plans) that do not line up with God’s plans and His word… the Bible tells us to run like the wind in the opposite direction.
God has blessed us with faithful, loyal disciples to lead us as we grow and develop in our own Christian faith… and you may even be one of them! But there are a lot of “wannabes” who are planning for their own prosperity and growth… not the Lord’s. With God’s help, we can tell the difference! Ask God to show you how to worship and serve Him effectively… follow Him and those who humbly serve, and He will always bless your plans.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 19 ~ Acts 2:22-28
Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this. God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross.
Death could not hold him in its power. What David said are really the words of Jesus, "I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. The Lord won't leave me in the grave. I am his holy one, and he won't let my body decay. He has shown me the path to life, and he makes me glad by being near me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You probably have heard of Bill Engvall, the “Blue Collar Comedy” guy who says, “Here’s your sign.” This passage could be labeled the “Here’s Your Sign” passage… because in it we see that God has clearly given us a “sign” – hope for our future, even when “bad things happen to good people.” We will never suffer anything remotely close to what happened to Jesus… but trials and challenges will come our way. And some of them may seem pretty horrific at the time. We may wonder how we will ever survive them.
But clearly, David has given us the road map for survival. He has told us that death could not hold Jesus. He saw His Father near him at all times. And we must do that, too… because He truly IS always with us. God will not leave us in the pits… that is not His plan for us. He may allow us to wallow there a while until we really figure out that He is still in charge and guiding our every step. But He will always be there with us… and He does have a plan for us that is positive and filled with hope – and blessings.
So, “Here’s your sign!” God sent Jesus to walk among men and then die on the cross – but also to rise from the grave – as a sign to us that He will never leave us. Even in our darkest hour, He has a plan in place to restore us. This is great news! This is a plan that should thrill each and every one of us. This is the ultimate “sign.” Are you paying attention?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 18 ~ Luke 14:25-33
Large crowds were walking along with Jesus, when he turned and said: You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life.
You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me.
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. What is the first thing you will do? Won't you sit down and figure out how much it will cost and if you have enough money to pay for it? Otherwise, you will start building the tower, but not be able to finish. Then everyone who sees what is happening will laugh at you. They will say, "You started building, but could not finish the job."
What will a king do if he has only ten thousand soldiers to defend himself against a king who is about to attack him with twenty thousand soldiers? Before he goes out to battle, won't he first sit down and decide if he can win? If he thinks he won't be able to defend himself, he will send messengers and ask for peace while the other king is still a long way off. So then, you cannot be my disciple unless you give away everything you own.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The Food Network has this show called “Chopped” in which four chefs compete to create tasty dishes using “mystery ingredients” contained in a black wicker basket. The four chefs are given three to four ingredients and told to create an appetizer. The ingredients are always a little odd and not things you would normally combine for a food dish. But the chefs are given twenty minutes to use other foods and ingredients in the pantry to create their most tasty – and beautiful dish. After the presentation, the judges “chop” one of the chefs whose dish is deemed least tasty and attractive. The other three continue to create an entrée in thirty minutes, then another chef is “chopped,” and the final two chefs face off to create a dessert.
In a recent episode, the “dessert basket” contained ripe plantains (which resemble bananas), bacon, a white wine, and candied ginger. Both chefs worked frenetically for twenty minutes to create their most incredible dessert. One of the chefs decided to bake some sort of little cakes and use the requisite four ingredients to create sauces to top the cake. In the allotted twenty minutes, the cakes didn’t get done. The chef panicked and tried to turn the cake batter out onto a skillet and make pancakes, but even that failed. He ended up serving the judges his sauces without any cake. He admitted… “I did not plan well.” The other chef took what he was given and used it to create dishes considered delicious and beautiful.
Failure to plan well and work with what was provided in this competition cost three of the four chefs a $10,000 prize. Failure to plan or walk with Jesus has more far-reaching effects. This passage is not about literally giving up your relationship with your parents and other family members… or your belongings… to follow Jesus. Think of them as your “Food Network pantry” – resources that might possibly be available – and helpful – to you, but not always present… or necessary. Often all you will have is what is “in the black wicker basket.” Sometimes God will open the door for you to minister in a certain situation in which you may feel you have very little to offer – or with which to work. But HE will fill the gaps. You have to be willing to trust God… and to follow His plans. You have to plan to succeed with Him… and pay attention to all of the details. Otherwise, when the day is done, you will end up with “sauces and no cake.”
What are you creating? How well have you planned? What baggage to you need to unload? Can you work with what is in God’s “basket” and use it to create an atmosphere in which He can work? Our discipleship often falls short, because we either don’t plan well, or we rely too much on external resources and distractions, such as family, friends, and stuff, instead of asking God, “What are your plans, and where do You want me to serve? What do you want me to make of this?” While our walk with Christ is not a competition, we are God’s “chefs” – creating opportunities for others to hear the Good News – showing them His beauty and all that a life in Jesus has to offer. How well are you serving the Lord these days?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 17 ~ Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought to trial in the Jewish meeting places or before rulers or officials, don't worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say. At that time the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine you are on a beach and you see a young child bobbing in the water, obviously in distress, or possibly drowning. You would jump in and try to save the child, right? Would you stop to think, “Oh, wait! I’m not wearing a swimsuit,” or “I’m wearing my good shoes and my watch isn’t waterproof!” No, you would dash into the water and make every effort to save the child.
