Proverbs 20:24
The very steps we take come from GOD; otherwise how would we know where we're going?
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.
A few weeks ago, Timothy and his family moved to Texas, so we didn’t see our little guy for seven weeks. Now, you may be saying that this is not such a long time, but for us, it seemed like seven years. I was reminded to cherish every moment with him. Now that he is here for an extended stay, I’m doing just that! If he doesn’t take a nap when I want, I try to enjoy watching him wind down – even if he’s fussy. When he wakes me at 4:45 a.m. and says “Jack!” as in “Jack’s Big Music Show,” I try to realize that 2-year-olds have no clock, and he has no clue that grownups are still trying to sleep at this hour!
All too soon, this little guy will be too old for his Aunt DebDeb and Uncle Greg, and our chances to nurture and dote on him will be greatly diminished. We will never get back the cute giggles… the day he first started stringing sentences together… or all of those wonderful, sticky hugs and kisses he has for us now. And it’s not just little ones… last week my grandmother tearfully said to me, “Things are changing.” At nearly 99, she sees her time slipping away, and so do we. Before you know it, she will be off to heaven, and we will no longer have the opportunity to benefit from her presence – and her wisdom and wit.
My point is that God has numbered our steps. If it weren’t for God showing us the way and guiding us, we wouldn’t have a clue how to act or what to do… and for most of us, the results would be disastrous! I believe that God is calling us to slow down, to quit dreaming that hot summer days would give way to fall. I believe He is saying, “Don’t wish it were winter… or next week or next year! Enjoy the day I have given you… this day… this hour. Do what I am calling you to do in this time frame - whether it’s playing with a toddler, spending time with an elderly loved one, or standing in line at the grocery store.”
I believe God wants us to be more present in the moment… to be awake and alert for His blessings and opportunities to serve in His name at all times… not just when it’s convenient, we’re rested, and all of the stars align in the universe!
How are you living these days? Are you aware Who numbers your steps? Are you wishing your life away and rushing through things, or are you truly present in the moment… serving God and praising Him for each second of the day? How do you know where you are going?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label direction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label direction. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 19, 2010
June 19 ~ Joel 2:20-21
...The LORD works wonders and does great things. So tell the soil to celebrate and wild animals to stop being afraid. Grasslands are green again; fruit trees and fig trees are loaded with fruit. Grapevines are covered with grapes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When 9-11, Hurricane Katrina, and the earthquake in Haiti occurred, we all wondered how in the world recovery would ever be possible. Where does one even begin to clean up a mess such as these? But in each case, we have seen – and are seeing still – the order created from chaos. We’ve seen the rubble removed, and new growth emerge. I am reminded of my grandparents’ house fire in 1982, where the fire raged hot enough to reduce even a cast-iron claw-footed bath tub to ashes. When spring and summer came, beautiful petunias bloomed where the house foundation had been bulldozed away… a testament to rebirth and a new day.
In this passage, God is telling us that destruction and devastation will come, but so will a new day… a reason for the soil to celebrate. Vegetation returns to burning mountainsides and forests. Droughts are replaced by thirst-quenching rains – and flooding waters recede. Even the present-day oil spill crisis will resolve in time and beaches will be clean again. And our own lives have an ebb and flow – even if it seems like yours is filled with one challenge or disaster after another. For me, it seemed liked the 1990s were filled with nothing but the loss of loved ones. Every time we turned around, we were planning the funeral of a family member and/or dear friend. You may be suffering with a debilitating illness or injury – or caring for someone who is seriously (or terminally) ill. You may have lost your job or your home. You may have lost loved ones. Or you may have just started a new job, moved into a new home, or had a new baby. All of these are stressors… and our lives are filled with “ups and downs” and challenges at every turn. But the good news is that God is right there with us. He never moves… and whatever is taken from you – whatever you suffer – God will make right at some point. “WHEN?” you may be asking. You may feel that you’ve had enough already. Trust God’s timing. I can’t tell you when or how He will work in your life, but He surely will.
I can’t stress enough – even to myself – that we simply must stop operating in fear and recognize God’s presence in our lives. We have to turn to Him for strength and protection, and leave hand-wringing and debilitating worry behind. The LORD works wonders and does great things. It’s high time we recognize Him and give Him command and control.
©2010 Debbie Robus
...The LORD works wonders and does great things. So tell the soil to celebrate and wild animals to stop being afraid. Grasslands are green again; fruit trees and fig trees are loaded with fruit. Grapevines are covered with grapes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When 9-11, Hurricane Katrina, and the earthquake in Haiti occurred, we all wondered how in the world recovery would ever be possible. Where does one even begin to clean up a mess such as these? But in each case, we have seen – and are seeing still – the order created from chaos. We’ve seen the rubble removed, and new growth emerge. I am reminded of my grandparents’ house fire in 1982, where the fire raged hot enough to reduce even a cast-iron claw-footed bath tub to ashes. When spring and summer came, beautiful petunias bloomed where the house foundation had been bulldozed away… a testament to rebirth and a new day.
In this passage, God is telling us that destruction and devastation will come, but so will a new day… a reason for the soil to celebrate. Vegetation returns to burning mountainsides and forests. Droughts are replaced by thirst-quenching rains – and flooding waters recede. Even the present-day oil spill crisis will resolve in time and beaches will be clean again. And our own lives have an ebb and flow – even if it seems like yours is filled with one challenge or disaster after another. For me, it seemed liked the 1990s were filled with nothing but the loss of loved ones. Every time we turned around, we were planning the funeral of a family member and/or dear friend. You may be suffering with a debilitating illness or injury – or caring for someone who is seriously (or terminally) ill. You may have lost your job or your home. You may have lost loved ones. Or you may have just started a new job, moved into a new home, or had a new baby. All of these are stressors… and our lives are filled with “ups and downs” and challenges at every turn. But the good news is that God is right there with us. He never moves… and whatever is taken from you – whatever you suffer – God will make right at some point. “WHEN?” you may be asking. You may feel that you’ve had enough already. Trust God’s timing. I can’t tell you when or how He will work in your life, but He surely will.
