Daily Devotional for February 16, 2012

1 Peter 3:4
Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

The last few days, the remnants of a light snowfall have been evident on our lawns. There is something so quiet about a snowy day… as if the earth is nestled under a fluffy, white blanket. And as the snow melted and warmer temperatures have returned, the air has been filled with the chirping of birds… a red-winged blackbird, a Carolina wren, and other songbirds who are beckoning the return of spring. Where is God ever more evident than in these beautiful, quiet creations? Yet, so many of us miss them… we are looking for something louder and more profound.

If I weren’t learning to expect God in the most unexpected places, I would be amazed at what I am about to tell you. A few days ago, I visited with a friend in Wal-Mart, and she recommended a book to me… God Calling, a daily devotional book written by two British women in the early 1930s. I came home and downloaded the book onto my Kindle. A London newspaperman, A. J. Russell, edited the writings of these two ladies for publication, and the book has sold millions of copies worldwide. The book’s introduction states that these women always remained anonymous, and ... “’were poor, brave and courageously fighting against sickness and penury,’ in Russell’s words. They were facing a hopeless future and one of them even longed to be quit of this hard world for good. But then, God spoke to their hearts, and God Calling was born.”



God can speak through the quiet beauty
of fog rising over a river on a sunny morning.

 The devotionals begin with a scripture passage, and then there is a commentary, written as if God is speaking directly to the reader. Here’s where it gets amazing… today’s commentary on Psalm 4:3-5 says in part…“if you only sat still and longed for Me, if you just drew hungering breaths for Me, as you do for the fresh pure air of the open. Be still, be calm. Wait before Me. Learn of Me patience, humility, peace.”

When I began writing this devotional to share with you, I opened my prayer journal to the sermon notes I’ve been using, and the scripture passage I was drawn to for today was once again the message… “be gentle and quiet.” Only God could tie together the scripture passages from Psalm 4:3-5 and 1 Peter 3:4. Clearly this is the word He has for us today… and it came in the “quiet” of reading from His Holy Word!

If we can only learn to be quiet… to listen for God… and then to let others “hear” Him through our peaceful, calm nature…great things can be accomplished. If we stop long enough to listen for a songbird and recognize that God cares as much for these tiny creatures as He does for each of us, we will be blessed beyond measure. If we can operate in the beauty and peacefulness of quiet, we can have far more impact than if we scream and shout!

We need to slow down… to look and listen for God in the most ordinary of places. We’ve become to “wired” for grandeur and “the bigger the better.” It’s time to dial it down a notch or two and let God work through a quieter, calmer, more peaceful approach. Stop, look, listen… breathe deeply… inhale all that God wants to give you this day… and exhale all the negative “noise.” Operate in peace and quiet for a change, and see for yourself how God can bless you… and others.

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 29, 2011

1 Kings 19:9-14
While Elijah was on Mount Sinai, the LORD asked, "Elijah, why are you here?"

He answered, "LORD God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!"

"Go out and stand on the mountain," the LORD replied. "I want you to see me when I pass by."

All at once, a strong wind shook the mountain and shattered the rocks. But the LORD was not in the wind. Next, there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. Then there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.

Finally, there was a gentle breeze, and when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat. He went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. The LORD asked, "Elijah, why are you here?" Elijah answered, "LORD God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!"

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

When an argument or crisis arises, the general human temptation is to raise one’s voice… to yell and scream. If you have ever been involved in a discussion with someone who remained calm and spoke softly and slowly, you know that this can be an incredibly powerful tactic. In public debate, the person who keeps his/her cool and controls the voice is usually the more effective speaker.

So why is it any surprise that God would come to us in a whisper instead of a loud booming voice? After all, He really doesn’t need to shout, does he? We are often looking – and listening – for the blustery effects of God’s “earth, wind and fire”… while He is whispering, “I’m right here, ready to meet your every need.”

