Psalm 46:10
Our God says, “Calm down,
and learn that I am God!
All nations on earth
will honor me.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Lord,
it’s me again! Do you remember that thing that I’ve been talking about
to You? Well, Lord, it’s still not fixed! Lord, what are we going to
do about this? I need your help! I can’t do this on my own. But it needs to be fixed. Lord? Lord?? LORD???”
How
many times have we all done this? I know I have done it more times
than I care to count. There is quite a difference between reminding God
about a need or concern…lifting someone to Him in prayer for help,
healing or general care… and wearing Him out with persistent pestering!
But some of us want to badger God with our constant petitions. And
this where we need to insert Psalm 46:10. “Calm down, and learn that I
am God!” Know that God will answer when – and how – best suits His
plans. It will be perfect! Trust me…I’ve learned this the hard way!
In
the King James Version of the Bible, this verse begins, “Be still, and
know that I am God…” Engrave this on your heart…write it on the wall or
the back of your hand. Hang this verse on your refrigerator or post a
note on the bathroom mirror. But do not forget to “be still”…and
recognize who God is. Understand the fact that He is present in your
life…ready, willing and able to do all things according to His will –
perfectly and in the right time.
Aren’t you tired of badgering
and nagging? Aren’t you ready to “calm down” and KNOW that God is with
you and in complete control. Wouldn’t this be the perfect day to
begin? Are you ready to “be still and know”?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label be still before God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label be still before God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 9, 2015
Deuteronomy 18:10-13
Don’t sacrifice your son or daughter. And don’t try to use any kind of magic or witchcraft to tell fortunes or to cast spells or to talk with spirits of the dead.
The Lord is disgusted with anyone who does these things, and that’s why he will help you destroy the nations that are in the land. Never be guilty of doing any of these disgusting things!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The media is buzzing over what was apparently false news reporting by NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, who has admitted that he exaggerated his involvement in an incident in 2003 that involved military helicopters and soldiers he accompanied during the opening weeks of the war in Iraq. If you are like a lot of people, you’ve been a little disappointed – and surprised – by this disclosure. After all, we “welcome” these news anchors into our homes each evening – and let’s be honest – we make them “like family” and trust them to deliver the news with integrity and accuracy.
We ought to know better, but it’s human nature to want to believe these people. And it’s no different for many who desperately want to hear a “medium” tell them that their mother or father is “stepping forward with a message” from beyond. Who wouldn’t like to think that their dearly departed loved one is standing beside them saying, “Everything is okay.” When these people who claim to hear from “Spirit”, ask a few questions and seem to divulge information that only you could know, some are convinced that they truly are hearing from those on “the other side”.
Many of us have attached significance to rituals and practices of the church that erroneously elevate these to a level that God did not ordain. God is no more present at the altar of your church sanctuary than in your home, your car, or at your favorite fishing hole. The act of giving up something for Lent or fasting doesn’t necessarily make one more holy – or even draw you closer to God. These are not bad – or wrong – practices. But we must carefully examine our motives and the context and make sure that we are not seeking God in something because it makes us feel good about our faith.
When we fully unpack all of this, we see that the pervading desire is to draw closer to God…to find Him and hear from Him in a personal, significant way. And we don’t need witchcraft, sacrifices, rituals or communication with the dead to accomplish this. We’ve made so much of our faith into something that is not what God planned…so it’s no wonder that we have trouble finding Him!
The time has come for us to simplify…to reduce the “white noise” and outside voices…and truly spend some time in the still and quiet of God’s presence. Make the effort – and for many, it will be just that – to shut out the world for a few minutes and just “be” with God. Open your Bible and let God’s word speak to you – the Psalms are a great place to begin. Start a dialog with God…simply say, “Come Holy Spirit”…and invite Him to commence the conversation. Even if your mind wanders at first, direct your attention back to God and this quiet moment, and learn to connect with Him in a new and profound way.
Many of us are looking for truth in all the wrong places…the news media, friends and acquaintances, celebrities, elected officials, and even church leaders. While a lot of these folks truly are “good” people…even faith-filled Christians…they are all human – and imperfect. God is calling us to count on Him as our compass…not the world. He is ready, willing and more than able to meet us right where we are, but we have to give Him our full attention and devotion. Are you seeking His will and His word? Are you looking in the right places for God? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Don’t sacrifice your son or daughter. And don’t try to use any kind of magic or witchcraft to tell fortunes or to cast spells or to talk with spirits of the dead.
The Lord is disgusted with anyone who does these things, and that’s why he will help you destroy the nations that are in the land. Never be guilty of doing any of these disgusting things!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The media is buzzing over what was apparently false news reporting by NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, who has admitted that he exaggerated his involvement in an incident in 2003 that involved military helicopters and soldiers he accompanied during the opening weeks of the war in Iraq. If you are like a lot of people, you’ve been a little disappointed – and surprised – by this disclosure. After all, we “welcome” these news anchors into our homes each evening – and let’s be honest – we make them “like family” and trust them to deliver the news with integrity and accuracy.
