James 1:5
If you want to know what God wants you to
do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to
give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent
it.
The Living Bible
copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights
reserved.
I told someone recently...“You are lousy at
asking for help!” I said this in the most loving tone possible, but I
was deadly serious. I don’t know about you, but it frustrates me to see
someone I care about in need of help that I know that I can
provide...if only they would ask. I don’t want to intrude or force
myself upon the situation...but I would so love to be able to offer
assistance, to show the friend or loved one God’s grace and mercy in
action. Often, the “assistance” is a small thing on my part that could
have a huge impact on someone else...like running errands, providing a
meal, or just lending an ear to hear the person “vent” or “talk through”
an issue. But all I can do is sit back and watch the person struggle
to manage by himself/herself...and wait and hope that my “help” is
eventually solicited.
Do you see how we do this to God...all.the.time?
For whatever reason, we don’t take a lot of our situations and
circumstances to Him in prayer. We muddle along as best we can on our
own...and hope for the best. I can just picture God sitting in the
heavens, practically growling with frustration...knowing that He can
provide instant help, grace, mercy, and peace...but He is too much of a
gentleman to intrude or step in where He has not been invited.
We
sometimes think that God is too busy...that our issues and petitions
are too petty...that we ought to know how to do this for
ourselves...that God will be angry, disappointed, ashamed of us, or
disgusted...so we dare not mention these things to Him.
Nothing could be further from the truth. God wants
to hear from us...about anything and everything. He loves us far too
much to be in any way unhappy with us for calling upon Him. And
honestly, we all have friends and loved ones who extend God’s grace and
mercy toward us...and feel the same way. They are waiting for us to
pick up the phone or drop them a text or an e-mail and say, “I’m a
little overwhelmed here...I could use your help.”
Will you make a vow today to stop shutting out God...and also others? Will you give Him a chance to handle everything...will
you seek His will in even the seemingly small things - and see how
beautifully He answers? Will you let others bless you – and receive a
blessing in return - as they lift you up with prayers, encouragement,
and physical support?
In short, can we all get over ourselves
just a little and stop assuming that God and others stand ready to judge
us harshly at every turn? Can we quit imagining that our genuine
requests for help are an annoyance or irritation? Will we learn to
operate in grace and mercy toward others...and to accept the same in our
own lives? God is waiting to pour out His wisdom and blessings on each
of us...and others want to bless us in His name. Isn’t it time you let
them?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label calling on others for encouragement and support. Show all posts
Showing posts with label calling on others for encouragement and support. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 4, 2013
James 5:19-20
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
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 bumped into an old friend of mine at Wal-Mart, and we struck up a “pick-up-where-you-left-off” conversation. We both realized that it had been a long time since we had last spoken – too long for such good friends to fail to communicate. The busyness of life, kids, family and work obligations has taken us in opposite directions. But more importantly, we’ve stopped trying so hard to make regular connections. So life happens and friendships change… what’s the big deal? The problem I see is that this friend and I used to regularly encourage each other… emotionally and spiritually. This was an important bond for both of us… and helped to keep us in check, even in our daily walk with Christ.
As I read this scripture passage today, I thought of those we lose contact with – for whatever reason. I particularly thought of those who drop off our radar screen and seem to take a different path completely. Maybe they once sat beside us several Sundays a month at church… and now they never go at all. It could be that they were so on fire for Jesus a few years ago… and now they are enamored with the latest round of self-help gurus. Or perhaps you have hardly seen this person in months – or years… and when you do, he/she avoids you. What could have passed between you to cause even a minor tiff?
Stop and think about the people you encounter… and those who are central to your daily living. Has the makeup of your “inner circle” changed? Ask yourself what happened. If you find that you have allowed disagreements or something petty to create distance, ask God to show you how to at least try to repair the damage. People get busy… interests change… friendships come and go. But if you have allowed relationships to wither… or neglected others because of your own self-centeredness or personal agenda, you probably need to take a second look at this situation.
Do you notice who is absent from your life… and do you know why? Has it been months since you visited your grandparents or that cousin who was so important to you when you were kids? When was the last time you picked up the phone and called your good friend from high school who lives across town? How long would it take you to write and send a note, e-mail message, or text to someone you have not seen at church in a while and tell them they are missed? What sort of dialog do you suppose you might spark with these simple actions? Could your small gesture of care, concern, grace, mercy and/or forgiveness be the catalyst for some sort of rescue?
Has anyone ever said to you…“Your call/note/hug came at just the right time!”? We can’t possibly know what is happening in others’ lives every minute of the day… but God does. Ask Him to direct you… to show you who needs your pursuit. Position yourself to facilitate a “relationship rescue.” Go after those who have wandered away. Let them know that they matter – to you, and more importantly, to God. Preventing the “epidemic of wandering away” begins with one step… will you be the one to take it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
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 bumped into an old friend of mine at Wal-Mart, and we struck up a “pick-up-where-you-left-off” conversation. We both realized that it had been a long time since we had last spoken – too long for such good friends to fail to communicate. The busyness of life, kids, family and work obligations has taken us in opposite directions. But more importantly, we’ve stopped trying so hard to make regular connections. So life happens and friendships change… what’s the big deal? The problem I see is that this friend and I used to regularly encourage each other… emotionally and spiritually. This was an important bond for both of us… and helped to keep us in check, even in our daily walk with Christ.