Our challenge for today is to calm ourselves and truly look and listen for God… not in major, earth-shattering events or “signs” – but in the still small voice of a whisper. Where is He showing you His will for your life… a blessing you didn’t expect… or an opportunity to serve Him? Will you truly recognize God when He speaks?

Have you dialed back the volume your own heart and mind, so that you are attuned to whatever decibel level God uses? Isn’t it time you did?

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 25, 2011

Luke 24:45-49
He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, "You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You're the first to hear and see it. You're the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you're equipped with power from on high."

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.

Recently I was interviewed by a life coach who authors a website called Mom in the Balance. Her focus is on helping busy moms balance the care of their own younger families with that of an older friend or loved one. There is a name for this group of people… the Sandwich Generation… and I have a blog about my own experiences with this, which is why I was interviewed.

The interviewer asked me if I had a support group to help me through rough patches. I named several people who had been particularly supportive… my husband, my mom, a close friend, and a former pastor. But I also noted that one day recently, I was feeling especially in need of support after a disagreement with my grandmother over a safety issue. None of my “support group” were readily available, and temporarily, I felt very alone.

I pulled into a parking space at Wal-Mart, on the verge of tears, and asked myself, “Okay, Debbie… if someone came to you for advice about this, what would you tell them?” In that moment, I realized I had just heard from my “Inner Power”… my “Forever Friend”… the Holy Spirit, who Jesus sent to equip us with power from on High!

I sat in the car and asked God to help me sort through my feelings and figure out a way to cope with my situation… and He did! I continued my prayer by thanking Him, and I walked into the store with a lighter heart and a smile on my face. I knew that I was not alone… that the Holy Spirit was always with me – fully equipping me to meet any challenge head-on, with full confidence and the backing of His power.

There will be many times in life when we face problems, challenges, quandaries over things we don’t know how to handle. We will have “gut-checks” that leave us breathless and crying… and times of loneliness and sadness when we really need a friend. The GOOD NEWS is that we always have the best Friend in the universe at our disposal… and He is a heartbeat away. Mortal friends and support networks are wonderful… God-sent and sanctified… but nothing compares with the power and companionship of our Forever Friend – the Holy Spirit.

I encourage you today to find a moment to get quiet and call out to your Forever Friend… to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to you in new and powerful ways… to thank Him for never deserting you… and to recognize His continual presence alongside you. He is always on the clock – always available – never “on another call” or “taking a break.” You can call Him night or day, 24/7. Is your line of communication open? Is the Holy Spirit #1 on your Support Team? Shouldn’t He be?

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 24, 2011

Psalm 62:1-2
Only God can save me, and I calmly wait for him. God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe and the fortress where I am secure.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

In my purse, I carry an Epi-pen. This medical device contains a dose of epinephrine (adrenaline)… a hormone and neurotransmitter designed to accelerate the heart and constrict blood vessels while dilating air passages. In other words, if I am having an allergy attack and swelling is threatening my ability to breathe, a jab with this pen could save my life. I’ve had to use adrenaline for this purpose a couple of times, and the initial effect is anything but calming! Think of a time when you were startled suddenly, and your heart felt like it might pound out of your chest! That’s the effect of a sudden jolt of adrenaline, whether produced naturally by your own body or externally via injection.

In some ways, we react to things around us as if we have had a quick jolt of adrenaline. We get news that is bad or upsetting in some way, and we panic and start to worry and wring our hands. Even good things that cause us to become momentarily “high-strung” can get our heart pumping and result in erratic behavior. Some people are admitted “adrenaline junkies” who really enjoy the supposed “thrill” of throwing themselves into a tizzy or trying daredevil activities that send a jolt of adrenaline surging through their veins. And more times than we want to admit, our behavior in all of these moments is less than stellar… and certainly doesn’t reflect faith in God or good judgment.

