1 Samuel 17:39-47
David strapped on a sword and tried to walk around, but he was not used to wearing those things.
"I can't move with all this stuff on," David said. "I'm just not used to it."
David took off the armor and picked up his shepherd's stick. He went out to a stream and picked up five smooth rocks and put them in his leather bag. Then with his sling in his hand, he went straight toward Goliath.
Goliath came toward David, walking behind the soldier who was carrying his shield. When Goliath saw that David was just a healthy, good-looking boy, he made fun of him. "Do you think I'm a dog?" Goliath asked. "Is that why you've come after me with a stick?" He cursed David in the name of the Philistine gods and shouted, "Come on! When I'm finished with you, I'll feed you to the birds and wild animals!"
David answered: You've come out to fight me with a sword and a spear and a dagger. But I've come out to fight you in the name of the LORD All-Powerful. He is the God of Israel's army, and you have insulted him too!
Today the LORD will help me defeat you. I'll knock you down and cut off your head, and I'll feed the bodies of the other Philistine soldiers to the birds and wild animals. Then the whole world will know that Israel has a real God. Everybody here will see that the LORD doesn't need swords or spears to save his people. The LORD always wins his battles, and he will help us defeat you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few nights ago, my husband and I watched the movie Secretariat. If you haven’t seen it yet, put it on your list to rent soon. As we watched, I told my husband, “There seems to be a lot of sadness (and struggle) in this story.” He laughed and said, “You remember how it ends, don’t you?” I did, but still, the writers/directors had done a great job of maintaining the suspense and interest… and weaving stories of interpersonal relationships in along the way.
We know how the “story” ends with God, too. We know that He always wins his battles… and yes, most of us know – if only deep down – that God will help us defeat our enemies. But we tend to waste a lot of time trying to change the story… even when that makes no sense. At best, we try to fight our own battles, handle things our way and on our own timetable… and in essence, we walk through life burdened with all of the armor that weighed David down and would have impeded his ability to fight.
It’s time we took off the heavy armor… the defense mechanisms, the defeatist attitudes, the worry, frustration and fear that the devil tries to heap on us… and let God fight our battles. He may fight for us – or He may work through us to accomplish His purposes. Either way, we know how this ends… God wins! And if we trust him to fight our battles, so do we.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label battles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label battles. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 26, 2010
Psalm 136:24
He rescued us from our enemies. God's love never fails.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you want to read a really wild story about rescue from an enemy, go to Judges 4 and read how Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite, handled Sisera, who was captain of the army of Jabin, the King of Canaan. Sisera was said to have oppressed the Israelites for more than twenty years. His army was defeated by Israel’s tribes, under the leadership of princess Deborah’s captain, Barak. Sisera fled and sought refuge with “friends” – Jael and Heber – but it didn’t work out as he had hoped. Apparently they didn’t consider Sisera in the same light! If you think there are no gory accounts in the Bible, be sure to check out this chapter in Judges!
The point is that enemies are nothing new… but not all enemies are as obvious as an opposing army captain! Some of our “enemies” are fear, depression, discouragement, despair, insecurity, ego, greed, hate, discrimination, and much more. But we don’t need a clever woman with a hammer and a stake… we just need God’s love! God has defeated more of our enemies than we can count… and He will continue to do just that. The key is recognizing our “enemies” and calling on God for help to overcome them. He stands ready to rescue us… and He never fails to answer.
Some of us are trying to battle our “enemies” on our own… and the results are probably pretty sad. Many of us are fairly slow learners! But we can change this. We can learn to call on God to rescue us… and to expect His answers. God wants to hear from us. He wants us to recognize His power – AND His desire – to help us in all situations. We have two choices… we can step one direction and try to manage our “enemies” on our own… or we can step toward God and let Him handle things for us. The choice is ours… which way will you turn?
©2010 Debbie Robus
He rescued us from our enemies. God's love never fails.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you want to read a really wild story about rescue from an enemy, go to Judges 4 and read how Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite, handled Sisera, who was captain of the army of Jabin, the King of Canaan. Sisera was said to have oppressed the Israelites for more than twenty years. His army was defeated by Israel’s tribes, under the leadership of princess Deborah’s captain, Barak. Sisera fled and sought refuge with “friends” – Jael and Heber – but it didn’t work out as he had hoped. Apparently they didn’t consider Sisera in the same light! If you think there are no gory accounts in the Bible, be sure to check out this chapter in Judges!