We ought to know better, but it’s human nature to want to believe these people. And it’s no different for many who desperately want to hear a “medium” tell them that their mother or father is “stepping forward with a message” from beyond. Who wouldn’t like to think that their dearly departed loved one is standing beside them saying, “Everything is okay.” When these people who claim to hear from “Spirit”, ask a few questions and seem to divulge information that only you could know, some are convinced that they truly are hearing from those on “the other side”.
Many of us have attached significance to rituals and practices of the church that erroneously elevate these to a level that God did not ordain. God is no more present at the altar of your church sanctuary than in your home, your car, or at your favorite fishing hole. The act of giving up something for Lent or fasting doesn’t necessarily make one more holy – or even draw you closer to God. These are not bad – or wrong – practices. But we must carefully examine our motives and the context and make sure that we are not seeking God in something because it makes us feel good about our faith.
When we fully unpack all of this, we see that the pervading desire is to draw closer to God…to find Him and hear from Him in a personal, significant way. And we don’t need witchcraft, sacrifices, rituals or communication with the dead to accomplish this. We’ve made so much of our faith into something that is not what God planned…so it’s no wonder that we have trouble finding Him!
The time has come for us to simplify…to reduce the “white noise” and outside voices…and truly spend some time in the still and quiet of God’s presence. Make the effort – and for many, it will be just that – to shut out the world for a few minutes and just “be” with God. Open your Bible and let God’s word speak to you – the Psalms are a great place to begin. Start a dialog with God…simply say, “Come Holy Spirit”…and invite Him to commence the conversation. Even if your mind wanders at first, direct your attention back to God and this quiet moment, and learn to connect with Him in a new and profound way.
Many of us are looking for truth in all the wrong places…the news media, friends and acquaintances, celebrities, elected officials, and even church leaders. While a lot of these folks truly are “good” people…even faith-filled Christians…they are all human – and imperfect. God is calling us to count on Him as our compass…not the world. He is ready, willing and more than able to meet us right where we are, but we have to give Him our full attention and devotion. Are you seeking His will and His word? Are you looking in the right places for God? Isn’t it time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 1, 2014
Psalm 46:8-10
Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
breaks all the weapons across his knee.
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I cannot begin to tell you how weary I am of political ads…and political and “personal opinion” comments and postings on social media. Occasionally I will agree with a post, if I feel strongly about it. I have tried to reserve any disagreement for private messaging and personal interaction with the other party. I know these sorts of comments and posts have caused me to “unfriend” a few people in order to disassociate with what I consider to be vile rants or opinions. And I know that some have “unfriended” me because they feel I am too liberal or disagree otherwise with my thoughts. Or maybe they just don’t like me!
The point is…none of this really important. Life is not about social media – or the opinions of others, for that matter. What truly is significant is our relationship with God…what He thinks of us – and what we feel for Him. The time has come for us to step back…take a deep breath, and “Be still and know”.
“Be still and know”…
Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at God and ask yourself whether you are giving Him your full attention…or listening to outside influences. “Be still and know” the One who truly matters!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
He plants flowers and trees all over the earth,
Bans war from pole to pole,
breaks all the weapons across his knee.
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,
loving look at me, your High God,
above politics, above everything.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I cannot begin to tell you how weary I am of political ads…and political and “personal opinion” comments and postings on social media. Occasionally I will agree with a post, if I feel strongly about it. I have tried to reserve any disagreement for private messaging and personal interaction with the other party. I know these sorts of comments and posts have caused me to “unfriend” a few people in order to disassociate with what I consider to be vile rants or opinions. And I know that some have “unfriended” me because they feel I am too liberal or disagree otherwise with my thoughts. Or maybe they just don’t like me!
The point is…none of this really important. Life is not about social media – or the opinions of others, for that matter. What truly is significant is our relationship with God…what He thinks of us – and what we feel for Him. The time has come for us to step back…take a deep breath, and “Be still and know”.
“Be still and know”…
- who God really is
- what God expects of us
- what God thinks about situations vs man’s ideas and opinions
- the power of God to “make a way” where none seems possible
- the infinite, amazing, all-encompassing capacity of God to love us, no matter what
Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at God and ask yourself whether you are giving Him your full attention…or listening to outside influences. “Be still and know” the One who truly matters!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 28, 2014
Psalm 37:7
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The words “be still” are really not high on my vocabulary list! In my own defense, I grew up with a grandmother who would call and say, “there are peas and beans to be picked in the garden.” By the time my parents, siblings and I got to her farm to help, said peas or beans were already picked, shelled – and either put up in the freezer, or simmering in a pot on the stove alongside an all-out country dinner! My dad (her son) was one of these “if-you-want-that-fence-torn-down-then-show-me-where-to-put-the-remnants” …or “you’re-thinking-of-moving-so-I’ll-hook-my-trailer-to-the-truck” sort of guy.
