Galatians 6:1-3
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
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.
All I could think about as I read this passage was church and government leaders who have criticized this behavior or that lifestyle… only to be found guilty of the same thing at a later date. From mismanagement of funds to sexual infidelity, drug and alcohol abuse, physical or sexual abuse and more…these leaders often find themselves needing forgiveness for the very things they have condemned others for doing. And frankly, you and I are no better much of the time!
Do not misunderstand me… I am not making excuses for anyone. I’m merely saying that we are all human beings… all capable of sin… and equally in need of grace and mercy on any given day. To look down upon another person – or be critical of him/her with no offer of genuine compassion – runs counter to Christ’s law to love your neighbor as yourself.
If we are truly Christ’s disciples… if we really want His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness for OUR sins… we must offer this same kindness and consideration to others. How do we love someone who molests children or abuses animals? How can we forgive the drunk driver who killed our loved one or the significant other or spouse who cheats? How can we not be disgusted by the person who gambles away everything and endangers the welfare of his/her family – or the person who cannot shake a drug habit and ruins not only his/her life but the lives of countless others?
The answer is that we must look at each of these people as Jesus does… through His eyes. We don’t condone their behaviors. We do not excuse their sins. But we love the person God created and say inwardly – if not aloud – “I will pray for this person. I will offer kindness and fair treatment. I will remember that on any given day, others might be repulsed by me if they knew my sins and shortcomings. I will leave punishment to those in authority, where necessary… and the ultimate judgment to God.”
Too many of us act as if we are incapable of offering compassion to those we deem to have failed in some way. In truth, we have decided we are too good for other sinners… failing to recognize that we are right there in the boat with them! The time has come for us to remove our blinders and see clearly… to recognize that we are called to love others as God loves us. And that means we don’t get to pick and choose for whom – or when – we do this!
We all need to examine our hearts. I’m pretty sure each one of us has operated in criticism and judgment of others – at least to some degree. It’s time to ask ourselves how we would feel knowing others do this toward us… and then adjust our attitudes accordingly. We can’t have it both ways. We’re either walking in the protective shadow of the cross… or wandering in the desert with the devil.
Who do you need to restore today with your prayers and compassion? Who is God calling you to forgive? Are you living creatively in the love of Christ?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label fairness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fairness. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 9, 2012
Ephesians 4:1-3
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A post on Facebook this morning noted that our high school football team gets “back to work” today. This got me thinking about sporting events – and how enjoy attending and supporting our alma mater, young friends and relatives who participate… and our community at large. It also reminded me that there are “fans” at these events who behave badly. To be honest, there are a handful of people I prefer not to sit near at sporting events, because their conduct is so off-putting. Even worse, some of these folks are active members of local area congregations who profess to be faith-filled Christians!
Some of these same folks are quick to complain noisily about calls by referees, the lack of playing time for a particular team member, and how poorly the coach does his/her job. If people spent as much time and energy on solving some of our country’s biggest problems as they do debating issues like these - or the newest uniform designs for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team - we’d be amazed at the progress that could be made!
So what does this have to do with today’s scripture passage? There are two things to glean from this:
As we prepare for yet another school year and dozens of sporting events – not to mention the political campaigns that are in full force and countless other issues that are testing our mettle these days – let’s take a few minutes to study this scripture passage. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit of unity and peace – to show you how to treat others with humility, love, gentleness and patience. Call on God to help you guard your tongue and your thoughts… and to always act in a way that is worthy of His blessings. And if you find yourself needing a new seat at a sporting event, come and sit near me! I’ll be the one biting my tongue!
©2012 Debbie Robus
As a prisoner of the Lord, I beg you to live in a way that is worthy of the people God has chosen to be his own. Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other. Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united. Do this by living at peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A post on Facebook this morning noted that our high school football team gets “back to work” today. This got me thinking about sporting events – and how enjoy attending and supporting our alma mater, young friends and relatives who participate… and our community at large. It also reminded me that there are “fans” at these events who behave badly. To be honest, there are a handful of people I prefer not to sit near at sporting events, because their conduct is so off-putting. Even worse, some of these folks are active members of local area congregations who profess to be faith-filled Christians!
Some of these same folks are quick to complain noisily about calls by referees, the lack of playing time for a particular team member, and how poorly the coach does his/her job. If people spent as much time and energy on solving some of our country’s biggest problems as they do debating issues like these - or the newest uniform designs for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team - we’d be amazed at the progress that could be made!
