Hebrews 11:1
What is faith? It is the confident
assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty
that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it
up ahead.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House
Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol
Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Leap of
faith…faith-based initiatives and organizations…faith
ministries…childlike faith…”have faith”…”keep the faith”...walk by
faith…we throw this word “faith” around pretty freely and broadly. But
what do we truly believe? What does faith mean in our everyday lives?
We’ve
all heard this scripture from Hebrews that pretty well defines the word
“faith.” But how do we demonstrate and explain Christian faith to
others…particularly those who are skeptical? In my own life, I believe
God has allowed me to experience some “stuff” so that I have a base for
sharing my faith with others. This is part of what I try to do with
these daily devotionals.
I am genetically wired to worry. It’s
just what we do in my family. When I was little, I worried about
tornadoes, because my grandmother instilled a healthy (and
experience-based) fear of them in my siblings and me. And now, Timothy
has begun to worry about tornadoes after participating in a few drills
at school and learning about weather and storms. Despite my best
efforts to assure him that we have safe places to ride out any potential
storms, he may just have to experience one firsthand to totally believe
this.
But wait…isn’t that the opposite of faith? Isn’t faith about believing we are safe and protected without
physical proof? Yes. But sometimes, we have to go through something
difficult and see firsthand how God provides before we can trust Him for
the unseen things yet to come. As I share my faith with others, I am
able to say, “God saw me through ABC”…”He delivered me from XYZ”…”God
protected me in this situation and solved that problem…and I know that
He will do the same again and again – for me AND for you!”
I
won’t say that I never worry any more…that I “keep the faith” every
minute of the day. I have my moments just like we all do. But I try to
quickly capture anxious thoughts and doubts and claim the promises of
God to handle all things in my life and in the lives of others. I
know that sometimes I need a “gentle reminder” of how well He cares for
me in order to further strengthen my faith for things to come.
Whatever
you are facing today, “keep the faith!” Believe that God is in
complete control and that He will never give you more than you can
handle – with His help and presence! When troubles come, ask God
to show you how He is using them to strengthen you – and your trust in
Him. Learn to use these situations to share with others how God has
sheltered and guided you through even the roughest patches of life – and
help them build up their own faith. And keep believing. What God has
already done…He will do again – and then some!
Build on your
past to shore up your future as you learn to increasingly “walk in
faith” every single day. God’s got this! My prayer is that we would
all grow in confidence and strengthen our “faith muscle” – and that we
would begin today. Are you in?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label building faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label building faith. 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 December 20, 2014
1 Peter 5:5-6
And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house. What’s more, you are his holy priests; so come to him—you who are acceptable to him because of Jesus Christ — and offer to God those things that please him. As the Scriptures express it, “See, I am sending Christ to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone of my church, and I will never disappoint those who trust in him.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A couple of Sundays ago, we took Timothy and Zola home from church activities, and their mother was waiting with baby brother Nathan to create a “gingerbread train”. I’m pretty sure this was a “store-bought kit”, although my niece may have baked the gingerbread pieces herself. However, the children used icing and candies to put together a “train engine” and at least one “car”. I commended my niece for tackling this project with children who are 5, 3, and 2! These sorts of things do not come together easily!
To begin such a project, you have to have a foundation point…an “anchor” of sorts that is sturdy and solid…like a line of icing on the plate or some other reinforcement. Each subsequent piece builds on the first…and the last step is to add the decorative parts! If that first piece is not placed just so…everything that follows is a waste of time.
This is just how it is in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Had God not sent Jesus to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone, there would be no “church” – at least none of any substance! Our little ones were so impressed and pleased with the results of their creativity and hard work. And God is pleased with us when we build upon His precious Gift and trust in Him to support us through all things.
This week, as we look toward the celebration of Jesus’ birth, ask yourself about your “Cornerstone”. Are you trusting Jesus to be your anchor and building your life upon His teachings and promises? Are you counting on salvation through His precious blood to be the sturdy, solid line upon which you build everything else in your life and beyond? Is everything you do a pleasing “adornment” to the foundation of hope and faith that Christ has laid for us? Are you a “living building-stone” for God? Wouldn’t this be a great week to become one?
©2014 Debbie Robus
And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house. What’s more, you are his holy priests; so come to him—you who are acceptable to him because of Jesus Christ — and offer to God those things that please him. As the Scriptures express it, “See, I am sending Christ to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone of my church, and I will never disappoint those who trust in him.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A couple of Sundays ago, we took Timothy and Zola home from church activities, and their mother was waiting with baby brother Nathan to create a “gingerbread train”. I’m pretty sure this was a “store-bought kit”, although my niece may have baked the gingerbread pieces herself. However, the children used icing and candies to put together a “train engine” and at least one “car”. I commended my niece for tackling this project with children who are 5, 3, and 2! These sorts of things do not come together easily!
To begin such a project, you have to have a foundation point…an “anchor” of sorts that is sturdy and solid…like a line of icing on the plate or some other reinforcement. Each subsequent piece builds on the first…and the last step is to add the decorative parts! If that first piece is not placed just so…everything that follows is a waste of time.
This is just how it is in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Had God not sent Jesus to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone, there would be no “church” – at least none of any substance! Our little ones were so impressed and pleased with the results of their creativity and hard work. And God is pleased with us when we build upon His precious Gift and trust in Him to support us through all things.
This week, as we look toward the celebration of Jesus’ birth, ask yourself about your “Cornerstone”. Are you trusting Jesus to be your anchor and building your life upon His teachings and promises? Are you counting on salvation through His precious blood to be the sturdy, solid line upon which you build everything else in your life and beyond? Is everything you do a pleasing “adornment” to the foundation of hope and faith that Christ has laid for us? Are you a “living building-stone” for God? Wouldn’t this be a great week to become one?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 11, 2014
1 Peter 5:8-11
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
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.
This morning as I enjoyed a cup of coffee on my back deck in 66-degree sunshine, I thought of the two big frozen blobs of sleet that still sit in our front flower beds. I reminded myself that less than a week ago, we were experiencing day-time high temps in the teens and low twenties – and wind-chill factors close to zero!
Our house sits in a relatively wooded – and shaded – neighborhood. The home of one of my cousins has a similar setting. She remarked to me that for several days last week, she thought the whole world was as “iced in” as she was, because she could not see beyond her neighborhood, where major streets and thoroughfares had been cleared, salted and sanded. We felt much the same way. Just a couple of blocks away from our house, a major highway was “passable”, while our streets and driveway were completely covered in sleet and ice.
So we were lulled into a sense that the world was “sleeping” for a few days until the weather cleared…while in reality, life was continuing somewhat as usual just a few yards from our doorstep! Indeed, about a 3-hour drive east of us, motorists were stranded for as much as 48 hours on interstate highways in our state. As most of the world carried on “as usual”, these motorists sat motionless, hungry, weary and away from family, friends, important appointments, and more.
This seems like the perfect analogy to demonstrate how we operate as Christians. There are times when things happen in our lives, and we feel like the whole world has stopped…or should! We experience illness, the death of a friend or loved one, trouble at home or in the workplace, stress at school, a pile of bills to be paid, accidents, uncontrollable weather events…and so much more. Whether these circumstances were beyond our control, or the devil caught us napping…”life” happens! And the thing is…this happens to all of us!