I can’t stress enough – even to myself – that we simply must stop operating in fear and recognize God’s presence in our lives. We have to turn to Him for strength and protection, and leave hand-wringing and debilitating worry behind. The LORD works wonders and does great things. It’s high time we recognize Him and give Him command and control.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 11, 2010
June 11 ~ Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose your friend posted something inappropriate on Facebook. What would you do? Would you ignore it? Would you “like” it? Would you say something? Suppose the comment were something that could get your friend into trouble, if someone saw it and misconstrued its meaning? Would you say something then? If you felt your friend would be mad at you, even if your intentions were totally honorable, would you still tell them? This happened to me recently. I saw a post on Facebook that I knew my friend would never post. It was really inappropriate. I assumed right away that her account had been hacked, and I sent a private message to tell her. She replied and thanked me… and the post disappeared.
Was I concerned that my friend would be upset, or even possibly block me for mentioning this? Maybe a little… but here’s what I did. I waited an hour or so before contacting her, and during this time, I asked God what I should do. I kept being drawn back to the computer and this post, so I felt God was saying, “Tell her. I’ll handle the rest.” So that’s what I did… and I am very glad that I listened.
I’ll be the first to tell you, I have not always handled things this way. I’ve not always entered into these situations prayerfully, which is a huge mistake. And I’ve also buried my head in the sand and failed to act because of what I thought others might think – or how they might react. We need to realize that God can use us for His purposes – even when we are afraid. And when we listen to God and only act when HE says to do so, He will always protect us. If we go off half-cocked and without consulting Him, we may have to suffer the consequences of our actions. I’m not saying God’s protection is conditional, necessarily… but to some extent it is. He will never desert us, but He may allow us to squirm a little in order to learn and grow.
So be brave and courageous. Stay in close communication with God at all times and about all things. When you feel He is telling you to make a move… don’t be afraid… don’t fear the consequences. Trust God to work out the details. Recognize His strength and power to work in - and through - you to accomplish His will in all circumstances.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose your friend posted something inappropriate on Facebook. What would you do? Would you ignore it? Would you “like” it? Would you say something? Suppose the comment were something that could get your friend into trouble, if someone saw it and misconstrued its meaning? Would you say something then? If you felt your friend would be mad at you, even if your intentions were totally honorable, would you still tell them? This happened to me recently. I saw a post on Facebook that I knew my friend would never post. It was really inappropriate. I assumed right away that her account had been hacked, and I sent a private message to tell her. She replied and thanked me… and the post disappeared.
Was I concerned that my friend would be upset, or even possibly block me for mentioning this? Maybe a little… but here’s what I did. I waited an hour or so before contacting her, and during this time, I asked God what I should do. I kept being drawn back to the computer and this post, so I felt God was saying, “Tell her. I’ll handle the rest.” So that’s what I did… and I am very glad that I listened.
I’ll be the first to tell you, I have not always handled things this way. I’ve not always entered into these situations prayerfully, which is a huge mistake. And I’ve also buried my head in the sand and failed to act because of what I thought others might think – or how they might react. We need to realize that God can use us for His purposes – even when we are afraid. And when we listen to God and only act when HE says to do so, He will always protect us. If we go off half-cocked and without consulting Him, we may have to suffer the consequences of our actions. I’m not saying God’s protection is conditional, necessarily… but to some extent it is. He will never desert us, but He may allow us to squirm a little in order to learn and grow.
So be brave and courageous. Stay in close communication with God at all times and about all things. When you feel He is telling you to make a move… don’t be afraid… don’t fear the consequences. Trust God to work out the details. Recognize His strength and power to work in - and through - you to accomplish His will in all circumstances.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 24, 2010
May 24 ~ Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD will lead you into the land. He will always be with you and help you, so don't ever be afraid of your enemies.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The older brother of one of my classmates is now my friend on Facebook, and I am so in awe of him. I always knew John to be a fine, upstanding, GODLY man… but his insights into the commentaries people present on Facebook – and in the world in general – are “spot on” and always delivered in a kind, non-threatening way. I feel quite certain that he asks himself, “How would Jesus address this?” and then formulates his responses. He is not afraid to step in and discuss controversial issues – or to present what many see as an unfavorable response. He carefully and clearly states facts and gently corrects those who set out (consciously or not) to stir trouble and spread falsehoods… and he does it in such a loving manner that nobody is embarrassed or gets their feelings hurt.
So often, we are hesitant to speak up for our beliefs… and especially for God… because we think others will attack us. We don’t say anything when someone makes a racial slur or tells an off-color joke, because we are afraid of what they will think or say. We don’t dare challenge another person’s criticisms of our government or their “take” on social issues. We fear we might be embarrassed in front of others… or rejected. See, the devil has this sneaky little way of playing a “recording” in our heads that says, “People won’t like you… you’ll make a fool of yourself… your opinions don’t matter… keep your mouth shut… you’ll be sorry…don’t say that!” and much more. He drags us down and mires us in fear, and we forget who we are… and more importantly – WHOSE we are! Living in fear imposed on us by Satan is miserable!
Is this a license to run amok saying whatever we please and spouting our opinions to anyone who will listen? Am I telling you to take risks with wild abandon and expect God to protect you? Absolutely not! Remember, before you say or do anything, you need to make sure it lines up with God’s will and His word. But if you are certain of your position…and that you are hearing from God… then count on Him to be right beside you every step of the way.
Recently, we went to an estate auction alongside a busy highway. As my husband and I started across the road, we noticed a car coming at a high rate of speed. My mother-in-law was with us, and she instinctively called out to her son, “Wait!” We laughed, halfway expecting her to add… “Here… take my hand,” as mothers do to little children. But the point is… God is saying exactly that to each of us! “Here… take my hand… cross with Me and I will keep you safe.” Who has your hand today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD will lead you into the land. He will always be with you and help you, so don't ever be afraid of your enemies.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The older brother of one of my classmates is now my friend on Facebook, and I am so in awe of him. I always knew John to be a fine, upstanding, GODLY man… but his insights into the commentaries people present on Facebook – and in the world in general – are “spot on” and always delivered in a kind, non-threatening way. I feel quite certain that he asks himself, “How would Jesus address this?” and then formulates his responses. He is not afraid to step in and discuss controversial issues – or to present what many see as an unfavorable response. He carefully and clearly states facts and gently corrects those who set out (consciously or not) to stir trouble and spread falsehoods… and he does it in such a loving manner that nobody is embarrassed or gets their feelings hurt.
