Romans 15:13
I pray that God, who gives hope,
will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith.
And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You
may not be old enough to know who “Samantha Stephens” was. But when I
was growing up, this character – played by the late Elizabeth Montgomery
– was a friendly “witch” on a show aptly named “Bewitched.” With just a
wrinkle of her nose, Samantha could make all sorts of things happen!
And this time of year, I kinda wish I was her! I look around at house
cleaning that needs to be done and think of all of the things I will do
in the next few weeks to prepare for and enjoy the holiday season, and I
wish I could wrinkle my nose and make it all materialize instantly!
Since
this probably ain’t happenin’, I continue to plug along…confident that
everything will all be done that needs to be done – and the rest won’t
matter. I have made a commitment to enjoy these days with complete
happiness and peace…to rest in the assurance that all will be well and
each person who enters our home during the next seven weeks will find a
spirit of hope and joy here. And petty and smug as it sounds to say
this, I know that the Holy Spirit will power my efforts and bring about a
good outcome.
Yes, there are far more important things for God
to concentrate on than whether or not I get the house clean and a
Thanksgiving meal on the table. Surely He is more concerned with the
horrific tragedies of this world…sickness, suffering, and “real”
problems than whether or not I get the presents wrapped, Christmas cards
sent and cookies baked. It is a far bigger deal that the hungry and
homeless are fed and sheltered than whether our children’s Christmas
program at church comes together well – or our kiddos have homemade
Christmas outfits to wear for pictures with Santa! And yet, God
orchestrates all of these things just as swiftly and surely as He does
the “big stuff!”
So today, I am hopeful…and at peace. I know Who
is in charge of everything from world events and human sickness and
suffering…to how good the turkey will taste on Thanksgiving Day and my
ability to “git ‘r done” with ample energy and stamina – and a
joy-filled attitude! And I pray that you feel this same power. May God
truly fill you with hope and peace today – and each day. And if He
sees fit to give me the ability to twitch my nose and make things happen
like Samantha, I’ll take that, too!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 3, 2015
John 16:12-15
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I’ve said, ‘He takes from me and delivers to you.’
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 my biggest regrets from the 9 years that I taught elementary school is that I didn’t take very many photographs. This was pre-digital cameras, and it just was not as simple as picking up a camera or a phone and snapping pictures that were saved on to a memory card. So I have a couple dozen snapshots…and an envelope of the “school pictures” of several of my students.
I found the school pictures this week, and as I looked at them, I thought about many of those little faces and recalled incidents from the time we shared. I also considered what has happened to those children – many of whom are now adults with children of their own. I know these “children” became teachers, an orchestra director, a nursing instructor, a dentist, a sheriff’s deputy…and one student tells me he is working on a Ph.D. in bioinformatics (Google it!)! Several of my students own their own businesses – and even more manage a business for someone else. I am very proud of each one of them and their “success stories”.
But as I think about this time in my life, which encompassed most of my twenties, I regret something else… that I was not as in tune with the Holy Spirit. I did not fully understand the mission and ministry that God gave me with these precious children. Oh, I loved them fiercely – like they were my own. And I showered them with attention and affection. But I see now how I could have embraced them even more fully – how I could have nurtured and encouraged these children and their families…had I truly heard from the Holy Spirit on their behalf.
“Well, that’s just part of growing up,” you might say. Yes…and no. The Holy Spirit is available to us at any age. We don’t have to “grow into” our relationship with Him…but we have to understand Him and recognize His presence. Once I learned that the Holy Spirit (or “Holy Ghost” as I was taught to call Him as a child) is not a nebulous spirit – or truly some scary “ghost” – I was eager to really feel His presence in my heart. Who wouldn’t want such a direct line to God?! Who wouldn’t want a constant companion to guide your thoughts and actions as God directs them?
My message to you this day is that you can have the presence of “The Friend” – or Holy Spirit – in your heart…now…today…this minute! You can recognize that Jesus is with you in this form…speaking God’s word into your heart, mind and soul. You can call on Him to guide you as you make daily decisions and choices. You can learn to recognize when the things you “hear” or “see” are from Him…and when they are not. All it takes is a willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps…and a commitment to pay attention to His “voice”.
None of us get a “do-over”…but we can start today to do better. And “The Friend” – God’s Holy Spirit – will help us with this. Won’t you invite Him into your heart and see what a difference His presence can make? Will this be the day that you say, “Come, Holy Spirit!” – and get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said. He will honor me; he will take from me and deliver it to you. Everything the Father has is also mine. That is why I’ve said, ‘He takes from me and delivers to you.’
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 my biggest regrets from the 9 years that I taught elementary school is that I didn’t take very many photographs. This was pre-digital cameras, and it just was not as simple as picking up a camera or a phone and snapping pictures that were saved on to a memory card. So I have a couple dozen snapshots…and an envelope of the “school pictures” of several of my students.
I found the school pictures this week, and as I looked at them, I thought about many of those little faces and recalled incidents from the time we shared. I also considered what has happened to those children – many of whom are now adults with children of their own. I know these “children” became teachers, an orchestra director, a nursing instructor, a dentist, a sheriff’s deputy…and one student tells me he is working on a Ph.D. in bioinformatics (Google it!)! Several of my students own their own businesses – and even more manage a business for someone else. I am very proud of each one of them and their “success stories”.
But as I think about this time in my life, which encompassed most of my twenties, I regret something else… that I was not as in tune with the Holy Spirit. I did not fully understand the mission and ministry that God gave me with these precious children. Oh, I loved them fiercely – like they were my own. And I showered them with attention and affection. But I see now how I could have embraced them even more fully – how I could have nurtured and encouraged these children and their families…had I truly heard from the Holy Spirit on their behalf.
“Well, that’s just part of growing up,” you might say. Yes…and no. The Holy Spirit is available to us at any age. We don’t have to “grow into” our relationship with Him…but we have to understand Him and recognize His presence. Once I learned that the Holy Spirit (or “Holy Ghost” as I was taught to call Him as a child) is not a nebulous spirit – or truly some scary “ghost” – I was eager to really feel His presence in my heart. Who wouldn’t want such a direct line to God?! Who wouldn’t want a constant companion to guide your thoughts and actions as God directs them?
My message to you this day is that you can have the presence of “The Friend” – or Holy Spirit – in your heart…now…today…this minute! You can recognize that Jesus is with you in this form…speaking God’s word into your heart, mind and soul. You can call on Him to guide you as you make daily decisions and choices. You can learn to recognize when the things you “hear” or “see” are from Him…and when they are not. All it takes is a willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to guide your steps…and a commitment to pay attention to His “voice”.
None of us get a “do-over”…but we can start today to do better. And “The Friend” – God’s Holy Spirit – will help us with this. Won’t you invite Him into your heart and see what a difference His presence can make? Will this be the day that you say, “Come, Holy Spirit!” – and get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 9, 2014
Romans 15:13
I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was reading some Beth Moore devotionals today, and she talked about living successfully versus living victoriously. Moore pointed out that many people manage to skate through life relatively unscathed…to be what most consider “successful”. They appear to have a great life…do well in business, live comfortably, and have and do all of the things we associate with “success”. Often, these folks have managed somehow to avoid very much conflict or struggle in their lives. But just because these people have glided along pretty smoothly does not mean that they have lived victoriously.
What’s the difference? A victorious person is one who has grabbed hold of the promises of God and held them tightly, even when “the chips were down”. This person trusts that God is in control, no matter what. He/she believes God when He says in His word that we are important to Him…precious treasures for whom He wants only the best. Regardless of what is happening in the lives of people who live victoriously, they are filled with complete happiness and peace through Jesus Christ.
Does this mean that victorious people are never sad…that they never have bills to pay – or get into debt…lose a job…get sick…grieve…or have struggles or tragedies in their lives? Absolutely not! But because they are filled with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, victorious people know that they can handle whatever comes their way. God understands grief and suffering. He knows that when we are sick or injured, we are not necessarily at our best. He knows that people lose jobs and struggle to pay bills. He feels our pain when relationships sour and people frustrate or dishearten us. But He also offers us the hope of a better day…and those who trust Him to deliver this are never disappointed.
Not all successful people are victorious…but those who are filled with hope in Jesus are both! Where are you in this picture? Where would you like to be? Anyone who puts his/her hope and trust in the LORD…and truly internalizes the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish all things in and through them…will enjoy the complete happiness, peace and rest of a victorious life. And this is the ultimate example of success…don’t you agree?
©2014 Debbie Robus
I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was reading some Beth Moore devotionals today, and she talked about living successfully versus living victoriously. Moore pointed out that many people manage to skate through life relatively unscathed…to be what most consider “successful”. They appear to have a great life…do well in business, live comfortably, and have and do all of the things we associate with “success”. Often, these folks have managed somehow to avoid very much conflict or struggle in their lives. But just because these people have glided along pretty smoothly does not mean that they have lived victoriously.
What’s the difference? A victorious person is one who has grabbed hold of the promises of God and held them tightly, even when “the chips were down”. This person trusts that God is in control, no matter what. He/she believes God when He says in His word that we are important to Him…precious treasures for whom He wants only the best. Regardless of what is happening in the lives of people who live victoriously, they are filled with complete happiness and peace through Jesus Christ.
Does this mean that victorious people are never sad…that they never have bills to pay – or get into debt…lose a job…get sick…grieve…or have struggles or tragedies in their lives? Absolutely not! But because they are filled with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit, victorious people know that they can handle whatever comes their way. God understands grief and suffering. He knows that when we are sick or injured, we are not necessarily at our best. He knows that people lose jobs and struggle to pay bills. He feels our pain when relationships sour and people frustrate or dishearten us. But He also offers us the hope of a better day…and those who trust Him to deliver this are never disappointed.
Not all successful people are victorious…but those who are filled with hope in Jesus are both! Where are you in this picture? Where would you like to be? Anyone who puts his/her hope and trust in the LORD…and truly internalizes the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish all things in and through them…will enjoy the complete happiness, peace and rest of a victorious life. And this is the ultimate example of success…don’t you agree?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 27, 2014
Galatians 5:22-23
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.
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 spoke with several girls who are members of a “small group” ministry hosted by my church. Since these girls are all high school seniors, the girls’ leaders had asked me to address the question, “What do you wish you had known when you were 18?” The first thing I listed was how I wished I had understood more fully just how much God loves me…that I had truly comprehended His grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion for me. While those who nurtured me in the first 18 years of my life loved God and meant well, much of my teaching was based in fear and an image of God – at least in my mind - as a strong disciplinarian (think lion tamer with a chair in one hand and a whip in the other!) who was watching and waiting to cast me into hell at the first misstep. The girls got quite a laugh when I said that the phrase “You’ll go to hell for that!” rang in my head much of the time.
It wasn’t until much later in life that I truly learned just how much God loves me… even when I screw things up – as we all do from time to time. I told the girls I wish I had understood that people make mistakes in life…it’s part of how we grown and learn. While this is not a license to sin or do things we shouldn’t…it is important that we realize that God can forgive and restore us…He has no desire to see any of us punished…much less condemned to hell for all eternity. By the same token, I didn’t have a clear understanding of how the Holy Spirit works. Most of my childhood, we heard of the “Holy Ghost”…and it was in a vague, sometimes eerie context. I did not understand that the Holy Spirit’s presence in our hearts equips us with compassion, holiness, affection for others, the ability to discern God’s wisdom…and so much more.
I shared with the girls how I have come to recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence… how He has calmed me in situations that almost literally took my breath…how He has shrouded me in peace and confidence when there was no “legal” – or human – explanation for the presence of either one! And I tried to convey to them how helpful it would have been to fully understand – and acknowledge – the Holy Spirit’s manifestation in my life when I was their age. It would have made a lot of situations easier…answered a lot of questions…and equipped me to handle many things far better than I did.
We talked about how so many people have opinions these days about what the girls should do with the rest of their lives…which college they should attend…what they should choose for a major…even which dress they should wear to the prom! Everyone has an opinion…and while many are offered in love and genuine care, the ultimate decisions reside with these girls. I encouraged them to think for themselves… to listen to the advice of others - but to lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance…and to understand that they don’t have all of the answers yet – and they aren’t supposed to at this age!
