October 2 ~ Mark 7:31-37
Jesus left the region around Tyre and
went by way of Sidon toward Lake Galilee. He went through the land near
the ten cities known as Decapolis. Some people brought to him a man who
was deaf and could hardly talk. They begged Jesus just to touch him.
After
Jesus had taken him aside from the crowd, he stuck his fingers in the
man’s ears. Then he spit and put it on the man’s tongue. Jesus looked up
toward heaven, and with a groan he said, “Effatha!”which means “Open
up!” At once the man could hear, and he had no more trouble talking
clearly.
Jesus told the people not to say anything about what he
had done. But the more he told them, the more they talked about it. They
were completely amazed and said, “Everything he does is good! He even
heals people who cannot hear or talk.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When
my mother was admitted to the hospital about a week before she died,
she was adamant that there were to be “no visitors” outside of immediate
family. She made an exception or two, but we did our best to screen
those who entered the room – and subsequently, those who came to
Mother’s home while she was on Hospice Care. For the most part, her
wishes were honored…but still, there were times that I am sure she felt
there were too many people around her.
It’s not that my mother
was asocial…far from it! It’s not even that she did not want people to
see her in a failing condition in her last days…although that was part
of it. More than anything, Mother had things she knew she needed to
attend to while she could…and she didn’t want distractions from anyone
or anything that wasn’t germane to her agenda. Even at that, there were a
couple of times when she told me, “We need to talk” – and then someone
entered the room, and the conversation never took place.
I
don’t dwell on this…but I do wonder sometimes what my mother wanted to
talk about with me…what might have gone unsaid. And yet, I do know that
many significant conversations did occur…that even in Mother’s last
days of consciousness, she made important personal wishes known to
some…and shared Jesus’ plan of salvation with others. I make no
apologies for guarding the door and doing my best to honor her desire
for “no visitors,” because I know there were valid reasons for this
request.
When we read that Jesus healed a deaf man and told those
in the crowd not to talk of it, I can see that He was not necessarily
saying to hide His miracles from others. Jesus knew that word of these
healings would leak out…but He also knew that His miracles would draw
crowds and a lot of attention – and possibly create an unnecessary distraction. I
believe that this story in Mark 7 reminds us to keep the main thing the main thing!
Too
often, we are so busy judging others and condemning their sins that we
squander our opportunities to share how Jesus has blessed and redeemed
us…how He has worked in our lives. When we waste time and energy criticizing others, we totally negate the value and sincerity of our own testimony.
So
many “causes” that we support in the name of Jesus are nothing more
than distractions that draw a crowd of people and divert their focus
from what Jesus is really trying to share with them. We attend this
rally or that one…sign petitions…or post memes on social media…all to
show that we are supporting XYZ for Jesus. And instead, Jesus would
have been better served if we had been His hands and feet in physical
service to those in need.
As we go about our daily living and
discipleship, where are we attracting a crowd rather than focusing on
the mission at hand? Where are we setting the scene for distractions
that detract from what God wants us to accomplish? Will this be the day
that you shift your focus and pare down your activities to those that
are truly relevant to Christ’s mission for you as His disciple? Don’t
you think it should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label distractions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label distractions. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 15, 2015
Genesis 3:1
The serpent was the craftiest of all the creatures the Lord God had made. So the serpent came to the woman. “Really?” he asked. “None of the fruit in the garden? God says you mustn’t eat any of it?”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I saw a cartoon today that featured four women sitting poolside – cold drinks in hand. The first one said, “It’s windy today!” The second said, “No, it’s Thursday!” The third said, “So am I!”, and the fourth said, “Waiter…another round!”
This is what happens when we don’t listen well…or we hear from the wrong source! When there is a lot of “white noise” – or we are not fully “dialed in” to the Voice we are trying to hear – the devil takes full advantage. He says, “Over here! Listen to ME!”