I am first in line when I say that “WE” need to learn to rest in God… to turn to Him and calmly wait for His response and care. We need to rely more on God as our rock… to have confidence in His abilities to handle our problems and meet our needs. We need to relax, calm down, and just bask in the safety and security of His amazing power and presence. We need to learn to get our “thrills” from the relationship we have with Jesus Christ and seek fewer opportunities to test the limits and try crazy things for that momentary exhilaration.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be a reactionary. I want to be calmer, more serene… to take things in stride more and let God handle things for me. I don’t want to be an “adrenaline junkie” – in any sense of the words. I want to operate on a more even keel… secure and confident in the care of my Heavenly Father. I’ll still have my Epi-pen in my purse… just in case… but I don’t plan on using it any time soon. And even if I should require that sudden jolt to get me back on track, I hope I can calmly trust God to do the heavy work.

Adrenaline can be a life-saver when administered by the Great Physician. It’s time to trust God to know when we need a jolt… and to stay calm and rest in His care in the meantime.

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 26, 2010

Psalm 136:24
He rescued us from our enemies. God's love never fails.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

If you want to read a really wild story about rescue from an enemy, go to Judges 4 and read how Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite, handled Sisera, who was captain of the army of Jabin, the King of Canaan. Sisera was said to have oppressed the Israelites for more than twenty years. His army was defeated by Israel’s tribes, under the leadership of princess Deborah’s captain, Barak. Sisera fled and sought refuge with “friends” – Jael and Heber – but it didn’t work out as he had hoped. Apparently they didn’t consider Sisera in the same light! If you think there are no gory accounts in the Bible, be sure to check out this chapter in Judges!

The point is that enemies are nothing new… but not all enemies are as obvious as an opposing army captain! Some of our “enemies” are fear, depression, discouragement, despair, insecurity, ego, greed, hate, discrimination, and much more. But we don’t need a clever woman with a hammer and a stake… we just need God’s love! God has defeated more of our enemies than we can count… and He will continue to do just that. The key is recognizing our “enemies” and calling on God for help to overcome them. He stands ready to rescue us… and He never fails to answer.

Some of us are trying to battle our “enemies” on our own… and the results are probably pretty sad. Many of us are fairly slow learners! But we can change this. We can learn to call on God to rescue us… and to expect His answers. God wants to hear from us. He wants us to recognize His power – AND His desire – to help us in all situations. We have two choices… we can step one direction and try to manage our “enemies” on our own… or we can step toward God and let Him handle things for us. The choice is ours… which way will you turn?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 19, 2010

June 19 ~ Joel 2:20-21
...The LORD works wonders and does great things. So tell the soil to celebrate and wild animals to stop being afraid. Grasslands are green again; fruit trees and fig trees are loaded with fruit. Grapevines are covered with grapes.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

When 9-11, Hurricane Katrina, and the earthquake in Haiti occurred, we all wondered how in the world recovery would ever be possible. Where does one even begin to clean up a mess such as these? But in each case, we have seen – and are seeing still – the order created from chaos. We’ve seen the rubble removed, and new growth emerge. I am reminded of my grandparents’ house fire in 1982, where the fire raged hot enough to reduce even a cast-iron claw-footed bath tub to ashes. When spring and summer came, beautiful petunias bloomed where the house foundation had been bulldozed away… a testament to rebirth and a new day.

In this passage, God is telling us that destruction and devastation will come, but so will a new day… a reason for the soil to celebrate. Vegetation returns to burning mountainsides and forests. Droughts are replaced by thirst-quenching rains – and flooding waters recede. Even the present-day oil spill crisis will resolve in time and beaches will be clean again. And our own lives have an ebb and flow – even if it seems like yours is filled with one challenge or disaster after another. For me, it seemed liked the 1990s were filled with nothing but the loss of loved ones. Every time we turned around, we were planning the funeral of a family member and/or dear friend. You may be suffering with a debilitating illness or injury – or caring for someone who is seriously (or terminally) ill. You may have lost your job or your home. You may have lost loved ones. Or you may have just started a new job, moved into a new home, or had a new baby. All of these are stressors… and our lives are filled with “ups and downs” and challenges at every turn. But the good news is that God is right there with us. He never moves… and whatever is taken from you – whatever you suffer – God will make right at some point. “WHEN?” you may be asking. You may feel that you’ve had enough already. Trust God’s timing. I can’t tell you when or how He will work in your life, but He surely will.