In short, my message to these girls is the same missive I give to each of you today…and serves as a reminder to myself, as well: The “world” can tell you a lot of things. The “legalism” of right and wrong can serve us just fine. Etiquette and a societal “moral code” can help us figure out what to say and do in many situations. But ultimately, the guidance that will supply us best comes from God…often through the manifestation of His Holy Spirit in our lives. When we listen to the Holy Spirit and operate in God’s will, we don’t have to operate in fear or uncertainty. We are equipped with a true sense of “affection for others, exuberance about life…and serenity.” We truly develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of gentleness and compassion in the heart, and a true understanding of holiness and self-control.
While I wish I had fully understood some of these things when I was eighteen, I honestly have no regrets. God has directed each day of my journey. Even when I didn’t fully recognize His presence – or that of the Holy Spirit – He was with me. But I could have been more compassionate and caring at times…I could have been less fearful and more confident…and “marshaled my energies” more wisely. And this is my challenge for all of us…to take whatever time we have left on this earth and make the most of it as we live God’s way.
If we start every day by asking God to show us what He wants us to do…and call on His Holy Spirit to fill us and guide our steps…we can proceed with confidence that we are operating in His will – and producing “good fruit” in the process.
Whose “laws” are guiding you today? Will you listen to the “legalism” of today’s society…or will you be guided by the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit? Will you operate in God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion…and share these “fruits” with others? Or will you strike out on your own…and take your chances?
©2014 Debbie Robus
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.
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 spoke with several girls who are members of a “small group” ministry hosted by my church. Since these girls are all high school seniors, the girls’ leaders had asked me to address the question, “What do you wish you had known when you were 18?” The first thing I listed was how I wished I had understood more fully just how much God loves me…that I had truly comprehended His grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion for me. While those who nurtured me in the first 18 years of my life loved God and meant well, much of my teaching was based in fear and an image of God – at least in my mind - as a strong disciplinarian (think lion tamer with a chair in one hand and a whip in the other!) who was watching and waiting to cast me into hell at the first misstep. The girls got quite a laugh when I said that the phrase “You’ll go to hell for that!” rang in my head much of the time.
It wasn’t until much later in life that I truly learned just how much God loves me… even when I screw things up – as we all do from time to time. I told the girls I wish I had understood that people make mistakes in life…it’s part of how we grown and learn. While this is not a license to sin or do things we shouldn’t…it is important that we realize that God can forgive and restore us…He has no desire to see any of us punished…much less condemned to hell for all eternity. By the same token, I didn’t have a clear understanding of how the Holy Spirit works. Most of my childhood, we heard of the “Holy Ghost”…and it was in a vague, sometimes eerie context. I did not understand that the Holy Spirit’s presence in our hearts equips us with compassion, holiness, affection for others, the ability to discern God’s wisdom…and so much more.
I shared with the girls how I have come to recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence… how He has calmed me in situations that almost literally took my breath…how He has shrouded me in peace and confidence when there was no “legal” – or human – explanation for the presence of either one! And I tried to convey to them how helpful it would have been to fully understand – and acknowledge – the Holy Spirit’s manifestation in my life when I was their age. It would have made a lot of situations easier…answered a lot of questions…and equipped me to handle many things far better than I did.
We talked about how so many people have opinions these days about what the girls should do with the rest of their lives…which college they should attend…what they should choose for a major…even which dress they should wear to the prom! Everyone has an opinion…and while many are offered in love and genuine care, the ultimate decisions reside with these girls. I encouraged them to think for themselves… to listen to the advice of others - but to lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance…and to understand that they don’t have all of the answers yet – and they aren’t supposed to at this age!
In short, my message to these girls is the same missive I give to each of you today…and serves as a reminder to myself, as well: The “world” can tell you a lot of things. The “legalism” of right and wrong can serve us just fine. Etiquette and a societal “moral code” can help us figure out what to say and do in many situations. But ultimately, the guidance that will supply us best comes from God…often through the manifestation of His Holy Spirit in our lives. When we listen to the Holy Spirit and operate in God’s will, we don’t have to operate in fear or uncertainty. We are equipped with a true sense of “affection for others, exuberance about life…and serenity.” We truly develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of gentleness and compassion in the heart, and a true understanding of holiness and self-control.
While I wish I had fully understood some of these things when I was eighteen, I honestly have no regrets. God has directed each day of my journey. Even when I didn’t fully recognize His presence – or that of the Holy Spirit – He was with me. But I could have been more compassionate and caring at times…I could have been less fearful and more confident…and “marshaled my energies” more wisely. And this is my challenge for all of us…to take whatever time we have left on this earth and make the most of it as we live God’s way.
If we start every day by asking God to show us what He wants us to do…and call on His Holy Spirit to fill us and guide our steps…we can proceed with confidence that we are operating in His will – and producing “good fruit” in the process.
Whose “laws” are guiding you today? Will you listen to the “legalism” of today’s society…or will you be guided by the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit? Will you operate in God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion…and share these “fruits” with others? Or will you strike out on your own…and take your chances?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 8, 2013
John 4:13-14
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I know that I’ve been talking for days now about the winter storm we’ve been having… but it’s a pretty big deal when your daytime high temperatures in central Arkansas for the first week of December are in the low to mid-twenties. It’s an even bigger deal when the night-time lows dip into the teens and single digits! So when I tell you it’s cold and icy here… baby, it’s cold and icy here!
A friend of ours posted a photo of her husband putting out water for the birds in their yard. Greg decided that our songbirds could probably use a drink as well… everything in sight is frozen solid as a rock! So he ventured out to the bird feeder and filled a 3-lb. plastic coffee can and a plastic lid from a large container with water. The birds flocked to these vessels and began to drink and splash. They were truly glad to have fresh water! Here’s the thing, though… that water froze pretty quickly. So Greg made more than one trip to the bird feeder yesterday to refresh the water supply for the birds.
Yes, we know that there are “heaters” you can purchase to keep the birds’ water from freezing. But we seldom have an outbreak of weather this cold for this long… and we have never gone so far as to purchase a “bird-bath heater”. If this weather trend continues into actual winter, we may have to re-think this! Meanwhile, our birds will have to make do with intermittent drinks as we manage to venture out into the cold and ice to replenish their supply.
Here’s the Good News… the “Living Water” of Jesus Christ never freezes or runs dry! We have ready access to an unending supply of His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. Even better, through the Holy Spirit, we can experience a continual fountain that flows from our heart and bubbles out like a freshwater spring. We can actually have more than we ever need… enough to share with everyone we encounter! This is far better than having a heater for the bird bath! Nothing compares to the Living Water of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit!
What about you? Is your fountain flowing freely with the Living Water of Jesus? Or are you frozen… hard-hearted… or even altogether empty? The choice is totally yours. Jesus offers each of us hope, courage, confidence and joy through His Living Water. He gave His very life for ours so that we can spend Eternity with Him… and enjoy His blessings in the meantime. Are you living with hope and faith in His promises? Who supplies your “water” these days?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I know that I’ve been talking for days now about the winter storm we’ve been having… but it’s a pretty big deal when your daytime high temperatures in central Arkansas for the first week of December are in the low to mid-twenties. It’s an even bigger deal when the night-time lows dip into the teens and single digits! So when I tell you it’s cold and icy here… baby, it’s cold and icy here!
A friend of ours posted a photo of her husband putting out water for the birds in their yard. Greg decided that our songbirds could probably use a drink as well… everything in sight is frozen solid as a rock! So he ventured out to the bird feeder and filled a 3-lb. plastic coffee can and a plastic lid from a large container with water. The birds flocked to these vessels and began to drink and splash. They were truly glad to have fresh water! Here’s the thing, though… that water froze pretty quickly. So Greg made more than one trip to the bird feeder yesterday to refresh the water supply for the birds.
Yes, we know that there are “heaters” you can purchase to keep the birds’ water from freezing. But we seldom have an outbreak of weather this cold for this long… and we have never gone so far as to purchase a “bird-bath heater”. If this weather trend continues into actual winter, we may have to re-think this! Meanwhile, our birds will have to make do with intermittent drinks as we manage to venture out into the cold and ice to replenish their supply.
Here’s the Good News… the “Living Water” of Jesus Christ never freezes or runs dry! We have ready access to an unending supply of His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. Even better, through the Holy Spirit, we can experience a continual fountain that flows from our heart and bubbles out like a freshwater spring. We can actually have more than we ever need… enough to share with everyone we encounter! This is far better than having a heater for the bird bath! Nothing compares to the Living Water of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit!
What about you? Is your fountain flowing freely with the Living Water of Jesus? Or are you frozen… hard-hearted… or even altogether empty? The choice is totally yours. Jesus offers each of us hope, courage, confidence and joy through His Living Water. He gave His very life for ours so that we can spend Eternity with Him… and enjoy His blessings in the meantime. Are you living with hope and faith in His promises? Who supplies your “water” these days?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 16, 2013
Psalm 127:1-2
Without the help of the Lord
it is useless to build a home
or to guard a city.
It is useless to get up early
and stay up late
in order to earn a living.
God takes care of his own,
even while they sleep.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Ever since I was a small child, I’ve had occasional bouts with allergic reactions – particularly hives. We never could determine what triggered them, but in high school, I suffered a serious reaction after taking an antibiotic treatment for a sore throat. The hives and swelling became so severe that I had to be hospitalized for four days. A few years later, the school nurse where I taught rushed me to a medical clinic for a shot of epinephrine when swelling and hives I was experienced required immediate attention. But it would be another twenty years – and several bouts with hives and other symptoms of an allergic reaction – before we determined that my apparent culprits are corn …and possibly chocolate.
Apparently, as my “minor” bouts with hives and other allergic reactions occurred over the years, my body accumulated the affects. So while people sometimes “grow out of” allergies… mine actually escalated to the point that the reactions became more frequent and severe. My physician prescribed three things… an oral antihistamine, a medical alert bracelet that I wear anytime I leave the house, and “epi-pens” that I carry with me in case of a life-threatening reaction. Thankfully, I have not had what I would consider a serious allergic reaction in a very long time… and I have never had to use the epi-pens. I attribute this to diligence about encounters with products containing corn and chocolate. I am also persistent about keeping my medications with me and wearing the alert bracelet.
I am so grateful that my allergy is controllable – and not nearly as severe as those other people experience. I had students who were so severely allergic that even a whiff of their allergen could evoke a reaction. One child with a peanut allergy lay on his living room floor where a sibling had earlier dropped a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and the entire side of his face swelled. But by the same token, I would never be so dismissive as to help myself to corn chips or a chocolate bar… or to use products on my skin that I know contain cornstarch. My Mam-ma Polly used to tell me, “If you would just ignore all of that and eat what you want and forget about it, you’d be just fine.” That was simply not a true statement… and to do such a thing would be incredibly reckless!
I wonder how many of us are this reckless about our daily living. We know how important God’s care and protection are… how vital it is that we always carry the Holy Spirit in our heart. Yet far too often, we are careless and irresponsible with God. We step out into life on our own and test the waters. One little sample of “life” can’t hurt… can it? A little lie here… some gossip there… and an occasional bout with cheating might make us uncomfortable and “itchy” for a little while. But the symptoms will subside and we’ll move on… and we think we are no worse for wear. What we fail to realize is how these actions and consequences are accumulating…how the results can one day escalate into an “epic fail” of some sort that leaves us wondering what went wrong and how we got to that point!
We cannot afford to be without God… even for a minute. We cannot chance even a tiny taste of sin and disobedience. We can’t risk “leaving God at home” – not even for a few hours! He must be present and operating in and through us at all times. Even though I feel I am thoroughly protected, I will occasionally encounter something that apparently has a trace of my allergens in it. Thankfully, I have an arsenal of protective measures that I can utilize to attack this and keep me safe. We need God “on the clock” at all times, because the devil is waiting for even the tiniest opportunity to slip in and give us trouble!
I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t think much about my allergies… and staying alert for the culprits has become somewhat second nature. I don’t take them for granted, but I know that I’m doing all I can to stay protected. GOD is our protection against the attacks of the devil and the sins of the world. Through His wisdom, we have the best chance of recognizing potential dangers and pitfalls – and avoiding them in the first place. With His grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and strength, we are redeemed in the instances when we do slip and stumble. We must never take His care for granted…but under His watch, we can live in confidence and peace.