The point is that enemies are nothing new… but not all enemies are as obvious as an opposing army captain! Some of our “enemies” are fear, depression, discouragement, despair, insecurity, ego, greed, hate, discrimination, and much more. But we don’t need a clever woman with a hammer and a stake… we just need God’s love! God has defeated more of our enemies than we can count… and He will continue to do just that. The key is recognizing our “enemies” and calling on God for help to overcome them. He stands ready to rescue us… and He never fails to answer.
Some of us are trying to battle our “enemies” on our own… and the results are probably pretty sad. Many of us are fairly slow learners! But we can change this. We can learn to call on God to rescue us… and to expect His answers. God wants to hear from us. He wants us to recognize His power – AND His desire – to help us in all situations. We have two choices… we can step one direction and try to manage our “enemies” on our own… or we can step toward God and let Him handle things for us. The choice is ours… which way will you turn?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2010
2 Kings 6:16
"Don't be afraid," Elisha answered. "There are more troops on our side than on theirs."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all been there… we’ve all had a time when we felt like “the deck was stacked against us.” The obstacles seemed too large… we couldn’t see how we could overcome such huge odds. But we learn in this passage that “there are more troops on our side than theirs.”
Still not convinced? Consider this… with God on our side, we don’t need large armies. We don’t need huge odds in our favor… we’ve already got the overwhelming “Majority Vote!” Once again, we underestimate our God! We fail to recognize that He can defeat any and all enemies… and He can do it single-handedly.
It’s time we recognized God’s power in our life. It’s time we started to humbly seek His will, then act courageously as He leads us. We’ve been meek, timid and fearful long enough. Now it’s time to act like God’s children… and to begin to really live for Him! Don’t be afraid… with God on our side, we have all the “troops” we need!
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Don't be afraid," Elisha answered. "There are more troops on our side than on theirs."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all been there… we’ve all had a time when we felt like “the deck was stacked against us.” The obstacles seemed too large… we couldn’t see how we could overcome such huge odds. But we learn in this passage that “there are more troops on our side than theirs.”
Still not convinced? Consider this… with God on our side, we don’t need large armies. We don’t need huge odds in our favor… we’ve already got the overwhelming “Majority Vote!” Once again, we underestimate our God! We fail to recognize that He can defeat any and all enemies… and He can do it single-handedly.
It’s time we recognized God’s power in our life. It’s time we started to humbly seek His will, then act courageously as He leads us. We’ve been meek, timid and fearful long enough. Now it’s time to act like God’s children… and to begin to really live for Him! Don’t be afraid… with God on our side, we have all the “troops” we need!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 18, 2010
June 18 ~ Daniel 10:19
The angel touched me a second time and said, "Don't be frightened! God thinks highly of you, and he intends this for your good, so be brave and strong."
At this, I regained my strength and replied, "Please speak! You have already made me feel much better."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a news story recently about Mary Bargiel, a young mother in Conway, Arkansas, who was broadsided at an intersection by a police officer on his way to answer an emergency call. The light was green as Bargiel moved into the intersection. The officer approached from the side, lights flashing and sirens blaring, but Mary did not see or hear him. The intersection has since been reworked. Both Mary Bargiel and the police officer were injured badly, especially Mary, whose injuries included a broken hand and ribs, a collapsed lung, serious brain, spinal and eye injuries, and more. The officer, who suffered a broken neck, has recovered and returned to work. Mary Bargiel has recovered enough to return home to her family, but she still has a lot of struggles - including a rod in her leg, shoe lifts to even out her body, double vision, ongoing back pain, and she may never fully regain brain function and be able to move and live as she once did.
I don’t know the prior circumstances of this Mary Bargiel’s life, but she stated in the news story that the accident probably saved her life in many ways. After the accident, she became a Christian, and her husband attested to the validity of her claims that she is a changed woman… quite literally a new person in Christ. What seemed like the most horrific event at the time has become a tremendous turning point for this woman and her family. What Satan meant for evil, God used for good.
I hope it doesn’t take a car crash at a major intersection – even figuratively – to get our attention. I hope God doesn’t have to use frightening events to show us His power – and His love – and to capture our hearts. I pray that we can stop and look around and see how blessed we are… and how much God loves us. I pray that we would trust Him to get us through the calamities and scary times in our lives… the times when we wonder and worry… and that looking back, we would say, “Yep, there He was, right beside us all along.”
