Acts 9:1-18
All this time Saul was breathing down the necks of the Master’s disciples, out for the kill. He went to the Chief Priest and got arrest warrants to take to the meeting places in Damascus so that if he found anyone there belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem.
He set off. When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?” He said, “Who are you, Master?”
“I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you’ll be told what to do next.” His companions stood there dumbstruck—they could hear the sound, but couldn’t see anyone—while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing.
There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.” “Yes, Master?” he answered. “Get up and go over to Straight Avenue. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He’s there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.”
Ananias protested, “Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man and the terrible things he’s been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he’s shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us.”
But the Master said, “Don’t argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I’m about to show him what he’s in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job.”
So Ananias went and found the house, placed his hands on blind Saul, and said, “Brother Saul, the Master sent me, the same Jesus you saw on your way here. He sent me so you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes—he could see again! He got to his feet, was baptized, and sat down with them to a hearty meal.
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.
We all have “defining moments” or “turning points” in our lives. From our first day of school or daycare to the day we graduate from high school and/or college, we have “firsts” that shape us… experiences that change us in a heartbeat. Life is a series of incidents that mold and shape us… wedding days… the births of children… careers…physical moves… even the everyday decisions we make – no matter how small they seem. We also have moments when we make terrible choices that change us and the course of our life. These are no less critical…in some cases, they are even more impactful.
Then there are the handful of truly defining moments that radically change our lives forever… true turning points in one direction or another. These might include the death of a loved one, the dissolution of a relationship, an arrest, a serious accident or illness, a circumstance beyond our control – like being called up for military duty, or a natural disaster. In my own life, I mark time in part by the fire that destroyed my grandparents’ home in 1981… the death of my father-in-law in 1992, my brother in 1998, and my dad in 1999…and much of a 72-hour journey in 2004 as a Walk to Emmaus pilgrim. Each of these events changed me profoundly…deeply… in ways I probably don’t even realize or understand to this day. And I’m betting that you have your own list.
In the world of defining moments or turning points, the experience of Saul on the Road to Damascus was HUGE. This tyrant who had persecuted anyone who spoke of Jesus… the man who made it his mission to destroy Jesus and His followers… was physically struck down – blinded and incapacitated for three days. At the end of this time, Saul was transformed… he became Paul – a man who made serving Jesus his mission every waking moment from that point forward.
Did this signal a life on “Easy Street” for Paul? Absolutely not! He suffered greatly the rest of his life… imprisoned much of the time in abhorrent conditions… physically challenged with unnamed illness and affliction…and persecuted for his faith. Still, he persevered. Serving Christ was all he lived for… the only thing that mattered. I would say that Paul’s “defining moment” was one of the more profound on record! And what he did moving forward was far more important than what he left behind.
As you look at the turning points in your life, ask yourself this question… “What did I do with this experience?” How did this occurrence change you? Did you fully recognize the impact of these events? Did use this encounter to move forward and do better? Did you become more awake and alert… more appreciative of how God has blessed you… more determined to share His love, grace, mercy and compassion with others? Were you able to use your defining moment to help someone else through a similar situation? Are you a better servant and Disciple because of your turning points… or were they destructive and damaging?
When God presents us with a defining moment, we most likely will not literally be blinded by a flash of light. But our change can be just as profound, in many ways. We can say, “LORD, where do I go from here? How do I use this to be better?” Or we can throw up our hands and let the devil defeat us. We have choices to make every single day. We never know when a turning point in life will occur. But unlike Saul, we can be ready. We can be attuned to God’s direction for our lives and prepared to call on Him to help us make the right decision and to use these moments for His glory.
What events define your life? How are you using them to be more for God today than you were yesterday? Have you allowed the turning points in your life to propel you forward… or were you struck down in the road and stuck there? Ask God to help you figure out what He wants you to do… in all situations. Remove the scales from your eyes and see what He has in store for your future… then get up and get busy!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label choices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label choices. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 25, 2011
Psalm 119:57
You, LORD, are my choice, and I will obey you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think quickly… what was the last choice you had to make? Was it what to wear to school/work this morning? Was it whether or not to get up early and work out? Or maybe you had to choose what you would eat for breakfast… or at least which cereal you wanted. We make choices each and every day… often several times an hour! Some of our choices really don’t matter. The decision to eat Cheerios© vs Kelloggs Corn Flakes© is not critical. It really won’t affect our lives so much if we have orange juice or tomato juice… or no juice!
But there is one choice that does matter… and that is whether we choose to make God the LORD of our life and follow His rules. In fact, of all the choices we make in our lives, THIS is the biggest… the most important… the most crucial.
You may be saying, “I have plenty of time… I’ll do that later!” Pick up a newspaper and read the obituaries. Kids in their teens and twenties face challenges – and even die - every day. And the Bible is filled with examples of young people who served well and made a huge difference for the Kingdom of Heaven at an early age! God doesn’t want you to wait until you are 30, 40, or older to serve Him and submit to Him. If you are past this age, it’s not too late… but if you are a young person and think you will “play now” and serve God later… this choice will be a huge mistake!
I promise you… everything gets better when serving the LORD is your choice! The struggles and hardships don’t seem so difficult… the good times seem even better… and yes, you still have fun! Choosing God is not a surrender of freedom… you are choosing to be free – from sin, guilt, shame, and the burdens of living without the Holy Spirit!
Maybe you have chosen God, but you’ve sort of slipped Him to the corner for a while… pushed Him to the back burner and decided to try things your way and see how it goes. Again, this is a poor decision… and you’re risking disaster! It really doesn’t matter if you mix plaids with stripes, choose tater tots instead of fries, or decide to cheer for the underdog. But whether you choose to follow God and obey His laws or not matters greatly. What will you decide…Who will you choose to serve?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, are my choice, and I will obey you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think quickly… what was the last choice you had to make? Was it what to wear to school/work this morning? Was it whether or not to get up early and work out? Or maybe you had to choose what you would eat for breakfast… or at least which cereal you wanted. We make choices each and every day… often several times an hour! Some of our choices really don’t matter. The decision to eat Cheerios© vs Kelloggs Corn Flakes© is not critical. It really won’t affect our lives so much if we have orange juice or tomato juice… or no juice!
But there is one choice that does matter… and that is whether we choose to make God the LORD of our life and follow His rules. In fact, of all the choices we make in our lives, THIS is the biggest… the most important… the most crucial.
You may be saying, “I have plenty of time… I’ll do that later!” Pick up a newspaper and read the obituaries. Kids in their teens and twenties face challenges – and even die - every day. And the Bible is filled with examples of young people who served well and made a huge difference for the Kingdom of Heaven at an early age! God doesn’t want you to wait until you are 30, 40, or older to serve Him and submit to Him. If you are past this age, it’s not too late… but if you are a young person and think you will “play now” and serve God later… this choice will be a huge mistake!
I promise you… everything gets better when serving the LORD is your choice! The struggles and hardships don’t seem so difficult… the good times seem even better… and yes, you still have fun! Choosing God is not a surrender of freedom… you are choosing to be free – from sin, guilt, shame, and the burdens of living without the Holy Spirit!
Maybe you have chosen God, but you’ve sort of slipped Him to the corner for a while… pushed Him to the back burner and decided to try things your way and see how it goes. Again, this is a poor decision… and you’re risking disaster! It really doesn’t matter if you mix plaids with stripes, choose tater tots instead of fries, or decide to cheer for the underdog. But whether you choose to follow God and obey His laws or not matters greatly. What will you decide…Who will you choose to serve?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 14, 2011
John 3:16-18
"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to 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 was watching a movie recently about a family of con artists. One day there was a knock at the door, and one of the children saw a policemen standing there. She froze… scared to open the door. The father opened the door and had a pleasant, innocent conversation with the policeman who was merely making a courtesy call. Afterward, the father told his family, “People in this neighborhood don’t fear the police… the police are their friends!” He added that most people in that neighborhood had no reason to expect something bad when the policeman knocked on their door… they had not done anything wrong, so they knew that nothing was going to happen.