So what does this have to do with today’s scripture passage? There are two things to glean from this:
- We must do everything we can to be patient with those who behave in an unbecoming manner. When our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ show out at sporting events, on social media, or anywhere else, we must still love them and exhibit patience – even if they try our own! If we lash out at those who are misbehaving, we have become just as unlovely – and we dishonor God. We don’t have to sit near these people, but we can’t publicly lash out – or worse yet, become one of them!
- We must check our own behavior and see where we are missing the mark. Are we behaving in a manner that is worthy of the title “Disciple of Christ?” Do we show patience and tolerance – hold our tongue and act with humility – even when we disagree with the ref’s call or the coach’s decision? When the other guy publicly speaks with hatred and untruth about our favorite political candidate, do we strike back with an equally vile comment or presentation toward his/her choice?
As we prepare for yet another school year and dozens of sporting events – not to mention the political campaigns that are in full force and countless other issues that are testing our mettle these days – let’s take a few minutes to study this scripture passage. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit of unity and peace – to show you how to treat others with humility, love, gentleness and patience. Call on God to help you guard your tongue and your thoughts… and to always act in a way that is worthy of His blessings. And if you find yourself needing a new seat at a sporting event, come and sit near me! I’ll be the one biting my tongue!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 23, 2011
Psalm 112:5-8
Life will go well for those who freely lend and are honest in business. They won't ever be troubled, and the kind things they do will never be forgotten. Bad news won't bother them; they have decided to trust the LORD. They are dependable and not afraid, and they will live to see their enemies defeated.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I read this passage, I immediately thought of my husband. He is a generous, honest person – and a savvy businessman. He doesn’t lose his cool in a crisis or when a problem arises. He calmly faces things head-on and rationally. And he is successful in all areas of life.
I can tell you, in our 40+ years together, I have often wondered how he did it. But more than once he has said to me, “If you really have the faith in God that you say you have, you can handle this.” And he is right! When we trust the LORD, we have nothing to fear. Sure, we may have troubles and crises. Yes, we may receive bad news. But we will never face anything that God can’t help us handle.
God wants us to be faithful. He wants us to be honest and fair, loyal to others… and to Him. And I’ll be honest… I’ve needed this scripture reminder several times lately. Have you? Sometimes I need to be reminded that God will defeat my enemies and solve my problems…if I will surrender them to Him. He will handle my troubles… and bad news may still come, but it won’t defeat me.
I hope you have good examples of faithful people to inspire you. I am thankful that I have a Godly, faith-filled husband who reminds me of Who is in charge when necessary… and helps me to adjust my “stinkin’ thinkin’” and get back on track. I pray that you will take this scripture passage to heart and think about it often. Trust the LORD in all things… live an honest and kind life that glorifies Him… and kick your fears to the curb once and for all.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Life will go well for those who freely lend and are honest in business. They won't ever be troubled, and the kind things they do will never be forgotten. Bad news won't bother them; they have decided to trust the LORD. They are dependable and not afraid, and they will live to see their enemies defeated.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I read this passage, I immediately thought of my husband. He is a generous, honest person – and a savvy businessman. He doesn’t lose his cool in a crisis or when a problem arises. He calmly faces things head-on and rationally. And he is successful in all areas of life.
I can tell you, in our 40+ years together, I have often wondered how he did it. But more than once he has said to me, “If you really have the faith in God that you say you have, you can handle this.” And he is right! When we trust the LORD, we have nothing to fear. Sure, we may have troubles and crises. Yes, we may receive bad news. But we will never face anything that God can’t help us handle.
God wants us to be faithful. He wants us to be honest and fair, loyal to others… and to Him. And I’ll be honest… I’ve needed this scripture reminder several times lately. Have you? Sometimes I need to be reminded that God will defeat my enemies and solve my problems…if I will surrender them to Him. He will handle my troubles… and bad news may still come, but it won’t defeat me.