God’s care and protection is readily available… but always optional. We must choose to accept Him… we must invite His Holy Spirit to live in our hearts. We must put forth the effort to keep the lines of communication with Him open. I can’t imagine why anyone would elect to “leave home without God”… can you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Without the help of the Lord
it is useless to build a home
or to guard a city.
It is useless to get up early
and stay up late
in order to earn a living.
God takes care of his own,
even while they sleep.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Ever since I was a small child, I’ve had occasional bouts with allergic reactions – particularly hives. We never could determine what triggered them, but in high school, I suffered a serious reaction after taking an antibiotic treatment for a sore throat. The hives and swelling became so severe that I had to be hospitalized for four days. A few years later, the school nurse where I taught rushed me to a medical clinic for a shot of epinephrine when swelling and hives I was experienced required immediate attention. But it would be another twenty years – and several bouts with hives and other symptoms of an allergic reaction – before we determined that my apparent culprits are corn …and possibly chocolate.
Apparently, as my “minor” bouts with hives and other allergic reactions occurred over the years, my body accumulated the affects. So while people sometimes “grow out of” allergies… mine actually escalated to the point that the reactions became more frequent and severe. My physician prescribed three things… an oral antihistamine, a medical alert bracelet that I wear anytime I leave the house, and “epi-pens” that I carry with me in case of a life-threatening reaction. Thankfully, I have not had what I would consider a serious allergic reaction in a very long time… and I have never had to use the epi-pens. I attribute this to diligence about encounters with products containing corn and chocolate. I am also persistent about keeping my medications with me and wearing the alert bracelet.
I am so grateful that my allergy is controllable – and not nearly as severe as those other people experience. I had students who were so severely allergic that even a whiff of their allergen could evoke a reaction. One child with a peanut allergy lay on his living room floor where a sibling had earlier dropped a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and the entire side of his face swelled. But by the same token, I would never be so dismissive as to help myself to corn chips or a chocolate bar… or to use products on my skin that I know contain cornstarch. My Mam-ma Polly used to tell me, “If you would just ignore all of that and eat what you want and forget about it, you’d be just fine.” That was simply not a true statement… and to do such a thing would be incredibly reckless!
I wonder how many of us are this reckless about our daily living. We know how important God’s care and protection are… how vital it is that we always carry the Holy Spirit in our heart. Yet far too often, we are careless and irresponsible with God. We step out into life on our own and test the waters. One little sample of “life” can’t hurt… can it? A little lie here… some gossip there… and an occasional bout with cheating might make us uncomfortable and “itchy” for a little while. But the symptoms will subside and we’ll move on… and we think we are no worse for wear. What we fail to realize is how these actions and consequences are accumulating…how the results can one day escalate into an “epic fail” of some sort that leaves us wondering what went wrong and how we got to that point!
We cannot afford to be without God… even for a minute. We cannot chance even a tiny taste of sin and disobedience. We can’t risk “leaving God at home” – not even for a few hours! He must be present and operating in and through us at all times. Even though I feel I am thoroughly protected, I will occasionally encounter something that apparently has a trace of my allergens in it. Thankfully, I have an arsenal of protective measures that I can utilize to attack this and keep me safe. We need God “on the clock” at all times, because the devil is waiting for even the tiniest opportunity to slip in and give us trouble!
I’ve gotten to a point where I don’t think much about my allergies… and staying alert for the culprits has become somewhat second nature. I don’t take them for granted, but I know that I’m doing all I can to stay protected. GOD is our protection against the attacks of the devil and the sins of the world. Through His wisdom, we have the best chance of recognizing potential dangers and pitfalls – and avoiding them in the first place. With His grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and strength, we are redeemed in the instances when we do slip and stumble. We must never take His care for granted…but under His watch, we can live in confidence and peace.
God’s care and protection is readily available… but always optional. We must choose to accept Him… we must invite His Holy Spirit to live in our hearts. We must put forth the effort to keep the lines of communication with Him open. I can’t imagine why anyone would elect to “leave home without God”… can you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 30, 2013
Mark 13:11
But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Once in a while, I think of my friend Theresa… the librarian at the elementary school where I taught. Theresa married a man named Tom, and to hear her tell it… he was perfect. He was a city cop who did everything well… treated her like a queen… loved their daughter and his children from a previous marriage like the best daddy in the world. No other man measured up to Tom, and Theresa made sure we knew it! Now I look back and see that Theresa must have spent hours/days/weeks preparing her spiels for us. She must have thought long and hard about how to spin the story of her marriage to Tom.
All of the glowing accolades Theresa heaped upon this man could not change the fact that he was an abusive husband. I can still see the bruise marks on her neck where Tom strangled her… the mottled purple and yellow areas that no amount of mortician’s makeup could hide. I don’t know how much of the marriage that Theresa was trapped in an abusive situation. When she managed to escape, Tom harassed her… and then he pleaded with her to come back to him. I’m sure he had his own rehearsed spiel… how things would be different this time… how he would never hurt her again. But his lies were lethal. In the end, he could not control himself…and it cost my friend her life.
A lot of us are caught in a trap of spending countless hours figuring out what to say… how to act… what image to project to others – and this is physically, mentally and spiritually exhausting, if not deadly! All we really need to do is “let go and let GOD”… to “move over and let Him drive the car!” We are not literally “on trial” for anything, as this scripture references… but we have placed ourselves in judgment by others – both real and imagined. We worry about whether we are smart enough, good looking, rich enough, wear the right clothes and drive the right car. We wonder if others think our home is nice enough… and whether we are sufficiently “spiritual”. We work ourselves into a tizzy trying to create the best image… to cover up our sins and shortcomings… to compensate for our perceived lack of whatever it is we think we need… and we make ourselves miserable in the process.
Life would be so much simpler if we would just let God have control. If we would shift our focus from making excuses to making time for God to work in and through us, we would never have to worry about most everything that concerns us. And if you think this is easy for me, you are sadly mistaken. This is a tough one for ALL of us… and I am including myself!
Today needs to be the day we stop the madness! This needs to be a day of change and reconciliation… a day when we say, “That’s it! I’m done letting the devil drive me crazy!” (Because we all know this is the devil’s doing… right?!) This should be the day that we stop and say, “LORD, I’m sorry I have shut you out… I’m ready to let your Holy Spirit have complete charge of my life. From now on, I will trust YOU to give me the words and actions that I need… and to handle the outcomes.”
Today can be the day we experience a transformation from someone who is frantically trying to be someone and something we are not… to the peace-filled person God has created us to be. Are you ready to make the switch? Won’t you hand over the keys to God and let Him “drive”?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Once in a while, I think of my friend Theresa… the librarian at the elementary school where I taught. Theresa married a man named Tom, and to hear her tell it… he was perfect. He was a city cop who did everything well… treated her like a queen… loved their daughter and his children from a previous marriage like the best daddy in the world. No other man measured up to Tom, and Theresa made sure we knew it! Now I look back and see that Theresa must have spent hours/days/weeks preparing her spiels for us. She must have thought long and hard about how to spin the story of her marriage to Tom.
All of the glowing accolades Theresa heaped upon this man could not change the fact that he was an abusive husband. I can still see the bruise marks on her neck where Tom strangled her… the mottled purple and yellow areas that no amount of mortician’s makeup could hide. I don’t know how much of the marriage that Theresa was trapped in an abusive situation. When she managed to escape, Tom harassed her… and then he pleaded with her to come back to him. I’m sure he had his own rehearsed spiel… how things would be different this time… how he would never hurt her again. But his lies were lethal. In the end, he could not control himself…and it cost my friend her life.
A lot of us are caught in a trap of spending countless hours figuring out what to say… how to act… what image to project to others – and this is physically, mentally and spiritually exhausting, if not deadly! All we really need to do is “let go and let GOD”… to “move over and let Him drive the car!” We are not literally “on trial” for anything, as this scripture references… but we have placed ourselves in judgment by others – both real and imagined. We worry about whether we are smart enough, good looking, rich enough, wear the right clothes and drive the right car. We wonder if others think our home is nice enough… and whether we are sufficiently “spiritual”. We work ourselves into a tizzy trying to create the best image… to cover up our sins and shortcomings… to compensate for our perceived lack of whatever it is we think we need… and we make ourselves miserable in the process.
Life would be so much simpler if we would just let God have control. If we would shift our focus from making excuses to making time for God to work in and through us, we would never have to worry about most everything that concerns us. And if you think this is easy for me, you are sadly mistaken. This is a tough one for ALL of us… and I am including myself!
Today needs to be the day we stop the madness! This needs to be a day of change and reconciliation… a day when we say, “That’s it! I’m done letting the devil drive me crazy!” (Because we all know this is the devil’s doing… right?!) This should be the day that we stop and say, “LORD, I’m sorry I have shut you out… I’m ready to let your Holy Spirit have complete charge of my life. From now on, I will trust YOU to give me the words and actions that I need… and to handle the outcomes.”
Today can be the day we experience a transformation from someone who is frantically trying to be someone and something we are not… to the peace-filled person God has created us to be. Are you ready to make the switch? Won’t you hand over the keys to God and let Him “drive”?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 28, 2013
Luke 2:14
“Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.”
What are you truly thankful for? If someone were to ask you this question, how would you answer? Would you list your family, friends, food, clothing, and shelter…your salvation through Jesus Christ, a good job, health, a nice car to drive or good looks? My mother often speaks of how thankful she is to turn on the tap and get hot water… something that is virtually unheard of in many corners of the world. Are you thankful for technology… your laptop and/or smart phone…medical breakthroughs that have revolutionized health care? Do you stop to consider your freedom… clean air… and public safety? Do you voice appreciation for these things – to God and to others?
At the end of the day, each of these brings us one gift… peace. And the direct provider of this blessing is God Almighty! Because of God and His incredible gift of Jesus, those of us who have invited Christ to live in our hearts can someday stand before our Heavenly Father and hear Him say… “All your sins have been forgiven. Your slate is clean… you are safely at home with Me.” Because of the blessings of God, most of us are where we are today… living in the home we have – with the family and friends we have… enjoying freedom of speech and religion, mobility and safety to go and do as we please, relatively good health, clean air and water, and all of the modern conveniences. We probably don’t think about it this way… but at the heart of all we enjoy and everything we do, we are seeking peace.
Until we acknowledge God and His hand in our lives, we will never truly experience complete peace. Until we focus on pleasing God and serving Him… until we invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and guide our every breath, we will not know complete peace… GOD’s peace. I don’t know about you, but I’ve come to the point where THIS is tantamount to me! What I want more than anything in life is to have God’s complete peace, because I know that unimaginable blessings come along with it. God’s peace is the “meat and potatoes”… His blessings are the “gravy”… and I want heapin’ helpings of both!
What about you? Are you struggling to find peace in your heart – about anything and everything? Do you feel a lack… an emptiness or a gnawing sensation that something is missing? Could it be God’s peace? Have you thanked God for all of the blessings He has bestowed upon you… and have you asked Him to show you areas of untapped service and obedience to Him that could be blocking complete peace? Isn’t today a great day to start discovering how you can align yourself more closely with God… and receive His peace in return?
What are you waiting for? Praise God in Heaven… He is worthy, and He will give you peace!
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.”
Jude 1:24-25Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.
What are you truly thankful for? If someone were to ask you this question, how would you answer? Would you list your family, friends, food, clothing, and shelter…your salvation through Jesus Christ, a good job, health, a nice car to drive or good looks? My mother often speaks of how thankful she is to turn on the tap and get hot water… something that is virtually unheard of in many corners of the world. Are you thankful for technology… your laptop and/or smart phone…medical breakthroughs that have revolutionized health care? Do you stop to consider your freedom… clean air… and public safety? Do you voice appreciation for these things – to God and to others?