If you don’t get anything else today from this writing, get this… God didn’t send Jesus to condemn us… to wag his finger and tell us how perfectly awful we are. We have every reason to be like those who feared the policeman. We’ve done wrong, and we know it… yet that is not why Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts. That is not why He gave His very life on the cross for us. If you don’t understand anything else today, try as hard as you can to see how much Jesus loves you! He wants you to be with Him – now and forever. He doesn’t want to see you condemned – to hell… or to an existence akin to hell on earth. He wants to capture your heart and fill you with hope and peace and joy.
The thing of it is… we will never be forced to choose Jesus. It’s all up to us. God sent Him to earth to save us… but only if we wish to be rescued. Choosing Jesus changes everything. Choosing Jesus says, “I love you for loving me.”
There are a zillion other reasons to choose Jesus… but what could be better than pure love - His… and ours in return? Have you chosen Jesus?
©2011 Debbie Robus
"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to 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 was watching a movie recently about a family of con artists. One day there was a knock at the door, and one of the children saw a policemen standing there. She froze… scared to open the door. The father opened the door and had a pleasant, innocent conversation with the policeman who was merely making a courtesy call. Afterward, the father told his family, “People in this neighborhood don’t fear the police… the police are their friends!” He added that most people in that neighborhood had no reason to expect something bad when the policeman knocked on their door… they had not done anything wrong, so they knew that nothing was going to happen.
If you don’t get anything else today from this writing, get this… God didn’t send Jesus to condemn us… to wag his finger and tell us how perfectly awful we are. We have every reason to be like those who feared the policeman. We’ve done wrong, and we know it… yet that is not why Jesus knocks on the door of our hearts. That is not why He gave His very life on the cross for us. If you don’t understand anything else today, try as hard as you can to see how much Jesus loves you! He wants you to be with Him – now and forever. He doesn’t want to see you condemned – to hell… or to an existence akin to hell on earth. He wants to capture your heart and fill you with hope and peace and joy.
The thing of it is… we will never be forced to choose Jesus. It’s all up to us. God sent Him to earth to save us… but only if we wish to be rescued. Choosing Jesus changes everything. Choosing Jesus says, “I love you for loving me.”
There are a zillion other reasons to choose Jesus… but what could be better than pure love - His… and ours in return? Have you chosen Jesus?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 1, 2011
Luke 22:20-23
After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said, "This is my blood. It is poured out for you, and with it God makes his new agreement. The one who will betray me is here at the table with me! The Son of Man will die in the way that has been decided for him, but it will be terrible for the one who betrays him!"
Then the apostles started arguing about who would ever do such a thing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Never underestimate the power of one person – or a single act. I told you about Will Norton, the young man who graduated from high school in Joplin, Missouri, then was sucked through the sunroof of his SUV on the way home during the EF-5 tornado that struck his community. There is a lot of information on Facebook about Will, courtesy of his family. This remarkable teenager was interested in studying film design, and he got quite good at making his own videos. Many are posted on YouTube… you can see them by going to http://www.youtube.com/user/willdabeast88883333.
One of the videos is about tattoo artist Kat Von D… Will was a huge fan. In this video, Will talks about a trip he took to California to visit a college he was hoping to attend. During the trip, he actually saw Kat Von D outside her tattoo shop… but he was too excited to even speak to her. It’s a cute video… and during all of the posts about the Joplin tornado and Will Norton, Kat Von D learned of the video – and Will’s story. Apparently she draws a sketch each day and posts it on her twitter account. May 29th, Kat Von D dedicated her sketch to Will Norton. The family is now trying to obtain usage rights for the sketch.
Think about it… because of this one kid and the tragic story of how he was killed by a tornado, the message of Jesus Christ and the example of tremendous faith in God is being shared with the world. Countless people who knew and loved Will have responded to Kat Von D’s sketch on her Twitter page. The posts from Will’s Aunt Tracey and other family members are all about their faith… how God is blessing them even now… how they are continuing to pray for other families who have lost loved ones – and some who are still searching for victims. If Kat Von D starts to share Will’s story through her resources, the exponential ripples of these messages of trusting Jesus, no matter what, are mind boggling!
Imagine how different things would have been, had Judas not betrayed Jesus. Of course, we know that this was all part of God’s plan to allow Judas to sell out his Master, but our purposes in many of the things we say and do have far less purposeful outcomes. But let’s spin this around. Imagine the power of just one act of obedience… one leap of faith… one example of tremendous courage and strength. Imagine the impact of one teenage boy who recited scripture as a tornado sucked him, literally, into heaven.
Do you have any idea the impact your have on others? Do you realize the power of a single act on your part to help – or harm – someone else? Do you understand that what you say and do – how you conduct yourself every single day – speaks volumes about your relationship with Jesus Christ? We have a choice… we can be a “Will Norton” or a “Judas”. Which one do you more closely resemble most days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said, "This is my blood. It is poured out for you, and with it God makes his new agreement. The one who will betray me is here at the table with me! The Son of Man will die in the way that has been decided for him, but it will be terrible for the one who betrays him!"
Then the apostles started arguing about who would ever do such a thing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Never underestimate the power of one person – or a single act. I told you about Will Norton, the young man who graduated from high school in Joplin, Missouri, then was sucked through the sunroof of his SUV on the way home during the EF-5 tornado that struck his community. There is a lot of information on Facebook about Will, courtesy of his family. This remarkable teenager was interested in studying film design, and he got quite good at making his own videos. Many are posted on YouTube… you can see them by going to http://www.youtube.com/user/willdabeast88883333.
One of the videos is about tattoo artist Kat Von D… Will was a huge fan. In this video, Will talks about a trip he took to California to visit a college he was hoping to attend. During the trip, he actually saw Kat Von D outside her tattoo shop… but he was too excited to even speak to her. It’s a cute video… and during all of the posts about the Joplin tornado and Will Norton, Kat Von D learned of the video – and Will’s story. Apparently she draws a sketch each day and posts it on her twitter account. May 29th, Kat Von D dedicated her sketch to Will Norton. The family is now trying to obtain usage rights for the sketch.
Think about it… because of this one kid and the tragic story of how he was killed by a tornado, the message of Jesus Christ and the example of tremendous faith in God is being shared with the world. Countless people who knew and loved Will have responded to Kat Von D’s sketch on her Twitter page. The posts from Will’s Aunt Tracey and other family members are all about their faith… how God is blessing them even now… how they are continuing to pray for other families who have lost loved ones – and some who are still searching for victims. If Kat Von D starts to share Will’s story through her resources, the exponential ripples of these messages of trusting Jesus, no matter what, are mind boggling!
Imagine how different things would have been, had Judas not betrayed Jesus. Of course, we know that this was all part of God’s plan to allow Judas to sell out his Master, but our purposes in many of the things we say and do have far less purposeful outcomes. But let’s spin this around. Imagine the power of just one act of obedience… one leap of faith… one example of tremendous courage and strength. Imagine the impact of one teenage boy who recited scripture as a tornado sucked him, literally, into heaven.
Do you have any idea the impact your have on others? Do you realize the power of a single act on your part to help – or harm – someone else? Do you understand that what you say and do – how you conduct yourself every single day – speaks volumes about your relationship with Jesus Christ? We have a choice… we can be a “Will Norton” or a “Judas”. Which one do you more closely resemble most days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 4, 2011
Mark 8:34-38
Jesus then told the crowd and the disciples to come closer, and he said: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me and for the good news, you will save it. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What could you give to get back your soul?