For every challenge and circumstance you have experienced…someone else has “been there, done that”. This ought to give us renewed courage as we see how God has worked in the lives of others – how He has gotten them through the rough spots, put them together and set them back on their feet for good. This also should give us courage and motivation to share with others out of our own personal witness to God’s great plans for us. I am not diminishing the importance – or severity – of anything that has happened in your life. In fact, I have expressed heartfelt compassion and empathy to many of you whom I know personally. I have shared with you in these devotionals how God has “had the last word” in my life on many occasions…and how my faith has been strengthened through these experiences.
So my question to you today is, “What are you doing with the circumstances and events of your life?” Are you awake and alert? Or are you napping while the “weather” clears…or burying your head in the sand because things just seem too hard to bear? Either one of the latter leaves you vulnerable to the devil. And Peter is right…Satan stands ready and waiting to pounce like a cat watching a bug or a bird in the yard! Whatever you are going through…whatever has happened to you…God can use it to strengthen your faith – and to demonstrate His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion to others. Will you be one of His agents in this…or one of the devil’s victims? The choice is totally up to you.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
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.
This morning as I enjoyed a cup of coffee on my back deck in 66-degree sunshine, I thought of the two big frozen blobs of sleet that still sit in our front flower beds. I reminded myself that less than a week ago, we were experiencing day-time high temps in the teens and low twenties – and wind-chill factors close to zero!
Our house sits in a relatively wooded – and shaded – neighborhood. The home of one of my cousins has a similar setting. She remarked to me that for several days last week, she thought the whole world was as “iced in” as she was, because she could not see beyond her neighborhood, where major streets and thoroughfares had been cleared, salted and sanded. We felt much the same way. Just a couple of blocks away from our house, a major highway was “passable”, while our streets and driveway were completely covered in sleet and ice.
So we were lulled into a sense that the world was “sleeping” for a few days until the weather cleared…while in reality, life was continuing somewhat as usual just a few yards from our doorstep! Indeed, about a 3-hour drive east of us, motorists were stranded for as much as 48 hours on interstate highways in our state. As most of the world carried on “as usual”, these motorists sat motionless, hungry, weary and away from family, friends, important appointments, and more.
This seems like the perfect analogy to demonstrate how we operate as Christians. There are times when things happen in our lives, and we feel like the whole world has stopped…or should! We experience illness, the death of a friend or loved one, trouble at home or in the workplace, stress at school, a pile of bills to be paid, accidents, uncontrollable weather events…and so much more. Whether these circumstances were beyond our control, or the devil caught us napping…”life” happens! And the thing is…this happens to all of us!
For every challenge and circumstance you have experienced…someone else has “been there, done that”. This ought to give us renewed courage as we see how God has worked in the lives of others – how He has gotten them through the rough spots, put them together and set them back on their feet for good. This also should give us courage and motivation to share with others out of our own personal witness to God’s great plans for us. I am not diminishing the importance – or severity – of anything that has happened in your life. In fact, I have expressed heartfelt compassion and empathy to many of you whom I know personally. I have shared with you in these devotionals how God has “had the last word” in my life on many occasions…and how my faith has been strengthened through these experiences.
So my question to you today is, “What are you doing with the circumstances and events of your life?” Are you awake and alert? Or are you napping while the “weather” clears…or burying your head in the sand because things just seem too hard to bear? Either one of the latter leaves you vulnerable to the devil. And Peter is right…Satan stands ready and waiting to pounce like a cat watching a bug or a bird in the yard! Whatever you are going through…whatever has happened to you…God can use it to strengthen your faith – and to demonstrate His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion to others. Will you be one of His agents in this…or one of the devil’s victims? The choice is totally up to you.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 24, 2014
1 Timothy 1:19-20
Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.
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.
I watched a documentary on NBC about Olympic figure skaters Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. You may know the story of these two women who were rising stars in the figure skating world… both poised to win Olympic medals in 1994 at Lillehammer, Norway. Kerrigan was attacked after a practice one day and hit in the knee with a metal bar. Harding would later be implicated in a convoluted – and poorly executed – scheme to injure Kerrigan so that she could not contend for Olympic gold…thus, freeing the way for Harding to win the medal. As Kerrigan lay in the hallway, crippled from the attack, she cried out, “Why?! Why, me?!” Some have made fun of her and criticized her as a “whiner,” while others maintain that she was in excruciating pain and offered a legitimate reaction.
Pastor Joel Osteen recently preached a sermon titled, “All is Well.” He encouraged listeners to focus on repeating this phrase – and truly believing these words…regardless of what is happening in our lives. He maintained that with God at the helm, all truly is well…all the time. These are encouraging words. This is an incredibly hopeful thought…and one that represents “perfect timing” for many people I know who are experiencing a “season” of difficulty and challenge. The fact is that this is a timely thought for many people on any given day. If we truly do rely on God to meet our needs…if we honestly believe that He will make a way where none seems possible…then certainly “all is well”.
Given this thought to ponder, we look at Paul’s words to Timothy – in particular, verse 20 when he says that he threw out Hymenaeus and Alexander (two pastors) and “handed them over to Satan”. What does this mean? How can this be? I went in search of explanation and discovered an insightful online sermon by Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. If you have time and really want to dig into this message, go to http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/54-9 and read/listen to what he says. He cites numerous scripture passages to solidify his view…including instances in the Old and New Testament where a believer was handed over to Satan…for “refining”…for “proving the validity of their faith”…and “for greater effectiveness”. But in all situations, the purpose was not to literally give these people to the devil…but ultimately, to bring glory to God - and a deepening of their relationship with Him.
So what does this mean for us as Christians? Stop and think about your life and the lives of others. Do you know someone who just can’t seem to catch a break? I’m talking about a faith-filled Christian who seems to experience one challenge after another for a period of time…physical illness and/or injury, the loss of loved ones, perhaps a job loss or difficulties at school – or some problem in their home life. Perhaps you or someone you know have gotten to the point where you wake up in the morning and ask, “What else can possibly go wrong?”
Here’s the thing…even Jesus was delivered to Satan…but He was not defeated by him. God’s hand of protection never left Jesus…and He won’t leave us, either. We may go through some truly rough, heartbreaking, painful times in our lives…but God will still meet our needs…and ultimately, “all is well”. As faith-filled Christians, this is the message we must internalize…and the hope and encouragement that we must offer others.
Our job is to operate with compassion and empathy…to honestly offer sympathy to others who seem to be in the pit of despair and desperation. But at the same time, we must offer them hope. We must assure them that God will not leave them in this pit…even if He allows them to visit for a while. We must demonstrate confidence and faith in our own lives when things appear to be impossible…and we must use our own bleak “seasons” as tools to encourage others who are troubled. We must pray fervently for God to work in us and those to whom we minister, so that the results He desires are manifested…and His power and everlasting care are glorified.
God will not hand us over to Satan “lock, stock and barrel”…but He will do whatever it takes to refine us and make us the most faithful, hopeful, and effective Disciples we can possibly become. We must look at the challenges before us - and those presented to others - as opportunities to stretch and grow in our faith and ministry. We must be ready to learn from them…and to trust God for the outcomes. And all the while, we must demonstrate that…“All is well”.
Has God handed you over to the devil for a season? If so, are you remaining steadfast in your faith? Are you growing in your reliance on God’s wisdom, power, and love? Are you encouraging others and offering them compassion and empathy…even as they seem to fall into a pit of despair and the tricks and battering of Satan’s attempts to wear them down and reclaim them? Will this be the day that you look up and grab God’s hand and say, “Whatever You throw at me, I will not let go. All is well! All is well!”? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
https://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/VideoStreaming.aspx
Click on 2.23.2014 #607 "All is Well"
Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.
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.