At the end of the day, each of these brings us one gift… peace. And the direct provider of this blessing is God Almighty! Because of God and His incredible gift of Jesus, those of us who have invited Christ to live in our hearts can someday stand before our Heavenly Father and hear Him say… “All your sins have been forgiven. Your slate is clean… you are safely at home with Me.” Because of the blessings of God, most of us are where we are today… living in the home we have – with the family and friends we have… enjoying freedom of speech and religion, mobility and safety to go and do as we please, relatively good health, clean air and water, and all of the modern conveniences. We probably don’t think about it this way… but at the heart of all we enjoy and everything we do, we are seeking peace.
Until we acknowledge God and His hand in our lives, we will never truly experience complete peace. Until we focus on pleasing God and serving Him… until we invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and guide our every breath, we will not know complete peace… GOD’s peace. I don’t know about you, but I’ve come to the point where THIS is tantamount to me! What I want more than anything in life is to have God’s complete peace, because I know that unimaginable blessings come along with it. God’s peace is the “meat and potatoes”… His blessings are the “gravy”… and I want heapin’ helpings of both!
What about you? Are you struggling to find peace in your heart – about anything and everything? Do you feel a lack… an emptiness or a gnawing sensation that something is missing? Could it be God’s peace? Have you thanked God for all of the blessings He has bestowed upon you… and have you asked Him to show you areas of untapped service and obedience to Him that could be blocking complete peace? Isn’t today a great day to start discovering how you can align yourself more closely with God… and receive His peace in return?
What are you waiting for? Praise God in Heaven… He is worthy, and He will give you peace!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 11, 2013
Isaiah 55:8-12
The Lord says:
“My thoughts and my ways are not like yours.
Just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.
“Rain and snow fall from the sky.
But they don’t return without watering the earth
that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat.
That’s how it is with my words.
They don’t return to me without doing everything I send them to do.”
When you are set free, you will celebrate and travel home in peace.
Mountains and hills will sing as you pass by, and trees will clap.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all been to a concert or the ballgame where entertainers, celebrities, and/or athletes appear, and the crowd goes wild with excitement. The enthusiasm is palpable… contagious… and for a time, at least, we leave the event feeling uplifted and joyful. We travel home in peace. God wants us to experience Him in this manner. He wants us to be so filled with His presence that we are exhilarated, yet serene… all at once confident and calm.
There are about a dozen people that I often encounter who truly make me a better person every time I am with them. They seem to exude joy and faith in God. No matter what is happening in their lives, they have a smile and a positive attitude… and I know it is because of their close relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Truly, after I am with these people, I feel like the mountains and hills sing and the trees clap as I pass by.
Do you know people like this? Are you one of them? Do you know that God wants us to be so filled with His thoughts, words and ways that we cannot help but experience incredible peace and joy in Him? Can you see that God wants us to be so full of faith and enthusiasm for His truths that we move the mountains and hills to sing and the trees to clap in celebration?
Most of us will never attain celebrity status or be professional athletes or entertainers. We will never enter arenas or stages to the rousing applause and celebration of an adoring throng. But this really isn’t important anyway. What matters is that we live in the applause and celebration of God… of belonging completely to Him, surrendering to His ways, and sharing His love with others. When we settle into the complete peace and freedom of a life in Christ… with the Holy Spirit as our constant companion… mountains and hills will indeed sing, trees will clap, and these will be all of the accolades we could ever need.
Whose applause are you seeking these days? Where are you searching for peace? Give God room to work in your life… make a place for the Holy Spirit in your heart. Look for joy and contentment in the right places. Attune your heart to the higher ways and words of God… and get ready to “travel home in peace”.
©2013 Debbie Robus
The Lord says:
“My thoughts and my ways are not like yours.
Just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.
“Rain and snow fall from the sky.
But they don’t return without watering the earth
that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat.
That’s how it is with my words.
They don’t return to me without doing everything I send them to do.”
When you are set free, you will celebrate and travel home in peace.
Mountains and hills will sing as you pass by, and trees will clap.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all been to a concert or the ballgame where entertainers, celebrities, and/or athletes appear, and the crowd goes wild with excitement. The enthusiasm is palpable… contagious… and for a time, at least, we leave the event feeling uplifted and joyful. We travel home in peace. God wants us to experience Him in this manner. He wants us to be so filled with His presence that we are exhilarated, yet serene… all at once confident and calm.
There are about a dozen people that I often encounter who truly make me a better person every time I am with them. They seem to exude joy and faith in God. No matter what is happening in their lives, they have a smile and a positive attitude… and I know it is because of their close relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Truly, after I am with these people, I feel like the mountains and hills sing and the trees clap as I pass by.
Do you know people like this? Are you one of them? Do you know that God wants us to be so filled with His thoughts, words and ways that we cannot help but experience incredible peace and joy in Him? Can you see that God wants us to be so full of faith and enthusiasm for His truths that we move the mountains and hills to sing and the trees to clap in celebration?
Most of us will never attain celebrity status or be professional athletes or entertainers. We will never enter arenas or stages to the rousing applause and celebration of an adoring throng. But this really isn’t important anyway. What matters is that we live in the applause and celebration of God… of belonging completely to Him, surrendering to His ways, and sharing His love with others. When we settle into the complete peace and freedom of a life in Christ… with the Holy Spirit as our constant companion… mountains and hills will indeed sing, trees will clap, and these will be all of the accolades we could ever need.
Whose applause are you seeking these days? Where are you searching for peace? Give God room to work in your life… make a place for the Holy Spirit in your heart. Look for joy and contentment in the right places. Attune your heart to the higher ways and words of God… and get ready to “travel home in peace”.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 17, 2013
Galatians 5:22-24
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
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.
Timothy is learning about rewards and consequences. When he eats all of his dinner, a “treat” afterward is often offered. Last night it was ice cream and a small piece of chocolate. Sometimes it is a special video or a trip to the park. And this morning, I surprised him with a big fat marshmallow – one of his favorite treats – because he had been polite, obedient, and well-mannered. I hope he and his siblings will learn to develop patience, compassion, and an innate sense of holiness. Last week during his birthday party (which happened to be on Mother’s Day), Timothy climbed the ladder to his little slide, stopped and said, “Hey, Happy Mother’s Day everyone!” I count that a victory… an unforced expression of love and kindness that was followed a few minutes later by an unprompted “Thanks for telling me ‘Happy Birthday,’ guys!”
Every day is different, and today, Timothy wanted to be a superhero. He asked for a cape and a mask, and I tied a kitchen towel around his neck and gave him a quickly-fashioned paper eye mask. He was delighted. He didn’t need a fancy, store-bought costume. He was every much “Super Timmy” in his home-made duds. All the television commercials in the world for fancy toys and wacky-flavored cereals cannot compete with a quick home-made costume and a marshmallow for this kid!
Let’s be honest… not all four-year-old boys develop patience, kindness, and a loving heart and spirit so early. And in any given minute, Timothy is anything but all of these things - because he is only four and still learning. In fact, he had a "meltdown" as I wrote this, because I would not produce another marshmallow on demand! Sadly, many forty-year-old (or older) men and women behave in much the same way! They still have not developed a heart for the “fruits of the Spirit”… they operate in the things of this world – the unwritten laws which dictate that we must have this or that… and everything should always go our way! So they experience all sorts of dilemmas and challenges… debt, disappointment, lack of respect in the home and workplace, frustration, failed relationships, and a reputation for being disagreeable or a hothead, just to name a few. Worse yet, many people fail to receive all of the good gifts that God wishes to send their way. Like a little boy who didn’t eat his dinner or couldn’t play nicely, there is no “treat” or surprise.
When we fully experience a transformation from the ways of this world to a life in Christ… when we allow the Holy Spirit to have complete authority over our heart… we are forever changed. And everyone notices. We operate from a totally different perspective than other people. We are kinder and more patient… we have more compassion for others and the circumstances of the world… and we operate with a sense of inner peace and calm in even the craziest and most challenging situations. And God responds by blessing us beyond what we could ever have hoped or imagined.
I don’t know about you, but I want this kind of life… for myself, and for my family and friends. That’s why I am sharing this message with you. I want you to understand what a hope we have in Jesus Christ… how much God wants to give us, if only we will allow Him to fill our heart. When we make serving God – and serving others in His name – second nature, we are free of the world’s “rules” and ways and able to fully experience all that He has in store for us. Won’t you ask God today to help you fill your heart with His Holy Spirit? Won’t you learn to walk in the ways of the LORD and to experience life like never before? Whether you are four or forty-four… or even twice that age… God still has plenty in store for you. Are you ready to receive His good gifts?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.
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.
Timothy is learning about rewards and consequences. When he eats all of his dinner, a “treat” afterward is often offered. Last night it was ice cream and a small piece of chocolate. Sometimes it is a special video or a trip to the park. And this morning, I surprised him with a big fat marshmallow – one of his favorite treats – because he had been polite, obedient, and well-mannered. I hope he and his siblings will learn to develop patience, compassion, and an innate sense of holiness. Last week during his birthday party (which happened to be on Mother’s Day), Timothy climbed the ladder to his little slide, stopped and said, “Hey, Happy Mother’s Day everyone!” I count that a victory… an unforced expression of love and kindness that was followed a few minutes later by an unprompted “Thanks for telling me ‘Happy Birthday,’ guys!”
Every day is different, and today, Timothy wanted to be a superhero. He asked for a cape and a mask, and I tied a kitchen towel around his neck and gave him a quickly-fashioned paper eye mask. He was delighted. He didn’t need a fancy, store-bought costume. He was every much “Super Timmy” in his home-made duds. All the television commercials in the world for fancy toys and wacky-flavored cereals cannot compete with a quick home-made costume and a marshmallow for this kid!
Let’s be honest… not all four-year-old boys develop patience, kindness, and a loving heart and spirit so early. And in any given minute, Timothy is anything but all of these things - because he is only four and still learning. In fact, he had a "meltdown" as I wrote this, because I would not produce another marshmallow on demand! Sadly, many forty-year-old (or older) men and women behave in much the same way! They still have not developed a heart for the “fruits of the Spirit”… they operate in the things of this world – the unwritten laws which dictate that we must have this or that… and everything should always go our way! So they experience all sorts of dilemmas and challenges… debt, disappointment, lack of respect in the home and workplace, frustration, failed relationships, and a reputation for being disagreeable or a hothead, just to name a few. Worse yet, many people fail to receive all of the good gifts that God wishes to send their way. Like a little boy who didn’t eat his dinner or couldn’t play nicely, there is no “treat” or surprise.
When we fully experience a transformation from the ways of this world to a life in Christ… when we allow the Holy Spirit to have complete authority over our heart… we are forever changed. And everyone notices. We operate from a totally different perspective than other people. We are kinder and more patient… we have more compassion for others and the circumstances of the world… and we operate with a sense of inner peace and calm in even the craziest and most challenging situations. And God responds by blessing us beyond what we could ever have hoped or imagined.
I don’t know about you, but I want this kind of life… for myself, and for my family and friends. That’s why I am sharing this message with you. I want you to understand what a hope we have in Jesus Christ… how much God wants to give us, if only we will allow Him to fill our heart. When we make serving God – and serving others in His name – second nature, we are free of the world’s “rules” and ways and able to fully experience all that He has in store for us. Won’t you ask God today to help you fill your heart with His Holy Spirit? Won’t you learn to walk in the ways of the LORD and to experience life like never before? Whether you are four or forty-four… or even twice that age… God still has plenty in store for you. Are you ready to receive His good gifts?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 7, 2013
May 7 ~ Romans 2:17-24
If you’re brought up Jewish, don’t assume that you can lean back in the arms of your religion and take it easy, feeling smug because you’re an insider to God’s revelation, a connoisseur of the best things of God, informed on the latest doctrines! I have a special word of caution for you who are sure that you have it all together yourselves and, because you know God’s revealed Word inside and out, feel qualified to guide others through their blind alleys and dark nights and confused emotions to God. While you are guiding others, who is going to guide you? I’m quite serious. While preaching “Don’t steal!” are you going to rob people blind? Who would suspect you? The same with adultery. The same with idolatry. You can get by with almost anything if you front it with eloquent talk about God and his law. The line from Scripture, “It’s because of you Jews that the outsiders are down on God,” shows it’s an old problem that isn’t going to go away.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, my husband and I purchased mulch and flowering plants to spruce up our house and yard. Each spring, we fill four hanging baskets with colorful flowers and trailing vines to place on our back porch. My “gardening” skills extend about as far as filling a pot or bucket with potting soil and poking in some plants - with a quick prayer that I didn’t kill them in the process! As I put Sunsatia Lemon, ornamental sweet potato vines, and red petunias into the four hanging baskets, I laughed to myself as I hurried to get done. I enjoy looking at beautiful plants and flowers… but “gardening” is just not my cup of tea. I could almost hear my grandmother clucking over my shoulder. She loved “digging in the dirt,” and she would have been as frustrated with my impatience as I was the task at hand.