Then I married someone who was more pensive and patient. Greg thinks things through…sometimes for days or weeks. He studies all of the angles and carefully weighs the outcomes. He can make split-second decisions…but he can also say, “Let’s not get in a hurry…there is no rush!” He is not an impulse buyer…nor does he have a quick temper. He has helped me to discover that while “The early bird gets the worm”…there is also wisdom in knowing that “Good things come to those who wait”!
As I have grown in my faith and my relationship with the Holy Spirit, I have come to understand the delicate balance of knowing when to act quickly, and when to “be still”. I will be the first in line to press the button when tickets go on sale for a James Taylor concert…but it may take me weeks or months to pick out a new laptop computer or a car. I may be one of the “first responders” when someone I know or care about is in need…but now, I may take a step back and prayerfully consider my response and/or reaction when someone offends me.
I have learned that evil people with wicked schemes don’t really prosper…even when it seems that they may – momentarily, at least. Name one person who truly “skirted by” his/her entire life without some sort of downfall or defeat. I don’t say this to imply that I wish anyone to suffer or to receive “just desserts”. I know plenty of “good people” who have suffered tremendous injustices while it seems that those who defy God at every turn seem to skate along. But I also know that not all rewards and blessings are visible and tangible in this earthly lifetime…nor are the consequences for bad behaviors.
And so, as I sit here with a cup of coffee and talk with you, I suggest that we all take time today – and every day – to “be still”…to consult God before we make decisions of all sizes, shapes and colors…and to wait patiently for His wise reply. Would you really rather have “the worm”…or the “good things” that come from waiting on the LORD? Are you ready to “be still and know” the difference?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The words “be still” are really not high on my vocabulary list! In my own defense, I grew up with a grandmother who would call and say, “there are peas and beans to be picked in the garden.” By the time my parents, siblings and I got to her farm to help, said peas or beans were already picked, shelled – and either put up in the freezer, or simmering in a pot on the stove alongside an all-out country dinner! My dad (her son) was one of these “if-you-want-that-fence-torn-down-then-show-me-where-to-put-the-remnants” …or “you’re-thinking-of-moving-so-I’ll-hook-my-trailer-to-the-truck” sort of guy.
Then I married someone who was more pensive and patient. Greg thinks things through…sometimes for days or weeks. He studies all of the angles and carefully weighs the outcomes. He can make split-second decisions…but he can also say, “Let’s not get in a hurry…there is no rush!” He is not an impulse buyer…nor does he have a quick temper. He has helped me to discover that while “The early bird gets the worm”…there is also wisdom in knowing that “Good things come to those who wait”!
As I have grown in my faith and my relationship with the Holy Spirit, I have come to understand the delicate balance of knowing when to act quickly, and when to “be still”. I will be the first in line to press the button when tickets go on sale for a James Taylor concert…but it may take me weeks or months to pick out a new laptop computer or a car. I may be one of the “first responders” when someone I know or care about is in need…but now, I may take a step back and prayerfully consider my response and/or reaction when someone offends me.
I have learned that evil people with wicked schemes don’t really prosper…even when it seems that they may – momentarily, at least. Name one person who truly “skirted by” his/her entire life without some sort of downfall or defeat. I don’t say this to imply that I wish anyone to suffer or to receive “just desserts”. I know plenty of “good people” who have suffered tremendous injustices while it seems that those who defy God at every turn seem to skate along. But I also know that not all rewards and blessings are visible and tangible in this earthly lifetime…nor are the consequences for bad behaviors.
And so, as I sit here with a cup of coffee and talk with you, I suggest that we all take time today – and every day – to “be still”…to consult God before we make decisions of all sizes, shapes and colors…and to wait patiently for His wise reply. Would you really rather have “the worm”…or the “good things” that come from waiting on the LORD? Are you ready to “be still and know” the difference?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 5, 2014
Isaiah 30:15; 18
For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, says: Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved; in quietness and confidence is your strength;
Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love; he will conquer you to bless you, just as he said. For the Lord is faithful to his promises. Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I think naps are extremely important – especially for young children. Timothy and Zola are not big fans of naps. So we take what I call “a little rest”. I tell them, “You don’t have to sleep…but you do have to lie down and rest for a while.” Sometimes the “little rest” results in a big nap…but not always. But at least they have been still and quiet for a few minutes…and hopefully regrouped and rejuvenated their bodies just a bit.
Patience has never been my strong suit! If I know there is something that I must get done, I won’t truly take it easy until it is accomplished. Oh, sure, I have a long list of “projects” (like organizing my digital photos) that sit undone. And it may take me days of “talking about” cleaning or finishing the laundry and ironing before I actually do it! But a lot of those tasks and ventures loom over me like a cloud until they are finished. Sometimes, they even “steal my joy”. Never mind a “bucket list”…I have enough on my “to-do” list as it is! But I am learning…to knuckle down and accomplish certain tasks – and to let others go – so that I can truly rest, relax and enjoy every minute of the day!