Don't be ashamed of me and my message among these unfaithful and sinful people! If you are, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I got to watch my 15-year-old second cousin cheer for her girls’ basketball team this week in the state tournament, which is hosted at our gym. My cousin has played basketball since she was six. But this year, a friend persuaded her to try out for cheer instead. Her team won their first game, but they were defeated soundly in the second round. From what I’m told, they could have used my cousin’s skills on the court… and she says she will return to the team next year.
I am sure my cousin had fun cheering and being with her friends this season. But I could tell that she sees this is not where she really belongs. She was persuaded by her friends, as we often are… and while this was not a life-or-death decision, I think she wished she was out on the court with her team-mates and not standing on the sidelines.
We do so much of this in our spiritual life. We listen to the wrong “friends” and influences… and let’s be honest, they are often the devil’s agents! We lose our way, if only momentarily. We want to give up our old life and follow Jesus, but we are often scared to death to really do this. What if our old friends desert us? What if it’s not as much fun as we had hoped… or no fun at all? What if people it costs us… socially, emotionally, and financially? Because you see, we may have to change jobs or friends… or even distance ourselves from family members. We might have to move to another apartment, dorm room, or even college! A choice might have to be made about staying with a significant other, or even changing church families!
What could you give to get back your soul? The better question is… what would you give to get back your soul? It may not seem like our choices reflect a shame or embarrassment about our relationship with Jesus, but that’s really what is going on here. If we are not ashamed – if we are not afraid – if the Influence in our life is the Son of Man, and not Satan, we can boldly make the right choices.
What we choose… and who we choose to associate with and/or follow… defines in large part our relationship with Jesus Christ. Who are you listening to… and following… today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus then told the crowd and the disciples to come closer, and he said: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me. If you want to save your life, you will destroy it. But if you give up your life for me and for the good news, you will save it. What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What could you give to get back your soul?
Don't be ashamed of me and my message among these unfaithful and sinful people! If you are, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I got to watch my 15-year-old second cousin cheer for her girls’ basketball team this week in the state tournament, which is hosted at our gym. My cousin has played basketball since she was six. But this year, a friend persuaded her to try out for cheer instead. Her team won their first game, but they were defeated soundly in the second round. From what I’m told, they could have used my cousin’s skills on the court… and she says she will return to the team next year.
I am sure my cousin had fun cheering and being with her friends this season. But I could tell that she sees this is not where she really belongs. She was persuaded by her friends, as we often are… and while this was not a life-or-death decision, I think she wished she was out on the court with her team-mates and not standing on the sidelines.
We do so much of this in our spiritual life. We listen to the wrong “friends” and influences… and let’s be honest, they are often the devil’s agents! We lose our way, if only momentarily. We want to give up our old life and follow Jesus, but we are often scared to death to really do this. What if our old friends desert us? What if it’s not as much fun as we had hoped… or no fun at all? What if people it costs us… socially, emotionally, and financially? Because you see, we may have to change jobs or friends… or even distance ourselves from family members. We might have to move to another apartment, dorm room, or even college! A choice might have to be made about staying with a significant other, or even changing church families!
What could you give to get back your soul? The better question is… what would you give to get back your soul? It may not seem like our choices reflect a shame or embarrassment about our relationship with Jesus, but that’s really what is going on here. If we are not ashamed – if we are not afraid – if the Influence in our life is the Son of Man, and not Satan, we can boldly make the right choices.
What we choose… and who we choose to associate with and/or follow… defines in large part our relationship with Jesus Christ. Who are you listening to… and following… today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 18, 2010
Acts 26:17-18
'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.’
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.
Every day we make dozens, if not hundreds, of choices. We choose what to wear, what to eat for breakfast, which route to take to school or work… and whether to do our homework or the laundry. Will we put cream in our coffee or bananas on our cereal? Will we watch this TV program or that one? Will we have ketchup with our fries? And for some of us, we may choose whether to pay this bill or that one… whether to buy milk for our children or cigarettes for ourselves… whether to get up and go to work or call in sick yet again.
A lot of the choices we make are dictated by habit… or by those who have influenced us. My dad always turned to the Obituaries page in the newspaper first… “to see if I’m still living,” he’d say. To this day, that’s the first part of the daily newspaper that I read. My mother always put sugar in her cornbread before baking and pineapple tidbits in her cole slaw, and that’s how I make mine. You may belong to a certain church or a political party or drive a specific make and model of car because of your parents or someone else who influenced you.
Maybe you were influenced in something of a “reverse negativity” by others. Maybe living with an alcoholic or abusive parent has made you vow to never be the same way. Maybe you have grown up living “hand-to-mouth,” and you have sworn you will do better. Maybe you have lived in very strict household, and you plan to be more liberal when you are out on your own. Maybe you have decided to be the first in your family to graduate from college. Maybe you plan to find the cure for cancer because someone you loved died from it, or you hope to start a center for latchkey kids because you never had anyone waiting for you after school.
The point is… we all make choices in our lives that are a direct result of the people and circumstances that have influenced us. So our job as Christian disciples is to be the influence that causes people to turn to God and away from Satan… to choose salvation over sinfulness… to opt for Eternal life in Heaven over perpetual damnation in Hell. We are called to be the example for others and invite them to join us in living life to its fullest through Jesus Christ.
The question I have for you today has two parts: 1) Who are you listening to as you make choices? Are you looking for Godly disciples to follow… and are you hearing the message they are presenting? 2) What kind of influence are you? Are you an honorable, faithful disciple of Christ, showing others “the way, the truth, and the light”? Or are you aiding and abetting the devil… living in sin and leading others toward the darkness and despair of a life mired in conflict and destruction?
Being a Spirit-filled Christian is heavy stuff! It’s not for the faint of heart… or those who are weak in their faith! But at the end of the day… the choice is ours. We can choose to serve in the light of Christ… to be His light to a world fumbling in the dark. Or we can close our eyes and stumble in the dark with the others and hope for the best. It’s not a gamble I am willing to take… are you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
'I'm sending you off to open the eyes of the outsiders so they can see the difference between dark and light, and choose light, see the difference between Satan and God, and choose God. I'm sending you off to present my offer of sins forgiven, and a place in the family, inviting them into the company of those who begin real living by believing in me.’
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.
Every day we make dozens, if not hundreds, of choices. We choose what to wear, what to eat for breakfast, which route to take to school or work… and whether to do our homework or the laundry. Will we put cream in our coffee or bananas on our cereal? Will we watch this TV program or that one? Will we have ketchup with our fries? And for some of us, we may choose whether to pay this bill or that one… whether to buy milk for our children or cigarettes for ourselves… whether to get up and go to work or call in sick yet again.
A lot of the choices we make are dictated by habit… or by those who have influenced us. My dad always turned to the Obituaries page in the newspaper first… “to see if I’m still living,” he’d say. To this day, that’s the first part of the daily newspaper that I read. My mother always put sugar in her cornbread before baking and pineapple tidbits in her cole slaw, and that’s how I make mine. You may belong to a certain church or a political party or drive a specific make and model of car because of your parents or someone else who influenced you.
Maybe you were influenced in something of a “reverse negativity” by others. Maybe living with an alcoholic or abusive parent has made you vow to never be the same way. Maybe you have grown up living “hand-to-mouth,” and you have sworn you will do better. Maybe you have lived in very strict household, and you plan to be more liberal when you are out on your own. Maybe you have decided to be the first in your family to graduate from college. Maybe you plan to find the cure for cancer because someone you loved died from it, or you hope to start a center for latchkey kids because you never had anyone waiting for you after school.
The point is… we all make choices in our lives that are a direct result of the people and circumstances that have influenced us. So our job as Christian disciples is to be the influence that causes people to turn to God and away from Satan… to choose salvation over sinfulness… to opt for Eternal life in Heaven over perpetual damnation in Hell. We are called to be the example for others and invite them to join us in living life to its fullest through Jesus Christ.