How brave and strong are we? I’m ashamed to say that I have moments when I am neither. But I am determined to do better. I am convinced that God thinks highly of me and wants only the best for my life. And that is the case for each one of us. Do you see this in your own life? Are you brave and strong and recognizing God’s desire for good in your life? Start believing this today. Look around and see how God has blessed you and rescued you already. Regain your strength and feel much better. God is our refuge and our strength… feel His love and blessings…and BELIEVE in Him!
©2010 Debbie Robus
The angel touched me a second time and said, "Don't be frightened! God thinks highly of you, and he intends this for your good, so be brave and strong."
At this, I regained my strength and replied, "Please speak! You have already made me feel much better."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a news story recently about Mary Bargiel, a young mother in Conway, Arkansas, who was broadsided at an intersection by a police officer on his way to answer an emergency call. The light was green as Bargiel moved into the intersection. The officer approached from the side, lights flashing and sirens blaring, but Mary did not see or hear him. The intersection has since been reworked. Both Mary Bargiel and the police officer were injured badly, especially Mary, whose injuries included a broken hand and ribs, a collapsed lung, serious brain, spinal and eye injuries, and more. The officer, who suffered a broken neck, has recovered and returned to work. Mary Bargiel has recovered enough to return home to her family, but she still has a lot of struggles - including a rod in her leg, shoe lifts to even out her body, double vision, ongoing back pain, and she may never fully regain brain function and be able to move and live as she once did.
I don’t know the prior circumstances of this Mary Bargiel’s life, but she stated in the news story that the accident probably saved her life in many ways. After the accident, she became a Christian, and her husband attested to the validity of her claims that she is a changed woman… quite literally a new person in Christ. What seemed like the most horrific event at the time has become a tremendous turning point for this woman and her family. What Satan meant for evil, God used for good.
I hope it doesn’t take a car crash at a major intersection – even figuratively – to get our attention. I hope God doesn’t have to use frightening events to show us His power – and His love – and to capture our hearts. I pray that we can stop and look around and see how blessed we are… and how much God loves us. I pray that we would trust Him to get us through the calamities and scary times in our lives… the times when we wonder and worry… and that looking back, we would say, “Yep, there He was, right beside us all along.”
How brave and strong are we? I’m ashamed to say that I have moments when I am neither. But I am determined to do better. I am convinced that God thinks highly of me and wants only the best for my life. And that is the case for each one of us. Do you see this in your own life? Are you brave and strong and recognizing God’s desire for good in your life? Start believing this today. Look around and see how God has blessed you and rescued you already. Regain your strength and feel much better. God is our refuge and our strength… feel His love and blessings…and BELIEVE in Him!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 2, 2010
June 2 ~ Judges 6:10
I am your God, and I told you not to worship Amorite gods, even though you are living in the land of the Amorites. But you refused to listen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all heard the phrase… “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” And sadly, we do just that much of the time. We are pretty weak creatures, it seems, and when the going gets tough, quite often we just fold up and quit. It’s easier to give in and have a drink and appear to go with the flow at a party than to leave or tell your underage friends that drinking is not cool. When someone posts something offensive on Facebook, it’s easier to ignore it than to send them a private message saying you don’t approve – much less post an actual comment to that effect for everyone to see. Do you realize that by ignoring the offensive comments of your Facebook “friends,” you are in essence condoning them?
This passage is for adults, too. Many of us have found it easier to turn and look the other way in the workplace than to confront things that are happening that shouldn’t be. We’ve perfected the art of the “white lie” to friends, co-workers and spouses about everything from who we are talking with on the telephone to what we purchased at the store to what was said about them behind their back at the last supper club. And gossip has become an art form for many. See, we all have our “Amorite gods” at times!