So often, we are hesitant to speak up for our beliefs… and especially for God… because we think others will attack us. We don’t say anything when someone makes a racial slur or tells an off-color joke, because we are afraid of what they will think or say. We don’t dare challenge another person’s criticisms of our government or their “take” on social issues. We fear we might be embarrassed in front of others… or rejected. See, the devil has this sneaky little way of playing a “recording” in our heads that says, “People won’t like you… you’ll make a fool of yourself… your opinions don’t matter… keep your mouth shut… you’ll be sorry…don’t say that!” and much more. He drags us down and mires us in fear, and we forget who we are… and more importantly – WHOSE we are! Living in fear imposed on us by Satan is miserable!
Is this a license to run amok saying whatever we please and spouting our opinions to anyone who will listen? Am I telling you to take risks with wild abandon and expect God to protect you? Absolutely not! Remember, before you say or do anything, you need to make sure it lines up with God’s will and His word. But if you are certain of your position…and that you are hearing from God… then count on Him to be right beside you every step of the way.
Recently, we went to an estate auction alongside a busy highway. As my husband and I started across the road, we noticed a car coming at a high rate of speed. My mother-in-law was with us, and she instinctively called out to her son, “Wait!” We laughed, halfway expecting her to add… “Here… take my hand,” as mothers do to little children. But the point is… God is saying exactly that to each of us! “Here… take my hand… cross with Me and I will keep you safe.” Who has your hand today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 17, 2010
May 17 ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“What in the world have I gotten myself into?” Have you ever asked this question? Have you ever accepted a job or a particular task – or agreed to serve on a committee or spearhead some project – and then second-guessed yourself? Maybe you wondered, “What was I thinking?” Often when we try something new, we have moments of doubt. “Can I really do this? Am I qualified? How will I get it all done? What will other people think?” All of these are questions we may ask. And many among us have asked some of these same questions – or similar ones – when it came to living the life of a Christian.
We worry about our past. We wonder how we can measure up to others we consider to be strong, faith-filled witnesses. “How can I serve alongside so-and-so? What can I bring to the table? Will people believe me if they know where I’ve been and what I’ve done?”
The truth is… God does not care about your past, your fears, your insecurities and your apprehensions, because He doesn’t see them. He sees His child, equipped with everything needed to serve Him and witness to others… because He gave you these things! So be confident in your faith. Step up and out and do whatever He calls you to do. And trust God to help you with the things of this world, too… from that project at school or work to how you will manage your new baby and the demands of a job and a family. God has given you the power, love, and self-control you must exercise in every situation. Be bold in your usage of His gifts and see where they can take you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“What in the world have I gotten myself into?” Have you ever asked this question? Have you ever accepted a job or a particular task – or agreed to serve on a committee or spearhead some project – and then second-guessed yourself? Maybe you wondered, “What was I thinking?” Often when we try something new, we have moments of doubt. “Can I really do this? Am I qualified? How will I get it all done? What will other people think?” All of these are questions we may ask. And many among us have asked some of these same questions – or similar ones – when it came to living the life of a Christian.
We worry about our past. We wonder how we can measure up to others we consider to be strong, faith-filled witnesses. “How can I serve alongside so-and-so? What can I bring to the table? Will people believe me if they know where I’ve been and what I’ve done?”
The truth is… God does not care about your past, your fears, your insecurities and your apprehensions, because He doesn’t see them. He sees His child, equipped with everything needed to serve Him and witness to others… because He gave you these things! So be confident in your faith. Step up and out and do whatever He calls you to do. And trust God to help you with the things of this world, too… from that project at school or work to how you will manage your new baby and the demands of a job and a family. God has given you the power, love, and self-control you must exercise in every situation. Be bold in your usage of His gifts and see where they can take you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 14, 2010
May 14 ~ Isaiah 35:4
"Cheer up! Don't be afraid. Your God is coming to punish your enemies. God will take revenge on them and rescue you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t believe I am admitting this, but I am watching a lot of NickJr television these days, and Timothy’s all-time favorite show is “The Wonder Pets.” On this show, a guinea pig, turtle and duckling (a.k.a. “Linny, Tuck, and Ming-Ming, too!”) who live in a nursery school, come to the rescue of baby animals in danger. Part of their song is “We’re not too big and we’re not too tough, but when we work together, we’ve got the right stuff!”
For the Wonder Pets, teamwork is the key. They have to work together and solve problems as a trio, unlike the “hero” of my childhood, Mighty Mouse, whose motto was “Here I come to save the day!” And thankfully, we don’t rely on any of these “heroes” in our real life… because we have the Ultimate Superhero on our side… GOD! He can solve any problem. He can defeat any enemy. He can take on all giants and “super-powers” and rescue us from all harm. But… like the baby animals in the episodes of “Wonder Pets,” we have to do our part by calling on God for help. See, each story starts with the “ring-ring” of the pencil can, signifying “There’s an animal in trouble somewhere,” and “This is serious!”
I know this is a silly analogy, but in truth, God can answer our calls any hour of the night or day, and He will stand in front of us against any and all enemies. Are you doing your part? Are you calling on God and trusting Him? Are you operating in confidence… or do you let fear get the best of you much of the time? Cheer up! Don’t be afraid. God has come to save the day… HE will rescue us from all that Satan can throw our way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Cheer up! Don't be afraid. Your God is coming to punish your enemies. God will take revenge on them and rescue you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t believe I am admitting this, but I am watching a lot of NickJr television these days, and Timothy’s all-time favorite show is “The Wonder Pets.” On this show, a guinea pig, turtle and duckling (a.k.a. “Linny, Tuck, and Ming-Ming, too!”) who live in a nursery school, come to the rescue of baby animals in danger. Part of their song is “We’re not too big and we’re not too tough, but when we work together, we’ve got the right stuff!”
For the Wonder Pets, teamwork is the key. They have to work together and solve problems as a trio, unlike the “hero” of my childhood, Mighty Mouse, whose motto was “Here I come to save the day!” And thankfully, we don’t rely on any of these “heroes” in our real life… because we have the Ultimate Superhero on our side… GOD! He can solve any problem. He can defeat any enemy. He can take on all giants and “super-powers” and rescue us from all harm. But… like the baby animals in the episodes of “Wonder Pets,” we have to do our part by calling on God for help. See, each story starts with the “ring-ring” of the pencil can, signifying “There’s an animal in trouble somewhere,” and “This is serious!”