I hope you have good examples of faithful people to inspire you. I am thankful that I have a Godly, faith-filled husband who reminds me of Who is in charge when necessary… and helps me to adjust my “stinkin’ thinkin’” and get back on track. I pray that you will take this scripture passage to heart and think about it often. Trust the LORD in all things… live an honest and kind life that glorifies Him… and kick your fears to the curb once and for all.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 22, 2011
Psalm 112:1-4
Shout praises to the LORD! The LORD blesses everyone who worships him and gladly obeys his teachings. Their descendants will have great power in the land, because the LORD blesses all who do right. They will get rich and prosper and will always be remembered for their fairness. They will be so kind and merciful and good, that they will be a light in the dark for others who do the right thing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I sold an item on eBay that was going down the road to another city in Arkansas. I had charged $6.00 for Priority Mail shipping, but when I saw that the buyer lived so close by, I messaged her and suggested she pay about half that amount for First Class shipping, which will be just as fast and far less expensive. I didn’t have to do this… the buyer had seen the shipping price when she bid, and she was apparently more than willing to pay $6. In fact, I could have easily shipped the package for $3.25 and pocketed the extra money. And I will have to drive to the Post Office to purchase the First Class postage instead of printing a Priority Mail label at home. But this would have been neither fair nor right. I have to stop and ask myself, “How would I feel if someone did this to me?” (You can insert my selfrighteous pat on the back here!)
In the scheme of things, this may seem rather insignificant. But when we are less than fair and honest in small things, we have taken the first step into the darkness of dishonesty and bigger transgressions. I have seen the promises of this scripture passage play out over and again. When people take the high road and do what they know is right, honest, and fair, it matters… and God notices. When we honor God – even in the smallest of things – He blesses us and remembers our “good deeds.” Some call this the “favor of God” – and believe me, I want all I can get!
So I gladly shout praises to the LORD. I try my best to be honest and fair… to do the right thing, take the high road, and be kind and merciful toward others. I know that God will bless my efforts. He will show me favor and shower me with riches (not necessarily money – but wealth in many forms) and abundance I can’t even imagine. He will grant me mercy and kindness… and He will use me to shine His light for others to see. The best part of all of this is that what God does for me, He will gladly do for you, also. But you must do your part. You must operate in honesty and fairness, kindness and mercy, and do the right thing.
How are you operating these days? Are you honest, fair, and striving to do the right thing… even in small matters? Do you feel the favor of God on your life? Have you praised Him lately for blessing you and keeping you on course? Isn’t today a good day to do just that?!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! The LORD blesses everyone who worships him and gladly obeys his teachings. Their descendants will have great power in the land, because the LORD blesses all who do right. They will get rich and prosper and will always be remembered for their fairness. They will be so kind and merciful and good, that they will be a light in the dark for others who do the right thing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I sold an item on eBay that was going down the road to another city in Arkansas. I had charged $6.00 for Priority Mail shipping, but when I saw that the buyer lived so close by, I messaged her and suggested she pay about half that amount for First Class shipping, which will be just as fast and far less expensive. I didn’t have to do this… the buyer had seen the shipping price when she bid, and she was apparently more than willing to pay $6. In fact, I could have easily shipped the package for $3.25 and pocketed the extra money. And I will have to drive to the Post Office to purchase the First Class postage instead of printing a Priority Mail label at home. But this would have been neither fair nor right. I have to stop and ask myself, “How would I feel if someone did this to me?” (You can insert my selfrighteous pat on the back here!)
In the scheme of things, this may seem rather insignificant. But when we are less than fair and honest in small things, we have taken the first step into the darkness of dishonesty and bigger transgressions. I have seen the promises of this scripture passage play out over and again. When people take the high road and do what they know is right, honest, and fair, it matters… and God notices. When we honor God – even in the smallest of things – He blesses us and remembers our “good deeds.” Some call this the “favor of God” – and believe me, I want all I can get!
So I gladly shout praises to the LORD. I try my best to be honest and fair… to do the right thing, take the high road, and be kind and merciful toward others. I know that God will bless my efforts. He will show me favor and shower me with riches (not necessarily money – but wealth in many forms) and abundance I can’t even imagine. He will grant me mercy and kindness… and He will use me to shine His light for others to see. The best part of all of this is that what God does for me, He will gladly do for you, also. But you must do your part. You must operate in honesty and fairness, kindness and mercy, and do the right thing.
How are you operating these days? Are you honest, fair, and striving to do the right thing… even in small matters? Do you feel the favor of God on your life? Have you praised Him lately for blessing you and keeping you on course? Isn’t today a good day to do just that?!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 1, 2011
Proverbs 20:10
Switching price tags and padding the expense account are two things GOD hates.