So when God says, “Don’t judge others,” the devil says, “He didn’t mean those ‘people of Wal-Mart!’ Even GOD would admit that they look ridiculous and deserved to be ridiculed!” When God says, “That person is my child, just like you…his/her thoughts and feelings are important to me”…the devil says, “There’s no way that this person could matter to God as much as you…he/she is dirty and/or poor…he/she is skinny/fat/ugly, from another race or ethnicity, practices an alternative lifestyle, and/or supports candidates and platforms from the ‘other’ party!”
When God says, “Your body is my temple. You offend me when you overeat, smoke, drink too much, use drugs recreationally, and participate in other abuses…” the devil says, “Oh…that’s only if you do these things to EXCESS! A little won’t hurt anything!” When God says, “I should be more important to you than anything or anyone else”…the devil tells you, “God wants you to enjoy your life…He didn’t intend for you to sacrifice your family and friends, your job, or your belongings! He expects you to take care of yourself…then give Him what you can!”
When God tells us “It’s Thursday,” we often hear the devil say, “I’m thirsty”…and we “order another drink!” We are not hearing from God…we really don’t even know where He fits into our lives. We have become so distracted by the “white noise”…and the devil has gladly created this chaos to confuse us! It’s time to “dial in” to God again…to turn back the noise and the distractions, and to focus on Him, so that we are always certain that we hear His voice when He speaks to us.
Our fellowship with God doesn’t just happen…we have to make the effort to stay connected…and sometimes, this takes a lot of work on our part. How are you doing these days? Are you sure you are hearing from God…or has that crafty ole devil stolen your attention?
©2015 Debbie Robus
The serpent was the craftiest of all the creatures the Lord God had made. So the serpent came to the woman. “Really?” he asked. “None of the fruit in the garden? God says you mustn’t eat any of it?”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I saw a cartoon today that featured four women sitting poolside – cold drinks in hand. The first one said, “It’s windy today!” The second said, “No, it’s Thursday!” The third said, “So am I!”, and the fourth said, “Waiter…another round!”
This is what happens when we don’t listen well…or we hear from the wrong source! When there is a lot of “white noise” – or we are not fully “dialed in” to the Voice we are trying to hear – the devil takes full advantage. He says, “Over here! Listen to ME!”
So when God says, “Don’t judge others,” the devil says, “He didn’t mean those ‘people of Wal-Mart!’ Even GOD would admit that they look ridiculous and deserved to be ridiculed!” When God says, “That person is my child, just like you…his/her thoughts and feelings are important to me”…the devil says, “There’s no way that this person could matter to God as much as you…he/she is dirty and/or poor…he/she is skinny/fat/ugly, from another race or ethnicity, practices an alternative lifestyle, and/or supports candidates and platforms from the ‘other’ party!”
When God says, “Your body is my temple. You offend me when you overeat, smoke, drink too much, use drugs recreationally, and participate in other abuses…” the devil says, “Oh…that’s only if you do these things to EXCESS! A little won’t hurt anything!” When God says, “I should be more important to you than anything or anyone else”…the devil tells you, “God wants you to enjoy your life…He didn’t intend for you to sacrifice your family and friends, your job, or your belongings! He expects you to take care of yourself…then give Him what you can!”
When God tells us “It’s Thursday,” we often hear the devil say, “I’m thirsty”…and we “order another drink!” We are not hearing from God…we really don’t even know where He fits into our lives. We have become so distracted by the “white noise”…and the devil has gladly created this chaos to confuse us! It’s time to “dial in” to God again…to turn back the noise and the distractions, and to focus on Him, so that we are always certain that we hear His voice when He speaks to us.
Our fellowship with God doesn’t just happen…we have to make the effort to stay connected…and sometimes, this takes a lot of work on our part. How are you doing these days? Are you sure you are hearing from God…or has that crafty ole devil stolen your attention?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 2, 2015
1 Timothy 2:1-4
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.
He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one...
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.
Like many people, I am a multi-tasker. Most mornings, I eat my breakfast while “watching” the news and scrolling through messages on my computer and/or “reading” the daily newspaper. I listen to television while I sew, iron and fold laundry, or cook dinner. And I will admit that, at best, I only see/hear about two-thirds of what I “view”.