I know this is a silly analogy, but in truth, God can answer our calls any hour of the night or day, and He will stand in front of us against any and all enemies. Are you doing your part? Are you calling on God and trusting Him? Are you operating in confidence… or do you let fear get the best of you much of the time? Cheer up! Don’t be afraid. God has come to save the day… HE will rescue us from all that Satan can throw our way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 3, 2010
May 3 ~ Psalm 23:1-6
You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When things start to fall apart in your life… when you are frightened or worried or frustrated… where do you turn? Do you throw up your hands or kick and scream? Do you wallow in self-pity? Do you call on God and demand that He help you? None of these things are really harmful… and certainly calling on God is a good thing. But look at the first verse of this passage… “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Imagine yourself saying these words when a troubling or upsetting situation arises.
Imagine really acknowledging God’s presence and power in your life – and resting in this. “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Of course, the rest of this Psalm explains all the many ways that God cares for us and nurtures us. But some of the most important words are those in the first verse. When you find yourself in a situation that you cannot handle on your own – when life becomes a burden or a challenge, think on these words. Say them out loud – and internalize their meaning for your life. Take consolation in knowing that the LORD truly IS our shepherd, and we will never be in need. Let this promise rest in your heart and give you peace and comfort.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need. You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe.
You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest, and you fill my cup until it overflows. Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When things start to fall apart in your life… when you are frightened or worried or frustrated… where do you turn? Do you throw up your hands or kick and scream? Do you wallow in self-pity? Do you call on God and demand that He help you? None of these things are really harmful… and certainly calling on God is a good thing. But look at the first verse of this passage… “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Imagine yourself saying these words when a troubling or upsetting situation arises.
Imagine really acknowledging God’s presence and power in your life – and resting in this. “You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.” Of course, the rest of this Psalm explains all the many ways that God cares for us and nurtures us. But some of the most important words are those in the first verse. When you find yourself in a situation that you cannot handle on your own – when life becomes a burden or a challenge, think on these words. Say them out loud – and internalize their meaning for your life. Take consolation in knowing that the LORD truly IS our shepherd, and we will never be in need. Let this promise rest in your heart and give you peace and comfort.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 2, 2010
May 2 ~ Psalm 16:5-6
You, LORD, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to Baskin-Robbins or a similar ice cream store, you know that the choices are endless. If you are like me, the decision is hard… so many flavors, and they all sound delicious! It’s tempting to eat more than you should – a scoop of this and a scoop of that, and before you know it, you have three or four hefty scoops going in your cup! At home, most of us only have one, possibly two flavors of ice cream in our freezer. Most likely, you have your favorite flavor on hand… and as long as you have no outside distractions, you are pretty comfortable with just that flavor.
In life, we are bombarded with choices and options and lots and lots of “flavors.” It’s hard to stay focused and on track. But if we will make the right choice – God – and stay close to Him, we will not be distracted and misdirected by other influences. Just like extra flavors at the ice cream store, not all of the distractions and other choices are necessarily bad ones… but they simply are not right for us. They don’t make us content and keep our life pleasant… they complicate life in ways we do not need.
If you want true contentment… if you want peace and safety and pleasantness in your life, dial down the choices on your “flavors.” Stick to the One who can satisfy you best. Choose a bright future with God… make Him all you want and need… and see how peaceful and happy your life can become.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to Baskin-Robbins or a similar ice cream store, you know that the choices are endless. If you are like me, the decision is hard… so many flavors, and they all sound delicious! It’s tempting to eat more than you should – a scoop of this and a scoop of that, and before you know it, you have three or four hefty scoops going in your cup! At home, most of us only have one, possibly two flavors of ice cream in our freezer. Most likely, you have your favorite flavor on hand… and as long as you have no outside distractions, you are pretty comfortable with just that flavor.
In life, we are bombarded with choices and options and lots and lots of “flavors.” It’s hard to stay focused and on track. But if we will make the right choice – God – and stay close to Him, we will not be distracted and misdirected by other influences. Just like extra flavors at the ice cream store, not all of the distractions and other choices are necessarily bad ones… but they simply are not right for us. They don’t make us content and keep our life pleasant… they complicate life in ways we do not need.
If you want true contentment… if you want peace and safety and pleasantness in your life, dial down the choices on your “flavors.” Stick to the One who can satisfy you best. Choose a bright future with God… make Him all you want and need… and see how peaceful and happy your life can become.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 25, 2010
April 25 ~ Proverbs 15:13-15
Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you. Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness. The poor have a hard life, but being content is as good as an endless feast.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is a series of doors and windows. One closes – another opens. As a high school freshman, I planned on majoring in music in college (concert pianist, perhaps?). In the summer after my sophomore year, I worked with preschool children at Vacation Bible School. I loved the children, the art projects, the music – the “whole ball of wax,” and I realized… I needed to incorporate all of that into a profession – teaching! I knew I would never make a huge salary as a teacher, but that didn’t matter. Other teachers managed, and so would I.
Teaching made me happy, but the “red tape” did not. After nine years in the classroom, the door closed. I turned a needlework hobby into a business. The skills I developed creating a newsletter and needlework patterns prepared me with experience in printing, which lent a solid base to our publishing business. My husband closed the door on his profession in Park Administration, and his “people skills” and expertise in the areas of parks and recreation were put into play as we developed a business that was focused on RVers. For the next eighteen years, we were magazine publishers, and then the door closed on that chapter of our lives.
Several years ago, I began writing daily devotionals. I also wrote articles for our magazine, and soon I realized that I really liked to write! Today, the door has opened for me to utilize pieces of all of my “careers” to knit together articles and information for several publications and “PR” projects. I am blessed to be able to pursue something that brings me such happiness. And while our business ventures were successful, there have been times when life wasn’t all that hard, but we were counting our pennies and budgeting carefully. And those may have been our happiest years of all.