So often, we have a chance to speak to someone else about our faith… to offer hope and encouragement… and we clam up and say nothing. It’s as if we stand “frozen on the beach.” Why? Because we often feel we don’t know what to say – that we might say the wrong thing. We feel inadequate to try to tell someone else about God’s love, grace and mercy. Or maybe we feel that the person will ask questions we can’t answer… that they will attack us for our faith and make us feel like we really don’t know what we are talking about!
The truth is, God gives us “beachside opportunities” every day. We may never be literally called upon to rescue a drowning child on a beach, but people are “drowning” to know more about God every day… and we are the rescue squad. He will use us to reach these people and bring them to shore – to Him, so that He can save them. And the best part of all is that God will equip us for this mission! We don’t have to plan what we will say to others… God will give us the words. We don’t have to schedule time to share our faith… we can be spontaneous, knowing that God will give us everything we need, through His Holy Spirit, to say and do exactly what He wishes.
It’s time to “get off the beach and into the water.” It is time to start being bold in your faith, confident that God has planned and prepared for your witness. It is time to trust that the Holy Spirit is alive in you and will guide you through uncertain situations. Look around and see where God is leading you. Don’t stop to worry about how your witness will be received… just do it, and trust God to handle the details.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 16 ~ Matthew 6:25-34
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth more than birds? Can worry make you live longer? Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don't work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn't as well clothed as one of them.
God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. He will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith? Don't worry and ask yourselves, "Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?" Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine having an arm or leg trapped in something and being unable to free yourself. What if the only option was to amputate the arm or leg, and that could possibly cause you to bleed to death? Do you think you would be thinking about what you were going to wear to school or work tomorrow? Would you really care if your friend called you back or you got your tax refund check in the mail? Would it matter if you were having a bad hair day?
We waste a lot of time and energy worrying needlessly. It may seem important that we look nice and have a full stomach, plenty of friends, and money in our pocket. But a lot of us (myself included) wait until our arm or leg is trapped and we can’t get free (so to speak) before we turn to God and ask for His help. We would rather wring our hands and worry about what we have and don’t have instead of trusting that God already knows our needs and how to meet them.
If we would trust God more, if we would focus on serving Him and less on ourselves, then when real worries come our way, we would know where to turn and have hope for a solution from the One who can give it to us. God has wonderful plans for us… and they include meeting our needs according to His will. Are you willing to trust Him to deliver?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 15 ~ Jeremiah 29:11
I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The January 12th earthquake in Haiti has ravaged this Caribbean country. People have lost their homes, their belongings, and their very lives. This event of nature was no respecter of persons… rich, poor, young, and old alike are suffering. And some have tried to claim, in the name of Christianity, that all of this happened to Haiti as punishment from God because the Haitians “made a deal with the devil” decades ago. It does seem that the Haitians have had more than their share of misfortune in recent years, but I don’t believe for a minute that God is punishing them, much less that this entire nation “made a deal with the devil” or any other such nonsense.
There was other sad news this week. Candice, the young Kansas mother of two little girls that I talked about a few days ago, lost her battle with cancer and ran into the arms of Jesus.
So why does God allow bad things to happen? If this scripture in Jeremiah says that God has plans to bless us and give us hope and success, not suffering, why are there so many who suffer? Here’s what I think… God sees the tragedy in Haiti, and He sees millions of opportunities for people to minister in His name. He sees opportunities for orphans to be rescued, and for people to be fed, clothed, housed, and treated medically. He sees countless chances for those who have much to give to those who have nothing. God sees two little girls and a grandmother in Kansas who need everything from comfort and a hug to school lunch money and a ride to Girl Scouts… and He already knows who will step up to meet those needs!
God sees hope where we see none. He sees opportunities to bless where all we can see is tragedy and despair. He sees countless options, and immeasurable blessings. It can start with something as small as a donation to the The Friends of the World Food Program (http://www.wfp.org/), the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/), or Compassion International (http://www.compassion.com/) – or some other charitable relief organization. Or, it could be that you are ready to do more… to organize a local food or clothing drive… volunteer at a local service organization like Cleburne County Care, or deliver Meals on Wheels. Maybe you are ready to become a foster parent to a needy child… or even to adopt an orphan from a country such as Haiti. God knows the needs… and He knows how you can fill them. He brings hope in hopeless situations… not destruction. He has plans for us… plans for our own hope and success – and plans for us to help those less fortunate.
I pray that today you will ask God to reveal to you His plans for your own life… how – and where - He wants you to serve others. Ask God to show you where you can offer hope and success to someone else… and find your own in the bargain. It may be that God moves you out of your comfort zone a bit. It may be that His plans are for you to give up some of your time, energy, and/or money in order to do what needs to be done. But I promise, you will never regret it… nor will you miss anything you “sacrifice.” God has plans for His children – plans to give us hope and success beyond anything we could ever imagine… are you ready to get on board?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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