The question I have for you today has two parts: 1) Who are you listening to as you make choices? Are you looking for Godly disciples to follow… and are you hearing the message they are presenting? 2) What kind of influence are you? Are you an honorable, faithful disciple of Christ, showing others “the way, the truth, and the light”? Or are you aiding and abetting the devil… living in sin and leading others toward the darkness and despair of a life mired in conflict and destruction?
Being a Spirit-filled Christian is heavy stuff! It’s not for the faint of heart… or those who are weak in their faith! But at the end of the day… the choice is ours. We can choose to serve in the light of Christ… to be His light to a world fumbling in the dark. Or we can close our eyes and stumble in the dark with the others and hope for the best. It’s not a gamble I am willing to take… are you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 4, 2010
Proverbs 13:20
Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is an old adage that says something like, “You are known by the company you keep.” In other words, people will judge you based on your friends and acquaintances. Does this mean you don’t want to be seen in the company of those who are sick, needy, homeless or helpless? Absolutely not! Does this mean you can’t hang out with unchurched people or un-believers and minister to them? No way!
But if you are continually running with a crowd of people who have a reputation for drinking, drug use, and illegal or illicit behavior, you are going to be lumped with them in the eyes of many. If you are constantly in the company of adults who are blatantly vocal about social issues, politics or gossip, you may be considered “one of them.” If you go to local sporting events and sit with a group of parents and other adults who continually berate the referees and coaches over every single play and call, people will assume that you are on board with this… if not an active participant.
If you are known to be friends with people who have a reputation for being disciples of Christ and always speaking kindly and fairly, with a loving voice and heart for others, you will probably be thought of in much the same way. Call it “guilt by association” in a good way.
Does who you spend time with ensure that you will behave in a certain manner? Not necessarily… but it is a fairly good gauge. And distancing yourself from people you truly like who are behaving and speaking in a manner that belies your faith and your values can be very hard… but it has to be done.
This is why some have talked lately about cleaning up their “friends” on Facebook – and I’ve done this myself. If someone is making statements and claims that you feel do not line up with God’s instruction… or they are behaving in ways you know are improper or unkind at best – and immoral or illegal in the worst cases – you have no choice but to walk away.
I know these are hard choices. We don’t want to appear to be unkind. We don’t want these people to think we are judging them (even if we are) or that we feel we are superior in any way. But part of following Jesus – being His disciple – is setting ourselves apart from the mainstream. This doesn’t mean stepping away to stick out like a sore thumb and make a scene. Rather, we are to follow the example of Jesus and quietly go about sharing His message of salvation and operating in love, grace and mercy… imitating Him at every turn.
We have a choice, albeit a hard one sometimes… we can choose to follow Jesus and choose to associate with people who operate within His framework and according to His will... or we can hang out with those who are foolish enough to think they can do things their own way and “write the rules” themselves. And our decision does matter!
How are you choosing these days? Are you willing to make necessary changes and hard decisions? Are you willing to ask God to give you the wisdom and will power to move closer to Him and adjust your circle of friends and acquaintances accordingly? Are you really ready to be His disciple 100% of the time?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is an old adage that says something like, “You are known by the company you keep.” In other words, people will judge you based on your friends and acquaintances. Does this mean you don’t want to be seen in the company of those who are sick, needy, homeless or helpless? Absolutely not! Does this mean you can’t hang out with unchurched people or un-believers and minister to them? No way!
But if you are continually running with a crowd of people who have a reputation for drinking, drug use, and illegal or illicit behavior, you are going to be lumped with them in the eyes of many. If you are constantly in the company of adults who are blatantly vocal about social issues, politics or gossip, you may be considered “one of them.” If you go to local sporting events and sit with a group of parents and other adults who continually berate the referees and coaches over every single play and call, people will assume that you are on board with this… if not an active participant.
If you are known to be friends with people who have a reputation for being disciples of Christ and always speaking kindly and fairly, with a loving voice and heart for others, you will probably be thought of in much the same way. Call it “guilt by association” in a good way.
Does who you spend time with ensure that you will behave in a certain manner? Not necessarily… but it is a fairly good gauge. And distancing yourself from people you truly like who are behaving and speaking in a manner that belies your faith and your values can be very hard… but it has to be done.
This is why some have talked lately about cleaning up their “friends” on Facebook – and I’ve done this myself. If someone is making statements and claims that you feel do not line up with God’s instruction… or they are behaving in ways you know are improper or unkind at best – and immoral or illegal in the worst cases – you have no choice but to walk away.
I know these are hard choices. We don’t want to appear to be unkind. We don’t want these people to think we are judging them (even if we are) or that we feel we are superior in any way. But part of following Jesus – being His disciple – is setting ourselves apart from the mainstream. This doesn’t mean stepping away to stick out like a sore thumb and make a scene. Rather, we are to follow the example of Jesus and quietly go about sharing His message of salvation and operating in love, grace and mercy… imitating Him at every turn.
We have a choice, albeit a hard one sometimes… we can choose to follow Jesus and choose to associate with people who operate within His framework and according to His will... or we can hang out with those who are foolish enough to think they can do things their own way and “write the rules” themselves. And our decision does matter!
How are you choosing these days? Are you willing to make necessary changes and hard decisions? Are you willing to ask God to give you the wisdom and will power to move closer to Him and adjust your circle of friends and acquaintances accordingly? Are you really ready to be His disciple 100% of the time?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 29, 2010
Jeremiah 2:19
Your own sins will punish you, because it was a bitter mistake for you to reject me without fear of punishment. I, the LORD All-Powerful, have spoken.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On TV’s “The Biggest Loser,” contestants sometimes make crazy choices. This is a game, so a contestant may weigh the pros and cons of choosing to participate in a “challenge” where the participants have to eat a lot of calorie-laden sweets to have a chance at “immunity.” Or… a contestant may deliberately attempt to keep from losing weight in an effort to “throw” the results of the weigh-in at the end of each show. In all cases, the trainers inevitably come back to these contestants with one question… “Was it worth it?”
Very seldom do these choices work out well. One contestant had a “extra weight” card that he could use any week he chose. This card would allow him to add pounds to his weight-loss total for the week, and it increased exponentially with each passing week. He opted not to use the card at a weigh-in, and his weight loss was not all that great. He could have used another 3-pound loss to stay in the game. As it was, he lost… and his fellow contestants voted him off and sent him home.
I know that “The Biggest Loser” is just a game… and these people are hoping to win up to $250,000 at the end of the season. But they are also risking their lives, in a sense, because these are morbidly obese people with serious health issues. Losing this weight could also mean the difference between life and death for them.
“But I’m not overweight,” you may be saying… “and I’m certainly not morbidly obese… what does this have to do with me?” We are no different from the contestants on “The Biggest Loser” when it comes to life decisions. We gamble every day with all sorts of choices that affect our relationship with God… choices that could have Eternal consequences.
Just like thinking we will eat cupcakes today and worry about the weight tomorrow, we decide we will “live for today,” and worry about our salvation later. We choose to “sow wild oats” and, in our mind, enjoy our life on our own terms, with little to no regard for the long-term effect on our lives, the lives of those around us… and our Eternal life.
The question of “The Biggest Loser” trainers applies to this situation, as well… “Was it worth it?” What are we thinking to turn our back on God for even one second? None of us are promised tomorrow… a second chance. Like the contestant on the show who gambled with his “bonus card” and lost, we risk losing something far more important… our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Let’s take a look at our lives today and see where we are “living outside the box” and excluding God in the process. Let’s ask God to show us where we need to make changes and better choices - and re-align ourselves with His plan. Let’s make sure we are “winners” where it really matters – not for $250,000 or the title of “The Biggest Loser” – but in the race to the cross, where we find the ultimate Prize… life everlasting with our Heavenly Father.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Your own sins will punish you, because it was a bitter mistake for you to reject me without fear of punishment. I, the LORD All-Powerful, have spoken.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On TV’s “The Biggest Loser,” contestants sometimes make crazy choices. This is a game, so a contestant may weigh the pros and cons of choosing to participate in a “challenge” where the participants have to eat a lot of calorie-laden sweets to have a chance at “immunity.” Or… a contestant may deliberately attempt to keep from losing weight in an effort to “throw” the results of the weigh-in at the end of each show. In all cases, the trainers inevitably come back to these contestants with one question… “Was it worth it?”