The point is… money doesn’t buy happiness. People can’t make you happy. Things won’t last – or satisfy. But doing what you love – being with people you love – appreciating the simplest things and places – truly experiencing a daily walk with God – these things make you genuinely happy! If you are traveling down any other road – if you are chasing dreams and ideas that aren’t your own or you know are bad for you – turn around! There is a saying that “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” Find your “doors and windows” and don’t be afraid to ask God to help you go through them. If He guides your steps, you’ll make the right choices – and you will always find joy on the other side.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you. Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness. The poor have a hard life, but being content is as good as an endless feast.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is a series of doors and windows. One closes – another opens. As a high school freshman, I planned on majoring in music in college (concert pianist, perhaps?). In the summer after my sophomore year, I worked with preschool children at Vacation Bible School. I loved the children, the art projects, the music – the “whole ball of wax,” and I realized… I needed to incorporate all of that into a profession – teaching! I knew I would never make a huge salary as a teacher, but that didn’t matter. Other teachers managed, and so would I.
Teaching made me happy, but the “red tape” did not. After nine years in the classroom, the door closed. I turned a needlework hobby into a business. The skills I developed creating a newsletter and needlework patterns prepared me with experience in printing, which lent a solid base to our publishing business. My husband closed the door on his profession in Park Administration, and his “people skills” and expertise in the areas of parks and recreation were put into play as we developed a business that was focused on RVers. For the next eighteen years, we were magazine publishers, and then the door closed on that chapter of our lives.
Several years ago, I began writing daily devotionals. I also wrote articles for our magazine, and soon I realized that I really liked to write! Today, the door has opened for me to utilize pieces of all of my “careers” to knit together articles and information for several publications and “PR” projects. I am blessed to be able to pursue something that brings me such happiness. And while our business ventures were successful, there have been times when life wasn’t all that hard, but we were counting our pennies and budgeting carefully. And those may have been our happiest years of all.
The point is… money doesn’t buy happiness. People can’t make you happy. Things won’t last – or satisfy. But doing what you love – being with people you love – appreciating the simplest things and places – truly experiencing a daily walk with God – these things make you genuinely happy! If you are traveling down any other road – if you are chasing dreams and ideas that aren’t your own or you know are bad for you – turn around! There is a saying that “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” Find your “doors and windows” and don’t be afraid to ask God to help you go through them. If He guides your steps, you’ll make the right choices – and you will always find joy on the other side.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 20, 2010
February 20 ~ Jeremiah 42:2-3
"Please pray to the LORD your God for us. Judah used to have many people, but as you can see, only a few of us are left. Ask the LORD to tell us where he wants us to go and what he wants us to do."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you heard about the couple who used GPS to navigate on their trip and ended up going the wrong way and ultimately getting stuck in a snow bank? Thankfully, their family members used the same GPS software to locate them and provide rescue. But how often do we trust the wrong navigation in our lives and end up in much the same position, so to speak? How often do we listen to the wrong influences… or take bad advice… and we end up doing down the wrong road?
When we don’t include God in our plans… and when our plans don’t include genuine prayer… we often end up in the ditches of life. We need to ask God to tell us where He wants us to go and what HE wants us to do. And then we need to listen to His answers and trust them. Sometimes they are not what we wanted to hear… and that’s when we especially need to pay attention!
Ask God where you should go and what you should do. Trust His wisdom, and follow His lead. Don’t end up in the ditch or in a snow bank, waiting to be rescued. Keep communicating with God, and stay on course.
©2009 Debbie Robus
"Please pray to the LORD your God for us. Judah used to have many people, but as you can see, only a few of us are left. Ask the LORD to tell us where he wants us to go and what he wants us to do."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you heard about the couple who used GPS to navigate on their trip and ended up going the wrong way and ultimately getting stuck in a snow bank? Thankfully, their family members used the same GPS software to locate them and provide rescue. But how often do we trust the wrong navigation in our lives and end up in much the same position, so to speak? How often do we listen to the wrong influences… or take bad advice… and we end up doing down the wrong road?
When we don’t include God in our plans… and when our plans don’t include genuine prayer… we often end up in the ditches of life. We need to ask God to tell us where He wants us to go and what HE wants us to do. And then we need to listen to His answers and trust them. Sometimes they are not what we wanted to hear… and that’s when we especially need to pay attention!
Ask God where you should go and what you should do. Trust His wisdom, and follow His lead. Don’t end up in the ditch or in a snow bank, waiting to be rescued. Keep communicating with God, and stay on course.
©2009 Debbie Robus
January 2010 Devotionals
January 7 ~ Proverbs 16:1-3
We humans make plans, but the LORD has the final word. We may think we know what is right, but the LORD is the judge of our motives. Share your plans with the LORD, and you will succeed.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
I’ve talked about this before, but several years ago, I decided that eight years of teaching kindergarten and first grade was enough for me. I needed a change. So I applied for a teaching vacancy in another elementary school in my town – a fifth grade position. One of the principal’s questions was, “What makes you think you could handle the switch from kindergarten to fifth grade?” I explained my reasons and my desire for a new challenge. The “grapevine chatter” was that I was a “sure thing” for this position. I was really excited… until the day the principal phoned me to say he had hired someone else.
I was devastated… hurt… angry. I could not understand why I was not selected for this position. And to be honest, as much as I felt I was ready for a change in the classroom, I was desperate to change work settings – or more to the point, administrators! I ended up teaching kindergarten for a ninth, and final year, and it was one of the best years of my teaching “career.” I think partly that was because after the devastation of not being selected for the fifth grade position, I began to ask God to help me figure out what to do next. And together with my husband, we began to seek a new direction for our lives, which ultimately led us to both quit our jobs and begin a new business together. We had a plan… and that made a huge difference!
Looking back, I see that God was making better plans for me. Had I gotten the teaching position, we might have both continued in our original careers. While that would not have necessarily been a bad thing, I can see that we have had so many opportunities to serve God by serving others through the years, and God orchestrated all of this perfectly. Were there “bumps in the road?” Absolutely! But I would have to say that most of those were self-inflicted – not listening to God and trying to “drive the car” ourselves.
If I could do anything over again, I would make more of a concerted effort to consult God about everything – to be sure He was guiding my plans at all times. I’m sure there were times that He sat back with His arms folded and just shook His head, knowing I was about to make a royal mess of things. We all do this… but we can do better. And those of you who are still teenagers or young adults can learn from my mistakes and star now to consult God about your plans. For those of us who are older, it’s never too late to begin seeking God’s will for our lives – and His perfect plans. From planning a trip or a weekend to planning your future, be sure you talk things over with God first, and everything will work out better than you could ever have imagined. The scripture is true… “Share your plans with the LORD, and you will succeed.”