I watched a documentary on NBC about Olympic figure skaters Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. You may know the story of these two women who were rising stars in the figure skating world… both poised to win Olympic medals in 1994 at Lillehammer, Norway. Kerrigan was attacked after a practice one day and hit in the knee with a metal bar. Harding would later be implicated in a convoluted – and poorly executed – scheme to injure Kerrigan so that she could not contend for Olympic gold…thus, freeing the way for Harding to win the medal. As Kerrigan lay in the hallway, crippled from the attack, she cried out, “Why?! Why, me?!” Some have made fun of her and criticized her as a “whiner,” while others maintain that she was in excruciating pain and offered a legitimate reaction.
Pastor Joel Osteen recently preached a sermon titled, “All is Well.” He encouraged listeners to focus on repeating this phrase – and truly believing these words…regardless of what is happening in our lives. He maintained that with God at the helm, all truly is well…all the time. These are encouraging words. This is an incredibly hopeful thought…and one that represents “perfect timing” for many people I know who are experiencing a “season” of difficulty and challenge. The fact is that this is a timely thought for many people on any given day. If we truly do rely on God to meet our needs…if we honestly believe that He will make a way where none seems possible…then certainly “all is well”.
Given this thought to ponder, we look at Paul’s words to Timothy – in particular, verse 20 when he says that he threw out Hymenaeus and Alexander (two pastors) and “handed them over to Satan”. What does this mean? How can this be? I went in search of explanation and discovered an insightful online sermon by Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. If you have time and really want to dig into this message, go to http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/54-9 and read/listen to what he says. He cites numerous scripture passages to solidify his view…including instances in the Old and New Testament where a believer was handed over to Satan…for “refining”…for “proving the validity of their faith”…and “for greater effectiveness”. But in all situations, the purpose was not to literally give these people to the devil…but ultimately, to bring glory to God - and a deepening of their relationship with Him.
So what does this mean for us as Christians? Stop and think about your life and the lives of others. Do you know someone who just can’t seem to catch a break? I’m talking about a faith-filled Christian who seems to experience one challenge after another for a period of time…physical illness and/or injury, the loss of loved ones, perhaps a job loss or difficulties at school – or some problem in their home life. Perhaps you or someone you know have gotten to the point where you wake up in the morning and ask, “What else can possibly go wrong?”
Here’s the thing…even Jesus was delivered to Satan…but He was not defeated by him. God’s hand of protection never left Jesus…and He won’t leave us, either. We may go through some truly rough, heartbreaking, painful times in our lives…but God will still meet our needs…and ultimately, “all is well”. As faith-filled Christians, this is the message we must internalize…and the hope and encouragement that we must offer others.
Our job is to operate with compassion and empathy…to honestly offer sympathy to others who seem to be in the pit of despair and desperation. But at the same time, we must offer them hope. We must assure them that God will not leave them in this pit…even if He allows them to visit for a while. We must demonstrate confidence and faith in our own lives when things appear to be impossible…and we must use our own bleak “seasons” as tools to encourage others who are troubled. We must pray fervently for God to work in us and those to whom we minister, so that the results He desires are manifested…and His power and everlasting care are glorified.
God will not hand us over to Satan “lock, stock and barrel”…but He will do whatever it takes to refine us and make us the most faithful, hopeful, and effective Disciples we can possibly become. We must look at the challenges before us - and those presented to others - as opportunities to stretch and grow in our faith and ministry. We must be ready to learn from them…and to trust God for the outcomes. And all the while, we must demonstrate that…“All is well”.
Has God handed you over to the devil for a season? If so, are you remaining steadfast in your faith? Are you growing in your reliance on God’s wisdom, power, and love? Are you encouraging others and offering them compassion and empathy…even as they seem to fall into a pit of despair and the tricks and battering of Satan’s attempts to wear them down and reclaim them? Will this be the day that you look up and grab God’s hand and say, “Whatever You throw at me, I will not let go. All is well! All is well!”? Don’t you think it’s time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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Daily Devotional for January 15, 2013
Psalm 18:32-34
God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
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.
Since I was a very small child, I have been able to play the piano “by ear.” This means that if I hear a song once or twice, I can play it – or at least parts of it – from memory. Because I can play by ear, I can jump in on jam sessions, recall a song I heard in a movie or on the radio – then sit down at the piano, and play a few measures, or someone who hums a few bars of a tune and says, “Can you play this one?”.
Honestly, until I was an adult, I truly thought every musician could play by ear – at least to some degree. I did not realize what a strength this is musically. But as with any “muscle,” I can tell you that this “natural ability” requires bolstering. So all of the hours my sister and I sat in child-sized rocking chairs behind my mother as she taught piano lessons - marking up old music books in an imitation of her - we were strengthening and developing our musical abilities. When we sat for hours at the piano as teenagers, playing and singing the latest tunes from the radio, we were building our “musical muscle.”
Additionally, we were guided by an incredibly gifted piano teacher named Barbara Little, who taught us not only to play with technical accuracy – but more importantly, to actually “feel” the music and give it life. She trained our hands and strengthened our arms... and accepted nothing less than our very best.
As I read this passage today, I thought of all the ways God strengthens and trains us for our daily living. This is an incredible gift… and some of us have decided that we have “natural ability” and can manage on our own. The truth is… we need His instruction and guidance. We need the honing of our proficiencies that can only come from God. We accomplish nothing on our own… God’s strength and training is necessary in order for us to do our very best.
I am grateful for the gifts that God has given me – including the ability to “play by ear.” I am even more grateful that He continues to strengthen and train me in all areas of life… from the seemingly insignificant tasks to my most daunting challenges. I am able to overcome obstacles, become more capable, and learn new things through the strength of God.
You have just as many strengths and abilities as the next guy… maybe more! God has equipped each of us with the potential to be everything He planned for us… if only we will tap into His “strength training.” Who is your Personal Trainer today? Who gives you strength and teaches you new skills? Are you doing all you can to build your “muscles” and give your very best at all times? Isn’t this a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.
He makes me as surefooted as a deer, He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
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.
Since I was a very small child, I have been able to play the piano “by ear.” This means that if I hear a song once or twice, I can play it – or at least parts of it – from memory. Because I can play by ear, I can jump in on jam sessions, recall a song I heard in a movie or on the radio – then sit down at the piano, and play a few measures, or someone who hums a few bars of a tune and says, “Can you play this one?”.
Honestly, until I was an adult, I truly thought every musician could play by ear – at least to some degree. I did not realize what a strength this is musically. But as with any “muscle,” I can tell you that this “natural ability” requires bolstering. So all of the hours my sister and I sat in child-sized rocking chairs behind my mother as she taught piano lessons - marking up old music books in an imitation of her - we were strengthening and developing our musical abilities. When we sat for hours at the piano as teenagers, playing and singing the latest tunes from the radio, we were building our “musical muscle.”
Additionally, we were guided by an incredibly gifted piano teacher named Barbara Little, who taught us not only to play with technical accuracy – but more importantly, to actually “feel” the music and give it life. She trained our hands and strengthened our arms... and accepted nothing less than our very best.
As I read this passage today, I thought of all the ways God strengthens and trains us for our daily living. This is an incredible gift… and some of us have decided that we have “natural ability” and can manage on our own. The truth is… we need His instruction and guidance. We need the honing of our proficiencies that can only come from God. We accomplish nothing on our own… God’s strength and training is necessary in order for us to do our very best.