Just because you’ve always done something – or done things a certain way – doesn’t mean you have to continue. This can be the day when we decide that we are going to live for God, even though we reside “in the land of the Amorites.” We cannot always change our environment – where we live, the people with whom we work, and even our friends and acquaintances – but we can change ourselves… our attitudes, our behaviors, and our reactions. We can live for God wherever we are planted. Who is your God today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I am your God, and I told you not to worship Amorite gods, even though you are living in the land of the Amorites. But you refused to listen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all heard the phrase… “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” And sadly, we do just that much of the time. We are pretty weak creatures, it seems, and when the going gets tough, quite often we just fold up and quit. It’s easier to give in and have a drink and appear to go with the flow at a party than to leave or tell your underage friends that drinking is not cool. When someone posts something offensive on Facebook, it’s easier to ignore it than to send them a private message saying you don’t approve – much less post an actual comment to that effect for everyone to see. Do you realize that by ignoring the offensive comments of your Facebook “friends,” you are in essence condoning them?
This passage is for adults, too. Many of us have found it easier to turn and look the other way in the workplace than to confront things that are happening that shouldn’t be. We’ve perfected the art of the “white lie” to friends, co-workers and spouses about everything from who we are talking with on the telephone to what we purchased at the store to what was said about them behind their back at the last supper club. And gossip has become an art form for many. See, we all have our “Amorite gods” at times!
Just because you’ve always done something – or done things a certain way – doesn’t mean you have to continue. This can be the day when we decide that we are going to live for God, even though we reside “in the land of the Amorites.” We cannot always change our environment – where we live, the people with whom we work, and even our friends and acquaintances – but we can change ourselves… our attitudes, our behaviors, and our reactions. We can live for God wherever we are planted. Who is your God today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
May 26 ~ 1 John 4:18
A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Is there a person or a situation you avoid because you fear the drama? Maybe there is a person in your life who is always negative or on the attack. If you say “Good morning,” this person asks “What’s good about it?” Or maybe there is a situation – say a family get-together – that always results in unpleasant feelings, if not an out-and-out fiasco of some sort. When we encounter unpleasant people or events, we start to feel out of sorts just thinking about them. And yes, these experiences do seem somewhat akin to a punishment. You start to wonder, “Why put myself through this?”
The answer lies, in part, in the fact that we cannot skate through life avoiding every person or situation that is frightening, upsetting, or unpleasant. And believe it or not, other people may view us – or situations in which we are involved – in much the same manner! I know this sounds simplistic, but the solution to coping with these experiences depends largely on our own attitude… and how much and how well we love others.
If we operate from a place of love and compassion for others, then their unpleasant comments and behavior are easier to overlook and forgive. If we approach situations with the love of God and a love for all of His children, we can often rise above the chaos of discord and fiery personality dynamics. I’m not saying that these people and situations won’t still get to us, but we won’t be afraid to at least try to get along. It’s the old “take the high road” approach, to some degree.
At the end of the day - when we look back at how we behaved and reacted to others - if we have operated out of love rather than fear, I believe we will realize a better outcome. So the next time someone “unlovely” approaches you, or you must face a situation with potential to be unpleasant, ask God to fill your heart with love. Ask Him to take your fears and give you courage and His peace. Then see if things don’t go better than expected for everyone concerned.
©2010 Debbie Robus
A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Is there a person or a situation you avoid because you fear the drama? Maybe there is a person in your life who is always negative or on the attack. If you say “Good morning,” this person asks “What’s good about it?” Or maybe there is a situation – say a family get-together – that always results in unpleasant feelings, if not an out-and-out fiasco of some sort. When we encounter unpleasant people or events, we start to feel out of sorts just thinking about them. And yes, these experiences do seem somewhat akin to a punishment. You start to wonder, “Why put myself through this?”
The answer lies, in part, in the fact that we cannot skate through life avoiding every person or situation that is frightening, upsetting, or unpleasant. And believe it or not, other people may view us – or situations in which we are involved – in much the same manner! I know this sounds simplistic, but the solution to coping with these experiences depends largely on our own attitude… and how much and how well we love others.
If we operate from a place of love and compassion for others, then their unpleasant comments and behavior are easier to overlook and forgive. If we approach situations with the love of God and a love for all of His children, we can often rise above the chaos of discord and fiery personality dynamics. I’m not saying that these people and situations won’t still get to us, but we won’t be afraid to at least try to get along. It’s the old “take the high road” approach, to some degree.