Part of my “lesson” is about priorities. Is it really critical that I scan every old photo my family ever owned and label them? Yes, it would be nice for future generations to know who the people are in the photos, but will it affect world peace, global warming…or the Kingdom of Heaven? Will it make me a better wife, aunt, daughter, friend, person to accomplish these things? What’s the worst that could happen if our house is not cleaned on a certain day…or the ironing doesn’t get done? At some point, we would run out of clothes…but to date, that has never happened!
Spontaneous walks or motorcycle rides with Greg on a pretty day are more important than a neatly organized craft room or an hour spent scanning the “pins” on Pinterest. Attending the funeral of someone who made a difference in my life trumps a morning spent sipping coffee and catching up on e-mail and household chores. By the same token, sometimes other activities are more important than attending a funeral, like a trip to the park with Timothy, Zola and Nathan or a long overdue visit with a good friend. Life is a series of delicate balances.
Things can get out of whack pretty quickly when we try to handle all of this on our own. And that’s where God comes into the picture. He says, “Hey you! Yeah…YOU with the long ‘to-do’ list and the lofty goals and the busy schedule! Come over here and sit down and let’s talk about this!” God wants us to spend time in His presence…to consult Him about what matters and what can wait…to trust His timing and not to get in a hurry at times…to learn when it is important to forge ahead – and when we need to be patient.” He wants us to rest…to “chill out” and allow Him room to work on our behalf.
There are plenty of times when we really do need to be busy. But there are just as many when we need to be still…to sit and listen for God’s voice…and to wait on Him to speak to us. God will remove the “cloud” of “woulda, shoulda, coulda” and replace it with a sense of His presence, peace, confidence and strength. Won’t you pull up a chair and sit with Him awhile? What is God trying to show you today? Aren’t you ready for a “little rest”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, says: Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved; in quietness and confidence is your strength;
Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love; he will conquer you to bless you, just as he said. For the Lord is faithful to his promises. Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I think naps are extremely important – especially for young children. Timothy and Zola are not big fans of naps. So we take what I call “a little rest”. I tell them, “You don’t have to sleep…but you do have to lie down and rest for a while.” Sometimes the “little rest” results in a big nap…but not always. But at least they have been still and quiet for a few minutes…and hopefully regrouped and rejuvenated their bodies just a bit.
Patience has never been my strong suit! If I know there is something that I must get done, I won’t truly take it easy until it is accomplished. Oh, sure, I have a long list of “projects” (like organizing my digital photos) that sit undone. And it may take me days of “talking about” cleaning or finishing the laundry and ironing before I actually do it! But a lot of those tasks and ventures loom over me like a cloud until they are finished. Sometimes, they even “steal my joy”. Never mind a “bucket list”…I have enough on my “to-do” list as it is! But I am learning…to knuckle down and accomplish certain tasks – and to let others go – so that I can truly rest, relax and enjoy every minute of the day!
Part of my “lesson” is about priorities. Is it really critical that I scan every old photo my family ever owned and label them? Yes, it would be nice for future generations to know who the people are in the photos, but will it affect world peace, global warming…or the Kingdom of Heaven? Will it make me a better wife, aunt, daughter, friend, person to accomplish these things? What’s the worst that could happen if our house is not cleaned on a certain day…or the ironing doesn’t get done? At some point, we would run out of clothes…but to date, that has never happened!
Spontaneous walks or motorcycle rides with Greg on a pretty day are more important than a neatly organized craft room or an hour spent scanning the “pins” on Pinterest. Attending the funeral of someone who made a difference in my life trumps a morning spent sipping coffee and catching up on e-mail and household chores. By the same token, sometimes other activities are more important than attending a funeral, like a trip to the park with Timothy, Zola and Nathan or a long overdue visit with a good friend. Life is a series of delicate balances.
Things can get out of whack pretty quickly when we try to handle all of this on our own. And that’s where God comes into the picture. He says, “Hey you! Yeah…YOU with the long ‘to-do’ list and the lofty goals and the busy schedule! Come over here and sit down and let’s talk about this!” God wants us to spend time in His presence…to consult Him about what matters and what can wait…to trust His timing and not to get in a hurry at times…to learn when it is important to forge ahead – and when we need to be patient.” He wants us to rest…to “chill out” and allow Him room to work on our behalf.
There are plenty of times when we really do need to be busy. But there are just as many when we need to be still…to sit and listen for God’s voice…and to wait on Him to speak to us. God will remove the “cloud” of “woulda, shoulda, coulda” and replace it with a sense of His presence, peace, confidence and strength. Won’t you pull up a chair and sit with Him awhile? What is God trying to show you today? Aren’t you ready for a “little rest”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 23, 2013
Ecclesiastes 4:4-6
Then I realized that we work and do wonderful things just because we are jealous of others. This makes no more sense than chasing the wind.
Fools will fold their hands and starve to death. Yet a very little food eaten in peace is better than twice as much earned from overwork and chasing the wind.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I recently began taking Timothy and Zola with us to church on Sunday… and “out to lunch” afterward. We used to eat out at a local sit-down restaurant or cafeteria on Sundays… now we frequent McDonald’s or Burger King! Instead of an entrée, vegetables and possibly dessert, we now have a burger or chicken nuggets and fries… and dessert is usually an ice cream cone or a cookie! But the company is so entertaining! Truthfully, what we eat – or where we are – is not nearly as important as who is with us.