I am grateful for the gifts that God has given me – including the ability to “play by ear.” I am even more grateful that He continues to strengthen and train me in all areas of life… from the seemingly insignificant tasks to my most daunting challenges. I am able to overcome obstacles, become more capable, and learn new things through the strength of God.
You have just as many strengths and abilities as the next guy… maybe more! God has equipped each of us with the potential to be everything He planned for us… if only we will tap into His “strength training.” Who is your Personal Trainer today? Who gives you strength and teaches you new skills? Are you doing all you can to build your “muscles” and give your very best at all times? Isn’t this a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 16, 2012
John 15:1-3
Jesus said to his disciples:
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts away every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit. But he trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already clean because of what I have said to you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
All of us will have times in our lives when we go through some “stuff!” You may find yourself challenged by school, work, a relationship, illness or injury, the loss of a loved one… or something else equally daunting. You may ask yourself – and God – “Why is this happening to me?” Maybe you feel that you have been a good steward of God’s gifts… a faithful servant… that you and God are “tight!” So you are wondering where you went wrong or failed as His servant… that you are being punished in some manner.
Here’s the deal… Jesus tells us in the first verses of John 15 that even those who are doing what God expects of them will be “pruned”... tested, challenged, given obstacles to overcome. And the reason is so that we will continue to grow in our faith. If we accepted Jesus Christ and began to serve Him based totally on our previous experiences, we would soon become stagnant.
You know the person who lives in the past… the one who tells the same old stories over and over and feeds on them… the person who doesn’t seem to bring anything new to the table. You probably find them pretty boring – if not obnoxious at times – and you may not want to be around them very often. This is exactly what would happen if we were not continually “trimmed” as Christians. I’m not saying God will bring bad things into our lives – or that He will necessarily allow bad things to happen to us. But He may allow us to go through a few things in order to become stronger in our faith – and to be more effective witnesses for His kingdom.
I am convinced that many of the experiences I have had – and will have in the future – can be used for God’s glory. The key question is… “Will I recognize God at work in these situations… and will I allow Him to handle the outcome for His purposes?” When you can go through something difficult and say, “God was in this… and that… and another thing…” you have allowed Him to strengthen you and grow your faith. And this is a huge part of what Christian living is all about.
So the next time you find yourself in a situation that seems difficult – or downright impossible – ask God to show you what He plans to do. Don’t ask, “Why is this happening?” Instead, ask “What are you showing me, LORD?” Because I guarantee you that God has designed an outcome that will bring glory to His name and bless you in the bargain. Your job is to recognize this when it happens. Are you asking the right questions of God? Are you a “branch” ready to be “trimmed” in His name?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus said to his disciples:
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts away every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit. But he trims clean every branch that does produce fruit, so that it will produce even more fruit. You are already clean because of what I have said to you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
All of us will have times in our lives when we go through some “stuff!” You may find yourself challenged by school, work, a relationship, illness or injury, the loss of a loved one… or something else equally daunting. You may ask yourself – and God – “Why is this happening to me?” Maybe you feel that you have been a good steward of God’s gifts… a faithful servant… that you and God are “tight!” So you are wondering where you went wrong or failed as His servant… that you are being punished in some manner.
Here’s the deal… Jesus tells us in the first verses of John 15 that even those who are doing what God expects of them will be “pruned”... tested, challenged, given obstacles to overcome. And the reason is so that we will continue to grow in our faith. If we accepted Jesus Christ and began to serve Him based totally on our previous experiences, we would soon become stagnant.
You know the person who lives in the past… the one who tells the same old stories over and over and feeds on them… the person who doesn’t seem to bring anything new to the table. You probably find them pretty boring – if not obnoxious at times – and you may not want to be around them very often. This is exactly what would happen if we were not continually “trimmed” as Christians. I’m not saying God will bring bad things into our lives – or that He will necessarily allow bad things to happen to us. But He may allow us to go through a few things in order to become stronger in our faith – and to be more effective witnesses for His kingdom.
I am convinced that many of the experiences I have had – and will have in the future – can be used for God’s glory. The key question is… “Will I recognize God at work in these situations… and will I allow Him to handle the outcome for His purposes?” When you can go through something difficult and say, “God was in this… and that… and another thing…” you have allowed Him to strengthen you and grow your faith. And this is a huge part of what Christian living is all about.
So the next time you find yourself in a situation that seems difficult – or downright impossible – ask God to show you what He plans to do. Don’t ask, “Why is this happening?” Instead, ask “What are you showing me, LORD?” Because I guarantee you that God has designed an outcome that will bring glory to His name and bless you in the bargain. Your job is to recognize this when it happens. Are you asking the right questions of God? Are you a “branch” ready to be “trimmed” in His name?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 25, 2012
Matthew 14:15-21
That evening the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This place is like a desert, and it is already late. Let the crowds leave, so they can go to the villages and buy some food.”
Jesus replied, “They don’t have to leave. Why don’t you give them something to eat?”
But they said, “We have only five small loaves of bread[c] and two fish.” 18 Jesus asked his disciples to bring the food to him, 19 and he told the crowd to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up toward heaven and blessed the food. Then he broke the bread and handed it to his disciples, and they gave it to the people.
After everyone had eaten all they wanted, Jesus' disciples picked up twelve large baskets of leftovers.
There were about five thousand men who ate, not counting the women and children.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version ©1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A childhood friend of mine is facing a heartbreaking situation. This will be the last night she gets to spend with two children she has fostered for several months. Tomorrow they will return to their mother. The now-4-year-old boy and his 7-month-old sister have been with my friend since the little girl was seven weeks old. As my friend puts it, “they feel safe.” She also wrote lately, “This is not what I prayed for, Lord! I asked for children of my own!” Yet God gave her foster children instead. Understandably, my friend has grown attached to her “children” these last few months. She worries about the environment they will return to, and she is trying to mentally and emotionally prepare herself for their departure. I’m sure my friends who are involved in fostering children in our community will totally understand this.
One day this week, my friend wrote on Facebook about a conversation she heard on television between Oprah Winfrey and Bishop T.D. Jakes. Bishop Jakes mentioned this passage from Matthew 14 and said (speaking of Jesus)…” We are certain that He had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread when He blessed it. As he broke it - that's where we lose count. You understand then, that the blessing is at the breaking. That which refuses to be broken, refuses to be blessed. It is the breaking of life that produces the blessing of life. I have noticed in my life that the most blessed people I have ever met have gone through something that broke them."
Really think about this and let it soak in for a while. Have you had “broken” experiences that produced growth? Have you lost a loved one – and grown in your faith and dependence on God to sustain you? Have you been sick or injured and seen God work through others to heal and comfort you? Have you suffered a broken relationship or a personal loss of some sort that made you more aware of others’ feelings and caused you to be more aware of how you treat them?
I am sad for my friend… I understand her pain. And because of this, I have been able to offer her words of encouragement that she knows are sincere and heartfelt. She knows that I speak firsthand when I tell her, “I don’t know how God will get you through this… I only know that He will.” Whatever you have experienced… or whatever may happen to you in the future… can be the catalyst for your next blessing. My friend concluded her Facebook post by saying… ”I am so very thankful, and I bless these little children who brought - and bring - challenges, laughter, and joy to my life. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have loved them. And so I surrender to fully embrace and bless this experience… and look to God for even greater, unimagined blessings.”
I had never considered these verses from Matthew 14 in this context. I had never thought of the broken bread that multiplied as an illustration of how God uses our brokenness to create growth and blessings. But I have learned that God’s word is new every day – and always timely – so I should not be surprised that He would use this familiar passage to teach me another lesson. And I don’t plan to miss the message! I hope you won’t, either.