The shopper says, "That's junk—I'll take it off your hands," then goes off boasting of the bargain.
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.
If you know much about me, you know that I have grown to love estate auctions/sales and garage sales. I “learned the ropes” from my mother-in-law… and also from a lot of practice! And I have gotten some really great things – often at a really great price! Yes, I guess I’m boasting of the bargain – but not in the way referred to in this scripture!
I’ve also learned a lot about being fair and honest. I’ve seen people strategically relocate items at auctions so that they will be sold cheaply in a box of “junk.” I’ve picked up an item that I knew was valuable and told the seller, “You’ve priced this too cheaply.” Don’t get me wrong… I love to get home with a box of goodies from an auction and find something really cool and valuable stuck inside that I purchased for a few pennies if those in charge knowingly grouped it as such. I will gladly pay a low price for an item at a sale if the seller says, “Yes, that really is the price I’m asking.”
But I will not intentionally deceive a seller. For starters, it’s dishonest… and secondly, it always comes back to bite you! I’ve learned that God rewards honesty… and more than once I have been blessed to purchase a good item for very little money and sell it for a huge return. As long as the seller is happy, I’m happy… and it has paid off for me over and again.
So how does this apply to all of us – even if we never attend a sale or auction? Every single day, there are opportunities for us to do the right thing. We can be honest with others about everything from “You gave me a $10 bill in change instead of one dollar” to claiming we didn’t foul the player, when we know full well we caught him/her with our hand… to giving your friend or an acquaintance a lame excuse instead of telling him/her you aren’t available or don’t want to do something. Fudging on your income tax returns, overbilling someone and hoping they don’t notice, and keeping quiet about the extra hamburger the server slipped into your sack by mistake at the drive-thru are all modern-day examples of padding the expense account/changing the price tags/boasting of a bargain. And God is not amused.
Stop and think about what you are doing each day. Are you honest in even the smallest of things? It may seem like such a silly, insignificant thing to switch a price tag or tuck a coveted item into a box at an auction. You may not feel it is worth your time to stop and tell the server that there’s an extra burger or taco in your sack. You may feel it is your lucky day when you are given a $10 bill by mistake for one dollar. But how you handle these situations directly correlates to how you handle bigger ones… how you live for Jesus in general.
What is your “bargain” of the day… are you boasting when you shouldn’t be? Isn’t it time to come clean and live in a way that pleases God… and leave the bargain and blessings dispensations to His discretion?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Switching price tags and padding the expense account are two things GOD hates.
The shopper says, "That's junk—I'll take it off your hands," then goes off boasting of the bargain.
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.
If you know much about me, you know that I have grown to love estate auctions/sales and garage sales. I “learned the ropes” from my mother-in-law… and also from a lot of practice! And I have gotten some really great things – often at a really great price! Yes, I guess I’m boasting of the bargain – but not in the way referred to in this scripture!
I’ve also learned a lot about being fair and honest. I’ve seen people strategically relocate items at auctions so that they will be sold cheaply in a box of “junk.” I’ve picked up an item that I knew was valuable and told the seller, “You’ve priced this too cheaply.” Don’t get me wrong… I love to get home with a box of goodies from an auction and find something really cool and valuable stuck inside that I purchased for a few pennies if those in charge knowingly grouped it as such. I will gladly pay a low price for an item at a sale if the seller says, “Yes, that really is the price I’m asking.”
But I will not intentionally deceive a seller. For starters, it’s dishonest… and secondly, it always comes back to bite you! I’ve learned that God rewards honesty… and more than once I have been blessed to purchase a good item for very little money and sell it for a huge return. As long as the seller is happy, I’m happy… and it has paid off for me over and again.
So how does this apply to all of us – even if we never attend a sale or auction? Every single day, there are opportunities for us to do the right thing. We can be honest with others about everything from “You gave me a $10 bill in change instead of one dollar” to claiming we didn’t foul the player, when we know full well we caught him/her with our hand… to giving your friend or an acquaintance a lame excuse instead of telling him/her you aren’t available or don’t want to do something. Fudging on your income tax returns, overbilling someone and hoping they don’t notice, and keeping quiet about the extra hamburger the server slipped into your sack by mistake at the drive-thru are all modern-day examples of padding the expense account/changing the price tags/boasting of a bargain. And God is not amused.