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 6 ~ Proverbs 15:22
Without good advice everything goes wrong-- it takes careful planning for things to go right.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine if you went to a football or basketball game, and the coach showed up right before it started and told the team, “Just do whatever feels right out there tonight… I really don’t have a plan.” How do you think the game would go? What if the cheerleaders and the dance team didn’t practice and plan their cheers and routines? What if the band didn’t rehearse, and everyone just showed up and played whatever they wanted at halftime and throughout the game?
What if you went to church on Sunday, and nothing was planned? There was no bulletin, and no hymns or worship music had been selected. The pastor didn’t have any idea what he/she was going to say, and nobody paid any attention to the clock. Would this be a church service you would like to attend? It might sound like fun to think that your teachers were going to conduct classes without lesson plans, but honestly, I think you would be pretty disappointed when it came time to take college entrance exams and your benchmarks! Suppose nobody planned for restocking the shelves at the grocery store or your favorite fast-food restaurant.
Suppose you didn’t make any plans for your life… or even your day. That might work okay for a day or two – or maybe even a week or so – but eventually, everyone needs a plan. And not just any plan will do! Notice that this passage says that careful plans are needed in order for things to go well.
Notice, also, that the passage says everything goes wrong without good advice. Sometimes, we feel like we are perfectly capable of managing our lives on our own. But all of us need a little help from time to time… and clearly, good advice is worth its weight in gold. Don’t hesitate to seek help from people you respect and trust. Listen to those who have “been there/done that” and prayerfully consider what they have to say. Don’t be so cocky as to think you don’t need helpful suggestions or a plan… both are keys to successful living – and part of God’s plan for us! Plan well – and thoughtfully – using all resources that God provides. Make sure that He is in the details, and you will never be disappointed in the outcome.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 5 ~ Proverbs 12:20
An evil mind is deceitful, but gentle thoughts bring happiness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Turn on the television or go to the movies, and you will see and hear stories of people who plot and plan to harm others. And sadly, we have seen first-hand how the plots and plans of evil people can hurt … the Jewish Holocaust, 9-11, Rwanda, and more. We know that members of Al Qaeda wish to harm Americans and have all sorts of evil plans for us. We also know that there are those in our own country who would love to see harm come to certain races and socio-economic groups… or even our President. There may be people in our own school or community who wish to harm others. The fact of the matter is that there are evil minds in this world – Satan is alive and well!
But God calls us to be better than this - to live with a pure mind and heart, filled with love for others and plans to serve Him in peace and harmony. As Christians, our plans should only be those God gives us according to His will – plans to:
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 4 ~ Proverbs 3:29
Don't try to be mean to neighbors who trust you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Let’s say your neighbor does something that continually aggravates you. Maybe he/she plays the radio or stereo really loud with the windows open, and you can feel the pulse of the bass in your own home above the noise of your television. Or let’s say your “neighbor” has the locker above yours and is continually cramming too much stuff into the locker, which opens and spills out on the floor in front of YOUR locker. Feeling like a little revenge? Plotting a way to get even? Don’t do it!
The Bible clearly tells us not to plot and plan against our neighbor… even if they asked for it! Plan to get along. Find a way to resolve conflicts without trouble. Ask God to show you how to work out a good plan that creates harmony and peace for everyone. So often, we fail to talk to God about such things, either thinking we can handle them ourselves, or that they are too trivial for God’s time. Neither is correct. God can help – and He wants to do just that! Ask Him how to help you get along with your neighbor. Plan for success – not trouble – and plan to coexist with your friends and neighbors in peace.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 3 ~ Psalm 146:3-4
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Ask a young boy what he wants to be when he grows up, and he may tell you he plans to be a pro athlete or a rock star. Ask a girl the same question, and she may say she plans to be a model, actress, or TV host like Rachel Ray or Tyra Banks. And while plans, goals and aspirations are a great thing, we often are dreaming and planning on the order of sky diving without a parachute!
When I was young, my grandmothers used to tell me, “Become a doctor and make lots of money.” Another suggestion was that I become a nurse. There were two problems with these ideas… 1) I am squeamish around needles, and 2) nobody was consulting God to see what was included in His plans for me! So God saw to it that the grand plans of my childhood (which also included becoming an architect or a ballerina) were spoiled in one way or another. But the plans He had for me came to life. I can see now that God was ordering the steps of my life from the very beginning, and while I would have loved to design beautiful houses or dance in a lacy tutu, He wanted me to teach and work with people. He wanted me to write and serve in other ways.
Sometimes we think God is planning one thing, when He actually is thinking something altogether different. God gave me musical abilities that almost led me to a college degree in music. But I realized early on that He wanted me to enjoy my music and incorporate it into my life – but not as a career. Had I been more prayerful early on – and more earnest in seeking His direction, I might have seen this even more clearly. The point is, we need to seek God’s plans in all situations and at every turn. Start early – and if you are already an adult, it’s still not too late – even if it means changing directions. Make sure that your plans are God’s plans and not schemes and desires that you are trying to create on your own. What God plans will stand forever… and it will be perfect. Don’t you want to be part of His plans?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 1 ~ 1 Chronicles 28:9
Solomon, my son, worship God and obey him with all your heart and mind, just as I have done. He knows all your thoughts and your reasons for doing things, and so if you turn to him, he will hear your prayers. But if you ignore him, he will reject you forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’m guessing at least a few of us have made a New Year’s resolution or two. I don’t make resolutions every year, but this year, I decided it is time to clear the clutter. Now, for those of you who know me well, you know that I am a pack rat, so this won’t be easy… especially if you have seen my desk! But I am resolving to become more organized and neat… to “act not stack” the papers I receive in the mail… and to make better use of my time! This is more of a plan than a resolution for me. I plan to do better in 2010!
There is nothing wrong with making resolutions – and plans are certainly good. In fact, God has plans for each of us. And those individual plans are part of His “big plan” for the universe! Here’s where it gets a little complicated… God’s plans are perfect. Ours almost never are! And certainly, if we do not consult God – and obey Him – our plans are most likely going to fail.