There are some programs that I must sit and watch while I do nothing else, in order to catch everything that is said and done. Otherwise, I find myself backing up and viewing certain scenes again. The “pause” and “rewind” buttons on the remote come in handy quite often as I attempt to do several things at once and keep up with what is being aired.
All of us are susceptible to constant distractions…and nowhere is this more evident than in our Spiritual lives. The devil loves to get us off track…to fill our plates with all sorts of responsibilities and “noise” so that we have trouble finding time to be still and listen for the voice of God. Before you know it…we have distanced ourselves so far from Him and filled in the gaps with other things…and we wonder what happened – and where God went!
The Apostle Paul is telling Timothy – and us – two things: 1) pray every way you know how, so that you keep the lines of communication with God open; and 2) pray for others…that each person would stay focused and on task, so that we are free to do the things that God has designed for us without the distractions and additional baggage from others. This sounds like a selfish motive…but actually, it is quite the opposite.
We cannot be in full fellowship with God when we are distracted or trying to do too much at once. When we take on the duties and drama of others, our own ministries are often diluted. Yes, we are to care about those in our midst…to serve God by serving them and offering love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and more. But God did not call us to be all things to all people. He created a plan and a purpose for each of us.
So we must pray that each person does his/her part…in order that we might do ours. There are no “pause” or “rewind” buttons for our faith. We’re on “play” all the time. Ask God to give you – and all of His children – focus and intention, so that we might be able to spread the Good News of Jesus with confidence and conviction. Find time to “be still and know God”…and discover what He really has to say.
©2015 Debbie Robus
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.
He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned: that there’s one God and only one...
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.
Like many people, I am a multi-tasker. Most mornings, I eat my breakfast while “watching” the news and scrolling through messages on my computer and/or “reading” the daily newspaper. I listen to television while I sew, iron and fold laundry, or cook dinner. And I will admit that, at best, I only see/hear about two-thirds of what I “view”.
There are some programs that I must sit and watch while I do nothing else, in order to catch everything that is said and done. Otherwise, I find myself backing up and viewing certain scenes again. The “pause” and “rewind” buttons on the remote come in handy quite often as I attempt to do several things at once and keep up with what is being aired.
All of us are susceptible to constant distractions…and nowhere is this more evident than in our Spiritual lives. The devil loves to get us off track…to fill our plates with all sorts of responsibilities and “noise” so that we have trouble finding time to be still and listen for the voice of God. Before you know it…we have distanced ourselves so far from Him and filled in the gaps with other things…and we wonder what happened – and where God went!
The Apostle Paul is telling Timothy – and us – two things: 1) pray every way you know how, so that you keep the lines of communication with God open; and 2) pray for others…that each person would stay focused and on task, so that we are free to do the things that God has designed for us without the distractions and additional baggage from others. This sounds like a selfish motive…but actually, it is quite the opposite.
We cannot be in full fellowship with God when we are distracted or trying to do too much at once. When we take on the duties and drama of others, our own ministries are often diluted. Yes, we are to care about those in our midst…to serve God by serving them and offering love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and more. But God did not call us to be all things to all people. He created a plan and a purpose for each of us.
So we must pray that each person does his/her part…in order that we might do ours. There are no “pause” or “rewind” buttons for our faith. We’re on “play” all the time. Ask God to give you – and all of His children – focus and intention, so that we might be able to spread the Good News of Jesus with confidence and conviction. Find time to “be still and know God”…and discover what He really has to say.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2014
Proverbs 4:20-27
Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
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.
As I write this devotional, Greg is busy mowing our yard. His head is down, and he is focused straight ahead as he makes sure that each row neatly lines up next to the one before it - with no gaps. Were he to look to the left or right and allow his focus to wander, there is no telling what "pattern" we might end up with in our yard! Like a lot of things in life, this is a task that requires one to "keep it between the lines" and to "ignore all sideshow distractions."