I can’t stress enough – even to myself – that we simply must stop operating in fear and recognize God’s presence in our lives. We have to turn to Him for strength and protection, and leave hand-wringing and debilitating worry behind. The LORD works wonders and does great things. It’s high time we recognize Him and give Him command and control.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 9, 2010

June 9 ~ Psalm 46:2
And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Have you ever gotten news that absolutely sent you into a tailspin? As soon as you heard it, your mind started racing… “Omigosh… what will happen next? How will this end? Will everyone be okay? What does this mean for me?” It seems that Satan has a tremendous ability to upset our apple cart with very little effort sometimes. All he has to do is plant a seed of doubt or fear in our mind, and we are off to the races!

The next time you get this feeling… the next time something rattles your cage even momentarily, remember Psalm 46:2… “and so, we won’t be afraid. Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.” Let the devil try his hardest to upset us and make us worry, shake, rattle and roll. But let God’s peace and power cover us! Stand up and say, “It will be okay. God will make it so! I am not going to let this concern me for even one minute!”

Psalm 46:10 says, “Our God says, ‘Calm down, and learn that I am God!’” Stop and rest in that for a while. Then thank Him for being so merciful… for blessing us with His power, grace and mercy. Thank God that you don’t have to operate in fear for even one minute… and kick that ole devil to the curb!

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 5, 2010

June 5 ~ 1 Chronicles 28:20
But you must see that everything is done according to these plans. Be confident, and never be afraid of anything or get discouraged. The LORD my God will help you do everything needed to finish the temple, so it can be used for worshiping him.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Last winter, the store where I sold antiques and “treasures” went out of business. I had to box up everything that I had left there to sell and bring it home. I had taken a lot of stuff to that store! My husband is so much more organized than I am, and he helped me by bringing everything home and unboxing it in long rows in one stall of our garage. He said, “You can sort through it there and decide what you want to do.” Let me tell you, it was a daunting task, and when I first looked at it, I was so discouraged.

I set aside two days to sort and box the items, and I asked God to give me strength, and little by little, the items got sorted and organized and “whittled down” to a manageable set. I soon had everything boxed, a car loaded for the new store, and the rest put in a closet for later. When I got to my empty space at the new store, we brought in the boxes, and I started to unpack. At first, it looked like a war zone…things stacked on shelves, tissue paper and bubble wrap everywhere, and I think the store manager was a little afraid it was not going to come together. But I kept working, and soon the booth was finished… and we were all pleased with how nice it looked.

From time to time, our lives resemble a “war zone” of disarray, confusion, and stuff. But we must not be discouraged. Consider that in all of this, God is building something within us. He is still there, helping clear out the clutter… mentally, physically, and spiritually. He is helping you do what you need to do to build His temple within your heart, so that you can worship Him better every single day. So keep plugging along. Keep unpacking, stacking, sorting…and purging the junk! Keep GOD totally in charge – and you will be amazed at how well He orchestrates the journey – and the outcome. We must remind ourselves not to be fearful or discouraged, because we have the Master Designer working in our heart. With Him in charge, there is no way we can fail.

©2010 Debbie Robus

May 26 ~ 1 John 4:18
A real love for others will chase those worries away. The thought of being punished is what makes us afraid. It shows that we have not really learned to love.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Is there a person or a situation you avoid because you fear the drama? Maybe there is a person in your life who is always negative or on the attack. If you say “Good morning,” this person asks “What’s good about it?” Or maybe there is a situation – say a family get-together – that always results in unpleasant feelings, if not an out-and-out fiasco of some sort. When we encounter unpleasant people or events, we start to feel out of sorts just thinking about them. And yes, these experiences do seem somewhat akin to a punishment. You start to wonder, “Why put myself through this?”