At the end of the day - when we look back at how we behaved and reacted to others - if we have operated out of love rather than fear, I believe we will realize a better outcome. So the next time someone “unlovely” approaches you, or you must face a situation with potential to be unpleasant, ask God to fill your heart with love. Ask Him to take your fears and give you courage and His peace. Then see if things don’t go better than expected for everyone concerned.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 25, 2010
May 25 ~ Joshua 10:24-25
After Joshua had called the army together, he forced the five kings to lie down on the ground. Then he called his officers forward and told them, "You fought these kings along with me, so put your feet on their necks." The officers did, and Joshua continued, "Don't ever be afraid or discouraged. Be brave and strong. This is what the LORD will do to all your enemies."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us know that immobilizing the “neck” of any living creature will render it helpless. The neck is somewhat “command central” for the body… containing critical nerves, arteries, the windpipe, and important muscles. There is a lot of symbolism – literally and figuratively – in the phrases “sticking one’s neck out” and “putting your neck on the line.” So when we visualize God putting His foot on the neck of our enemies… or even better – Satan himself… we are relieved, comforted, and encouraged.
What’s troubling you today? What are your struggles, challenges and obstacles? It may be something as seemingly insignificant as wishing you had clear skin, a better grade in math, more ability to concentrate and focus, or figuring out where you left your car keys or reading glasses. Or, it may be something huge, like health issues, broken relationships, loss of employment and income, and failure to maintain your G.P.A. and keep your scholarship.
It really doesn’t matter what your “enemy” is today... God can handle it… and He will. Right now, envision your enemy – or enemies – laid out on the ground. See God systematically stomp on each one at the neck. Hear Him say, “You will not bother My child any longer. Leave him/her alone.” BELIEVE this! Trust God to trample your fears underneath His feet – and leave them there! Then thank Him for being your protector and provider. Give GOD the credit, and the glory, and walk away with confidence and courage that He is always on your side.
©2010 Debbie Robus
After Joshua had called the army together, he forced the five kings to lie down on the ground. Then he called his officers forward and told them, "You fought these kings along with me, so put your feet on their necks." The officers did, and Joshua continued, "Don't ever be afraid or discouraged. Be brave and strong. This is what the LORD will do to all your enemies."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us know that immobilizing the “neck” of any living creature will render it helpless. The neck is somewhat “command central” for the body… containing critical nerves, arteries, the windpipe, and important muscles. There is a lot of symbolism – literally and figuratively – in the phrases “sticking one’s neck out” and “putting your neck on the line.” So when we visualize God putting His foot on the neck of our enemies… or even better – Satan himself… we are relieved, comforted, and encouraged.
What’s troubling you today? What are your struggles, challenges and obstacles? It may be something as seemingly insignificant as wishing you had clear skin, a better grade in math, more ability to concentrate and focus, or figuring out where you left your car keys or reading glasses. Or, it may be something huge, like health issues, broken relationships, loss of employment and income, and failure to maintain your G.P.A. and keep your scholarship.
It really doesn’t matter what your “enemy” is today... God can handle it… and He will. Right now, envision your enemy – or enemies – laid out on the ground. See God systematically stomp on each one at the neck. Hear Him say, “You will not bother My child any longer. Leave him/her alone.” BELIEVE this! Trust God to trample your fears underneath His feet – and leave them there! Then thank Him for being your protector and provider. Give GOD the credit, and the glory, and walk away with confidence and courage that He is always on your side.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 14, 2010
May 14 ~ Isaiah 35:4
"Cheer up! Don't be afraid. Your God is coming to punish your enemies. God will take revenge on them and rescue you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t believe I am admitting this, but I am watching a lot of NickJr television these days, and Timothy’s all-time favorite show is “The Wonder Pets.” On this show, a guinea pig, turtle and duckling (a.k.a. “Linny, Tuck, and Ming-Ming, too!”) who live in a nursery school, come to the rescue of baby animals in danger. Part of their song is “We’re not too big and we’re not too tough, but when we work together, we’ve got the right stuff!”
For the Wonder Pets, teamwork is the key. They have to work together and solve problems as a trio, unlike the “hero” of my childhood, Mighty Mouse, whose motto was “Here I come to save the day!” And thankfully, we don’t rely on any of these “heroes” in our real life… because we have the Ultimate Superhero on our side… GOD! He can solve any problem. He can defeat any enemy. He can take on all giants and “super-powers” and rescue us from all harm. But… like the baby animals in the episodes of “Wonder Pets,” we have to do our part by calling on God for help. See, each story starts with the “ring-ring” of the pencil can, signifying “There’s an animal in trouble somewhere,” and “This is serious!”