Today, we gathered around a small table at Burger King… my husband and me, Timothy, Zola, and Grandma “E” – my husband’s mother, who is adored by the children. We ate our burgers, nuggets and fries, followed by ice cream. Then I took Timothy to the restroom to clean his hands… sticky from the ice cream cone he had devoured. Once inside, he told me he needed to use the restroom. I told him I would wait outside the stall for him. I was wearing a brightly-colored long skirt that I repurposed from a dress I purchased at a local thrift store. But as I stood in front of the bathroom stall, I heard this little voice say, “I can still see your princess clothes and your sandals [under the door].” I stifled a laugh and stepped out of Timothy’s view.
We have eaten at gourmet restaurants and dined at banquet halls. We have paid “good money” for a nice steak dinner with all the trimmings. And we have tried taking the little children to a sit-down restaurant for a meal of “meat, potatoes and vegetables.” But I wouldn’t trade any of these for the time we spend crowded around a small table enjoying “happy meals” and watching these children smile and laugh. There is a peace and unpretentiousness about such a simple meal. The kids don’t eat much… they dribble soft drinks and ice cream down the front of their clothes and wriggle around on their seats. But it is the “exclamation point” on their Sunday morning… a time when they eagerly anticipate seeing their friends at church and spending time afterward with us and Grandma “E.” And I have to tell you, having a four-year-old describe my attire as “princess clothes” isn’t too shabby either!
What does this have to do with you and your faith? The message I believe God wants to convey in this passage today is to slow down and find His peace in the simple things. Everything doesn’t have to be a lavish production. There is no shame in working hard, having nice things, or dining in fine restaurants. But don’t overlook the joy and serenity of something as simple as a cold drink shared on the porch with a neighbor or friend…a “staycation” with your family that involves swims at local beaches, popcorn and videos, and frozen pizzas or take-out vs. a week at an expensive resort…a morning cup of coffee while you sit in your favorite chair and simply listen to God for a few minutes or more… a fast-food meal with family and/or friends where everyone eats burgers and fries instead of an expensive, formal restaurant meal.
Many years ago, my mom and dad hosted a somewhat impromptu “family dinner” one evening. This time, instead of roasting some sort of meat like brisket or ham – or grilling burgers – Mom made sandwiches – tuna fish, and her famous pimiento cheese. Others brought chips, baked beans and “trimmings” from the store. I don’t remember what was served for dessert, but it was something quick and easy. Twenty years ago or more, my family had a lot of spur-of-the-moment gatherings…like wiener roasts at a local park near the lake. We’d all bring hot dogs and buns, chips, marshmallows and drinks and lawn chairs. In a matter of an hour, we would be gathered around a fire… talking and laughing and enjoying the scenery and the fellowship of one another. I particularly remember the sandwich dinner, because my dear cousin Eddie – who is now with Jesus – said, “This was great! We don’t need to go to a whole lot of trouble to get together… we just need to do it.” And he was right. In so many areas of life, it’s not about what “food you serve” as much as the spirit, or intention of those who gather.
So find God’s peace in the little things. Understand that He is in every detail… even the small ones. Settle into God’s rhythms and start to see things as He does… how much He cares about every tiny aspect of your life. Quit trying to keep up with everybody else… to pretend to be somebody you are not…to make everything such a production. Don’t miss out on the serenity of just “being”… whether in the company of others, or alone with God. Stop chasing the wind and relax a little. Give God a chance to show you just how peaceful a simpler life can be.
We can learn a lot from toddlers and four-year-olds. They see things with such purity – and often more clarity than any of us “grown-ups!” So they discover “princess clothes” in repurposed thrift-store finds…and peace and joy in an ice cream cone, some chicken nuggets and a cheap toy in a box! Where are you looking for peace these days? Have you been too busy chasing the wind to discover what is right in front of you? Will this be the day that you slow down and give God’s peace a chance?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Then I realized that we work and do wonderful things just because we are jealous of others. This makes no more sense than chasing the wind.
Fools will fold their hands and starve to death. Yet a very little food eaten in peace is better than twice as much earned from overwork and chasing the wind.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I recently began taking Timothy and Zola with us to church on Sunday… and “out to lunch” afterward. We used to eat out at a local sit-down restaurant or cafeteria on Sundays… now we frequent McDonald’s or Burger King! Instead of an entrée, vegetables and possibly dessert, we now have a burger or chicken nuggets and fries… and dessert is usually an ice cream cone or a cookie! But the company is so entertaining! Truthfully, what we eat – or where we are – is not nearly as important as who is with us.