If any of my little ones want to learn to “garden,” I am not the person to teach them. Just because my grandmother was an extraordinary gardener doesn’t ensure that I am one also… or that I could guide someone else to become proficient in this area. On the other hand, my grandmother was also an excellent seamstress, and she did teach me how to sew. Over the last 40 years, I have spent countless hours reading about sewing, studying others’ sewing techniques, talking with fellow seamstresses and sharing their secrets… and putting what I learned into practice. Even though I feel my skills are fairly accomplished, I know I still have a lot to learn… and with each garment, I seem to discover something new - and hone my craft in the process.
In this passage from Romans, the Apostle Paul is telling us that we cannot ride the coat-tails of our ancestors when it comes to our faith… and just because we have invited Jesus to be LORD of our life and forgive our sins – just because we are Christians – does not mean that we are “livin’ on Easy Street”! We can’t sit back and tell everyone else how to live and do as we please because we are children of God. That would be like me trying to tell someone else how to grow flowers and vegetables because my grandmother was such a good gardener!
Just as the last line of this passage indicates, a lot of people are “down on Christianity” because of the way so many Christians act! Too many Christians nitpick and hone in on one particular action or group - and persecute and pester them half to death in the name of Jesus… all the while making Christians as a whole appear to be unkind, unmerciful, and downright ridiculous in many instances. Who wants to be a Christian if this is what it entails?! This is why so many people say, “I’d come to church, but the place is full of hypocrites!” If the hypocrites stopped coming, the sanctuaries would be virtually empty on Sunday mornings! And this is really a sad commentary on our faith!
So what are we to do? I go back to the sewing reference I made earlier. We study, we pray, we fellowship with other believers… we “hone our skills” as Christians… and we put them into daily practice! We speak from the heart – and from experience… not from the lore and lineage of our forefathers. We become “the real deal” for Jesus… we model His teachings for others… we show love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and compassion… and we tell everyone the Good News about how they can be saved by the blood of the cross and live for Him every day for themselves.
I heard an evangelist say recently that he no longer shares with others about his background and the horrible things that God rescued him from… “because I’m too busy telling people how GOOD God is to me now!” Too many of us are living in the past… and claiming faith in Jesus Christ based on others’ relationship with Him instead of our own. It’s time to develop a relationship with Jesus that is yours… personal and pertinent…one that you can genuinely share with others because you know that you know that you KNOW what you are talking about! Do you have that level of intimacy with Jesus? Do you know Him that well? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
If you’re brought up Jewish, don’t assume that you can lean back in the arms of your religion and take it easy, feeling smug because you’re an insider to God’s revelation, a connoisseur of the best things of God, informed on the latest doctrines! I have a special word of caution for you who are sure that you have it all together yourselves and, because you know God’s revealed Word inside and out, feel qualified to guide others through their blind alleys and dark nights and confused emotions to God. While you are guiding others, who is going to guide you? I’m quite serious. While preaching “Don’t steal!” are you going to rob people blind? Who would suspect you? The same with adultery. The same with idolatry. You can get by with almost anything if you front it with eloquent talk about God and his law. The line from Scripture, “It’s because of you Jews that the outsiders are down on God,” shows it’s an old problem that isn’t going to go away.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, my husband and I purchased mulch and flowering plants to spruce up our house and yard. Each spring, we fill four hanging baskets with colorful flowers and trailing vines to place on our back porch. My “gardening” skills extend about as far as filling a pot or bucket with potting soil and poking in some plants - with a quick prayer that I didn’t kill them in the process! As I put Sunsatia Lemon, ornamental sweet potato vines, and red petunias into the four hanging baskets, I laughed to myself as I hurried to get done. I enjoy looking at beautiful plants and flowers… but “gardening” is just not my cup of tea. I could almost hear my grandmother clucking over my shoulder. She loved “digging in the dirt,” and she would have been as frustrated with my impatience as I was the task at hand.
If any of my little ones want to learn to “garden,” I am not the person to teach them. Just because my grandmother was an extraordinary gardener doesn’t ensure that I am one also… or that I could guide someone else to become proficient in this area. On the other hand, my grandmother was also an excellent seamstress, and she did teach me how to sew. Over the last 40 years, I have spent countless hours reading about sewing, studying others’ sewing techniques, talking with fellow seamstresses and sharing their secrets… and putting what I learned into practice. Even though I feel my skills are fairly accomplished, I know I still have a lot to learn… and with each garment, I seem to discover something new - and hone my craft in the process.
In this passage from Romans, the Apostle Paul is telling us that we cannot ride the coat-tails of our ancestors when it comes to our faith… and just because we have invited Jesus to be LORD of our life and forgive our sins – just because we are Christians – does not mean that we are “livin’ on Easy Street”! We can’t sit back and tell everyone else how to live and do as we please because we are children of God. That would be like me trying to tell someone else how to grow flowers and vegetables because my grandmother was such a good gardener!
Just as the last line of this passage indicates, a lot of people are “down on Christianity” because of the way so many Christians act! Too many Christians nitpick and hone in on one particular action or group - and persecute and pester them half to death in the name of Jesus… all the while making Christians as a whole appear to be unkind, unmerciful, and downright ridiculous in many instances. Who wants to be a Christian if this is what it entails?! This is why so many people say, “I’d come to church, but the place is full of hypocrites!” If the hypocrites stopped coming, the sanctuaries would be virtually empty on Sunday mornings! And this is really a sad commentary on our faith!
So what are we to do? I go back to the sewing reference I made earlier. We study, we pray, we fellowship with other believers… we “hone our skills” as Christians… and we put them into daily practice! We speak from the heart – and from experience… not from the lore and lineage of our forefathers. We become “the real deal” for Jesus… we model His teachings for others… we show love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and compassion… and we tell everyone the Good News about how they can be saved by the blood of the cross and live for Him every day for themselves.
I heard an evangelist say recently that he no longer shares with others about his background and the horrible things that God rescued him from… “because I’m too busy telling people how GOOD God is to me now!” Too many of us are living in the past… and claiming faith in Jesus Christ based on others’ relationship with Him instead of our own. It’s time to develop a relationship with Jesus that is yours… personal and pertinent…one that you can genuinely share with others because you know that you know that you KNOW what you are talking about! Do you have that level of intimacy with Jesus? Do you know Him that well? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 31, 2012
1 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Here we are again… at the end of another year! No doubt, we have all encountered our own share of joys, triumphs, challenges and tribulations. Surely no one can live 365 consecutive uneventful days! There will be highs and lows for each of us. But the one thing that is indisputable is the availability of God’s spirit… His strength and power readily offered to each of us.
So often, we say, “This is so hard! I don’t know how I will make it!” We worry, fret, and operate in fear. The Apostle Paul’s words for Timothy work equally well for us. God has His hand on us…He is equipping us with fortitude and courage. With God by our side - His Holy Spirit living within us - nothing is beyond what we can handle. Because of His spirit of power, love and self-discipline, we are able to endure hardships, embrace victories… and keep a level head through all of it!
As we start a new year, I encourage you to make sure you are equipped for what lies ahead. Don’t enter 2013 without the power and strength of God to undergird you. Take some time right now to pause and ask Him to be with you every step of the way. In the words of scripture, put on the full armor of God, so that each minute of the day is as full and rich as possible.
There’s one more thing… remember to be grateful. Thank God for all He does for you… the blessings, care, power and encouragement He provides. Thank Him for giving us Jesus… and for sending His Holy Spirit to be your constant companion. And also thank God for the other people who come in and out of your life… for brief encounters and lasting relationships… for opportunities to bless and serve… and for those who enrich your life in His name.
Make this year the one you truly live with purpose. Realize your full potential with God as the driving force within you. Operate humbly under His power, and remember to be grateful in all circumstances. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating… with God’s power behind us, we are stronger than we think! Make 2013 the year you fully embrace this thought… and live by example. Happy New Year’s Eve… and God bless you!
©2012 Debbie Robus
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Here we are again… at the end of another year! No doubt, we have all encountered our own share of joys, triumphs, challenges and tribulations. Surely no one can live 365 consecutive uneventful days! There will be highs and lows for each of us. But the one thing that is indisputable is the availability of God’s spirit… His strength and power readily offered to each of us.
So often, we say, “This is so hard! I don’t know how I will make it!” We worry, fret, and operate in fear. The Apostle Paul’s words for Timothy work equally well for us. God has His hand on us…He is equipping us with fortitude and courage. With God by our side - His Holy Spirit living within us - nothing is beyond what we can handle. Because of His spirit of power, love and self-discipline, we are able to endure hardships, embrace victories… and keep a level head through all of it!
As we start a new year, I encourage you to make sure you are equipped for what lies ahead. Don’t enter 2013 without the power and strength of God to undergird you. Take some time right now to pause and ask Him to be with you every step of the way. In the words of scripture, put on the full armor of God, so that each minute of the day is as full and rich as possible.
There’s one more thing… remember to be grateful. Thank God for all He does for you… the blessings, care, power and encouragement He provides. Thank Him for giving us Jesus… and for sending His Holy Spirit to be your constant companion. And also thank God for the other people who come in and out of your life… for brief encounters and lasting relationships… for opportunities to bless and serve… and for those who enrich your life in His name.
Make this year the one you truly live with purpose. Realize your full potential with God as the driving force within you. Operate humbly under His power, and remember to be grateful in all circumstances. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating… with God’s power behind us, we are stronger than we think! Make 2013 the year you fully embrace this thought… and live by example. Happy New Year’s Eve… and God bless you!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 23, 2012
Ezra 4:4-6
Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Lies… threats… bribery… gossip and rumors…the Bible says all of these things – and more – have gone on since the long before the time of King Cyrus of Persia, who lived from 576 B.C. to 530 B.C. Frustration is nothing new, dear friend!
What HAS changed is JESUS! In the time of King Cyrus, all of these things that discouraged, frightened and frustrated were a distraction at best… causing people to lose focus and wander away from God. In this particular instance, these actions were attempts to stop the building of a temple. But even today, it would be so easy for us to become mired in the problems of the “daily grind” and lose our way… were it not for Jesus.
If you read much of the Old Testament, you will see that people had to jump through some pretty big hoops to stay close to God. They were not able to communicate with Him directly and relied on priests and prophets to intercede on their behalf. They had to burn offerings and sacrifices in order to atone for their sins. You think we have laws now? You should read the Old Testament laws concerning every behavior and action under the sun!
When God sent Jesus, everything changed. Now, not only are we able to communicate directly with Him… Jesus paid for every single one of our sins. No more sacrifices or burnt offerings are needed… no more asking someone else to speak to God on our behalf is required… no more wondering where we stand need happen! Because of Jesus, we have a direct line to God! Today, when we are frustrated, we can tell God how we feel. His Holy Spirit helps us maneuver the challenges that arise in our lives each day and keeps us on track.
There will still be lies, threats, bribery, gossip and rumors… but when these are lodged in our direction, we can talk to God and ask Him to help us handle these things according to His will. And we most certainly do not have to engage in these behaviors ourselves! When we are discouraged, frightened, and distracted, we don’t have to wander away from God and wonder how we will ever manage. All we have to do is humbly ask Him to help us… and He will deliver answers, calm and peace.
People often say that the true celebration of Jesus lies in the Holy Week of Easter, when we remember His crucifixion, death and resurrection… how He took our sins on the cross. But since we are very near the celebration of Christmas, let’s fully revel in Christ’s birth… the fact that God did send Him to rescue us and give us great help - including coping skills for frustration and the devil’s attempts to distract us.