Very seldom do these choices work out well. One contestant had a “extra weight” card that he could use any week he chose. This card would allow him to add pounds to his weight-loss total for the week, and it increased exponentially with each passing week. He opted not to use the card at a weigh-in, and his weight loss was not all that great. He could have used another 3-pound loss to stay in the game. As it was, he lost… and his fellow contestants voted him off and sent him home.
I know that “The Biggest Loser” is just a game… and these people are hoping to win up to $250,000 at the end of the season. But they are also risking their lives, in a sense, because these are morbidly obese people with serious health issues. Losing this weight could also mean the difference between life and death for them.
“But I’m not overweight,” you may be saying… “and I’m certainly not morbidly obese… what does this have to do with me?” We are no different from the contestants on “The Biggest Loser” when it comes to life decisions. We gamble every day with all sorts of choices that affect our relationship with God… choices that could have Eternal consequences.
Just like thinking we will eat cupcakes today and worry about the weight tomorrow, we decide we will “live for today,” and worry about our salvation later. We choose to “sow wild oats” and, in our mind, enjoy our life on our own terms, with little to no regard for the long-term effect on our lives, the lives of those around us… and our Eternal life.
The question of “The Biggest Loser” trainers applies to this situation, as well… “Was it worth it?” What are we thinking to turn our back on God for even one second? None of us are promised tomorrow… a second chance. Like the contestant on the show who gambled with his “bonus card” and lost, we risk losing something far more important… our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Let’s take a look at our lives today and see where we are “living outside the box” and excluding God in the process. Let’s ask God to show us where we need to make changes and better choices - and re-align ourselves with His plan. Let’s make sure we are “winners” where it really matters – not for $250,000 or the title of “The Biggest Loser” – but in the race to the cross, where we find the ultimate Prize… life everlasting with our Heavenly Father.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 13, 2010
Ecclesiastes 11:9
Be cheerful and enjoy life while you are young! Do what you want and find pleasure in what you see. But don't forget that God will judge you for everything you do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You’ve probably heard the term “sowing wild oats” – and maybe you’ve even sown a few! Some people think that testing the waters … doing a few things that are considered by others to be taboo, immoral, or even illegal … is just part of growing up. But just this week, a friend of ours was talking about how her daughter (who is now a mother of soon-to-be-teenage children) was now saying, “Remember the time I did such-and-such? Sorry, Mom.” And “Remember when I dropped out of college and ran off with my boyfriend? Sorry, Mom.”
A lot of the things that seemed like so much fun and such a good idea when we were young seem fairly foolish – or like huge mistakes – now that we are adults. And if you are still a fairly young person, you may laugh and say, “That won’t be me.” But somehow, I have a feeling it could be.
The worst part of looking back and regretting any “wild oats” you may have sown is the embarrassment and shame of realizing that what you did was displeasing to God. And that’s where this passage from Ecclesiastes comes into play. See, God wants us to enjoy our youth. He wants us to have fun – to try new things and have wonderful adventures and experiences. But believe it or not, all of this can be done morally, legally, and without sin.
I will be the first to tell you that there is a delicate balance to all of this. There were things that I was warned not to try (like dancing) because the members of the church I attended did not approve of this activity. I have told you before that I grew up quite convinced that many of the adventures and experiences I had as a teenager and a young adult would result in standing someday before God as He wielded a whip and a chain in my direction! I now know that this is not the case.
I’ve come to understand that the God I serve is loving, kind, and merciful. Yes, I do and say things that disappoint Him. Yes, He will ask me about these things some day when I stand before Him. But because of the blood of Jesus, I will have to account for them … and then God will wash every one of my sins away and mark the debt paid in full. What a wonderful, comforting assurance! What an awesome, amazing God we serve!
Hear me well… your salvation is not a license to “sow wild oats” willy-nilly and do whatever you please, assured that God will forgive you in the end. I can’t think of anything worse in this world or the next than doing and saying things I know will disappoint God! The message is that being a Christian is FUN! Being cheerful and enjoying life – and the adventures and abilities you have when you are young – is God’s gift. And it can all be accomplished within the parameters of your faith … and in a way that brings honor to God - not shame and disappointment.
And one more thing… there are a lot of people who no longer consider themselves young who are walking around acting pretty miserably. In God’s eyes, we are all children … and as such, He expects us to be happy and cheerful and drinking in all the blessings of this life He has given us. If you are moping around, acting and talking negatively, dragging those around you down and sharing a message of despair and discouragement, STOP IT! This is not the attitude of a Christian – at any age. Find pleasure in what you see … remember that God has blessed us immensely – even when we can’t seem to see it. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get busy living! Just be sure you honor God with how you do it!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Be cheerful and enjoy life while you are young! Do what you want and find pleasure in what you see. But don't forget that God will judge you for everything you do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You’ve probably heard the term “sowing wild oats” – and maybe you’ve even sown a few! Some people think that testing the waters … doing a few things that are considered by others to be taboo, immoral, or even illegal … is just part of growing up. But just this week, a friend of ours was talking about how her daughter (who is now a mother of soon-to-be-teenage children) was now saying, “Remember the time I did such-and-such? Sorry, Mom.” And “Remember when I dropped out of college and ran off with my boyfriend? Sorry, Mom.”
A lot of the things that seemed like so much fun and such a good idea when we were young seem fairly foolish – or like huge mistakes – now that we are adults. And if you are still a fairly young person, you may laugh and say, “That won’t be me.” But somehow, I have a feeling it could be.
The worst part of looking back and regretting any “wild oats” you may have sown is the embarrassment and shame of realizing that what you did was displeasing to God. And that’s where this passage from Ecclesiastes comes into play. See, God wants us to enjoy our youth. He wants us to have fun – to try new things and have wonderful adventures and experiences. But believe it or not, all of this can be done morally, legally, and without sin.
I will be the first to tell you that there is a delicate balance to all of this. There were things that I was warned not to try (like dancing) because the members of the church I attended did not approve of this activity. I have told you before that I grew up quite convinced that many of the adventures and experiences I had as a teenager and a young adult would result in standing someday before God as He wielded a whip and a chain in my direction! I now know that this is not the case.
I’ve come to understand that the God I serve is loving, kind, and merciful. Yes, I do and say things that disappoint Him. Yes, He will ask me about these things some day when I stand before Him. But because of the blood of Jesus, I will have to account for them … and then God will wash every one of my sins away and mark the debt paid in full. What a wonderful, comforting assurance! What an awesome, amazing God we serve!
Hear me well… your salvation is not a license to “sow wild oats” willy-nilly and do whatever you please, assured that God will forgive you in the end. I can’t think of anything worse in this world or the next than doing and saying things I know will disappoint God! The message is that being a Christian is FUN! Being cheerful and enjoying life – and the adventures and abilities you have when you are young – is God’s gift. And it can all be accomplished within the parameters of your faith … and in a way that brings honor to God - not shame and disappointment.
And one more thing… there are a lot of people who no longer consider themselves young who are walking around acting pretty miserably. In God’s eyes, we are all children … and as such, He expects us to be happy and cheerful and drinking in all the blessings of this life He has given us. If you are moping around, acting and talking negatively, dragging those around you down and sharing a message of despair and discouragement, STOP IT! This is not the attitude of a Christian – at any age. Find pleasure in what you see … remember that God has blessed us immensely – even when we can’t seem to see it. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get busy living! Just be sure you honor God with how you do it!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 7, 2010
Psalm 52
You people may be strong and brag about your sins, but God can be trusted day after day.