Today, we gathered around a small table at Burger King… my husband and me, Timothy, Zola, and Grandma “E” – my husband’s mother, who is adored by the children. We ate our burgers, nuggets and fries, followed by ice cream. Then I took Timothy to the restroom to clean his hands… sticky from the ice cream cone he had devoured. Once inside, he told me he needed to use the restroom. I told him I would wait outside the stall for him. I was wearing a brightly-colored long skirt that I repurposed from a dress I purchased at a local thrift store. But as I stood in front of the bathroom stall, I heard this little voice say, “I can still see your princess clothes and your sandals [under the door].” I stifled a laugh and stepped out of Timothy’s view.
We have eaten at gourmet restaurants and dined at banquet halls. We have paid “good money” for a nice steak dinner with all the trimmings. And we have tried taking the little children to a sit-down restaurant for a meal of “meat, potatoes and vegetables.” But I wouldn’t trade any of these for the time we spend crowded around a small table enjoying “happy meals” and watching these children smile and laugh. There is a peace and unpretentiousness about such a simple meal. The kids don’t eat much… they dribble soft drinks and ice cream down the front of their clothes and wriggle around on their seats. But it is the “exclamation point” on their Sunday morning… a time when they eagerly anticipate seeing their friends at church and spending time afterward with us and Grandma “E.” And I have to tell you, having a four-year-old describe my attire as “princess clothes” isn’t too shabby either!
What does this have to do with you and your faith? The message I believe God wants to convey in this passage today is to slow down and find His peace in the simple things. Everything doesn’t have to be a lavish production. There is no shame in working hard, having nice things, or dining in fine restaurants. But don’t overlook the joy and serenity of something as simple as a cold drink shared on the porch with a neighbor or friend…a “staycation” with your family that involves swims at local beaches, popcorn and videos, and frozen pizzas or take-out vs. a week at an expensive resort…a morning cup of coffee while you sit in your favorite chair and simply listen to God for a few minutes or more… a fast-food meal with family and/or friends where everyone eats burgers and fries instead of an expensive, formal restaurant meal.
Many years ago, my mom and dad hosted a somewhat impromptu “family dinner” one evening. This time, instead of roasting some sort of meat like brisket or ham – or grilling burgers – Mom made sandwiches – tuna fish, and her famous pimiento cheese. Others brought chips, baked beans and “trimmings” from the store. I don’t remember what was served for dessert, but it was something quick and easy. Twenty years ago or more, my family had a lot of spur-of-the-moment gatherings…like wiener roasts at a local park near the lake. We’d all bring hot dogs and buns, chips, marshmallows and drinks and lawn chairs. In a matter of an hour, we would be gathered around a fire… talking and laughing and enjoying the scenery and the fellowship of one another. I particularly remember the sandwich dinner, because my dear cousin Eddie – who is now with Jesus – said, “This was great! We don’t need to go to a whole lot of trouble to get together… we just need to do it.” And he was right. In so many areas of life, it’s not about what “food you serve” as much as the spirit, or intention of those who gather.
So find God’s peace in the little things. Understand that He is in every detail… even the small ones. Settle into God’s rhythms and start to see things as He does… how much He cares about every tiny aspect of your life. Quit trying to keep up with everybody else… to pretend to be somebody you are not…to make everything such a production. Don’t miss out on the serenity of just “being”… whether in the company of others, or alone with God. Stop chasing the wind and relax a little. Give God a chance to show you just how peaceful a simpler life can be.
We can learn a lot from toddlers and four-year-olds. They see things with such purity – and often more clarity than any of us “grown-ups!” So they discover “princess clothes” in repurposed thrift-store finds…and peace and joy in an ice cream cone, some chicken nuggets and a cheap toy in a box! Where are you looking for peace these days? Have you been too busy chasing the wind to discover what is right in front of you? Will this be the day that you slow down and give God’s peace a chance?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 9, 2013
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
After attending a Contemporary Worship service at our church for more than a decade, my husband and I recently returned to the more traditional worship service that is held in the “third hour” each Sunday. We did this primarily so that my great-nephew, Timothy, and his sister Zola could attend Sunday school and nursery during that time period. But we have found that the “fit” is much better for all of us. This is not a criticism of Contemporary Worship. I participated as a member of that service’s Praise Team for eight years and even filled in as an interim leader of the team for many weeks one year. I love the casual atmosphere that seems to encourage some to more freely participate in worship.
But I found myself missing the peace and order of traditional worship… the way the old hymns quietly moved me with their words and rich tradition. I discovered that more of the pastor’s sermon resonates with me in the still calm of our church’s sanctuary. The choir’s anthems and the truly “divine” preludes and offertories presented by our pianist stir my soul… and sometimes move me to tears.
I recognize that people worship God in different ways… and at different speeds and volumes…and that’s okay. But I wonder… how often are we missing God – at least to a degree – because there is too much chaos and not enough peace in our lives? How often do we really sit still and listen for God? When was the last time you grabbed a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage) and your Bible… and retreated to a quiet area to just sit still for a few minutes and let God speak to you? How often do you take a few minutes to pour out your heart to God… to talk to Him like you would your best friend... to tell Him all of your joys and your heartaches?