Whatever God is doing in your life… whatever seems to be breaking or falling apart… God will use this to create blessings and growth. The question we must as is not “LORD, why?” but rather, “Lord, what next?” Are you seeking blessings in your brokenness? Are you asking the right questions?
©2012 Debbie Robus
That evening the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This place is like a desert, and it is already late. Let the crowds leave, so they can go to the villages and buy some food.”
Jesus replied, “They don’t have to leave. Why don’t you give them something to eat?”
But they said, “We have only five small loaves of bread[c] and two fish.” 18 Jesus asked his disciples to bring the food to him, 19 and he told the crowd to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up toward heaven and blessed the food. Then he broke the bread and handed it to his disciples, and they gave it to the people.
After everyone had eaten all they wanted, Jesus' disciples picked up twelve large baskets of leftovers.
There were about five thousand men who ate, not counting the women and children.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version ©1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A childhood friend of mine is facing a heartbreaking situation. This will be the last night she gets to spend with two children she has fostered for several months. Tomorrow they will return to their mother. The now-4-year-old boy and his 7-month-old sister have been with my friend since the little girl was seven weeks old. As my friend puts it, “they feel safe.” She also wrote lately, “This is not what I prayed for, Lord! I asked for children of my own!” Yet God gave her foster children instead. Understandably, my friend has grown attached to her “children” these last few months. She worries about the environment they will return to, and she is trying to mentally and emotionally prepare herself for their departure. I’m sure my friends who are involved in fostering children in our community will totally understand this.
One day this week, my friend wrote on Facebook about a conversation she heard on television between Oprah Winfrey and Bishop T.D. Jakes. Bishop Jakes mentioned this passage from Matthew 14 and said (speaking of Jesus)…” We are certain that He had 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread when He blessed it. As he broke it - that's where we lose count. You understand then, that the blessing is at the breaking. That which refuses to be broken, refuses to be blessed. It is the breaking of life that produces the blessing of life. I have noticed in my life that the most blessed people I have ever met have gone through something that broke them."
Really think about this and let it soak in for a while. Have you had “broken” experiences that produced growth? Have you lost a loved one – and grown in your faith and dependence on God to sustain you? Have you been sick or injured and seen God work through others to heal and comfort you? Have you suffered a broken relationship or a personal loss of some sort that made you more aware of others’ feelings and caused you to be more aware of how you treat them?
I am sad for my friend… I understand her pain. And because of this, I have been able to offer her words of encouragement that she knows are sincere and heartfelt. She knows that I speak firsthand when I tell her, “I don’t know how God will get you through this… I only know that He will.” Whatever you have experienced… or whatever may happen to you in the future… can be the catalyst for your next blessing. My friend concluded her Facebook post by saying… ”I am so very thankful, and I bless these little children who brought - and bring - challenges, laughter, and joy to my life. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have loved them. And so I surrender to fully embrace and bless this experience… and look to God for even greater, unimagined blessings.”
I had never considered these verses from Matthew 14 in this context. I had never thought of the broken bread that multiplied as an illustration of how God uses our brokenness to create growth and blessings. But I have learned that God’s word is new every day – and always timely – so I should not be surprised that He would use this familiar passage to teach me another lesson. And I don’t plan to miss the message! I hope you won’t, either.
Whatever God is doing in your life… whatever seems to be breaking or falling apart… God will use this to create blessings and growth. The question we must as is not “LORD, why?” but rather, “Lord, what next?” Are you seeking blessings in your brokenness? Are you asking the right questions?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 26, 2012
Ephesians 2:19-22
That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.
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.
For centuries, men and women have been creating beautiful, useful items out of scraps. Many things that would ordinarily be tossed into the trash can are pulled together by creative and industrious (if not a big crazy) people to make something useful… maybe even a work of art! If you can’t envision what would be worth saving, you need only look at my desk or laundry room! Greeting cards with beautiful designs can be repurposed into a new note card. Tiny fabric scraps can be fashioned into a frilly hair bow, doll dress, or applique for a t-shirt. My grandmother has used incredibly tiny fabric scraps to create intricately beautiful quilts as long as I can remember. My great-grandmothers created a “postage-stamp” out of fabric scraps that were… yes… the size of postage stamps! Even a worn bed sheet or pillowcase can be cut into smaller strips to use as cleaning cloths.
I saw on Pinterest where an artist in Texas took shovel spades and used them to create the individual spines of enormous “pine cones” for beautiful yard art. A discarded metal yard rake was made into everything from a wall rack to hold wine glasses to a desk sorter for mail and office supplies! On one of my favorite TV cooking shows… Chopped… contestants are given four unrelated (and often bizarre) food items and told to create an appetizer, entrée and dessert from them. And on American Pickers, the two hosts often buy items like vintage bicycles and motorcycles and restore them to their original luster. Others are used as spare parts to create a new bike. In this manner, the once useless piece is given a new purpose, whether as the foundation or as a vital “brick or stone.”
All of these projects have one thing in common – a cornerstone, or starting point. Often this is the idea itself. Then piece by piece, scrap by scrap, the project takes shape. You see the quilt or yard art develop. You smell flavorful aromas and discover that there is usually something in the pantry that can create a tasty meal! You look at the shiny new bike and have no clue that it was once a pile of rusty parts! You look at something deemed useless and realize that all you needed was a new attitude… and maybe a little teamwork and some ingenuity.
Here’s my point… we are the scraps… the useless bits ready for the discard heap. Jesus is the cornerstone… the Idea, the Creative Spark that says “There is something worth saving here!” The foundation is the Word of God and His will for our life… His desire for us to be more in Jesus than we could ever be on our own. The ultimate outcome is God’s Holy Temple… an ingenious, beautiful work of art. We are God’s children, coming together from all backgrounds and histories to represent Him as one body… one heartbeat… one family… one home.
Where do you fit into this picture today? Are you part of the body of Christ? Are you involved in the building of God’s Holy Temple… His family of believers? Do you feel welcome and a part of this home? Or are you still operating like a lowly scrap, destined for the trash heap? Have you discovered your purpose? Are you even looking for it?
Haven’t you wandered long enough? Aren’t you ready to come home… to pitch in and do your part to belong in God’s Kingdom? No skills are required… no ticket is needed. All you have to do is ask Jesus to wash you clean of your sins and set you upright. He will do exactly this… and assign you a spot on the construction crew. Are you ready for your hard hat?
©2012 Debbie Robus
That's plain enough, isn't it? You're no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You're no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He's using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.
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.
For centuries, men and women have been creating beautiful, useful items out of scraps. Many things that would ordinarily be tossed into the trash can are pulled together by creative and industrious (if not a big crazy) people to make something useful… maybe even a work of art! If you can’t envision what would be worth saving, you need only look at my desk or laundry room! Greeting cards with beautiful designs can be repurposed into a new note card. Tiny fabric scraps can be fashioned into a frilly hair bow, doll dress, or applique for a t-shirt. My grandmother has used incredibly tiny fabric scraps to create intricately beautiful quilts as long as I can remember. My great-grandmothers created a “postage-stamp” out of fabric scraps that were… yes… the size of postage stamps! Even a worn bed sheet or pillowcase can be cut into smaller strips to use as cleaning cloths.