You plan brutal crimes, and your lying words cut like a sharp razor. You would rather do evil than good, and tell lies than speak the truth. You love to say cruel things, and your words are a trap.
God will destroy you forever! He will grab you and drag you from your homes. You will be uprooted and left to die.
When good people see this fearsome sight, they will laugh and say, "Just look at them now! Instead of trusting God, they trusted their wealth and their cruelty."
But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever. I will always thank God for what he has done; I will praise his good name when his people meet.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As Timothy nears the year-and-a-half mark, he is becoming increasingly independent. He doesn’t want me to keep my arm around him while we nap – he pushes me away. He wants to brush his own teeth and has a fit when I take away his toothbrush. He is starting to try to feed himself more than just cheerios and cut up fruit pieces. He wants to do it himself!
We’re a lot like a toddler… we often want to do it ourselves. We want to “make our own way.” That is fine if we are talking about being responsible for our daily upkeep – getting a job or doing the work at school and at home, paying our bills, being a decent and moral human being. But when we try to handle matters of the heart and mind on our own without God’s influence, we get into major trouble.
Matters of the heart and mind include things like choosing friends and “significant others,” choosing a major in college, deciding which job to take or where to live, making major purchases and investments, and choosing a church family. These are major choices in our lives, but even smaller, seemingly insignificant decisions are important, too. Often, we “fly by the seat of our pants,” and make decisions fairly quickly… think “love at first sight,” or “we just clicked,” or “it was too good of a deal to pass up,” or even, “I liked the music at their worship service.”
What we often fail to do is to stop and ask God, “Lord, is this right for me? Are you guiding me to this choice?” Equally bad is our tendency to ignore God. We receive the signs … we hear His voice at every turn as we receive advice from others … that little “intuitive” nudge that we are on the right or wrong path, and more… and we forge ahead. Then we wonder where we went wrong or why things didn’t work out well.
Or, you may be saying, “I’ve operated this way for a long time, and I’ve done okay. I have great friends, a good job, plenty of money. All my bills are paid, and life is good!” The problem is that many people are lulled into a false sense of security … and a misguided confidence that “I did it my way.” And if you are thinking of people who seem to “get by with murder,” trust me… they don’t!
There used to be an advertising slogan … “Things go better with Coca-Cola!” I can assure you, things go better with GOD! No matter how well you believe your life is going, everything will go even better if you acknowledge God. When you consult God about the choices and decisions in your life, the outcomes will be better. When troubles come – and they will – you will be better equipped to handle them, if you are in close communication with God on a daily basis. Your “highs” will be higher, and your “lows” will be much more manageable.
The arrogance of “doing it myself” is for toddlers. Be a grown-up in your Christian faith and recognize the power of God to make everything better. Praise His good name … thank Him for what He has done … count on His love forever and ever … and stay firmly rooted in His blessings.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You people may be strong and brag about your sins, but God can be trusted day after day.
You plan brutal crimes, and your lying words cut like a sharp razor. You would rather do evil than good, and tell lies than speak the truth. You love to say cruel things, and your words are a trap.
God will destroy you forever! He will grab you and drag you from your homes. You will be uprooted and left to die.
When good people see this fearsome sight, they will laugh and say, "Just look at them now! Instead of trusting God, they trusted their wealth and their cruelty."
But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever. I will always thank God for what he has done; I will praise his good name when his people meet.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As Timothy nears the year-and-a-half mark, he is becoming increasingly independent. He doesn’t want me to keep my arm around him while we nap – he pushes me away. He wants to brush his own teeth and has a fit when I take away his toothbrush. He is starting to try to feed himself more than just cheerios and cut up fruit pieces. He wants to do it himself!
We’re a lot like a toddler… we often want to do it ourselves. We want to “make our own way.” That is fine if we are talking about being responsible for our daily upkeep – getting a job or doing the work at school and at home, paying our bills, being a decent and moral human being. But when we try to handle matters of the heart and mind on our own without God’s influence, we get into major trouble.
Matters of the heart and mind include things like choosing friends and “significant others,” choosing a major in college, deciding which job to take or where to live, making major purchases and investments, and choosing a church family. These are major choices in our lives, but even smaller, seemingly insignificant decisions are important, too. Often, we “fly by the seat of our pants,” and make decisions fairly quickly… think “love at first sight,” or “we just clicked,” or “it was too good of a deal to pass up,” or even, “I liked the music at their worship service.”
What we often fail to do is to stop and ask God, “Lord, is this right for me? Are you guiding me to this choice?” Equally bad is our tendency to ignore God. We receive the signs … we hear His voice at every turn as we receive advice from others … that little “intuitive” nudge that we are on the right or wrong path, and more… and we forge ahead. Then we wonder where we went wrong or why things didn’t work out well.
Or, you may be saying, “I’ve operated this way for a long time, and I’ve done okay. I have great friends, a good job, plenty of money. All my bills are paid, and life is good!” The problem is that many people are lulled into a false sense of security … and a misguided confidence that “I did it my way.” And if you are thinking of people who seem to “get by with murder,” trust me… they don’t!
There used to be an advertising slogan … “Things go better with Coca-Cola!” I can assure you, things go better with GOD! No matter how well you believe your life is going, everything will go even better if you acknowledge God. When you consult God about the choices and decisions in your life, the outcomes will be better. When troubles come – and they will – you will be better equipped to handle them, if you are in close communication with God on a daily basis. Your “highs” will be higher, and your “lows” will be much more manageable.
The arrogance of “doing it myself” is for toddlers. Be a grown-up in your Christian faith and recognize the power of God to make everything better. Praise His good name … thank Him for what He has done … count on His love forever and ever … and stay firmly rooted in His blessings.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 9, 2010
Jeremiah 31:13
Young women and young men, together with the elderly, will celebrate and dance, because I will comfort them and turn their sorrow into happiness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Everybody needs a little nurture and care once in a while, but two groups who are often overlooked are young people under the age of 30, and the elderly. Sometimes, we fail to realize how hard it is to be a kid, teenager, or young adult. These “youngsters” are in “the prime of their lives.” If you are in this age group, I bet at least one “adult” has told you, “You’ve got it made … things will never be easier than they are now.”
Conversely, we see elderly persons who are residing in assisted living facilities, retirement villages, and resort communities, and we think … “They are living the care-free life … enjoying their ‘Golden Years’.”
What we often don’t see are the heartaches and difficulties that young people face … from relationship issues to challenges with studies and extracurricular activities to peer pressure. We don’t pay attention to the worries and concerns of new college grads over getting a job, finding a place to live, and making a place for themselves in the world at large. We fail to see the stress and strain of newly married couples and parents who are trying to figure out their new roles and keep all the balls in the air.
As for the elderly, there are probably two major concerns: health (both physical and mental), and finances (will my pension and retirement funds cover all of my expenses?). Throw in worries and concerns about children and family, boredom, and the future … not to mention loneliness … and you have a recipe for great need.
Yes, everyone has worries, concerns and challenges that are unique to his/her particular age group. But often we go through life with blinders on and are so focused on our own lives that we fail to realize the needs of those around us, especially the young and the old … those on either end of the “employment spectrum,” so to speak.
My challenge today is for each of us to find a way to encourage and nurture at least two people – one “youngster” and one “senior.” This could be mailing a card, giving a hug, making a phone call, dropping off a hot loaf of bread or a plate of cookies, offering a ride home from school or to the grocery store, or sending an e-mail message to ask, “How ya doin’?” Ask God to direct you and show you how/where to reach out … who to place on your “radar screen.” Focus more on others than you do on yourself and see how God works to bring comfort and happiness to everyone … including you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Young women and young men, together with the elderly, will celebrate and dance, because I will comfort them and turn their sorrow into happiness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Everybody needs a little nurture and care once in a while, but two groups who are often overlooked are young people under the age of 30, and the elderly. Sometimes, we fail to realize how hard it is to be a kid, teenager, or young adult. These “youngsters” are in “the prime of their lives.” If you are in this age group, I bet at least one “adult” has told you, “You’ve got it made … things will never be easier than they are now.”