The answer lies, in part, in the fact that we cannot skate through life avoiding every person or situation that is frightening, upsetting, or unpleasant. And believe it or not, other people may view us – or situations in which we are involved – in much the same manner! I know this sounds simplistic, but the solution to coping with these experiences depends largely on our own attitude… and how much and how well we love others.

If we operate from a place of love and compassion for others, then their unpleasant comments and behavior are easier to overlook and forgive. If we approach situations with the love of God and a love for all of His children, we can often rise above the chaos of discord and fiery personality dynamics. I’m not saying that these people and situations won’t still get to us, but we won’t be afraid to at least try to get along. It’s the old “take the high road” approach, to some degree.

At the end of the day - when we look back at how we behaved and reacted to others - if we have operated out of love rather than fear, I believe we will realize a better outcome. So the next time someone “unlovely” approaches you, or you must face a situation with potential to be unpleasant, ask God to fill your heart with love. Ask Him to take your fears and give you courage and His peace. Then see if things don’t go better than expected for everyone concerned.

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 23, 2010

May 23 ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
Be brave and strong! Don't be afraid of the nations on the other side of the Jordan. The LORD your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

In recent weeks, we have all heard the news reports about the controversy brewing in Arizona, where a movement to address the problem of illegal immigrants is afoot. The crackdown is a response to an increase in the number of immigrants who are taking up residence in Arizona and other border states and utilizing public services, even though they may not be legal residents of the United States. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed a law allowing police in her state to stop cars they suspect may contain illegal immigrants and demand identification. She has been accused of racial profiling and civil rights violations… and this controversy has sparked a national debate. Regardless of how you feel about this issue, we must accept the fact that much of the action and response are largely based in fear. More than that, we have to recognize that fear is one of the devil’s best tools!

Let’s be honest… we are all guilty of this to some degree. Many of us fear the person in the checkout line at Wal-Mart who looks like he/she is unclean or “a druggie.” Many of us fear the person who appears to be of another race who drives through our neighborhood or the parking lots in a car that doesn’t look like our shiny “American” sedans and SUVs. Many of us are scared to death of someone we perceive to be homosexual, whether we know this or are merely making an assumption. We fear what we do not fully understand. Someone who had a relative dying with AIDS once asked me, “Can I get it from hugging and kissing her?” This broke my heart! And for the record, the answer was “No!”

We have so forgotten who we are. We have failed to remember that we are ALL God’s children, and He loves each of us. God made each race and gave us all unique qualities. God may not be happy about a person’s choices, but He still loves the person. God loves people who are sick and dirty and homeless and strung out on drugs. He loves people with AIDS and cancer and warts! And He wants us to love them, too.

Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying we have to open our borders and allow any and all immigrants to enter into our homes - or that we have to compromise our values and beliefs about social issues like recreational drug use, sexually transmitted diseases, and anything done illegally. But we have to recognize that operating in fear does not change any of these things – in fact, if often makes them far worse. We say we believe in God’s power to save us, and then we act completely the opposite. It’s time we started “walking the walk and talking the talk.” It’s time we claimed God’s power and protection in our lives – and then acted on it. We need to reach out to others more. We need to say, “I don’t necessarily understand or agree, but I know that God loves you as much as He loves me, and that’s a good place to start.” We have sold God so short. It’s time to step up and start believing Him for BIG things. Be brave and strong! God will never abandon you!

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 21, 2010

May 21 ~ Exodus 20:20
"Don't be afraid!" Moses replied. "God has come only to test you, so that by obeying him you won't sin."