I saw on Pinterest where an artist in Texas took shovel spades and used them to create the individual spines of enormous “pine cones” for beautiful yard art. A discarded metal yard rake was made into everything from a wall rack to hold wine glasses to a desk sorter for mail and office supplies! On one of my favorite TV cooking shows… Chopped… contestants are given four unrelated (and often bizarre) food items and told to create an appetizer, entrée and dessert from them. And on American Pickers, the two hosts often buy items like vintage bicycles and motorcycles and restore them to their original luster. Others are used as spare parts to create a new bike. In this manner, the once useless piece is given a new purpose, whether as the foundation or as a vital “brick or stone.”
All of these projects have one thing in common – a cornerstone, or starting point. Often this is the idea itself. Then piece by piece, scrap by scrap, the project takes shape. You see the quilt or yard art develop. You smell flavorful aromas and discover that there is usually something in the pantry that can create a tasty meal! You look at the shiny new bike and have no clue that it was once a pile of rusty parts! You look at something deemed useless and realize that all you needed was a new attitude… and maybe a little teamwork and some ingenuity.
Here’s my point… we are the scraps… the useless bits ready for the discard heap. Jesus is the cornerstone… the Idea, the Creative Spark that says “There is something worth saving here!” The foundation is the Word of God and His will for our life… His desire for us to be more in Jesus than we could ever be on our own. The ultimate outcome is God’s Holy Temple… an ingenious, beautiful work of art. We are God’s children, coming together from all backgrounds and histories to represent Him as one body… one heartbeat… one family… one home.
Where do you fit into this picture today? Are you part of the body of Christ? Are you involved in the building of God’s Holy Temple… His family of believers? Do you feel welcome and a part of this home? Or are you still operating like a lowly scrap, destined for the trash heap? Have you discovered your purpose? Are you even looking for it?
Haven’t you wandered long enough? Aren’t you ready to come home… to pitch in and do your part to belong in God’s Kingdom? No skills are required… no ticket is needed. All you have to do is ask Jesus to wash you clean of your sins and set you upright. He will do exactly this… and assign you a spot on the construction crew. Are you ready for your hard hat?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 29, 2012
Romans 12:3
I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
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 have written already about my grandmother’s fall on our driveway on Christmas Eve. Even at age 99, she still wants to do things herself… and her way! So she did not wait for help when she got out of my mom’s car, and she fell. Quite literally, Proverbs 16:18… “First pride, then the crash — the bigger the ego, the harder the fall”… came to life that day! And honestly, at age 99, I believe it is more an attempt for my grandmother to maintain her independence and to feel self-sufficient than a matter of ego.
In the same way, small children will say, “I’ll do it myself!” Their pride and desire to be independent often leads to a mishap of some form or another. And in many ways, we all behave this way with everything from daily activities to matters of faith. We try to handle things on our own… and often, we end up making a mess of things. Our pride is a form of doing our own thing instead of GOD’s thing. It is a rebellion rather than compliance… and it demonstrates a lack of faith on our part.
If we want to remain faithful, we have to work diligently to remain engaged with God. We must combat two enemies of our faithfulness… boredom and pride. When we are not constantly seeking God’s will… or we develop an exaggerated opinion of our own ability to handle daily challenges… we can become not only proud – but also bored. Our “faith walk” develops a sameness and becomes somewhat routine and one-dimensional. We read our Bible, say a prayer, and then forge ahead to handle life on our own. We don’t seek God… we never look for Him in unexpected places. In reality, we don’t expect Him to show up in our lives at all… and things get pretty dull and uninteresting. This is when our faith can waiver.
It’s time to remember the promise of Philippians 4:13…”Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” We must learn to not only be content with what God gives us each day… but also with relying on Him to meet all of our needs – and expecting Him to do so! We need to kick pride to the curb – in every area of our life. We need to engage fully in seeking God each and every day… and in so doing, powerfully reconnect to God’s anointing. It’s time to operate in faithfulness… to “let go and let God…and to be completely fulfilled in Him. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
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 have written already about my grandmother’s fall on our driveway on Christmas Eve. Even at age 99, she still wants to do things herself… and her way! So she did not wait for help when she got out of my mom’s car, and she fell. Quite literally, Proverbs 16:18… “First pride, then the crash — the bigger the ego, the harder the fall”… came to life that day! And honestly, at age 99, I believe it is more an attempt for my grandmother to maintain her independence and to feel self-sufficient than a matter of ego.
In the same way, small children will say, “I’ll do it myself!” Their pride and desire to be independent often leads to a mishap of some form or another. And in many ways, we all behave this way with everything from daily activities to matters of faith. We try to handle things on our own… and often, we end up making a mess of things. Our pride is a form of doing our own thing instead of GOD’s thing. It is a rebellion rather than compliance… and it demonstrates a lack of faith on our part.
If we want to remain faithful, we have to work diligently to remain engaged with God. We must combat two enemies of our faithfulness… boredom and pride. When we are not constantly seeking God’s will… or we develop an exaggerated opinion of our own ability to handle daily challenges… we can become not only proud – but also bored. Our “faith walk” develops a sameness and becomes somewhat routine and one-dimensional. We read our Bible, say a prayer, and then forge ahead to handle life on our own. We don’t seek God… we never look for Him in unexpected places. In reality, we don’t expect Him to show up in our lives at all… and things get pretty dull and uninteresting. This is when our faith can waiver.
It’s time to remember the promise of Philippians 4:13…”Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” We must learn to not only be content with what God gives us each day… but also with relying on Him to meet all of our needs – and expecting Him to do so! We need to kick pride to the curb – in every area of our life. We need to engage fully in seeking God each and every day… and in so doing, powerfully reconnect to God’s anointing. It’s time to operate in faithfulness… to “let go and let God…and to be completely fulfilled in Him. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 29, 2012
Genesis 15:1-6
After all these things, this word of God came to Abram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Abram. I'm your shield. Your reward will be grand!" Abram said, "God, Master, what use are your gifts as long as I'm childless and Eliezer of Damascus is going to inherit everything?" Abram continued, "See, you've given me no children, and now a mere house servant is going to get it all."
Then God's Message came: "Don't worry, he won't be your heir; a son from your body will be your heir." Then he took him outside and said, "Look at the sky. Count the stars. Can you do it? Count your descendants! You're going to have a big family, Abram!" And he believed! Believed God! God declared him "Set-Right-with-God."
Romans 4:17-18
We call Abraham "father" not because he got God's attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn't that what we've always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, "I set you up as father of many peoples"? Abraham was first named "father" and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing. When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples. God himself said to him, "You're going to have a big family, Abraham!”
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.
In October 2010, I bought a workout video and told myself that I would do this… I would get in shape and become more healthy. The first day, I put the DVD in the machine and did as much of the workout as I could… and I honestly thought I might die. My legs shook like jelly for about an hour. I could not get my breath, my heart pounded, and I hurt – everywhere. The trainer on the DVD said, “If you are on Day Six or Seven, these exercises are probably already a little easier than on Day One.” Yeah, right! I wondered if I would ever even see Day Six or Seven. But her words encouraged me, and I took a giant leap of faith and trusted that in time, I truly would be able to do the workout routine… and hopefully I would become healthier and more fit.
More than a year later, I am able to do things I never dreamed I could do –pushups, jogging and weight lifting. I can balance and flex in ways I never thought possible at my age, and I’ve lowered my cholesterol and other “numbers” while becoming more fit and healthy. I listened to the trainer and kept the faith that she would deliver on her promises of strength and stamina. Now, when I face an exercise that seems daunting – or impossible – I look at how far I have come, and I realize that maybe I can actually do this! I know it is at least worth my best shot!