As I read this scripture passage today, I thought of those we lose contact with – for whatever reason. I particularly thought of those who drop off our radar screen and seem to take a different path completely. Maybe they once sat beside us several Sundays a month at church… and now they never go at all. It could be that they were so on fire for Jesus a few years ago… and now they are enamored with the latest round of self-help gurus. Or perhaps you have hardly seen this person in months – or years… and when you do, he/she avoids you. What could have passed between you to cause even a minor tiff?
Stop and think about the people you encounter… and those who are central to your daily living. Has the makeup of your “inner circle” changed? Ask yourself what happened. If you find that you have allowed disagreements or something petty to create distance, ask God to show you how to at least try to repair the damage. People get busy… interests change… friendships come and go. But if you have allowed relationships to wither… or neglected others because of your own self-centeredness or personal agenda, you probably need to take a second look at this situation.
Do you notice who is absent from your life… and do you know why? Has it been months since you visited your grandparents or that cousin who was so important to you when you were kids? When was the last time you picked up the phone and called your good friend from high school who lives across town? How long would it take you to write and send a note, e-mail message, or text to someone you have not seen at church in a while and tell them they are missed? What sort of dialog do you suppose you might spark with these simple actions? Could your small gesture of care, concern, grace, mercy and/or forgiveness be the catalyst for some sort of rescue?
Has anyone ever said to you…“Your call/note/hug came at just the right time!”? We can’t possibly know what is happening in others’ lives every minute of the day… but God does. Ask Him to direct you… to show you who needs your pursuit. Position yourself to facilitate a “relationship rescue.” Go after those who have wandered away. Let them know that they matter – to you, and more importantly, to God. Preventing the “epidemic of wandering away” begins with one step… will you be the one to take it?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 14, 2012
Isaiah 40:6-11
Someone told me to shout, and I asked, “What should I shout?”
We humans are merely grass, and we last no longer than wild flowers. At the Lord’s command, flowers and grass disappear, and so do we. Flowers and grass fade away, but what our God has said will never change. Your God Is Here!
There is good news for the city of Zion. Shout it as loud as you can from the highest mountain. Don’t be afraid to shout to the towns of Judah, “Your God is here!” Look! The powerful Lord God is coming to rule with his mighty arm. He brings with him what he has taken in war, and he rewards his people.
The Lord cares for his nation, just as shepherds care for their flocks. He carries the lambs in his arms, while gently leading the mother sheep.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The temperatures are mild here today… it’s a good day for “outside work.” So my husband is busy trimming shrubs and blowing leaves. We have beautiful pink “knock-out” roses in our front flower beds, and they have actually bloomed and been prettier this fall than they were all summer during drought conditions. So we had an autumn wreath and “fall” pillows on the front porch, flanked by bright pink roses!
With recent frosts and a bit of a “cold snap,” the roses finally began to wither and fade. So today, my husband is pruning them back for a winter’s rest. We know that they will return next spring with vigor and renewed beauty. The rose is still a beautiful flower… my husband is still caring for the bushes…but the momentary splendor and loveliness has faded.
As I read this passage and thought about the roses, I also thought of my grandmother, who appears to be finishing her earthly life in the coming days/weeks/months. Her former vigor and enthusiasm have waned and faded… her ability to “tell you what” or even get out a good “my land a livin’” is gone. But she can still smile when she sees a precious friend or loved one. She still belongs to God...and I know that He is still here! I cupped her face and tried to soothe her one day this week as she struggled to get comfortable, and I thought, “This must be how God comforts us!” When we are frustrated, sick, lonely, and fading, God must stroke our cheek and say, “There, there… I’m still here! I am carrying you and meeting your every need. Lean in closer and feel my love and care.”
Every life has ebbs and flows… ups and downs… times of great splendor and beauty – and times when the loveliness fades. But we must always remember that GOD IS HERE! He has not left. God never fades away… His word is still true… His love is still sure… His mercy and goodness endure forever. This is great news! This hope and promise are what will lift us to “bloom” another day. You may be experiencing a momentary or temporary pruning, but with God, all things are possible… and your future is bright.
So when you start to feel frustration creeping in… when you start to wither and fade… remember Who is holding you, stroking your face, giving you strength and courage. Say to yourself… and to anyone else who will listen… our God is still HERE!... and be encouraged.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Someone told me to shout, and I asked, “What should I shout?”
We humans are merely grass, and we last no longer than wild flowers. At the Lord’s command, flowers and grass disappear, and so do we. Flowers and grass fade away, but what our God has said will never change. Your God Is Here!