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

When I was little, I spent a lot of time in the storm cellar. My maternal grandmother had witnessed the aftermath of some killer tornadoes in Heber Springs when she was a child, and she was greatly afraid of storms. We didn’t have “Five Live Dopplar Radar” and “Storm-trackers” when I was a child, so when the clouds darkened, we headed for cover! And to this day, I have a healthy respect – and a somewhat unhealthy fear – of storms and potential tornadoes. But one summer night, while visiting relatives at a farm down the road from my paternal grandparents’, my great-aunt “Babe” stood with me at the creaky screen door that led to the front porch. In the distance, we could see brilliant lightning that illuminated fluffy white clouds with hues of yellow, white and pink. We called it “heat lightning” because it usually was the result of a build-up of daytime heat that brought evening thundershowers.

Nonetheless, my Aunt Babe knelt and wrapped her arms around me and said, “Oh, look… isn’t it pretty?!” She assured me that the lightning would not hurt me… that it was far, far away. We respected the power of lightning… but we were in awe of the beauty of these colorful flashes. This is how I like to think of my relationship with God. I do not fear that he will strike me dead for my sins, like a bolt of lightning – although He surely could. Rather, I am in awe of His power… grace… mercy… love. He didn’t give us laws and rules to punish us… but rather to guide us in our Christian lives. We don’t have to be afraid of God because of our sin… He sent Jesus to free us from that burden and remove our fear. Like my relationship with storms and potential tornadoes… respect for God is healthy… genuine fear is not.

If you are fearful of God today, I suspect you don’t know Him as well as you should. But that’s okay – you can start working this very minute to make a change! Acknowledge that God knows you… warts, sins and all… and He still loves you. Start a dialogue with Him and get to know Him. Explore His majesty – and the depths of His love for you. Humble yourself before Him and show some respect for His power and sovereignty. And love Him - love Him for loving you so well. Don’t be afraid. God’s light is beautiful! “Step up to the screen door” and enjoy it fully!

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 6, 2010

May 6 ~ Psalm 91:1-2
Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. Then you will say to the LORD, "You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you."

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Have you ever seen a nature show on television where a storm was brewing, and a mother bird lifted her wings and gathered the babies underneath them. There the little baby birds rested in the shelter and safety of their mother, who was the most formidable being in their universe. It sometimes helps us grasp a concept if we can create a related visual image. Several years ago, I began to create a mental image of Jesus as He sits in heaven. He is wearing the softest, silkiest flowing robe – creamy white – and it smells like fresh air and clean laundry. His arms are extended, and He is welcoming me to fall into His arms. In my imagery, I do just that…drinking in the clean fragrance and feeling strong arms engulfed in silky soft fabric wrap around me. I am home… I am safe… I am in the presence of the most formidable Being in the universe.

We’ve all stood out in bright sunlight and felt its warmth – or in some cases, heat that quickly became uncomfortable, or even unbearable! We’ve all experienced the relief of stepping into the shade of a tree or building and escaping the heat and glare of the sunlight. God is like the shade of the tree or the building… ready to shield us from the glare and heat of sin and strife. His arms are like those of the mother bird…ready to shelter us from the “storms” of life. His love and power are like the strong, welcoming arms of Jesus, shrouded in a fragrant silky robe… ready to engulf us and provide us with a place of safety and comfort.

How do you envision God? Do you see Him as your protector… your fortress… your safe haven? Do you trust Him to provide you with all of these things – and more? Who gives you shelter in times of trouble? Who is providing your shadow these days?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 5, 2010

May 5 ~ Psalm 46:1-3

God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. And so, we won't be afraid! Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea. Let the ocean roar and foam, and its raging waves shake the mountains.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Recently, we’ve had a lot of serious storms come through our state. Tornadoes, floods, high winds, lightning strikes and more have ravaged many communities. Some have even lost their lives. One stormy night, my grandmother phoned me and asked, “What do you think about this weather?” I told her we were watching the warnings on television. At age 97+, my Mam-ma is no longer able to venture to her backyard storm cellar if the tornado sirens sound, so she said she had fixed a spot for herself in an interior closet of her house. I offered – three times - to come and get her and let her ride out the storms with us. She declined, and tearfully she said, “The Lord is gonna take care of me.” While I know that she knows this to be true, she was not convincing me she was confident at that moment! I assured her that this was true… the Lord would take care of her… but I would still come get her if she wished. The storms moved out, and Mam-ma stayed put, and we all slept soundly in our own beds that evening.