Let’s take time to stop and thank God for offering us such a tremendous sacrifice and opening the door for us to communicate with Him directly. Let’s praise God for loving us so much… for offering us grace, mercy and forgiveness. AND… let’s be sure we accept His great gift! If you have never invited Jesus Christ to be the LORD of your life and fill your heart with His Holy Spirit, I can’t think of a better time to do so!
Don’t waste another minute wandering around in confusion. Embrace the gift of Jesus and let Him help you handle everything. He can… He will. All you have to do is ask.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. They bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans. This went on during the entire reign of King Cyrus of Persia and lasted until King Darius of Persia took the throne.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Lies… threats… bribery… gossip and rumors…the Bible says all of these things – and more – have gone on since the long before the time of King Cyrus of Persia, who lived from 576 B.C. to 530 B.C. Frustration is nothing new, dear friend!
What HAS changed is JESUS! In the time of King Cyrus, all of these things that discouraged, frightened and frustrated were a distraction at best… causing people to lose focus and wander away from God. In this particular instance, these actions were attempts to stop the building of a temple. But even today, it would be so easy for us to become mired in the problems of the “daily grind” and lose our way… were it not for Jesus.
If you read much of the Old Testament, you will see that people had to jump through some pretty big hoops to stay close to God. They were not able to communicate with Him directly and relied on priests and prophets to intercede on their behalf. They had to burn offerings and sacrifices in order to atone for their sins. You think we have laws now? You should read the Old Testament laws concerning every behavior and action under the sun!
When God sent Jesus, everything changed. Now, not only are we able to communicate directly with Him… Jesus paid for every single one of our sins. No more sacrifices or burnt offerings are needed… no more asking someone else to speak to God on our behalf is required… no more wondering where we stand need happen! Because of Jesus, we have a direct line to God! Today, when we are frustrated, we can tell God how we feel. His Holy Spirit helps us maneuver the challenges that arise in our lives each day and keeps us on track.
There will still be lies, threats, bribery, gossip and rumors… but when these are lodged in our direction, we can talk to God and ask Him to help us handle these things according to His will. And we most certainly do not have to engage in these behaviors ourselves! When we are discouraged, frightened, and distracted, we don’t have to wander away from God and wonder how we will ever manage. All we have to do is humbly ask Him to help us… and He will deliver answers, calm and peace.
People often say that the true celebration of Jesus lies in the Holy Week of Easter, when we remember His crucifixion, death and resurrection… how He took our sins on the cross. But since we are very near the celebration of Christmas, let’s fully revel in Christ’s birth… the fact that God did send Him to rescue us and give us great help - including coping skills for frustration and the devil’s attempts to distract us.
Let’s take time to stop and thank God for offering us such a tremendous sacrifice and opening the door for us to communicate with Him directly. Let’s praise God for loving us so much… for offering us grace, mercy and forgiveness. AND… let’s be sure we accept His great gift! If you have never invited Jesus Christ to be the LORD of your life and fill your heart with His Holy Spirit, I can’t think of a better time to do so!
Don’t waste another minute wandering around in confusion. Embrace the gift of Jesus and let Him help you handle everything. He can… He will. All you have to do is ask.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 29, 2012
September 29 ~ Ephesians 1:15-18
I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone tells you about a product they think you will love. You try it, based on their recommendation… and you find that words could not describe how wonderful this product truly is. You honestly don’t know how you ever got along without this wonderful item… and you don’t plan to ever be without it again.
I can tell you all day long how wonderful it is to operate in the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit… but you just have to try Him for yourself to fully understand. And much as I want to, I cannot make you do this. You have to want what the Holy Spirit offers. You have to desire a higher level of faith and holiness… peace and a sense of direction.
Loving Jesus and asking Him to forgive your sins is only part of the picture… a very important part, but still not the full package He offers. In order to get in on everything, you have to “go whole hog!” You must invite the Holy Spirit to live within you and guide your every step. You must work at recognizing His voice… feeling His presence… and operating in His will. This will take time – and practice… but man-oh-man, is it ever worth the effort!
So while I am grateful for you and your faith, just as Paul says in this letter to the people of Ephesus… I want so much more. My prayer is also “that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you” and offered His Holy Spirit to be your constant companion. I pray that you will discover the glorious blessings that can be yours in this relationship. Don’t take my word for it…discover for yourself what God has in store. A lot of people are in your corner on this… won’t you see “what all the fuss is about?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone tells you about a product they think you will love. You try it, based on their recommendation… and you find that words could not describe how wonderful this product truly is. You honestly don’t know how you ever got along without this wonderful item… and you don’t plan to ever be without it again.
I can tell you all day long how wonderful it is to operate in the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit… but you just have to try Him for yourself to fully understand. And much as I want to, I cannot make you do this. You have to want what the Holy Spirit offers. You have to desire a higher level of faith and holiness… peace and a sense of direction.
Loving Jesus and asking Him to forgive your sins is only part of the picture… a very important part, but still not the full package He offers. In order to get in on everything, you have to “go whole hog!” You must invite the Holy Spirit to live within you and guide your every step. You must work at recognizing His voice… feeling His presence… and operating in His will. This will take time – and practice… but man-oh-man, is it ever worth the effort!
So while I am grateful for you and your faith, just as Paul says in this letter to the people of Ephesus… I want so much more. My prayer is also “that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you” and offered His Holy Spirit to be your constant companion. I pray that you will discover the glorious blessings that can be yours in this relationship. Don’t take my word for it…discover for yourself what God has in store. A lot of people are in your corner on this… won’t you see “what all the fuss is about?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 26, 2012
James 1:19-21
My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things that God wants done. You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. Instead be humble and accept the message that is planted in you to save you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most three-year-olds cannot control their temper or their tongue. They have not learned to use the right words or methods to express their feelings. So there are a lot of “I can’ts” and temper tantrums. Timothy told me one day, “I’m mad!” I asked why he was mad, and he couldn’t tell me. So he threw some toys and cried instead. As you can imagine, that really didn’t accomplish much!
I tried (unsuccessfully) to explain to Timothy that I might be able to help if I knew what made him mad. But we could not get anything done until we knew what problem we were addressing.
Even at a “grown-up” age, we are really no different. We still get angry over situations and lash out. We still behave irrationally and fail to truly spell out our issues, so that we can face them head-on. And we know better. God has equipped us with the ultimate tool for handling any and every situation… His Holy Spirit. All we have to do is stop and outline our situation… to say, “LORD, here I am… this is what’s going on… how do I proceed?”… and to trust Him to show us what needs to get done.
Instead, we often forge ahead on our own. The devil sits on our shoulder and rubs his hands greedily. And with the tiniest window of opportunity, he jumps in and says, “I think you should do it THIS way,” or “Nobody’s going to help you… you might as well have a little fun, get drunk or high, rant and rave and throw a fit…or simply give up.” Insert whatever trips your trigger here… because we all have the propensity to succumb to Satan’s voice if we are not watchful and diligent in our efforts to listen to the Holy Spirit!
Stay on your guard, and ask God to help you control your temper. Learn to express what is bothering you to the Holy Spirit… and to seek His guidance for how to handle even the smallest of everyday challenges. Not every day will be a bed of roses. Tests will come… trials and tribulations are inevitable. But God has planted a message of hope in your heart. He has equipped you with the full armor of His Holy Spirit, and you.can.do.this! Your job is to listen and pay attention. How are you doing so far?
©2012 Debbie Robus
My dear friends, you should be quick to listen and slow to speak or to get angry. If you are angry, you cannot do any of the good things that God wants done. You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. Instead be humble and accept the message that is planted in you to save you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most three-year-olds cannot control their temper or their tongue. They have not learned to use the right words or methods to express their feelings. So there are a lot of “I can’ts” and temper tantrums. Timothy told me one day, “I’m mad!” I asked why he was mad, and he couldn’t tell me. So he threw some toys and cried instead. As you can imagine, that really didn’t accomplish much!
I tried (unsuccessfully) to explain to Timothy that I might be able to help if I knew what made him mad. But we could not get anything done until we knew what problem we were addressing.
Even at a “grown-up” age, we are really no different. We still get angry over situations and lash out. We still behave irrationally and fail to truly spell out our issues, so that we can face them head-on. And we know better. God has equipped us with the ultimate tool for handling any and every situation… His Holy Spirit. All we have to do is stop and outline our situation… to say, “LORD, here I am… this is what’s going on… how do I proceed?”… and to trust Him to show us what needs to get done.
Instead, we often forge ahead on our own. The devil sits on our shoulder and rubs his hands greedily. And with the tiniest window of opportunity, he jumps in and says, “I think you should do it THIS way,” or “Nobody’s going to help you… you might as well have a little fun, get drunk or high, rant and rave and throw a fit…or simply give up.” Insert whatever trips your trigger here… because we all have the propensity to succumb to Satan’s voice if we are not watchful and diligent in our efforts to listen to the Holy Spirit!
Stay on your guard, and ask God to help you control your temper. Learn to express what is bothering you to the Holy Spirit… and to seek His guidance for how to handle even the smallest of everyday challenges. Not every day will be a bed of roses. Tests will come… trials and tribulations are inevitable. But God has planted a message of hope in your heart. He has equipped you with the full armor of His Holy Spirit, and you.can.do.this! Your job is to listen and pay attention. How are you doing so far?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 3, 2012
Galatians 5:22-23
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
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 day last fall, I cut open an apple, and the seeds inside had sprouted. I wondered what would happen if I planted them, so I carefully saved the sprouts and put them in a bucket of potting soil. I fertilized and watered the soil, and soon, a tiny shoot emerged through the dirt. All winter I tended this seedling… and now it is several feet high. I have no clue whether this seedling will ever bear fruit… but I continue to nurture it with the anticipation of someday having a beautiful apple tree in my back yard!
Had I planted this sprout in the soil and covered the bucket with a lid, the results would have been far different. The sprout would still have been there. Technically, there would still be potential for an apple tree. But without the nurturing gifts of water, sunlight, and air, the tree would not have the necessary components to flourish and grow.
It seems that a lot of Christians get things half right. They focus on their salvation experience… they make the critical decision to acknowledge that Jesus died for their sins… and they invite Him to become LORD of their life. But far too many Christians stop at this decision and never cultivate any further relationship with Jesus. They never even acknowledge His Holy Spirit… much less allow Him to work in and through their heart. It’s as if they planted the sprout and then put a lid on the bucket!
So we end up with a lot of Christians who see the glass as half-empty. They are cynical and skeptical of their fellow man and many circumstances. Our great-nephew Nathan entered the world this morning – a full 6 pounds 13 ounces of perfection. But as he grows, many will look at him and fail to see what we lovingly see…just as we Christians fail to see the beautiful child of God in each of our fellow humans. We are too busy judging their skin color, sexual orientation, political leaning, denominational allegiance, or even the size and shape of their noses!
We get angry at every little comment… we only encourage those who encourage us… we miss the holiness of a few minutes spent silently worshipping God while listening to our favorite hymn or contemporary Christian song - or sitting on the back porch in a rocking chair listening to the birds. And we are anything but calm and serene. We effectually put a lid on the bucket of God’s gifts through His Holy Spirit… and we miss out on so much in the process.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We can start today to invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts – and to manifest Himself in and through our very being. We can start paying closer attention and calling on Him more to help us with every aspect of our day. And we can begin to experience the true joy and serenity that comes from living God’s way.
I want to be a glass-more-than-half-full kind of Christian. I want to receive every gift God extends… and to be a good steward of them all. I want the peace and calm that God’s Holy Spirit offers… the love and compassion, patience and self-control that He stands ready to grant each of His believers. I’m ready to operate in the energy of the Holy Spirit and to feel His steady hand pointing me in the right direction. What about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
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 day last fall, I cut open an apple, and the seeds inside had sprouted. I wondered what would happen if I planted them, so I carefully saved the sprouts and put them in a bucket of potting soil. I fertilized and watered the soil, and soon, a tiny shoot emerged through the dirt. All winter I tended this seedling… and now it is several feet high. I have no clue whether this seedling will ever bear fruit… but I continue to nurture it with the anticipation of someday having a beautiful apple tree in my back yard!
Had I planted this sprout in the soil and covered the bucket with a lid, the results would have been far different. The sprout would still have been there. Technically, there would still be potential for an apple tree. But without the nurturing gifts of water, sunlight, and air, the tree would not have the necessary components to flourish and grow.