There is good news for the city of Zion. Shout it as loud as you can from the highest mountain. Don’t be afraid to shout to the towns of Judah, “Your God is here!” Look! The powerful Lord God is coming to rule with his mighty arm. He brings with him what he has taken in war, and he rewards his people.
The Lord cares for his nation, just as shepherds care for their flocks. He carries the lambs in his arms, while gently leading the mother sheep.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The temperatures are mild here today… it’s a good day for “outside work.” So my husband is busy trimming shrubs and blowing leaves. We have beautiful pink “knock-out” roses in our front flower beds, and they have actually bloomed and been prettier this fall than they were all summer during drought conditions. So we had an autumn wreath and “fall” pillows on the front porch, flanked by bright pink roses!
With recent frosts and a bit of a “cold snap,” the roses finally began to wither and fade. So today, my husband is pruning them back for a winter’s rest. We know that they will return next spring with vigor and renewed beauty. The rose is still a beautiful flower… my husband is still caring for the bushes…but the momentary splendor and loveliness has faded.
As I read this passage and thought about the roses, I also thought of my grandmother, who appears to be finishing her earthly life in the coming days/weeks/months. Her former vigor and enthusiasm have waned and faded… her ability to “tell you what” or even get out a good “my land a livin’” is gone. But she can still smile when she sees a precious friend or loved one. She still belongs to God...and I know that He is still here! I cupped her face and tried to soothe her one day this week as she struggled to get comfortable, and I thought, “This must be how God comforts us!” When we are frustrated, sick, lonely, and fading, God must stroke our cheek and say, “There, there… I’m still here! I am carrying you and meeting your every need. Lean in closer and feel my love and care.”
Every life has ebbs and flows… ups and downs… times of great splendor and beauty – and times when the loveliness fades. But we must always remember that GOD IS HERE! He has not left. God never fades away… His word is still true… His love is still sure… His mercy and goodness endure forever. This is great news! This hope and promise are what will lift us to “bloom” another day. You may be experiencing a momentary or temporary pruning, but with God, all things are possible… and your future is bright.
So when you start to feel frustration creeping in… when you start to wither and fade… remember Who is holding you, stroking your face, giving you strength and courage. Say to yourself… and to anyone else who will listen… our God is still HERE!... and be encouraged.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 20, 2012
James 5:13-15
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Some of you have seen a video I posted on Facebook of our 3-year-old nephew, Timothy, “reading” a book to my mother-in-law, who he calls “Grandma E.” At one point, Grandma E holds a corner of the book for Timmy, so that the pages don’t fall as he reads them. Timmy gently nudges her hand away in a gesture that says, “I can do this by myself!” This is so typical of toddlers… and teenagers… and senior citizens – and all of us! We often feel that we don’t need any help. We are “big boys and girls” and can make our own decisions, handle our own problems, and make it on our own.
In truth, we all need a friend once in a while. We need someone to share our joys, sorrows, illnesses, challenges, worries and fears. We need an encouraging voice… someone to pray with us or for us… someone to say, “I understand.” It helps to talk with another person who can say, “I have been in your shoes… and this is how I survived,” or “I’ve got your back… we’ll get through this together.” And there is no shame in asking for help. In fact, James clearly tells us to do this very thing!
So call on the LORD to help you. Praise Him, and also share your happiness with those around you. Let someone know when you are sick or in distress… and allow others to love you and help you through life. Let the encouragement and support of family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ help you to heal. One of my mom’s friends told her that when we fail to allow others to minister to us, we rob them of a blessing. Serve God by sharing in the lives of those around you… and allow them to do the same for you. Bless others in God’s name by being a blessing to them… and give them the opportunity to reciprocate.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Some of you have seen a video I posted on Facebook of our 3-year-old nephew, Timothy, “reading” a book to my mother-in-law, who he calls “Grandma E.” At one point, Grandma E holds a corner of the book for Timmy, so that the pages don’t fall as he reads them. Timmy gently nudges her hand away in a gesture that says, “I can do this by myself!” This is so typical of toddlers… and teenagers… and senior citizens – and all of us! We often feel that we don’t need any help. We are “big boys and girls” and can make our own decisions, handle our own problems, and make it on our own.
In truth, we all need a friend once in a while. We need someone to share our joys, sorrows, illnesses, challenges, worries and fears. We need an encouraging voice… someone to pray with us or for us… someone to say, “I understand.” It helps to talk with another person who can say, “I have been in your shoes… and this is how I survived,” or “I’ve got your back… we’ll get through this together.” And there is no shame in asking for help. In fact, James clearly tells us to do this very thing!
So call on the LORD to help you. Praise Him, and also share your happiness with those around you. Let someone know when you are sick or in distress… and allow others to love you and help you through life. Let the encouragement and support of family, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ help you to heal. One of my mom’s friends told her that when we fail to allow others to minister to us, we rob them of a blessing. Serve God by sharing in the lives of those around you… and allow them to do the same for you. Bless others in God’s name by being a blessing to them… and give them the opportunity to reciprocate.
©2012 Debbie Robus
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