So often in life, we consider the problem… and not the promise. We look at the obstacles in our life… age, heritage, home life, health, economic status, race, level of education, and more… and we say, “There’s no way I can overcome this. I can never do what God is asking of me. I can never be what He thinks I can be. This is totally hopeless.” In truth, whatever God desires for you is entirely possible… from serving others in His name to serving on a committee at church or in your community to being a leader in your community, state, or country.
If God wants you to be a parent, head a major corporation, or serve as a missionary in a foreign land… He will equip you for the task. If He wants you to be able to purchase your own home and vehicle, overcome an addiction, or even lose a few pounds and get in shape, He can help you accomplish this. Our job is to focus on the promise… not the problem. Satan will try to trip us up at every turn by telling us that we are not good enough… that our situation is hopeless… that the promises are too grand, out of our league, and completely unattainable.
God has created a covenant partnership with us, as believers in Jesus Christ. He has promised that all things are possible, according to His will, when we trust Him. God NEVER defaults on a promise. The best thing we can do is continue to trust God even when we can’t see how things are going to come together. Just as it took several weeks of huffing and puffing and only being able to do small portions of the daily workout routine before I began to see any results, we often have to huff and puff along with God for a while before we catch a glimmer of the work He is doing in our lives.
We must not stagger… we must not backslide… and we most certainly must not give up! Have faith that God will deliver on His promises… keep plugging away at whatever path He has placed before you. Live on the basis of what God has said He will do… not what you can’t accomplish on your own. Pay attention to the small gains you make along the way, and stop to thank God for even small victories. When everything looks hopeless, listen for God’s voice… and keep going. Strengthen your faith as you grow in God’s promises. Focus on the potential for days when your “workout” will become easier… and all that you strived to accomplish has been delivered.
©2012 Debbie Robus
After all these things, this word of God came to Abram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Abram. I'm your shield. Your reward will be grand!" Abram said, "God, Master, what use are your gifts as long as I'm childless and Eliezer of Damascus is going to inherit everything?" Abram continued, "See, you've given me no children, and now a mere house servant is going to get it all."
Then God's Message came: "Don't worry, he won't be your heir; a son from your body will be your heir." Then he took him outside and said, "Look at the sky. Count the stars. Can you do it? Count your descendants! You're going to have a big family, Abram!" And he believed! Believed God! God declared him "Set-Right-with-God."
Romans 4:17-18
We call Abraham "father" not because he got God's attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn't that what we've always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, "I set you up as father of many peoples"? Abraham was first named "father" and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing. When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples. God himself said to him, "You're going to have a big family, Abraham!”
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.
In October 2010, I bought a workout video and told myself that I would do this… I would get in shape and become more healthy. The first day, I put the DVD in the machine and did as much of the workout as I could… and I honestly thought I might die. My legs shook like jelly for about an hour. I could not get my breath, my heart pounded, and I hurt – everywhere. The trainer on the DVD said, “If you are on Day Six or Seven, these exercises are probably already a little easier than on Day One.” Yeah, right! I wondered if I would ever even see Day Six or Seven. But her words encouraged me, and I took a giant leap of faith and trusted that in time, I truly would be able to do the workout routine… and hopefully I would become healthier and more fit.
More than a year later, I am able to do things I never dreamed I could do –pushups, jogging and weight lifting. I can balance and flex in ways I never thought possible at my age, and I’ve lowered my cholesterol and other “numbers” while becoming more fit and healthy. I listened to the trainer and kept the faith that she would deliver on her promises of strength and stamina. Now, when I face an exercise that seems daunting – or impossible – I look at how far I have come, and I realize that maybe I can actually do this! I know it is at least worth my best shot!
So often in life, we consider the problem… and not the promise. We look at the obstacles in our life… age, heritage, home life, health, economic status, race, level of education, and more… and we say, “There’s no way I can overcome this. I can never do what God is asking of me. I can never be what He thinks I can be. This is totally hopeless.” In truth, whatever God desires for you is entirely possible… from serving others in His name to serving on a committee at church or in your community to being a leader in your community, state, or country.
If God wants you to be a parent, head a major corporation, or serve as a missionary in a foreign land… He will equip you for the task. If He wants you to be able to purchase your own home and vehicle, overcome an addiction, or even lose a few pounds and get in shape, He can help you accomplish this. Our job is to focus on the promise… not the problem. Satan will try to trip us up at every turn by telling us that we are not good enough… that our situation is hopeless… that the promises are too grand, out of our league, and completely unattainable.
God has created a covenant partnership with us, as believers in Jesus Christ. He has promised that all things are possible, according to His will, when we trust Him. God NEVER defaults on a promise. The best thing we can do is continue to trust God even when we can’t see how things are going to come together. Just as it took several weeks of huffing and puffing and only being able to do small portions of the daily workout routine before I began to see any results, we often have to huff and puff along with God for a while before we catch a glimmer of the work He is doing in our lives.
We must not stagger… we must not backslide… and we most certainly must not give up! Have faith that God will deliver on His promises… keep plugging away at whatever path He has placed before you. Live on the basis of what God has said He will do… not what you can’t accomplish on your own. Pay attention to the small gains you make along the way, and stop to thank God for even small victories. When everything looks hopeless, listen for God’s voice… and keep going. Strengthen your faith as you grow in God’s promises. Focus on the potential for days when your “workout” will become easier… and all that you strived to accomplish has been delivered.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 28, 2011
John 20:3-10
Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. They ran side by side, until the other disciple ran faster than Peter and got there first. He bent over and saw the strips of linen cloth lying inside the tomb, but he did not go in.
When Simon Peter got there, he went into the tomb and saw the strips of cloth. He also saw the piece of cloth that had been used to cover Jesus' face. It was rolled up and in a place by itself. The disciple who got there first then went into the tomb, and when he saw it, he believed. At that time Peter and the other disciple did not know that the Scriptures said Jesus would rise to life. So the two of them went back to the other disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We have all probably had a time in our life where we said, “If I had not seen this with my own eyes, I never would have believed it.” Many of us are pretty skeptical, and we want proof before we will accept what we are told. And in some cases, we are wise to demand proof. We want receipts to show we have paid for merchandise and transcripts to verify our course work and grades. We depend on x-rays and scans to show us if a bone is broken or to determine other ailments and illnesses.
Everyone from physicians and attorneys to teachers, barbers, hairdressers, builders, plumbers and many other professionals have a license that declares he/she is certified (and hopefully qualified) to perform their assigned tasks… and we somehow are comforted and reassured by these documents. When a mechanic tells us something is wrong with our car, we often want to be shown exactly where the problem is before we agree to pay to have it fixed. Indeed, our concerns over proof are often totally valid.
When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, there just isn’t a lot of cold, hard physical evidence for us to examine. We can’t visit the tomb. We never saw Him in the flesh in the first place, so looking at linens in a cave would do us very little good. We must rely almost totally on faith and trust in the word of others as documented in the Bible… and the inanimate proof of Jesus’ existence and performance on our behalf. And that is a hard thing for many of us to accept.
My confidence and trust in the word of God grows daily. I believe in His promises more today than I did yesterday, and I have no doubt tomorrow my faith will be just a little stronger. Where is my proof? I find proof of the hope and grace of Jesus in everyday activities… the way He meets my needs and “shows up” in my life even when I least expect Him. And I am learning to expect Him more often! Why not ask God to help with the seemingly trite and insignificant issues of your day? Why don’t we believe that God will come to our rescue and make a way where none seems possible? Who says Jesus isn’t alive and well - and living within our hearts? Can anyone prove differently?