How does this have relevance for us? Think about your life as if you were mowing a lawn. You have a task at hand...school, work, caring for your family, staying healthy, eating, sleeping, maintaining relationships...and yes, working on your Christian discipleship through prayer, Bible study, discipleships, and fellowship/worship with other believers. As long as you "push the mower" in a straight line and stay focused, everything goes well.
Then a "distraction" comes along. "Life" throws you a curve ball. Someone asks you to do something you don't want to do - or can't - and rather than tell them "No," you dodge and weave and say, "Let me think about it and get back to you." You've just looked to the left and gotten off track. Or someone says, "Hey, did you hear about So-and-so?" and you drop what you are doing to hear all of the juicy tidbits. You just veered to the right...and there goes another "jog" in your neatly trimmed "yard"!
Someone makes you doubt yourself - or your faith - and you stop in your tracks...frozen...unable to move in any direction. Your friends or family members express viewpoints with which you do not agree...or speak against someone or a particular group. You are uncomfortable and feel God telling you that this is not right...but you don't want to embarrass anyone - especially yourself - so you say nothing...or nod in silent agreement. Either way, you have veered off the course that God set for your life...and you probably don't fell all that great deep within your heart because of it.
This passage is a reminder for us to examine our hearts...and to spend some time talking with God. It's a wake-up call to have something of a "review" or "tune-up" to see where we have gotten off course...and where God is calling us to get back into His "lane"!
When Greg gets done mowing our yard, it looks like a beautiful, smooth green carpet. I'm afraid that the "carpet" of our lives often has quite a few frays and snags that stick up or out and mar the landscape. But we can change this. We can ask God to help us get back on track, and to stay there. God can help us keep vigilant watch over our hearts...and to avoid the distractions that pull us to one side or the other. And in doing so, we can really live...healthy, happy, and bursting with confidence that He is guiding our steps.
Who is really steering your life these days? It's a question we all need to ask ourselves. Getting to the right answer may take some work and attention, but it will be so worth the effort. Are you ready to start paying closer attention? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
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.
As I write this devotional, Greg is busy mowing our yard. His head is down, and he is focused straight ahead as he makes sure that each row neatly lines up next to the one before it - with no gaps. Were he to look to the left or right and allow his focus to wander, there is no telling what "pattern" we might end up with in our yard! Like a lot of things in life, this is a task that requires one to "keep it between the lines" and to "ignore all sideshow distractions."
How does this have relevance for us? Think about your life as if you were mowing a lawn. You have a task at hand...school, work, caring for your family, staying healthy, eating, sleeping, maintaining relationships...and yes, working on your Christian discipleship through prayer, Bible study, discipleships, and fellowship/worship with other believers. As long as you "push the mower" in a straight line and stay focused, everything goes well.
Then a "distraction" comes along. "Life" throws you a curve ball. Someone asks you to do something you don't want to do - or can't - and rather than tell them "No," you dodge and weave and say, "Let me think about it and get back to you." You've just looked to the left and gotten off track. Or someone says, "Hey, did you hear about So-and-so?" and you drop what you are doing to hear all of the juicy tidbits. You just veered to the right...and there goes another "jog" in your neatly trimmed "yard"!
Someone makes you doubt yourself - or your faith - and you stop in your tracks...frozen...unable to move in any direction. Your friends or family members express viewpoints with which you do not agree...or speak against someone or a particular group. You are uncomfortable and feel God telling you that this is not right...but you don't want to embarrass anyone - especially yourself - so you say nothing...or nod in silent agreement. Either way, you have veered off the course that God set for your life...and you probably don't fell all that great deep within your heart because of it.
This passage is a reminder for us to examine our hearts...and to spend some time talking with God. It's a wake-up call to have something of a "review" or "tune-up" to see where we have gotten off course...and where God is calling us to get back into His "lane"!
When Greg gets done mowing our yard, it looks like a beautiful, smooth green carpet. I'm afraid that the "carpet" of our lives often has quite a few frays and snags that stick up or out and mar the landscape. But we can change this. We can ask God to help us get back on track, and to stay there. God can help us keep vigilant watch over our hearts...and to avoid the distractions that pull us to one side or the other. And in doing so, we can really live...healthy, happy, and bursting with confidence that He is guiding our steps.