It seems that a lot of Christians get things half right. They focus on their salvation experience… they make the critical decision to acknowledge that Jesus died for their sins… and they invite Him to become LORD of their life. But far too many Christians stop at this decision and never cultivate any further relationship with Jesus. They never even acknowledge His Holy Spirit… much less allow Him to work in and through their heart. It’s as if they planted the sprout and then put a lid on the bucket!
So we end up with a lot of Christians who see the glass as half-empty. They are cynical and skeptical of their fellow man and many circumstances. Our great-nephew Nathan entered the world this morning – a full 6 pounds 13 ounces of perfection. But as he grows, many will look at him and fail to see what we lovingly see…just as we Christians fail to see the beautiful child of God in each of our fellow humans. We are too busy judging their skin color, sexual orientation, political leaning, denominational allegiance, or even the size and shape of their noses!
We get angry at every little comment… we only encourage those who encourage us… we miss the holiness of a few minutes spent silently worshipping God while listening to our favorite hymn or contemporary Christian song - or sitting on the back porch in a rocking chair listening to the birds. And we are anything but calm and serene. We effectually put a lid on the bucket of God’s gifts through His Holy Spirit… and we miss out on so much in the process.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We can start today to invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts – and to manifest Himself in and through our very being. We can start paying closer attention and calling on Him more to help us with every aspect of our day. And we can begin to experience the true joy and serenity that comes from living God’s way.
I want to be a glass-more-than-half-full kind of Christian. I want to receive every gift God extends… and to be a good steward of them all. I want the peace and calm that God’s Holy Spirit offers… the love and compassion, patience and self-control that He stands ready to grant each of His believers. I’m ready to operate in the energy of the Holy Spirit and to feel His steady hand pointing me in the right direction. What about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 2, 2012
James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I sat behind a friend of ours at church yesterday and watched her play with a six-month-old baby she and her family are fostering. I thought about our little nephew, Timothy, and how fun he was at that age… and how sad we were when he moved away with his family. As I watched this baby cling to my friend’s neck while she cuddled him, I could see her efforts to infuse him with as much love as possible. I prayed that she would savor every minute she spends with him – and trust God to multiply the effects of her nurture – and that of other family members.
When you stop and think about the ministry of foster families, remember that most of these situations are temporary. Thank God for the loving families who are willing to welcome children who have no other options into their homes. But also ask Him to comfort these families when the children leave. I can assure you, these families will become attached to the children they nurture. And when they leave, the families will experience sadness – even if this represents a positive step for the child.
My prayer is that these families trust God to give them strength and courage to handle this role – and a glorious life because of it. As their faith is tested - and it surely will be - I pray that He blesses them with confidence and wisdom… and that they savor every minute that God grants them. I pray that they stay awake and alert… and recognize the hand of God at every turn.
My daily quote for today was this joke: “A Sunday school teacher asked her little students as they were on the way to a church service, ‘And why should we be quiet in church?’ A little girl replied, ‘Because people are sleeping.’” This would describe many of us. We are “asleep” to the promises and blessings of God. We don’t recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit and how He is caring for us in even the most difficult circumstances. And as a result, we fail to realize the fullness of a glorious life in Christ. We focus on the test of our faith. We are asleep to the possibilities for God to bless us – especially in times of extreme challenge.
I used the example of foster families today because I am surrounded by friends who are currently opening their hearts and homes to these innocent children. The challenges, pain and heartache that comes with being a foster family is fresh on my mind. But many of us are facing all sorts of “faith tests” – illness, financial difficulties, relationship issues, the challenges of aging… even a need for rain and drought relief. If we can learn to stay awake to the promises and possibilities of God… if we can recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence and trust Him to meet our daily needs… we can live a glorious life each and every day - with the hope of even more to come!
I recently told a friend, “Hang on… keep believing. I don’t know how God is going to work in this… I just know He will.” This is my message to you today. Whatever you are experiencing… however your faith is being tested… stay strong. Believe that God will see you through this. Acknowledge the blessings in your life today… because there are blessings! Live with the confidence of having the Holy Spirit with you at all times… and the promise of something even more glorious yet to come. God is with you. Wake up – and live faithfully!
©2012 Debbie Robus
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I sat behind a friend of ours at church yesterday and watched her play with a six-month-old baby she and her family are fostering. I thought about our little nephew, Timothy, and how fun he was at that age… and how sad we were when he moved away with his family. As I watched this baby cling to my friend’s neck while she cuddled him, I could see her efforts to infuse him with as much love as possible. I prayed that she would savor every minute she spends with him – and trust God to multiply the effects of her nurture – and that of other family members.
When you stop and think about the ministry of foster families, remember that most of these situations are temporary. Thank God for the loving families who are willing to welcome children who have no other options into their homes. But also ask Him to comfort these families when the children leave. I can assure you, these families will become attached to the children they nurture. And when they leave, the families will experience sadness – even if this represents a positive step for the child.
My prayer is that these families trust God to give them strength and courage to handle this role – and a glorious life because of it. As their faith is tested - and it surely will be - I pray that He blesses them with confidence and wisdom… and that they savor every minute that God grants them. I pray that they stay awake and alert… and recognize the hand of God at every turn.
My daily quote for today was this joke: “A Sunday school teacher asked her little students as they were on the way to a church service, ‘And why should we be quiet in church?’ A little girl replied, ‘Because people are sleeping.’” This would describe many of us. We are “asleep” to the promises and blessings of God. We don’t recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit and how He is caring for us in even the most difficult circumstances. And as a result, we fail to realize the fullness of a glorious life in Christ. We focus on the test of our faith. We are asleep to the possibilities for God to bless us – especially in times of extreme challenge.
I used the example of foster families today because I am surrounded by friends who are currently opening their hearts and homes to these innocent children. The challenges, pain and heartache that comes with being a foster family is fresh on my mind. But many of us are facing all sorts of “faith tests” – illness, financial difficulties, relationship issues, the challenges of aging… even a need for rain and drought relief. If we can learn to stay awake to the promises and possibilities of God… if we can recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence and trust Him to meet our daily needs… we can live a glorious life each and every day - with the hope of even more to come!
I recently told a friend, “Hang on… keep believing. I don’t know how God is going to work in this… I just know He will.” This is my message to you today. Whatever you are experiencing… however your faith is being tested… stay strong. Believe that God will see you through this. Acknowledge the blessings in your life today… because there are blessings! Live with the confidence of having the Holy Spirit with you at all times… and the promise of something even more glorious yet to come. God is with you. Wake up – and live faithfully!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 11, 2012
Ephesians 4:25-32
What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
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.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last two weeks, you know that we’ve had a scandal brewing in Arkansas involving the head football coach at one of our leading state universities. Bobby Petrino was fired on April 10th… dismissed “with cause”… meaning his $3.86 million annual salary ceases, and he is no longer employed by the state of Arkansas. Any way you slice it, this has been a sad situation for many… and as University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long put it in a press conference after the firing, “… it’s because people’s lives are affected here, and that’s what we sometimes miss.” This is an example of how we are all connected to each other in the body of Christ, and how one person’s lies affects not only others, but themselves.
Even though this would be a good “lesson” in and of itself, I want to focus on another portion of this scripture passage. See, I’ve been frustrated and judgmental of several people lately, if only in my own heart. I’ve deemed more than one person to be self-absorbed and inconsiderate of others’ feelings… “What were they thinking? How could they claim to be a caring, even “Godly” person and treat someone else with such disregard?” I’ve judged people who seemed inattentive to their family members and friends… and people who claim to serve God at every turn but only seem to truly serve themselves. On the surface, it often appears to us as “outsiders” that others are only doing what makes them feel good – and never considering how it affects anyone else.
This brings me to the last portion of this passage… “Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” At the end of the day, we are all selfish and self-centered at times. Each of us has lied and thought of no one but ourselves. We’ve all said things we shouldn’t. And we have all had to bow before Jesus and ask for forgiveness, which has been quickly and freely granted.
So we must offer the same gentleness and sensitivity to those who make a mess of things… if only in our own estimation. We are right to be angry – to a point. I think our disappointment with Coach Petrino is justified. But at the end of the day, he is a child of God as much as you and I… and entitled to the same forgiveness from Jesus as we are (if he asks for it – and I believe he will). Judgment is not our job… but extending to others the forgiveness we have received certainly is!
I was called up short by these last verses. I have to release my anger and frustration toward others and offer them sensitivity, gentleness, and forgiveness – whether they ask me for it or not. Otherwise, the devil will use this negative “energy” to gnaw at me and steal my joy… and I am not willing to compromise this gift! There are at least two things we should take away from the scripture passage today:
©2012 Debbie Robus
What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.
Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
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.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last two weeks, you know that we’ve had a scandal brewing in Arkansas involving the head football coach at one of our leading state universities. Bobby Petrino was fired on April 10th… dismissed “with cause”… meaning his $3.86 million annual salary ceases, and he is no longer employed by the state of Arkansas. Any way you slice it, this has been a sad situation for many… and as University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long put it in a press conference after the firing, “… it’s because people’s lives are affected here, and that’s what we sometimes miss.” This is an example of how we are all connected to each other in the body of Christ, and how one person’s lies affects not only others, but themselves.
Even though this would be a good “lesson” in and of itself, I want to focus on another portion of this scripture passage. See, I’ve been frustrated and judgmental of several people lately, if only in my own heart. I’ve deemed more than one person to be self-absorbed and inconsiderate of others’ feelings… “What were they thinking? How could they claim to be a caring, even “Godly” person and treat someone else with such disregard?” I’ve judged people who seemed inattentive to their family members and friends… and people who claim to serve God at every turn but only seem to truly serve themselves. On the surface, it often appears to us as “outsiders” that others are only doing what makes them feel good – and never considering how it affects anyone else.
This brings me to the last portion of this passage… “Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” At the end of the day, we are all selfish and self-centered at times. Each of us has lied and thought of no one but ourselves. We’ve all said things we shouldn’t. And we have all had to bow before Jesus and ask for forgiveness, which has been quickly and freely granted.
So we must offer the same gentleness and sensitivity to those who make a mess of things… if only in our own estimation. We are right to be angry – to a point. I think our disappointment with Coach Petrino is justified. But at the end of the day, he is a child of God as much as you and I… and entitled to the same forgiveness from Jesus as we are (if he asks for it – and I believe he will). Judgment is not our job… but extending to others the forgiveness we have received certainly is!
I was called up short by these last verses. I have to release my anger and frustration toward others and offer them sensitivity, gentleness, and forgiveness – whether they ask me for it or not. Otherwise, the devil will use this negative “energy” to gnaw at me and steal my joy… and I am not willing to compromise this gift! There are at least two things we should take away from the scripture passage today:
- There is no room for ego in the life of a Christian. The choices and decisions we make affect others. “What about me?” will simply not cut it, if we truly want to live for Jesus. Virtually nothing in this life is totally about you or me.
- We must all realize that we can’t ask Jesus to forgive us… and then continue to judge others. We must operate in humility and an understanding that we are only one prayer for forgiveness away from being in the “hot seat” ourselves.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 10, 2012
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.
The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. Some of us can speak with wisdom, while others can speak with knowledge, but these gifts come from the same Spirit. To others the Spirit has given great faith or the power to heal the sick or the power to work mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognize when God's Spirit is present. Others can speak different kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean. But it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The last week or so, I’ve been sewing with fabrics in the same color family – a base of black or grey, with hues of deep teal, fuchsia, white, and celadon green. It may sound awful, but it’s really nice fabric. I’ve sewn stripes, “groovy guitars,” zoo animals, various sized circle outlines, mod daisy-like flowers, and polka dots. Now you are probably really thinking I’m nuts! But trust me, all of these fabrics work together in various combinations – with pleasing results!
And that’s the thing… I can combine stripes and guitars or zoo animals… but not stripes and flowers. Zoo animals and guitars don’t work in the same outfit, but they both work great with the stripes or polka dots… and maybe the circles, depending on how I use them. For instance, I made my great-niece Zola a striped dress with a border of guitars… and I made Timothy shorts in both the guitar and stripes fabrics. I made my cousin a sundress in the mod flowers… and her daughter is getting a blouse that has flowers bordered in polka dots!