Until someone can show me with 100% confidence that Jesus is not real… that He is not working in and through me every minute of the day… I’m going to believe that He is doing exactly that! And honestly, I’m not looking for anyone to tell me otherwise. Trusting God is too wonderful. Allowing Him to handle the details of my day is too comforting and amazing… and not something I want to surrender!
So I guess I am “the other disciple” – the one who believes, based on limited proof. What about you? How much do you trust Jesus these days? Are you taking Him at His word and believing He can handle anything and everything in your life… or are you still running to others for reinforcement and confirmation? When we start to stand on our own two feet and believe in Christ Jesus to strengthen us in all things, we are truly growing in faith and headed toward complete victory and peace. Where are you on this journey? Have you seen and believed?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. They ran side by side, until the other disciple ran faster than Peter and got there first. He bent over and saw the strips of linen cloth lying inside the tomb, but he did not go in.
When Simon Peter got there, he went into the tomb and saw the strips of cloth. He also saw the piece of cloth that had been used to cover Jesus' face. It was rolled up and in a place by itself. The disciple who got there first then went into the tomb, and when he saw it, he believed. At that time Peter and the other disciple did not know that the Scriptures said Jesus would rise to life. So the two of them went back to the other disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We have all probably had a time in our life where we said, “If I had not seen this with my own eyes, I never would have believed it.” Many of us are pretty skeptical, and we want proof before we will accept what we are told. And in some cases, we are wise to demand proof. We want receipts to show we have paid for merchandise and transcripts to verify our course work and grades. We depend on x-rays and scans to show us if a bone is broken or to determine other ailments and illnesses.
Everyone from physicians and attorneys to teachers, barbers, hairdressers, builders, plumbers and many other professionals have a license that declares he/she is certified (and hopefully qualified) to perform their assigned tasks… and we somehow are comforted and reassured by these documents. When a mechanic tells us something is wrong with our car, we often want to be shown exactly where the problem is before we agree to pay to have it fixed. Indeed, our concerns over proof are often totally valid.
When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, there just isn’t a lot of cold, hard physical evidence for us to examine. We can’t visit the tomb. We never saw Him in the flesh in the first place, so looking at linens in a cave would do us very little good. We must rely almost totally on faith and trust in the word of others as documented in the Bible… and the inanimate proof of Jesus’ existence and performance on our behalf. And that is a hard thing for many of us to accept.
My confidence and trust in the word of God grows daily. I believe in His promises more today than I did yesterday, and I have no doubt tomorrow my faith will be just a little stronger. Where is my proof? I find proof of the hope and grace of Jesus in everyday activities… the way He meets my needs and “shows up” in my life even when I least expect Him. And I am learning to expect Him more often! Why not ask God to help with the seemingly trite and insignificant issues of your day? Why don’t we believe that God will come to our rescue and make a way where none seems possible? Who says Jesus isn’t alive and well - and living within our hearts? Can anyone prove differently?
Until someone can show me with 100% confidence that Jesus is not real… that He is not working in and through me every minute of the day… I’m going to believe that He is doing exactly that! And honestly, I’m not looking for anyone to tell me otherwise. Trusting God is too wonderful. Allowing Him to handle the details of my day is too comforting and amazing… and not something I want to surrender!
So I guess I am “the other disciple” – the one who believes, based on limited proof. What about you? How much do you trust Jesus these days? Are you taking Him at His word and believing He can handle anything and everything in your life… or are you still running to others for reinforcement and confirmation? When we start to stand on our own two feet and believe in Christ Jesus to strengthen us in all things, we are truly growing in faith and headed toward complete victory and peace. Where are you on this journey? Have you seen and believed?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 11, 2011
John 19: 25-27
Jesus' mother stood beside his cross with her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas. Mary Magdalene was standing there too. When Jesus saw his mother and his favorite disciple with her, he said to his mother, "This man is now your son." Then he said to the disciple, "She is now your mother." From then on, that disciple took her into his own home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have a collection of nativity scenes that I display on my piano and other areas of my piano room each Christmas. This collection includes probably a dozen “nativity” Christmas ornaments that hang on our big tree, as well. Numbering well over 50 sets, my collection would be considered out of control by some. But for me, setting out my nativities is one of the highlights of the Christmas season.
In recent years, I began to acquire the occasional Madonna figurine at auctions and sales, and these began to find a home in my display. I am not one who prays to the Virgin Mary. I do not believe she has the Divine Power of Jesus or our Heavenly Father. But I do respect her as a very important person in Christian history. And as I have “mothered” little Timothy often in the last two years, I have come to better understand her position – her sacrifices – and her deep, abiding faith.
I am not sure I could have accepted Mary’s mission. When the angel appeared and said, “You are going to bear a baby, even though you are a virgin and it could very well cost you your reputation and your fiancé,” I might have said, “Whoa… hang on there! I think I’ll pass!” But scripture says that Mary accepted the angel’s declaration – in fact, she welcomed it! She trusted God to work out the details… and He did.
I am pretty sure I could not have followed my son - who was beaten almost beyond recognition - up the hill to Calvary and watch as soldiers drove spikes through his hands and feet and hung him on a cross to die. Yet Mary endured this and stayed with Jesus until the very end of His earthly life.
Yes, I have a newfound respect for Mary in recent years. When I look at my figurines that are supposed to remind me of her, I am indeed reminded of the incredible faith that she exhibited. Each Christmas season, as I display my nativity scenes and remember the birth of Jesus, I will look at my Madonna figurines and remind myself that God can do incredible things, if only we will trust Him. I may never have true Mother Mary faith… but I can keep trying. Will you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus' mother stood beside his cross with her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas. Mary Magdalene was standing there too. When Jesus saw his mother and his favorite disciple with her, he said to his mother, "This man is now your son." Then he said to the disciple, "She is now your mother." From then on, that disciple took her into his own home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have a collection of nativity scenes that I display on my piano and other areas of my piano room each Christmas. This collection includes probably a dozen “nativity” Christmas ornaments that hang on our big tree, as well. Numbering well over 50 sets, my collection would be considered out of control by some. But for me, setting out my nativities is one of the highlights of the Christmas season.
In recent years, I began to acquire the occasional Madonna figurine at auctions and sales, and these began to find a home in my display. I am not one who prays to the Virgin Mary. I do not believe she has the Divine Power of Jesus or our Heavenly Father. But I do respect her as a very important person in Christian history. And as I have “mothered” little Timothy often in the last two years, I have come to better understand her position – her sacrifices – and her deep, abiding faith.
I am not sure I could have accepted Mary’s mission. When the angel appeared and said, “You are going to bear a baby, even though you are a virgin and it could very well cost you your reputation and your fiancé,” I might have said, “Whoa… hang on there! I think I’ll pass!” But scripture says that Mary accepted the angel’s declaration – in fact, she welcomed it! She trusted God to work out the details… and He did.
I am pretty sure I could not have followed my son - who was beaten almost beyond recognition - up the hill to Calvary and watch as soldiers drove spikes through his hands and feet and hung him on a cross to die. Yet Mary endured this and stayed with Jesus until the very end of His earthly life.
Yes, I have a newfound respect for Mary in recent years. When I look at my figurines that are supposed to remind me of her, I am indeed reminded of the incredible faith that she exhibited. Each Christmas season, as I display my nativity scenes and remember the birth of Jesus, I will look at my Madonna figurines and remind myself that God can do incredible things, if only we will trust Him. I may never have true Mother Mary faith… but I can keep trying. Will you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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