Who is really steering your life these days? It's a question we all need to ask ourselves. Getting to the right answer may take some work and attention, but it will be so worth the effort. Are you ready to start paying closer attention? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 18, 2013
2 Corinthians 7:1
With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A friend of mine sums up her life like this… “Oh, look… a squirrel!” In other words, she is easily distracted by something as simple as a squirrel passing through her yard. And let’s be honest… there are countless interruptions in our everyday life that can divert our attention. Staying focused and “on task” is not easy!
At any given moment, my mind is racing between a dozen or more trains of thought… what I have on my “to-do list” for the day…what to say in this devotional… what to cook for dinner…when I will have time to fit in a workout…what day will be good for the children to visit…I forgot to water the plants…did I turn off the iron?...I wish I hadn’t said/done such-and-such to one person or another… why did I eat that last chicken strip?... I need to check and answer e-mail…and so much more! And I bet you could give me a similar list. While all of this is going on in our brains, we are trying to concentrate on specific tasks… studying…working at our job…caring for our children, friends or other family members… driving… texting or e-mailing… carrying on a conversation with someone…or even reading our Bible or praying!
Paul is telling us in this passage that we need to clean out the clutter. We need to call on God to help us gain focus – and keep it. We need to learn to concentrate on one, maybe two tasks at a time…to limit the minutes we spend daydreaming… to get organized… and to prioritize. When we “see a squirrel,” we need to essentially say, “Yep, that’s a squirrel!” and return to the task at hand.
We need to start replacing some of the mindless drivel that occupies our mind – and our time – with a dialog between ourselves and God, Bible study, and a focus on things that honor and glorify Him. We need to evaluate every aspect of our lives… from the junk food we ingest to our lack of exercise and proper rest to the activities that consume our days and nights… and see where these things line up with God’s plan for us.
There is no time like the present to clear the clutter – physically, mentally, and Spiritually. Every single one of us has some area of our life with which we are less than serene. Even those of us who feel that life is pretty good can name something that could use improvement… an aspect that we could work on that would bring us more into sync with God – and create a more peaceful existence in the bargain.
Clearing the clutter and making more room for God is something each of us should consider. God will help us figure out what needs to stay and what should go. And when we “see a squirrel”…He can help us learn how to momentarily admire it and get right back on track! Aren’t you ready to rid yourself of distractions and the troubles that come with them? Don’t you want to focus more clearly on God and His plan for your life? Isn’t it time to bring His peace and order into your daily living? Will this be the day you begin… or are you still too busy looking at squirrels?
©2013 Debbie Robus
With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let’s make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A friend of mine sums up her life like this… “Oh, look… a squirrel!” In other words, she is easily distracted by something as simple as a squirrel passing through her yard. And let’s be honest… there are countless interruptions in our everyday life that can divert our attention. Staying focused and “on task” is not easy!
At any given moment, my mind is racing between a dozen or more trains of thought… what I have on my “to-do list” for the day…what to say in this devotional… what to cook for dinner…when I will have time to fit in a workout…what day will be good for the children to visit…I forgot to water the plants…did I turn off the iron?...I wish I hadn’t said/done such-and-such to one person or another… why did I eat that last chicken strip?... I need to check and answer e-mail…and so much more! And I bet you could give me a similar list. While all of this is going on in our brains, we are trying to concentrate on specific tasks… studying…working at our job…caring for our children, friends or other family members… driving… texting or e-mailing… carrying on a conversation with someone…or even reading our Bible or praying!
Paul is telling us in this passage that we need to clean out the clutter. We need to call on God to help us gain focus – and keep it. We need to learn to concentrate on one, maybe two tasks at a time…to limit the minutes we spend daydreaming… to get organized… and to prioritize. When we “see a squirrel,” we need to essentially say, “Yep, that’s a squirrel!” and return to the task at hand.