I know this is a silly analogy, but in truth, God can answer our calls any hour of the night or day, and He will stand in front of us against any and all enemies. Are you doing your part? Are you calling on God and trusting Him? Are you operating in confidence… or do you let fear get the best of you much of the time? Cheer up! Don’t be afraid. God has come to save the day… HE will rescue us from all that Satan can throw our way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Cheer up! Don't be afraid. Your God is coming to punish your enemies. God will take revenge on them and rescue you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t believe I am admitting this, but I am watching a lot of NickJr television these days, and Timothy’s all-time favorite show is “The Wonder Pets.” On this show, a guinea pig, turtle and duckling (a.k.a. “Linny, Tuck, and Ming-Ming, too!”) who live in a nursery school, come to the rescue of baby animals in danger. Part of their song is “We’re not too big and we’re not too tough, but when we work together, we’ve got the right stuff!”
For the Wonder Pets, teamwork is the key. They have to work together and solve problems as a trio, unlike the “hero” of my childhood, Mighty Mouse, whose motto was “Here I come to save the day!” And thankfully, we don’t rely on any of these “heroes” in our real life… because we have the Ultimate Superhero on our side… GOD! He can solve any problem. He can defeat any enemy. He can take on all giants and “super-powers” and rescue us from all harm. But… like the baby animals in the episodes of “Wonder Pets,” we have to do our part by calling on God for help. See, each story starts with the “ring-ring” of the pencil can, signifying “There’s an animal in trouble somewhere,” and “This is serious!”
I know this is a silly analogy, but in truth, God can answer our calls any hour of the night or day, and He will stand in front of us against any and all enemies. Are you doing your part? Are you calling on God and trusting Him? Are you operating in confidence… or do you let fear get the best of you much of the time? Cheer up! Don’t be afraid. God has come to save the day… HE will rescue us from all that Satan can throw our way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 12, 2010
May 12 ~ Psalm 27:1
You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, my grandparents’ farm was considered “out in the country.” It sat alongside a dirt road, surrounded by thick woods on three sides. At night, it was incredibly dark and quiet there. There were no LED lights at night to illuminate the bedroom, and the only noise was the steady ticking of my grandparents’ mantel clock, which also chimed each hour and half hour. My sister and I snuggled in our bed beneath soft, warm quilts. We were not afraid of the dark, but once we got in bed, we rarely moved again until morning!
Now, most of us have all kinds of lights to brighten our homes. Someone commented recently that, even in the dark of night, we are not in the dark. Our televisions and digital clocks glow. Our smoke and radon detectors blink and flash. We illuminate our sidewalks and flower beds with landscaping lights. Street lights and “night watchmen” glow in even the most remote subdivisions and fields. And that light has become familiar to us, so that when we are truly thrust into the dark, we are uncomfortable… if not downright fearful.
In our spiritual life, God is our light. He is the bright illumination of a “night watchman” that glows in a field or the tiny blinking of a carbon monoxide detector that monitors our home – and He is protecting us from the darkness of Satan and sin at every turn. We don’t have to fear anything. God shines the light brightly on every aspect of our life and shows us where the mine fields of sin are located. He spotlights them and gives us His wisdom and care to overcome all odds. Just as we do not have to fear the dark of night, we do not have to fear the darkness of sin, either. Jesus overcame this darkness on the cross and His love, grace and mercy forever shine brightly over us.
How awesome is it to know we have this constant protection! How great it feels to know that Someone always has our back – and is lighting our way. Have no fear… God is lighting your way. Trust His protection and have confidence in His power to keep you safe.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, are the light that keeps me safe. I am not afraid of anyone. You protect me, and I have no fears.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, my grandparents’ farm was considered “out in the country.” It sat alongside a dirt road, surrounded by thick woods on three sides. At night, it was incredibly dark and quiet there. There were no LED lights at night to illuminate the bedroom, and the only noise was the steady ticking of my grandparents’ mantel clock, which also chimed each hour and half hour. My sister and I snuggled in our bed beneath soft, warm quilts. We were not afraid of the dark, but once we got in bed, we rarely moved again until morning!
Now, most of us have all kinds of lights to brighten our homes. Someone commented recently that, even in the dark of night, we are not in the dark. Our televisions and digital clocks glow. Our smoke and radon detectors blink and flash. We illuminate our sidewalks and flower beds with landscaping lights. Street lights and “night watchmen” glow in even the most remote subdivisions and fields. And that light has become familiar to us, so that when we are truly thrust into the dark, we are uncomfortable… if not downright fearful.