Each fabric is very different. On the surface, they don’t appear to have much in common. But when I combine them thoughtfully, the end result is something quite surprising and pleasant… and the recipients are blessed by the outcome. All I have to do is stand back, look at the fabrics, and take time to consider how they might work best together… and the ideas begin to flow!
We all have gifts and abilities that may not seem to work well together. But when the Holy Spirit is involved in combining them and orchestrating things, the end result is always a blessing to others – and to God. And often the outcome is quite surprising and pleasant. You may feel you that have no “Spiritual gift,” but I assure you that this is not the case. Maybe you have not opened your heart to the Holy Spirit’s guidance… and maybe He has held your gift in reserve. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman… He will not force Himself upon us. We must invite Him in… and make Him welcome.
Whatever your “Spiritual gifts” may be, it would be such a shame not to receive them – and to use them for God’s glory. I encourage you to step back and look at the “fabrics” of your life and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how they go together. Invite Him to dwell in your heart, and listen for His voice each and every day. Call upon the Holy Spirit to bless you with your Spiritual gifts… and get busy using them. You will be amazed – and delighted – at the outcomes… and so will those who receive a blessing as a result.
©2012 Debbie Robus
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.
The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others. Some of us can speak with wisdom, while others can speak with knowledge, but these gifts come from the same Spirit. To others the Spirit has given great faith or the power to heal the sick or the power to work mighty miracles. Some of us are prophets, and some of us recognize when God's Spirit is present. Others can speak different kinds of languages, and still others can tell what these languages mean. But it is the Spirit who does all this and decides which gifts to give to each of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The last week or so, I’ve been sewing with fabrics in the same color family – a base of black or grey, with hues of deep teal, fuchsia, white, and celadon green. It may sound awful, but it’s really nice fabric. I’ve sewn stripes, “groovy guitars,” zoo animals, various sized circle outlines, mod daisy-like flowers, and polka dots. Now you are probably really thinking I’m nuts! But trust me, all of these fabrics work together in various combinations – with pleasing results!
And that’s the thing… I can combine stripes and guitars or zoo animals… but not stripes and flowers. Zoo animals and guitars don’t work in the same outfit, but they both work great with the stripes or polka dots… and maybe the circles, depending on how I use them. For instance, I made my great-niece Zola a striped dress with a border of guitars… and I made Timothy shorts in both the guitar and stripes fabrics. I made my cousin a sundress in the mod flowers… and her daughter is getting a blouse that has flowers bordered in polka dots!
Each fabric is very different. On the surface, they don’t appear to have much in common. But when I combine them thoughtfully, the end result is something quite surprising and pleasant… and the recipients are blessed by the outcome. All I have to do is stand back, look at the fabrics, and take time to consider how they might work best together… and the ideas begin to flow!
We all have gifts and abilities that may not seem to work well together. But when the Holy Spirit is involved in combining them and orchestrating things, the end result is always a blessing to others – and to God. And often the outcome is quite surprising and pleasant. You may feel you that have no “Spiritual gift,” but I assure you that this is not the case. Maybe you have not opened your heart to the Holy Spirit’s guidance… and maybe He has held your gift in reserve. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman… He will not force Himself upon us. We must invite Him in… and make Him welcome.
Whatever your “Spiritual gifts” may be, it would be such a shame not to receive them – and to use them for God’s glory. I encourage you to step back and look at the “fabrics” of your life and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how they go together. Invite Him to dwell in your heart, and listen for His voice each and every day. Call upon the Holy Spirit to bless you with your Spiritual gifts… and get busy using them. You will be amazed – and delighted – at the outcomes… and so will those who receive a blessing as a result.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 8, 2012
John 16:4-11
"I didn't tell you this earlier because I was with you every day. But now I am on my way to the One who sent me. Not one of you has asked, 'Where are you going?' Instead, the longer I've talked, the sadder you've become. So let me say it again, this truth: It's better for you that I leave. If I don't leave, the Friend won't come. But if I go, I'll send him to you.
"When he comes, he'll expose the error of the godless world's view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: He'll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted.
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.
When I was in about seven, my dad took a job near Dewitt, Arkansas, working on construction of part of the McClellen-Kerr navigation system on the Arkansas River. He would leave in the wee hours of Monday morning and drive to Dewitt, work all week, and drive home on Friday evening. I truly hated this. The closer it grew to bedtime on Sunday night, the sadder I became. I vividly remember crying one night as my dad sat on the side of my bed and tried to explain to me why he had to go back to Dewitt the next morning. “You want a horse to ride and other things, don’t you?” he asked me. “I have to go to work so we can afford to get these things.” Still, I didn’t want him to go, and I begged him to please stay home.
I didn’t care about horses – or anything else – I just wanted my daddy with us. As a seven-year-old second-grader, I could not grasp the concept that my dad could make so much more money as a welder on the lock and dam system’s construction than he could at many of the jobs in our community. I think I understood this a little better when I was in fifth grade, and for six months we moved to an eastern Oklahoma community so that Daddy could once again work on welding tainter gates at the lock and dam there.
While we lived in Oklahoma, my dad made good money. Nearly every weekend, we traveled to a larger city and shopped, ate out, and got new toys… and my sister and I got new clothes for our Barbies. Still, we were not at home… things were not as they had been, and my siblings and I were not happy. My sister, brother and I failed to see any wisdom in my parents’ choice for my dad to work away from home… or to move us to another state for such work. We did not trust that there was anything to be gained by doing this… and we will never know what might have happened had we continued to follow the jobs.
The disciples were told that Jesus was leaving them… and they were understandably upset. After all, He had just returned to them after His crucifixion and resurrection from the tomb. Any talk of Him leaving again had these followers in a state of despair, if not downright panic! I get that! When we invite Jesus into our heart, the last thing we want to consider is that He might turn around and leave us… right? What we don’t fully understand is the hierarchy of the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
God the Father sent Jesus. Jesus glorifies God. The Holy Spirit gives glory to Jesus, who sent Him. Jesus never truly leaves us… His Holy Spirit is the agent of change within us. You speak to Jesus… the Holy Spirit makes things happen. He operates on the inside of you. The Holy Spirit is the giver of wisdom.” He shows us things that God knows. In order to glorify all that Jesus suffered and sacrificed for us, we must allow Him to send His Holy Spirit to live within our heart and make things happen!
My dad was not gone… he was merely working in another location through the week. But in order to have all of the benefits He wanted to provide for us, he had to work remotely. We could call him on the telephone… we could still talk with him… but he had to go away and do his work so that we could gain the things we needed. And so it is with Jesus. He had to go away to do the work… and he uses the Holy Spirit to provide us with what we need.
As a seven-year-old kid, I didn’t care (or at least I said I didn’t) about things… I just wanted my dad with us. As a 54-year-old Christian, I want Jesus with me – all the way… all the time! But I am mature enough to understand that He cannot physically return to earth and walk around with me. The way to have Jesus with me on this earth is through the Holy Spirit. If I do not make room for the Holy Spirit in my life and let Him work on the inside of me, I will never fully experience all that God set out to give me.
So we must understand that inviting Jesus to be LORD of our life is the first step… but then we must make room in our hearts for the Holy Spirit… and do all that we can to make Him feel welcome. So many Christians miss this important step. They see the Holy Spirit (or as some say, the “Holy Ghost”) as something or someone nebulous and scary. Don’t count yourself among them. See the Holy Spirit as a manifestation of Jesus in you… His vehicle to be continually present with us … to supply us with all of the wisdom, compassion, discernment, and authority He wishes to give us in order to serve Him well. Trust Jesus. Believe in Him and accept that His will and plans are perfect – and meant to bless and keep us.
To truly “let go and let God” means to trust Jesus in all things… and to believe that He will never abandon us. Surrender completely, embrace the Holy Spirit and allow the Him to come and dwell in your heart. This is when the “good stuff” starts to happen… are you ready for it?
©2012 Debbie Robus
"I didn't tell you this earlier because I was with you every day. But now I am on my way to the One who sent me. Not one of you has asked, 'Where are you going?' Instead, the longer I've talked, the sadder you've become. So let me say it again, this truth: It's better for you that I leave. If I don't leave, the Friend won't come. But if I go, I'll send him to you.
"When he comes, he'll expose the error of the godless world's view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: He'll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted.
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.
When I was in about seven, my dad took a job near Dewitt, Arkansas, working on construction of part of the McClellen-Kerr navigation system on the Arkansas River. He would leave in the wee hours of Monday morning and drive to Dewitt, work all week, and drive home on Friday evening. I truly hated this. The closer it grew to bedtime on Sunday night, the sadder I became. I vividly remember crying one night as my dad sat on the side of my bed and tried to explain to me why he had to go back to Dewitt the next morning. “You want a horse to ride and other things, don’t you?” he asked me. “I have to go to work so we can afford to get these things.” Still, I didn’t want him to go, and I begged him to please stay home.
I didn’t care about horses – or anything else – I just wanted my daddy with us. As a seven-year-old second-grader, I could not grasp the concept that my dad could make so much more money as a welder on the lock and dam system’s construction than he could at many of the jobs in our community. I think I understood this a little better when I was in fifth grade, and for six months we moved to an eastern Oklahoma community so that Daddy could once again work on welding tainter gates at the lock and dam there.
While we lived in Oklahoma, my dad made good money. Nearly every weekend, we traveled to a larger city and shopped, ate out, and got new toys… and my sister and I got new clothes for our Barbies. Still, we were not at home… things were not as they had been, and my siblings and I were not happy. My sister, brother and I failed to see any wisdom in my parents’ choice for my dad to work away from home… or to move us to another state for such work. We did not trust that there was anything to be gained by doing this… and we will never know what might have happened had we continued to follow the jobs.
The disciples were told that Jesus was leaving them… and they were understandably upset. After all, He had just returned to them after His crucifixion and resurrection from the tomb. Any talk of Him leaving again had these followers in a state of despair, if not downright panic! I get that! When we invite Jesus into our heart, the last thing we want to consider is that He might turn around and leave us… right? What we don’t fully understand is the hierarchy of the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
God the Father sent Jesus. Jesus glorifies God. The Holy Spirit gives glory to Jesus, who sent Him. Jesus never truly leaves us… His Holy Spirit is the agent of change within us. You speak to Jesus… the Holy Spirit makes things happen. He operates on the inside of you. The Holy Spirit is the giver of wisdom.” He shows us things that God knows. In order to glorify all that Jesus suffered and sacrificed for us, we must allow Him to send His Holy Spirit to live within our heart and make things happen!
My dad was not gone… he was merely working in another location through the week. But in order to have all of the benefits He wanted to provide for us, he had to work remotely. We could call him on the telephone… we could still talk with him… but he had to go away and do his work so that we could gain the things we needed. And so it is with Jesus. He had to go away to do the work… and he uses the Holy Spirit to provide us with what we need.
As a seven-year-old kid, I didn’t care (or at least I said I didn’t) about things… I just wanted my dad with us. As a 54-year-old Christian, I want Jesus with me – all the way… all the time! But I am mature enough to understand that He cannot physically return to earth and walk around with me. The way to have Jesus with me on this earth is through the Holy Spirit. If I do not make room for the Holy Spirit in my life and let Him work on the inside of me, I will never fully experience all that God set out to give me.
So we must understand that inviting Jesus to be LORD of our life is the first step… but then we must make room in our hearts for the Holy Spirit… and do all that we can to make Him feel welcome. So many Christians miss this important step. They see the Holy Spirit (or as some say, the “Holy Ghost”) as something or someone nebulous and scary. Don’t count yourself among them. See the Holy Spirit as a manifestation of Jesus in you… His vehicle to be continually present with us … to supply us with all of the wisdom, compassion, discernment, and authority He wishes to give us in order to serve Him well. Trust Jesus. Believe in Him and accept that His will and plans are perfect – and meant to bless and keep us.
To truly “let go and let God” means to trust Jesus in all things… and to believe that He will never abandon us. Surrender completely, embrace the Holy Spirit and allow the Him to come and dwell in your heart. This is when the “good stuff” starts to happen… are you ready for it?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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