Conversely, we see elderly persons who are residing in assisted living facilities, retirement villages, and resort communities, and we think … “They are living the care-free life … enjoying their ‘Golden Years’.”
What we often don’t see are the heartaches and difficulties that young people face … from relationship issues to challenges with studies and extracurricular activities to peer pressure. We don’t pay attention to the worries and concerns of new college grads over getting a job, finding a place to live, and making a place for themselves in the world at large. We fail to see the stress and strain of newly married couples and parents who are trying to figure out their new roles and keep all the balls in the air.
As for the elderly, there are probably two major concerns: health (both physical and mental), and finances (will my pension and retirement funds cover all of my expenses?). Throw in worries and concerns about children and family, boredom, and the future … not to mention loneliness … and you have a recipe for great need.
Yes, everyone has worries, concerns and challenges that are unique to his/her particular age group. But often we go through life with blinders on and are so focused on our own lives that we fail to realize the needs of those around us, especially the young and the old … those on either end of the “employment spectrum,” so to speak.
My challenge today is for each of us to find a way to encourage and nurture at least two people – one “youngster” and one “senior.” This could be mailing a card, giving a hug, making a phone call, dropping off a hot loaf of bread or a plate of cookies, offering a ride home from school or to the grocery store, or sending an e-mail message to ask, “How ya doin’?” Ask God to direct you and show you how/where to reach out … who to place on your “radar screen.” Focus more on others than you do on yourself and see how God works to bring comfort and happiness to everyone … including you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 7, 2010
Jude 1:20-22
But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
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.
One of the hardest things we will ever do is to stay faithful and positive when others are trying to tear us down. And often, in serving God, this is what happens. When people operate out of fear, unbelief, or even weakened faith, they frequently lash out, mistreat others, and reject love and kindness shown to them. Does this mean we must stop offering it? Absolutely not? Does this mean we can become discouraged and feel defeated? No way! I love the last few sentences of this scripture passage … go easy on those who hesitate and after those who take the wrong way.
Have you ever had someone apologize or make excuses for being unpleasant, saying, “I’m just having a bad day.”? Sometimes, when things are not right in our own life – or in our Spiritual life – we compensate by lashing out at others … or avoiding them. Some of this is done consciously – and some is done subconsciously. But either way, when someone does this toward us, we must be merciful and try to understand where they are coming from – and to be tender with them.
So the next time someone treats you unkindly, doesn’t return a phone call, fails to show up for an appointment, says something hurtful, ignores you in the store or on the street, and more … give them love and kindness in return. You don’t have to excuse their behavior or become a doormat for it … but you must show the love and mercy of Jesus to them. As someone pointed out recently, Jesus was mistreated all the way to the cross and still showed love and mercy there, asking God to forgive his persecutors. Why should we do any less for our friends and neighbors?
Nobody ever said being a faithful Christian was easy. Nobody ever said we wouldn’t be mistreated by others for our faith and kindness … or that everyone we encountered would welcome us with open arms and receive all we offer. But we must keep trying, in Jesus’ name. How do we do this? By following the first part of this passage … carefully building ourselves up in prayer and holy faith – by calling on the Holy Spirit to guide us each and every step of the way.
We must keep being tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. Our arms must be outstretched and ready not only for the mercy and love of Jesus for ourselves… but also to share it with those we encounter. Are your arms open wide to Jesus today? Are they open toward others, as well?
©2010 Debbie Robus
But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
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.
One of the hardest things we will ever do is to stay faithful and positive when others are trying to tear us down. And often, in serving God, this is what happens. When people operate out of fear, unbelief, or even weakened faith, they frequently lash out, mistreat others, and reject love and kindness shown to them. Does this mean we must stop offering it? Absolutely not? Does this mean we can become discouraged and feel defeated? No way! I love the last few sentences of this scripture passage … go easy on those who hesitate and after those who take the wrong way.
Have you ever had someone apologize or make excuses for being unpleasant, saying, “I’m just having a bad day.”? Sometimes, when things are not right in our own life – or in our Spiritual life – we compensate by lashing out at others … or avoiding them. Some of this is done consciously – and some is done subconsciously. But either way, when someone does this toward us, we must be merciful and try to understand where they are coming from – and to be tender with them.
So the next time someone treats you unkindly, doesn’t return a phone call, fails to show up for an appointment, says something hurtful, ignores you in the store or on the street, and more … give them love and kindness in return. You don’t have to excuse their behavior or become a doormat for it … but you must show the love and mercy of Jesus to them. As someone pointed out recently, Jesus was mistreated all the way to the cross and still showed love and mercy there, asking God to forgive his persecutors. Why should we do any less for our friends and neighbors?
Nobody ever said being a faithful Christian was easy. Nobody ever said we wouldn’t be mistreated by others for our faith and kindness … or that everyone we encountered would welcome us with open arms and receive all we offer. But we must keep trying, in Jesus’ name. How do we do this? By following the first part of this passage … carefully building ourselves up in prayer and holy faith – by calling on the Holy Spirit to guide us each and every step of the way.
We must keep being tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. Our arms must be outstretched and ready not only for the mercy and love of Jesus for ourselves… but also to share it with those we encounter. Are your arms open wide to Jesus today? Are they open toward others, as well?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 5, 2010
1 Peter 3:15
Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know what is going on, but it seems I haven’t had to look very far lately to see plenty of negativity, despair, discouragement, and misery. People who claim to be Christians are bemoaning how our world is going down the tubes … complaining about everything from the economy to our political leaders to their next-door neighbor! You ask someone how they are doing, and they frown and say pitifully, “Oh, okay, I guess.”
C’mon, people! Is this really the way Christians are supposed to behave? Do we truly believe what we claim in the name of Jesus? Or are we just giving Him lip service?
No matter how bad things seem in our lives – and believe me, I know there are some really bad, hard things that happen to many of us – we basically have two choices:
How are you living today? Are people afraid to approach you for fear of the reaction they will get? Or are they eager to be around you … encouraged by your enthusiasm, hope and faith? Are they seeing your confidence in Christ Jesus and an attitude that honors Him? Who has your heart and your mind-set … the devil or the Holy Spirit? The choice is ours … whaddya say? Is your attitude a true reflection of your faith?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know what is going on, but it seems I haven’t had to look very far lately to see plenty of negativity, despair, discouragement, and misery. People who claim to be Christians are bemoaning how our world is going down the tubes … complaining about everything from the economy to our political leaders to their next-door neighbor! You ask someone how they are doing, and they frown and say pitifully, “Oh, okay, I guess.”
C’mon, people! Is this really the way Christians are supposed to behave? Do we truly believe what we claim in the name of Jesus? Or are we just giving Him lip service?
No matter how bad things seem in our lives – and believe me, I know there are some really bad, hard things that happen to many of us – we basically have two choices:
- We can wallow in self-pity, give the devil all the satisfaction, and drag those around us down, as well; or
- We can operate in the hope and confidence of the promises of Christ Jesus, believing that no matter how “bad” it seems, our worst day with Him is better than our best day without Him.
How are you living today? Are people afraid to approach you for fear of the reaction they will get? Or are they eager to be around you … encouraged by your enthusiasm, hope and faith? Are they seeing your confidence in Christ Jesus and an attitude that honors Him? Who has your heart and your mind-set … the devil or the Holy Spirit? The choice is ours … whaddya say? Is your attitude a true reflection of your faith?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 1, 2010
Romans 12:1
[Christ Brings New Life] Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever watched “Let’s Make a Deal”? Often, the host of the show gives someone a wonderful prize, and then he says something, “I’ll give you what’s behind Door #2, if you’ll give me the new couch I just gave you.” In order to get something potentially greater, the contestant has to be willing to sacrifice what he/she just won. Whether the prize behind Door #2 is actually better is not known until the curtain goes up. Choosing to do this is a 50-50 gamble. And some contestants are not willing to take the chance.