In our spiritual life, God is our light. He is the bright illumination of a “night watchman” that glows in a field or the tiny blinking of a carbon monoxide detector that monitors our home – and He is protecting us from the darkness of Satan and sin at every turn. We don’t have to fear anything. God shines the light brightly on every aspect of our life and shows us where the mine fields of sin are located. He spotlights them and gives us His wisdom and care to overcome all odds. Just as we do not have to fear the dark of night, we do not have to fear the darkness of sin, either. Jesus overcame this darkness on the cross and His love, grace and mercy forever shine brightly over us.
How awesome is it to know we have this constant protection! How great it feels to know that Someone always has our back – and is lighting our way. Have no fear… God is lighting your way. Trust His protection and have confidence in His power to keep you safe.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 7, 2010
March 7 ~ Psalm 55:23
But what about those people who are cruel and brutal? You will throw them down into the deepest pit long before their time. I trust you, LORD!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Lately, I’ve been talking with God about my relationships with other people. I’ve considered that, at times, I have most likely said unkind or inconsiderate things to others. I hope I have not been cruel and brutal… but often, others perceive our actions and words as such even when we do not. I operate under the assumption that if people “feel” a certain way – those feelings are real to them. So if someone feels you are cruel or brutal – or if you feel someone has been cruel or brutal toward you – those feelings have merit.
Probably all of us have felt at one time or another that someone was unkind or unfair toward us. And a natural, human instinct is to take that person down – or to fight back on our own behalf.
The message I have gotten from talking with God about this is that while these people and experiences have impact on our lives… they do not have to affect us… and there is a difference! Think of bumper cars. If you bump into someone in your car, most likely there will be no lasting injury or consequence. But if you crash your car into someone else’s, this could affect all of you for the rest of your lives. What is the difference between the impact of a bump and the effect of a crash? Often it is how we perceive the event or incident. How can we change our perception? Trust in God to handle this for you!
“Yeah, right,” you may be saying. “That’s a lot easier said than done.” Yes, and nobody said being a faithful Christian was easy. Trusting God sounds simple, but it involves a release of our own desires as we fully rest in HIM to handle the worries of our day. It doesn’t happen overnight, but prayer and constant communication with God will strengthen you in your efforts. My prayer for all of us is that we could trust God to make tiny bumps out of major crashes in our lives… that our impacts could be minor and our effects nonexistent. He can do this for us… but we have to do our part. What’s holding you back today? Aren’t you ready to let God fight your battles?
©2009 Debbie Robus
But what about those people who are cruel and brutal? You will throw them down into the deepest pit long before their time. I trust you, LORD!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Lately, I’ve been talking with God about my relationships with other people. I’ve considered that, at times, I have most likely said unkind or inconsiderate things to others. I hope I have not been cruel and brutal… but often, others perceive our actions and words as such even when we do not. I operate under the assumption that if people “feel” a certain way – those feelings are real to them. So if someone feels you are cruel or brutal – or if you feel someone has been cruel or brutal toward you – those feelings have merit.
Probably all of us have felt at one time or another that someone was unkind or unfair toward us. And a natural, human instinct is to take that person down – or to fight back on our own behalf.
The message I have gotten from talking with God about this is that while these people and experiences have impact on our lives… they do not have to affect us… and there is a difference! Think of bumper cars. If you bump into someone in your car, most likely there will be no lasting injury or consequence. But if you crash your car into someone else’s, this could affect all of you for the rest of your lives. What is the difference between the impact of a bump and the effect of a crash? Often it is how we perceive the event or incident. How can we change our perception? Trust in God to handle this for you!
“Yeah, right,” you may be saying. “That’s a lot easier said than done.” Yes, and nobody said being a faithful Christian was easy. Trusting God sounds simple, but it involves a release of our own desires as we fully rest in HIM to handle the worries of our day. It doesn’t happen overnight, but prayer and constant communication with God will strengthen you in your efforts. My prayer for all of us is that we could trust God to make tiny bumps out of major crashes in our lives… that our impacts could be minor and our effects nonexistent. He can do this for us… but we have to do our part. What’s holding you back today? Aren’t you ready to let God fight your battles?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)