There’s one more thing. Plans without prayer aren’t worth the time they take us to make them! Ask God to show you how to plan for your future. Seek His wisdom and guidance – and then follow it! He will see you through every step, whether your plans work out as you had hoped or not. But be assured, if you consult Him and obey, the outcome will be perfect for you.
This year, I resolve… to ask God to show me how to plan… and to guide my steps. And if He sees fit to help me keep my desk clean, that would be icing on the cake! Happy New Year!
©2009 Debbie Robus
We humans make plans, but the LORD has the final word. We may think we know what is right, but the LORD is the judge of our motives. Share your plans with the LORD, and you will succeed.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
I’ve talked about this before, but several years ago, I decided that eight years of teaching kindergarten and first grade was enough for me. I needed a change. So I applied for a teaching vacancy in another elementary school in my town – a fifth grade position. One of the principal’s questions was, “What makes you think you could handle the switch from kindergarten to fifth grade?” I explained my reasons and my desire for a new challenge. The “grapevine chatter” was that I was a “sure thing” for this position. I was really excited… until the day the principal phoned me to say he had hired someone else.
I was devastated… hurt… angry. I could not understand why I was not selected for this position. And to be honest, as much as I felt I was ready for a change in the classroom, I was desperate to change work settings – or more to the point, administrators! I ended up teaching kindergarten for a ninth, and final year, and it was one of the best years of my teaching “career.” I think partly that was because after the devastation of not being selected for the fifth grade position, I began to ask God to help me figure out what to do next. And together with my husband, we began to seek a new direction for our lives, which ultimately led us to both quit our jobs and begin a new business together. We had a plan… and that made a huge difference!
Looking back, I see that God was making better plans for me. Had I gotten the teaching position, we might have both continued in our original careers. While that would not have necessarily been a bad thing, I can see that we have had so many opportunities to serve God by serving others through the years, and God orchestrated all of this perfectly. Were there “bumps in the road?” Absolutely! But I would have to say that most of those were self-inflicted – not listening to God and trying to “drive the car” ourselves.
If I could do anything over again, I would make more of a concerted effort to consult God about everything – to be sure He was guiding my plans at all times. I’m sure there were times that He sat back with His arms folded and just shook His head, knowing I was about to make a royal mess of things. We all do this… but we can do better. And those of you who are still teenagers or young adults can learn from my mistakes and star now to consult God about your plans. For those of us who are older, it’s never too late to begin seeking God’s will for our lives – and His perfect plans. From planning a trip or a weekend to planning your future, be sure you talk things over with God first, and everything will work out better than you could ever have imagined. The scripture is true… “Share your plans with the LORD, and you will succeed.”
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------------
January 6 ~ Proverbs 15:22
Without good advice everything goes wrong-- it takes careful planning for things to go right.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine if you went to a football or basketball game, and the coach showed up right before it started and told the team, “Just do whatever feels right out there tonight… I really don’t have a plan.” How do you think the game would go? What if the cheerleaders and the dance team didn’t practice and plan their cheers and routines? What if the band didn’t rehearse, and everyone just showed up and played whatever they wanted at halftime and throughout the game?
What if you went to church on Sunday, and nothing was planned? There was no bulletin, and no hymns or worship music had been selected. The pastor didn’t have any idea what he/she was going to say, and nobody paid any attention to the clock. Would this be a church service you would like to attend? It might sound like fun to think that your teachers were going to conduct classes without lesson plans, but honestly, I think you would be pretty disappointed when it came time to take college entrance exams and your benchmarks! Suppose nobody planned for restocking the shelves at the grocery store or your favorite fast-food restaurant.
Suppose you didn’t make any plans for your life… or even your day. That might work okay for a day or two – or maybe even a week or so – but eventually, everyone needs a plan. And not just any plan will do! Notice that this passage says that careful plans are needed in order for things to go well.
Notice, also, that the passage says everything goes wrong without good advice. Sometimes, we feel like we are perfectly capable of managing our lives on our own. But all of us need a little help from time to time… and clearly, good advice is worth its weight in gold. Don’t hesitate to seek help from people you respect and trust. Listen to those who have “been there/done that” and prayerfully consider what they have to say. Don’t be so cocky as to think you don’t need helpful suggestions or a plan… both are keys to successful living – and part of God’s plan for us! Plan well – and thoughtfully – using all resources that God provides. Make sure that He is in the details, and you will never be disappointed in the outcome.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-------------------------------------------------------------------
January 5 ~ Proverbs 12:20
An evil mind is deceitful, but gentle thoughts bring happiness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Turn on the television or go to the movies, and you will see and hear stories of people who plot and plan to harm others. And sadly, we have seen first-hand how the plots and plans of evil people can hurt … the Jewish Holocaust, 9-11, Rwanda, and more. We know that members of Al Qaeda wish to harm Americans and have all sorts of evil plans for us. We also know that there are those in our own country who would love to see harm come to certain races and socio-economic groups… or even our President. There may be people in our own school or community who wish to harm others. The fact of the matter is that there are evil minds in this world – Satan is alive and well!
But God calls us to be better than this - to live with a pure mind and heart, filled with love for others and plans to serve Him in peace and harmony. As Christians, our plans should only be those God gives us according to His will – plans to:
- help others in Jesus’ name
- spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus
- serve God and share His love, power, grace and mercy with others
- operate in joy and peace, and to make all efforts to get along, and much more.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 4 ~ Proverbs 3:29
Don't try to be mean to neighbors who trust you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Let’s say your neighbor does something that continually aggravates you. Maybe he/she plays the radio or stereo really loud with the windows open, and you can feel the pulse of the bass in your own home above the noise of your television. Or let’s say your “neighbor” has the locker above yours and is continually cramming too much stuff into the locker, which opens and spills out on the floor in front of YOUR locker. Feeling like a little revenge? Plotting a way to get even? Don’t do it!