How often – in so many circumstances – are we just like my Mam-ma? How often do we know deep in our heart that God will protect us, yet we panic and wring our hands and worry? I’m not talking about just when we get storm warnings. I have to admit, I grew up running to a storm cellar, and tornado warnings still agitate me and set me on edge. I know that I should be calmer and more confident… but I also know that God gave us tornado warnings to protect us by getting us to take cover!

What I’m really talking about are the “storms” of life that upend our world. How do we handle these? Do we rest in the knowledge and confidence that God is our mighty fortress – always ready to help us when troubles come? Do we allow fear (a tool of the devil) to overcome us, or do we settle in and say, “Bring it on, Mister… God will protect me!”? We need to learn to lean on God more. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do our part. When the “storm warnings” are issued, we need to pay attention – and take cover when necessary. But we also need to remember WHO numbers our steps… and call on Him for guidance and protection! God IS our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble… are you ready to rest in His strength?

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 4, 2010

May 4 ~ Psalm 37:7
Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Have you ever heard it said of someone, “He/she always comes out smelling like a rose,” or maybe “He/she gets by with murder!”? Maybe you have wondered why you have to work so hard when others seem to skirt by and still do okay. Or you see those who take advantage of others to get ahead and never bat an eyelash, and you start to feel like maybe they have the right idea.

Maybe… just maybe… it’s time we quit looking at what others are doing wrong and focused on doing what God demands of us. Maybe it’s time we started trusting God to take care of us and forgot about what the other guy is doing – or not doing. Patience really is a virtue… but it does not come easy to most of us. Being patient and waiting on God to take care of us has incredible rewards. Relax and rest in this knowledge… be confident in your faith. Be patient, and trust the LORD!

©2010 Debbie Robus

April 28 ~ Proverbs 17:1
A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

A few months ago, my husband and I were shopping in North Little Rock, and we decided to have a nice lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. We were seated in a booth that was tucked into one of the back corners of the establishment, and it appeared we would have a wonderful, quiet lunch. However, there were two women seated in the booth next to us who were having a loud and energetic conversation, and we couldn’t help but be distracted by them… especially when we heard them mention our home town! They took phone calls, they talked and laughed, and clearly they were having a good time and enjoying their meal.

Our meal was delicious, but I have to tell you… I’ve enjoyed a tuna sandwich eaten on our back porch on a warm spring or fall day more than I did dining next to those two women. Somehow the “noise” of birds and squirrels chirping trumps the enthusiastic conversation of complete strangers in my book!

This scripture passage is about so much more than eating a meal in solitude. It is about turning down the “noise” in our lives and creating “balance.” So many of us are caught up in always being busy – always going places and doing things – and we don’t know how to sit and simply “be.” We don’t know how to enjoy the quiet solitude of an hour spent sitting and listening to the sounds of nature. We surely don’t have the capacity to spend quiet time alone with God! We want action, adventure, people – and lots of “noise!” But this verse is telling us that “less is more!”

We need to “turn down the volume.” We need to realize that constant stimulation in the form of activity and action and noise does not always spell contentment! Try turning off the television, cancelling an activity or two, and sitting quietly for a while. Whether you eat a sandwich on your back step or just sit on your couch and meditate on your blessings, I’m betting you will find yourself refreshed and more contented when you rise. Less really can be more… try it… you might just be surprised at the results!