In order to experience new life in Christ, we have to “sacrifice” something … our sinful nature. When you get down to it, that’s not much of a “sacrifice” per se, but for some of us, it can feel like a hard choice or a gamble – especially at first. Some of us enjoy our old, sinful lives, and letting go of the past and the lifestyle and behaviors we are comfortable with can be daunting. What many don’t realize is how incredibly amazing – how pure and pleasing – life in Christ can be. Like the people on “Let’s Make a Deal,” we are nervous about what lies “behind Door #2”.
I won’t lie to you … choosing to follow Jesus is not always easy. You may lose a few “friends” or have to stop going some of the places you used to go and doing the things you used to do. But God will send you new friends. He will give you new activities and interests. If you fill your days and nights with loving, serving and studying Him, He will fill YOU!
What are you waiting for? Stand up and choose “what’s behind the door.” Tell God your fears and apprehensions about accepting His offer of a new life in Christ. Let Him help you work through the growing pains and attain the peace and joy that being in a right relationship with Him brings. We all get discouraged from time to time … and you will, too! But God is waiting to set you back on your feet and give you the desires of your heart. All you have to do is choose His “door”.
©2010 Debbie Robus
[Christ Brings New Life] Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever watched “Let’s Make a Deal”? Often, the host of the show gives someone a wonderful prize, and then he says something, “I’ll give you what’s behind Door #2, if you’ll give me the new couch I just gave you.” In order to get something potentially greater, the contestant has to be willing to sacrifice what he/she just won. Whether the prize behind Door #2 is actually better is not known until the curtain goes up. Choosing to do this is a 50-50 gamble. And some contestants are not willing to take the chance.
In order to experience new life in Christ, we have to “sacrifice” something … our sinful nature. When you get down to it, that’s not much of a “sacrifice” per se, but for some of us, it can feel like a hard choice or a gamble – especially at first. Some of us enjoy our old, sinful lives, and letting go of the past and the lifestyle and behaviors we are comfortable with can be daunting. What many don’t realize is how incredibly amazing – how pure and pleasing – life in Christ can be. Like the people on “Let’s Make a Deal,” we are nervous about what lies “behind Door #2”.
I won’t lie to you … choosing to follow Jesus is not always easy. You may lose a few “friends” or have to stop going some of the places you used to go and doing the things you used to do. But God will send you new friends. He will give you new activities and interests. If you fill your days and nights with loving, serving and studying Him, He will fill YOU!
What are you waiting for? Stand up and choose “what’s behind the door.” Tell God your fears and apprehensions about accepting His offer of a new life in Christ. Let Him help you work through the growing pains and attain the peace and joy that being in a right relationship with Him brings. We all get discouraged from time to time … and you will, too! But God is waiting to set you back on your feet and give you the desires of your heart. All you have to do is choose His “door”.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 2, 2010
May 2 ~ Psalm 16:5-6
You, LORD, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to Baskin-Robbins or a similar ice cream store, you know that the choices are endless. If you are like me, the decision is hard… so many flavors, and they all sound delicious! It’s tempting to eat more than you should – a scoop of this and a scoop of that, and before you know it, you have three or four hefty scoops going in your cup! At home, most of us only have one, possibly two flavors of ice cream in our freezer. Most likely, you have your favorite flavor on hand… and as long as you have no outside distractions, you are pretty comfortable with just that flavor.
In life, we are bombarded with choices and options and lots and lots of “flavors.” It’s hard to stay focused and on track. But if we will make the right choice – God – and stay close to Him, we will not be distracted and misdirected by other influences. Just like extra flavors at the ice cream store, not all of the distractions and other choices are necessarily bad ones… but they simply are not right for us. They don’t make us content and keep our life pleasant… they complicate life in ways we do not need.
If you want true contentment… if you want peace and safety and pleasantness in your life, dial down the choices on your “flavors.” Stick to the One who can satisfy you best. Choose a bright future with God… make Him all you want and need… and see how peaceful and happy your life can become.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to Baskin-Robbins or a similar ice cream store, you know that the choices are endless. If you are like me, the decision is hard… so many flavors, and they all sound delicious! It’s tempting to eat more than you should – a scoop of this and a scoop of that, and before you know it, you have three or four hefty scoops going in your cup! At home, most of us only have one, possibly two flavors of ice cream in our freezer. Most likely, you have your favorite flavor on hand… and as long as you have no outside distractions, you are pretty comfortable with just that flavor.
In life, we are bombarded with choices and options and lots and lots of “flavors.” It’s hard to stay focused and on track. But if we will make the right choice – God – and stay close to Him, we will not be distracted and misdirected by other influences. Just like extra flavors at the ice cream store, not all of the distractions and other choices are necessarily bad ones… but they simply are not right for us. They don’t make us content and keep our life pleasant… they complicate life in ways we do not need.
If you want true contentment… if you want peace and safety and pleasantness in your life, dial down the choices on your “flavors.” Stick to the One who can satisfy you best. Choose a bright future with God… make Him all you want and need… and see how peaceful and happy your life can become.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 4, 2010
March 4 ~ Psalm 32:10
All kinds of troubles will strike the wicked, but your kindness shields those who trust you, LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about common cold medicine. When you have a runny nose and stuffy head, you trust this drug to help alleviate your symptoms and make you feel better. But in the wrong hands, the same ingredients can be utilized to create something more sinister – a “recreational drug” that can steal your health and ruin lives. When you use the can of cooking spray in your cabinet to coat a dish or pan, you trust that whatever you cook will not stick. But that same can of cooking spray could have a far more serious – even lethal – use as a “recreational inhalant.” It’s a bit like playing Russian Roulette.
Do you see where I am going? When we focus on doing the will of God and place our trust in Him, He shields us. When we focus on serving ourselves - or something/someone other than God - trouble strikes. The difference in the outcome resides solely in our choices. We are like the cold medicine or the can of cooking spray. Used for the right purposes, all goes well. Used for the wrong purposes, serious consequences can result.
We can choose to trust God and rest in the knowledge that He will guide our steps. Or we can go it alone and take our chances. I don’t know about you, but this seems like a “no-brainer” to me. Live with the “right purposes.” Trust God and rest under the kindness of His shield. Focus on serving Him and enjoy the blessings that will follow.
©2009 Debbie Robus
All kinds of troubles will strike the wicked, but your kindness shields those who trust you, LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about common cold medicine. When you have a runny nose and stuffy head, you trust this drug to help alleviate your symptoms and make you feel better. But in the wrong hands, the same ingredients can be utilized to create something more sinister – a “recreational drug” that can steal your health and ruin lives. When you use the can of cooking spray in your cabinet to coat a dish or pan, you trust that whatever you cook will not stick. But that same can of cooking spray could have a far more serious – even lethal – use as a “recreational inhalant.” It’s a bit like playing Russian Roulette.
Do you see where I am going? When we focus on doing the will of God and place our trust in Him, He shields us. When we focus on serving ourselves - or something/someone other than God - trouble strikes. The difference in the outcome resides solely in our choices. We are like the cold medicine or the can of cooking spray. Used for the right purposes, all goes well. Used for the wrong purposes, serious consequences can result.
We can choose to trust God and rest in the knowledge that He will guide our steps. Or we can go it alone and take our chances. I don’t know about you, but this seems like a “no-brainer” to me. Live with the “right purposes.” Trust God and rest under the kindness of His shield. Focus on serving Him and enjoy the blessings that will follow.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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