We need to start replacing some of the mindless drivel that occupies our mind – and our time – with a dialog between ourselves and God, Bible study, and a focus on things that honor and glorify Him. We need to evaluate every aspect of our lives… from the junk food we ingest to our lack of exercise and proper rest to the activities that consume our days and nights… and see where these things line up with God’s plan for us.
There is no time like the present to clear the clutter – physically, mentally, and Spiritually. Every single one of us has some area of our life with which we are less than serene. Even those of us who feel that life is pretty good can name something that could use improvement… an aspect that we could work on that would bring us more into sync with God – and create a more peaceful existence in the bargain.
Clearing the clutter and making more room for God is something each of us should consider. God will help us figure out what needs to stay and what should go. And when we “see a squirrel”…He can help us learn how to momentarily admire it and get right back on track! Aren’t you ready to rid yourself of distractions and the troubles that come with them? Don’t you want to focus more clearly on God and His plan for your life? Isn’t it time to bring His peace and order into your daily living? Will this be the day you begin… or are you still too busy looking at squirrels?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 24, 2012
Proverbs 4:23-27
Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.
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.
Each August, residents up and down Arkansas Highway 64 have a garage sale that lasts several days over one weekend. They call it “Bargains Galore on 64.” One year, my husband and I traveled this highway from Beebe to Conway and took in the sales along that part of the route. My husband drove, and I watched for signs and scouted the sales to determine whether or not it would be worth our time to stop. As the day wore on and the crowds thickened, this became a bit of a risky adventure! Drivers were paying more attention to the sales than their driving. Many either didn’t have a “navigator” to assist them…or that person was busy gawking, too… because there was more than one near-miss collision as we motored along!
I would venture to say you could call these sales something of a “sideshow distraction.” Highway 64 is a relatively busy thoroughfare, particularly as you get closer to the larger communities. Add in some traffic that is stopping and starting – often with little to no warning – and you have a recipe for potential disaster!
This is a good example of how many of us maneuver through life. We are busy gawking at the “sideshow distractions,” and we fail to pay attention to the importance of our main focus… navigating the path of our Christian faith. Daily living is fraught with challenges aplenty without taking detours and becoming preoccupied with such things as other people’s business, temptations, and our selfish desires to fit in or “be somebody!” These behaviors lead to the “white lies,” excuses, gossip, and careless banter that can wreak such havoc with our Christian witness and daily living.
In some respects, God is our “Navigator” as we travel the highways of life. He shows us what distractions and detours are worth our time and trouble… and He frees us to remain focused on the road ahead. He protects us from a collision course. Our job is to make every effort to be a “good driver”… to keep our heart and motives pure… and to listen to His advice.
I love a good yard sale as much as the next person… and I have to admit, I am often easily distracted. But I am asking God to strengthen my focus… to purify my motives – and my thoughts and actions – and to leave evil in the dust. Who is your Navigator these days? Are you a on a smooth stretch of road - or have you made a detour of sorts? Ask God to set you back on the right course… and to give you everything necessary to keep you there!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.
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.
Each August, residents up and down Arkansas Highway 64 have a garage sale that lasts several days over one weekend. They call it “Bargains Galore on 64.” One year, my husband and I traveled this highway from Beebe to Conway and took in the sales along that part of the route. My husband drove, and I watched for signs and scouted the sales to determine whether or not it would be worth our time to stop. As the day wore on and the crowds thickened, this became a bit of a risky adventure! Drivers were paying more attention to the sales than their driving. Many either didn’t have a “navigator” to assist them…or that person was busy gawking, too… because there was more than one near-miss collision as we motored along!
I would venture to say you could call these sales something of a “sideshow distraction.” Highway 64 is a relatively busy thoroughfare, particularly as you get closer to the larger communities. Add in some traffic that is stopping and starting – often with little to no warning – and you have a recipe for potential disaster!
This is a good example of how many of us maneuver through life. We are busy gawking at the “sideshow distractions,” and we fail to pay attention to the importance of our main focus… navigating the path of our Christian faith. Daily living is fraught with challenges aplenty without taking detours and becoming preoccupied with such things as other people’s business, temptations, and our selfish desires to fit in or “be somebody!” These behaviors lead to the “white lies,” excuses, gossip, and careless banter that can wreak such havoc with our Christian witness and daily living.