My question for all of us today is this… “Can we simply stop all of the noise and movement for a few minutes and truly worship God?” Can you give Him your full, undivided attention for even a little while? What do you suppose would happen if you stopped and basked in the peace and order of God? How much more do you think you might glean from His messages to you?
There are times to raise your hands… to shout and dance in worship of God. And there are times when we need to sit still… to revel in the order of peace. Do you have a healthy balance of both in your life? Are you willing to find out what could happen if you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
After attending a Contemporary Worship service at our church for more than a decade, my husband and I recently returned to the more traditional worship service that is held in the “third hour” each Sunday. We did this primarily so that my great-nephew, Timothy, and his sister Zola could attend Sunday school and nursery during that time period. But we have found that the “fit” is much better for all of us. This is not a criticism of Contemporary Worship. I participated as a member of that service’s Praise Team for eight years and even filled in as an interim leader of the team for many weeks one year. I love the casual atmosphere that seems to encourage some to more freely participate in worship.
But I found myself missing the peace and order of traditional worship… the way the old hymns quietly moved me with their words and rich tradition. I discovered that more of the pastor’s sermon resonates with me in the still calm of our church’s sanctuary. The choir’s anthems and the truly “divine” preludes and offertories presented by our pianist stir my soul… and sometimes move me to tears.
I recognize that people worship God in different ways… and at different speeds and volumes…and that’s okay. But I wonder… how often are we missing God – at least to a degree – because there is too much chaos and not enough peace in our lives? How often do we really sit still and listen for God? When was the last time you grabbed a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage) and your Bible… and retreated to a quiet area to just sit still for a few minutes and let God speak to you? How often do you take a few minutes to pour out your heart to God… to talk to Him like you would your best friend... to tell Him all of your joys and your heartaches?
My question for all of us today is this… “Can we simply stop all of the noise and movement for a few minutes and truly worship God?” Can you give Him your full, undivided attention for even a little while? What do you suppose would happen if you stopped and basked in the peace and order of God? How much more do you think you might glean from His messages to you?
There are times to raise your hands… to shout and dance in worship of God. And there are times when we need to sit still… to revel in the order of peace. Do you have a healthy balance of both in your life? Are you willing to find out what could happen if you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 2, 2013
Deuteronomy 31:6
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, my mother shared with me the blog post of a fellow writer. Her topic centered on Psalm 46:10, which begins… “Be still and know that I am God.” The writer referenced the recent events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut… how the reaction and outrage had ranged from a call for total gun control to one of “let’s arm everybody!” In other words, many people panicked.
This is nothing new… in ways great and small, we panic about a lot of things. We “jump the gun,” or “borrow trouble” or race to “do damage control”… when what we really need to do is “Be still.” If only we would recognize that God has gone ahead of us… that He will neither fail us nor abandon us…we might fare better.
I am as guilty as the next person of operating in panic more often than I care to admit. I race ahead, thinking I have to handle things… often wringing my hands in worry and fear. Where is my strength? What happened to my courage? Did I forget WHO is leading the way? Have YOU forgotten?
Some of my friends have recently lost loved ones… others are sitting vigil at the deathbed of a dear family member or friend. Still others are worried about everything from finances to health scares to how they will ever resolve a myriad of conflicts. In their own way, each of these people are in a panic. How will they cope with their grief? How will they make ends meet and/or get ahead? Will they ever get along with So-and-so?
Look… life will happen. There will be challenges and moments that make us panic. And if we let him, the devil will have a field day making us crazy with all sorts of emotions and fears that serve absolutely no purpose other than to convolute and confuse us. We all need to stop and simply “BE STILL!” We need to recognize God’s presence… His strength and power… and find our courage in Him.
Where does this leave you today? Have you allowed God to personally go ahead of you? Are you strong and courageous? A lot can happen if we will simply “be still.” Aren’t you ready to find out firsthand?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, my mother shared with me the blog post of a fellow writer. Her topic centered on Psalm 46:10, which begins… “Be still and know that I am God.” The writer referenced the recent events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut… how the reaction and outrage had ranged from a call for total gun control to one of “let’s arm everybody!” In other words, many people panicked.
This is nothing new… in ways great and small, we panic about a lot of things. We “jump the gun,” or “borrow trouble” or race to “do damage control”… when what we really need to do is “Be still.” If only we would recognize that God has gone ahead of us… that He will neither fail us nor abandon us…we might fare better.
I am as guilty as the next person of operating in panic more often than I care to admit. I race ahead, thinking I have to handle things… often wringing my hands in worry and fear. Where is my strength? What happened to my courage? Did I forget WHO is leading the way? Have YOU forgotten?
Some of my friends have recently lost loved ones… others are sitting vigil at the deathbed of a dear family member or friend. Still others are worried about everything from finances to health scares to how they will ever resolve a myriad of conflicts. In their own way, each of these people are in a panic. How will they cope with their grief? How will they make ends meet and/or get ahead? Will they ever get along with So-and-so?