The Bible clearly tells us not to plot and plan against our neighbor… even if they asked for it! Plan to get along. Find a way to resolve conflicts without trouble. Ask God to show you how to work out a good plan that creates harmony and peace for everyone. So often, we fail to talk to God about such things, either thinking we can handle them ourselves, or that they are too trivial for God’s time. Neither is correct. God can help – and He wants to do just that! Ask Him how to help you get along with your neighbor. Plan for success – not trouble – and plan to coexist with your friends and neighbors in peace.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 3 ~ Psalm 146:3-4
You can't depend on anyone, not even a great leader. Once they die and are buried, that will be the end of all their plans.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mother has been sharing with me lately the tragic story of a young widow in Kansas who is dying of cancer. Candice’s two children have already lost their dad, and now their mother is not doing well. Their grandmother also has cancer, so all these young children have ever known is illness, heartache, tragedy, and uncertainty. Candice recently sat her girls down before a surgery and explained to them that they would be taken care of, regardless of her outcome. It was the first time the children realized that their mother may die soon.
This young mother has signed over guardianship of her daughters to her sister, should she die. Other family, friends, and church members have stepped up to fill in the gaps, keep the girls in school and their activities, clean the house, visit with Candice, and more. As sad as this story is… there is a great lesson here for all of us, and the lesson is that we can’t plan for the unexpected – but God can help us manage it.
In other words, none of us plans for cancer, job loss, war, natural disasters, physical injury… or even death. And we all depend on others for many things each and every day. But when the rug gets pulled from underneath us, we must remember that God is still with us. He is still in control – and planning for our future. Our plans are temporary and precarious. God’s plans are perfect and last forever. Be sure that you consult God about every plan and make sure that He is on board. Take comfort in knowing that even the best laid plans may have faults and failures – but God will still be with you working out your future.
And say a prayer for Candice, her daughters and all of those she is depending upon these days. She knows God is in control of her life and their future. Ask Him to give her comfort and peace and to plan lives for her daughters that honor their family and glorify Him.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 2 ~ Psalm 33:10-11
The LORD destroys the plans and spoils the schemes of the nations. But what the LORD has planned will stand forever. His thoughts never change.Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mother has been sharing with me lately the tragic story of a young widow in Kansas who is dying of cancer. Candice’s two children have already lost their dad, and now their mother is not doing well. Their grandmother also has cancer, so all these young children have ever known is illness, heartache, tragedy, and uncertainty. Candice recently sat her girls down before a surgery and explained to them that they would be taken care of, regardless of her outcome. It was the first time the children realized that their mother may die soon.
This young mother has signed over guardianship of her daughters to her sister, should she die. Other family, friends, and church members have stepped up to fill in the gaps, keep the girls in school and their activities, clean the house, visit with Candice, and more. As sad as this story is… there is a great lesson here for all of us, and the lesson is that we can’t plan for the unexpected – but God can help us manage it.
In other words, none of us plans for cancer, job loss, war, natural disasters, physical injury… or even death. And we all depend on others for many things each and every day. But when the rug gets pulled from underneath us, we must remember that God is still with us. He is still in control – and planning for our future. Our plans are temporary and precarious. God’s plans are perfect and last forever. Be sure that you consult God about every plan and make sure that He is on board. Take comfort in knowing that even the best laid plans may have faults and failures – but God will still be with you working out your future.
And say a prayer for Candice, her daughters and all of those she is depending upon these days. She knows God is in control of her life and their future. Ask Him to give her comfort and peace and to plan lives for her daughters that honor their family and glorify Him.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 2 ~ Psalm 33:10-11
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Ask a young boy what he wants to be when he grows up, and he may tell you he plans to be a pro athlete or a rock star. Ask a girl the same question, and she may say she plans to be a model, actress, or TV host like Rachel Ray or Tyra Banks. And while plans, goals and aspirations are a great thing, we often are dreaming and planning on the order of sky diving without a parachute!
When I was young, my grandmothers used to tell me, “Become a doctor and make lots of money.” Another suggestion was that I become a nurse. There were two problems with these ideas… 1) I am squeamish around needles, and 2) nobody was consulting God to see what was included in His plans for me! So God saw to it that the grand plans of my childhood (which also included becoming an architect or a ballerina) were spoiled in one way or another. But the plans He had for me came to life. I can see now that God was ordering the steps of my life from the very beginning, and while I would have loved to design beautiful houses or dance in a lacy tutu, He wanted me to teach and work with people. He wanted me to write and serve in other ways.
Sometimes we think God is planning one thing, when He actually is thinking something altogether different. God gave me musical abilities that almost led me to a college degree in music. But I realized early on that He wanted me to enjoy my music and incorporate it into my life – but not as a career. Had I been more prayerful early on – and more earnest in seeking His direction, I might have seen this even more clearly. The point is, we need to seek God’s plans in all situations and at every turn. Start early – and if you are already an adult, it’s still not too late – even if it means changing directions. Make sure that your plans are God’s plans and not schemes and desires that you are trying to create on your own. What God plans will stand forever… and it will be perfect. Don’t you want to be part of His plans?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 1 ~ 1 Chronicles 28:9
Solomon, my son, worship God and obey him with all your heart and mind, just as I have done. He knows all your thoughts and your reasons for doing things, and so if you turn to him, he will hear your prayers. But if you ignore him, he will reject you forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’m guessing at least a few of us have made a New Year’s resolution or two. I don’t make resolutions every year, but this year, I decided it is time to clear the clutter. Now, for those of you who know me well, you know that I am a pack rat, so this won’t be easy… especially if you have seen my desk! But I am resolving to become more organized and neat… to “act not stack” the papers I receive in the mail… and to make better use of my time! This is more of a plan than a resolution for me. I plan to do better in 2010!
There is nothing wrong with making resolutions – and plans are certainly good. In fact, God has plans for each of us. And those individual plans are part of His “big plan” for the universe! Here’s where it gets a little complicated… God’s plans are perfect. Ours almost never are! And certainly, if we do not consult God – and obey Him – our plans are most likely going to fail.
There’s one more thing. Plans without prayer aren’t worth the time they take us to make them! Ask God to show you how to plan for your future. Seek His wisdom and guidance – and then follow it! He will see you through every step, whether your plans work out as you had hoped or not. But be assured, if you consult Him and obey, the outcome will be perfect for you.
This year, I resolve… to ask God to show me how to plan… and to guide my steps. And if He sees fit to help me keep my desk clean, that would be icing on the cake! Happy New Year!
©2009 Debbie Robus
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