In some respects, God is our “Navigator” as we travel the highways of life. He shows us what distractions and detours are worth our time and trouble… and He frees us to remain focused on the road ahead. He protects us from a collision course. Our job is to make every effort to be a “good driver”… to keep our heart and motives pure… and to listen to His advice.
I love a good yard sale as much as the next person… and I have to admit, I am often easily distracted. But I am asking God to strengthen my focus… to purify my motives – and my thoughts and actions – and to leave evil in the dust. Who is your Navigator these days? Are you a on a smooth stretch of road - or have you made a detour of sorts? Ask God to set you back on the right course… and to give you everything necessary to keep you there!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 16, 2011
James 4:7-8
Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was all set for an afternoon of listing antiques for sale on Etsy.com and writing devos, when I lost my Internet connection. For the next five hours, I was unable to access the world-wide web, send or receive e-mail, read blogs, and more. I found other activities to occupy the time, but I have to admit… I was frustrated and uncomfortable. It’s not that I can’t go for hours – or even days – without being online. It’s more that I felt disconnected… and frankly, I have come to rely heavily on the Internet in my daily routine.
Once the Internet service was restored, I started reading scriptures online and writing devos, and I was struck by a very profound question… “Do we feel as anxious and frustrated about a ‘disconnect’ from God?” When we feel separated – or at least distanced somewhat – from God… like we are not communicating as well as we once were… does that make us uneasy? Are we bothered at all by this?
I don’t know about you, but I have gotten to a point where I know pretty well right away when I’ve moved away from God. Notice I didn’t say when God moves away from me… because I don’t believe He ever does that. But I let other things get in the way from time to time, and I move away from Him… fail to stay in constant communication… let my “connection” drop for awhile.
Just as losing the Internet connection makes me feel a little unnerved, losing my connection with God makes me feel much the same way. Honestly, if it didn’t, I would be even more concerned. See, when we become comfortable with being distanced from God, Satan has an open door… and he is not afraid to step right in and start working. That is not something that I want to experience!
So I am using this temporary disconnect as a reminder that I must stay “online” with God. I must draw near to Him and let Him strengthen the connection between us. If I will call on God and “login” with Him, He will be ready to interact with me in a number of incredible ways. I have no intention of letting my God-connection drop… what about you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was all set for an afternoon of listing antiques for sale on Etsy.com and writing devos, when I lost my Internet connection. For the next five hours, I was unable to access the world-wide web, send or receive e-mail, read blogs, and more. I found other activities to occupy the time, but I have to admit… I was frustrated and uncomfortable. It’s not that I can’t go for hours – or even days – without being online. It’s more that I felt disconnected… and frankly, I have come to rely heavily on the Internet in my daily routine.
Once the Internet service was restored, I started reading scriptures online and writing devos, and I was struck by a very profound question… “Do we feel as anxious and frustrated about a ‘disconnect’ from God?” When we feel separated – or at least distanced somewhat – from God… like we are not communicating as well as we once were… does that make us uneasy? Are we bothered at all by this?
I don’t know about you, but I have gotten to a point where I know pretty well right away when I’ve moved away from God. Notice I didn’t say when God moves away from me… because I don’t believe He ever does that. But I let other things get in the way from time to time, and I move away from Him… fail to stay in constant communication… let my “connection” drop for awhile.
Just as losing the Internet connection makes me feel a little unnerved, losing my connection with God makes me feel much the same way. Honestly, if it didn’t, I would be even more concerned. See, when we become comfortable with being distanced from God, Satan has an open door… and he is not afraid to step right in and start working. That is not something that I want to experience!