Look… life will happen. There will be challenges and moments that make us panic. And if we let him, the devil will have a field day making us crazy with all sorts of emotions and fears that serve absolutely no purpose other than to convolute and confuse us. We all need to stop and simply “BE STILL!” We need to recognize God’s presence… His strength and power… and find our courage in Him.
Where does this leave you today? Have you allowed God to personally go ahead of you? Are you strong and courageous? A lot can happen if we will simply “be still.” Aren’t you ready to find out firsthand?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 3, 2012
Romans 8:26-28
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Some of you will probably find this morbid… or weird… but I like to visit the cemetery. I don’t go often, but when I do, I always feel the presence of God. The family cemetery where many of my great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even my grandfather, dad and brother are buried is a beautiful, serene place. This time of year, you can see Sugar Loaf Mountain through the trees. You can hear geese and ducks on Magness Lake, and cattle graze in the adjacent pasture. I have been to this cemetery on bitterly cold days, and days when it was beastly hot. I’ve stood there in downpours and a chilling drizzle. And Saturday when I visited, the weather was sunny, breezy, and unseasonably warm for December 1st.
Can I be real with you? The last few days, I have truly not known what to pray… for a variety of reasons. We all have these times in our life… times when the words will not come… when we cannot collect our thoughts into something that makes sense. So when I visited the cemetery on Saturday to place flowers on several graves, I spent some time just sitting very quietly… looking at the beauty around me… and listening for God. I have to tell you, I left there feeling like I really didn’t hear much in return… until today.
When I read this passage, it was as if God said, “I heard your groanings. I un-jumbled your thoughts. I know what you were thinking and feeling… I felt your wordless sighs…and I’m on it!” I cannot tell you how much better this made me feel. I get it that God understands our thoughts even when we can’t express them… but when you hit a “dry spell” for several days where you feel like your prayers don’t make a lick of sense, it can be a little unsettling. I find myself thinking, “I have so many things I want to place before God… why can’t I articulate them?” THIS is when God’s spirit lifts us and carries the load. THIS is when He hears and interprets what makes no sense… even to us! THIS is great news and should bring us tremendous comfort!
I don’t know what is happening in your life today… finals, health issues, job challenges, family dynamics, loss of some kind – or even the stress of the holidays and more. But I do know this… if you will sit quietly and just “be” for a while, God will hear your inner groans and sighs. If you will remain faithful and simply come before His presence, God will unscramble your thoughts and make sense of them… and He will work things out for you according to His perfect will.
You don’t have to go to a cemetery, a church, or even a quiet room to do be in God’s presence. You can accomplish this at your desk, in your car, or wherever you find yourself. All you have to do is sit still and say, “Here I am, LORD.” He will do the rest. Aren’t you tired of waiting? Aren’t you ready for God to help you along? Isn’t this a great time to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Some of you will probably find this morbid… or weird… but I like to visit the cemetery. I don’t go often, but when I do, I always feel the presence of God. The family cemetery where many of my great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even my grandfather, dad and brother are buried is a beautiful, serene place. This time of year, you can see Sugar Loaf Mountain through the trees. You can hear geese and ducks on Magness Lake, and cattle graze in the adjacent pasture. I have been to this cemetery on bitterly cold days, and days when it was beastly hot. I’ve stood there in downpours and a chilling drizzle. And Saturday when I visited, the weather was sunny, breezy, and unseasonably warm for December 1st.
Can I be real with you? The last few days, I have truly not known what to pray… for a variety of reasons. We all have these times in our life… times when the words will not come… when we cannot collect our thoughts into something that makes sense. So when I visited the cemetery on Saturday to place flowers on several graves, I spent some time just sitting very quietly… looking at the beauty around me… and listening for God. I have to tell you, I left there feeling like I really didn’t hear much in return… until today.
When I read this passage, it was as if God said, “I heard your groanings. I un-jumbled your thoughts. I know what you were thinking and feeling… I felt your wordless sighs…and I’m on it!” I cannot tell you how much better this made me feel. I get it that God understands our thoughts even when we can’t express them… but when you hit a “dry spell” for several days where you feel like your prayers don’t make a lick of sense, it can be a little unsettling. I find myself thinking, “I have so many things I want to place before God… why can’t I articulate them?” THIS is when God’s spirit lifts us and carries the load. THIS is when He hears and interprets what makes no sense… even to us! THIS is great news and should bring us tremendous comfort!
I don’t know what is happening in your life today… finals, health issues, job challenges, family dynamics, loss of some kind – or even the stress of the holidays and more. But I do know this… if you will sit quietly and just “be” for a while, God will hear your inner groans and sighs. If you will remain faithful and simply come before His presence, God will unscramble your thoughts and make sense of them… and He will work things out for you according to His perfect will.
You don’t have to go to a cemetery, a church, or even a quiet room to do be in God’s presence. You can accomplish this at your desk, in your car, or wherever you find yourself. All you have to do is sit still and say, “Here I am, LORD.” He will do the rest. Aren’t you tired of waiting? Aren’t you ready for God to help you along? Isn’t this a great time to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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