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 27, 2010

April 27 ~ Proverbs 16:8
It's better to be honest and poor than to be dishonest and rich.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I’ve always told my husband that “I’d live with you in a pup tent.” He laughs at that… knowing I like the comfort of a warm bed and a good hot shower… but he also understands what I am saying. As long as we are together, it really doesn’t matter where we live or how much “stuff” we have. Many people assume that the “rich” are happier – or that becoming wealthy will equal lifelong contentment. We toss around phrases like “When I win the lottery…” or “When my ship comes in…” or “When I marry a rich man/woman…” The truth is… chasing wealth has been the downfall of many people. This doesn’t mean it’s wrong to have ambition or to desire to be financially secure. If you work hard, with honesty and integrity, and treat people well – and you make a lot of money as a result - good for you! But if you “kick and claw your way to the top” and are willing to do things that are dishonest or illegal – or you mistreat others along the way – your “victory” will be rather hollow. You may not go to jail like Bernie Madoff and others, but Judgment Day will surely come.

God wants us to be happy. And while some think that Jesus’ call for the disciples to leave everything and follow Him means that we are supposed to live meager lives in very simple houses, drive clunkers and wear cheap, plain clothing, they are mistaken. God doesn’t begrudge us having nice homes, clothes, cars and more… as long as we earn them honestly and honor Him in the bargain.

Please hear me… you do not have to apologize for what you have… or what you don’t have… as long as you are serving God according to His will for your life. If God wants you to sell all of your belongings and move to a Third World country to serve him, do it! But God may want you to use your fancy house and car to witness to others in your neighborhood… or to host meals and get-togethers for a group in your church. He may have helped you afford a Suburban so that you can haul the youth group to weekly activities. Or He may have chosen you to work with the less fortunate – and to relate well to them because they readily accept you as “one of them.”

The point is… God isn’t doling out favors and punishments in the form of monetary wealth and possessions. He is calling us to be rich in HIM… not in things. This is not a license to be a slacker and decide that God wants you to goof off and just barely get by in life. Truly find out where God wants you to be… then serve Him honestly and faithfully in that station. Be the best employee, boss, teacher, student, parent, son/daughter, servant that you can become. Always do your “job” honestly and make sure your behavior is beyond question or reproach. Measure your wealth in terms of God’s favor… not man’s. You’ll find your value is far higher in HIS sight than on this earth… and that’s where it really counts!

©2010 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 21, 2010

February 21 ~ Romans 8:26
In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don't know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Have you ever been talking with someone and trying to think of another person’s name… or the right word to use… and the person you are talking with fills in the gap for you? Sometimes, words just won’t come. And sometimes, we find ourselves at a loss of what to say or how to pray… the words simply will not come to us. Skipping prayer at this time is NOT the solution. In fact, this is when we really need prayer the most!

Understand just how powerful the Holy Spirit is within you. When things are at a point where you find yourself at a loss… when you are so overwhelmed that you cannot express what you are feeling… the Holy Spirit can pray for you. How does this work? Try this… when you find yourself in a situation where you are at a loss for words to pray, sit quietly. Meditate on God and visualize Him handling your situation. Listen for that “Inner Voice” – do you hear it? God is speaking to you and communicating with you through the Holy Spirit. Open your Bible and read scripture… try the Psalms, for starters… and see answers, peace and reassurance come to life right before your eyes. THAT is the Holy Spirit at work, guiding you, interpreting what you cannot express and manifesting it in prayer… then giving you answers and consolation.

When I find myself overwhelmed or at a loss, I like to find a quiet spot where I can sit, close my eyes, and whisper, “Come, Holy Spirit.” And He does… He calms me, soothes me, listens to what I cannot verbalize and works within me. I don’t get up until I sense a change… that God has heard me… that I am more peaceful and my mood has lifted. Then I know that God is working… that through the Holy Spirit, help is on the way. I’m rarely at a loss for words, but when I am, I know God will hear me anyway. I am so grateful to know God has given us His Holy Spirit to be our constant Companion. Are YOU counting on the Holy Spirit to speak for you when words fail?

©2009 Debbie Robus