So I am using this temporary disconnect as a reminder that I must stay “online” with God. I must draw near to Him and let Him strengthen the connection between us. If I will call on God and “login” with Him, He will be ready to interact with me in a number of incredible ways. I have no intention of letting my God-connection drop… what about you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 2, 2010
November 2 ~ Mark 4:18-19
The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I mean no offense to my preacher friends, but have you ever sat through a sermon at church and thought of a zillion things other than what was being said in the sermon? Maybe you planned what you were going to do later that day. Maybe you were thinking about lunch, the big games on TV that afternoon, what all you had to do the next week… or even the hairdo on the person sitting in front of you!
Maybe you’ve sat down to study your Bible and ended up thinking about the new clothes you want to buy or how to pay your bills. Maybe you’ve been so busy working and “trying to get ahead” that you have not had time for church, much less God. And maybe you have all sorts of excuses that you think are pretty good… “I have to feed my family”… “I work late on Saturdays and I’m just too tired for church on Sundays”… “I have a short attention span and lose concentration when I pray or read the Bible.”
For starters, I am not buying the short attention span excuse in any form… and God surely isn’t! We seem to have no trouble concentrating on our favorite television show, sporting event, movie, or video game. We seem to be plenty capable of paying attention to something that makes us money or gets us noticed by others and appears to win us the approval of our peers and the people around us. But we have all sorts of excuses and distractions when it comes to spending time with God and truly getting His message.
In The Message, this passage says…”The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.”
Is stress strangling what you hear? Are you so caught up in the busyness of your life that you are missing the message God is trying to send you? Have you gotten so engrossed in making money, gaining friends and popularity, doing as you please and making excuses that you have lost sight of God and choked out His influence in your life?
So often we fail to realize that things would actually go better, easier, faster, and more to our liking if we would include God… if we would find time to communicate with Him and truly cultivate our relationship with Him. We don’t seem to understand that we are choking ourselves by excluding our Heavenly Father. Let’s start today to find our way back to God. Let’s slow down and evaluate our life and where we are… how we are doing things… and where we need to make some serious adjustments.
Nobody wants to be stressed, but nobody wants to be choked either… and we have gotten pretty good at both. Ask God to give you relief… to flood you with His grace and mercy… to restore you to right relationship and realign your priorities. He is waiting to do just this… and more… are you ready?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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.
The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I mean no offense to my preacher friends, but have you ever sat through a sermon at church and thought of a zillion things other than what was being said in the sermon? Maybe you planned what you were going to do later that day. Maybe you were thinking about lunch, the big games on TV that afternoon, what all you had to do the next week… or even the hairdo on the person sitting in front of you!
Maybe you’ve sat down to study your Bible and ended up thinking about the new clothes you want to buy or how to pay your bills. Maybe you’ve been so busy working and “trying to get ahead” that you have not had time for church, much less God. And maybe you have all sorts of excuses that you think are pretty good… “I have to feed my family”… “I work late on Saturdays and I’m just too tired for church on Sundays”… “I have a short attention span and lose concentration when I pray or read the Bible.”
For starters, I am not buying the short attention span excuse in any form… and God surely isn’t! We seem to have no trouble concentrating on our favorite television show, sporting event, movie, or video game. We seem to be plenty capable of paying attention to something that makes us money or gets us noticed by others and appears to win us the approval of our peers and the people around us. But we have all sorts of excuses and distractions when it comes to spending time with God and truly getting His message.
In The Message, this passage says…”The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.”
Is stress strangling what you hear? Are you so caught up in the busyness of your life that you are missing the message God is trying to send you? Have you gotten so engrossed in making money, gaining friends and popularity, doing as you please and making excuses that you have lost sight of God and choked out His influence in your life?
So often we fail to realize that things would actually go better, easier, faster, and more to our liking if we would include God… if we would find time to communicate with Him and truly cultivate our relationship with Him. We don’t seem to understand that we are choking ourselves by excluding our Heavenly Father. Let’s start today to find our way back to God. Let’s slow down and evaluate our life and where we are… how we are doing things… and where we need to make some serious adjustments.
Nobody wants to be stressed, but nobody wants to be choked either… and we have gotten pretty good at both. Ask God to give you relief… to flood you with His grace and mercy… to restore you to right relationship and realign your priorities. He is waiting to do just this… and more… are you ready?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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.
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