Stop and think about what you are doing each day. Are you honest in even the smallest of things? It may seem like such a silly, insignificant thing to switch a price tag or tuck a coveted item into a box at an auction. You may not feel it is worth your time to stop and tell the server that there’s an extra burger or taco in your sack. You may feel it is your lucky day when you are given a $10 bill by mistake for one dollar. But how you handle these situations directly correlates to how you handle bigger ones… how you live for Jesus in general.
What is your “bargain” of the day… are you boasting when you shouldn’t be? Isn’t it time to come clean and live in a way that pleases God… and leave the bargain and blessings dispensations to His discretion?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 2, 2011
Psalm 101:1-2
I will sing to you, LORD! I will celebrate your kindness and your justice. Please help me learn to do the right thing, and I will be honest and fair in my own kingdom.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve been listening to all of the talk from Washington about our federal budget, and I’ve done my fair share of grumbling about waste, overspending, and more. As I handle my grandmother’s business affairs, I’ve seen several opportunities for individuals and agencies to “do the right thing.” Instead, it appears many chose to behave differently. This is not a political commentary, but rather a personal observation.
In recent days, I’ve actually had more than one encounter with a service or repair person who offered to “take a look” at my problem for no charge. This is impressive… such offers are becoming a rarity in our society. Even “looking,” seems to come at a cost. And more than once, I’ve seen charges for a “referral” to another person or agency, when nothing more than the click of a button or the tap of a computer key occurred. Did this really merit a hefty charge? Does flipping a switch to connect a service honestly deserve a “hookup fee?” Are we to the point where we truly never do anything for someone else without some sort of payment involved
More importantly, how often are we “charging” others in God’s name? If we do something kind for someone, do we expect favors in return? Do we make promises we can’t keep? Do we say we will call or show up, then fail to do so? Do we only do something for others when we think we will be rewarded? Do we give God lip service… tell Him we will serve Him with all we have in us… then go about the business of doing as we please?
Think about the people in your circle… those you know well in your community, school and business circles, and your church family. When you think of these people in terms of integrity, what names come to mind? Do you readily picture people who operate in honesty and fairness… both in their daily living and their Christian service? Do you see that these people have studied the kindness and justice of God… and carried it over into their own lives? Don’t you want to be more like these people? Isn’t this how we should all be operating?
I have no illusions of being able to change how others behave… or getting them to stop making unnecessary and exorbitant charges. These folks will have to answer to God for this at some point. But I can do my very best to operate fully in kindness, fairness, justice and integrity… to honor God with my most upright behavior in every arena of life. And so can you! It’s a start… and we might just be able to influence others by doing the right thing ourselves.
Thank God for being so just and fair toward us. Ask Him to show you how to live a life of kindness and justice. Do the right thing… always… as you serve to further God’s Kingdom – and in your own daily living, as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I will sing to you, LORD! I will celebrate your kindness and your justice. Please help me learn to do the right thing, and I will be honest and fair in my own kingdom.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve been listening to all of the talk from Washington about our federal budget, and I’ve done my fair share of grumbling about waste, overspending, and more. As I handle my grandmother’s business affairs, I’ve seen several opportunities for individuals and agencies to “do the right thing.” Instead, it appears many chose to behave differently. This is not a political commentary, but rather a personal observation.
In recent days, I’ve actually had more than one encounter with a service or repair person who offered to “take a look” at my problem for no charge. This is impressive… such offers are becoming a rarity in our society. Even “looking,” seems to come at a cost. And more than once, I’ve seen charges for a “referral” to another person or agency, when nothing more than the click of a button or the tap of a computer key occurred. Did this really merit a hefty charge? Does flipping a switch to connect a service honestly deserve a “hookup fee?” Are we to the point where we truly never do anything for someone else without some sort of payment involved
More importantly, how often are we “charging” others in God’s name? If we do something kind for someone, do we expect favors in return? Do we make promises we can’t keep? Do we say we will call or show up, then fail to do so? Do we only do something for others when we think we will be rewarded? Do we give God lip service… tell Him we will serve Him with all we have in us… then go about the business of doing as we please?
Think about the people in your circle… those you know well in your community, school and business circles, and your church family. When you think of these people in terms of integrity, what names come to mind? Do you readily picture people who operate in honesty and fairness… both in their daily living and their Christian service? Do you see that these people have studied the kindness and justice of God… and carried it over into their own lives? Don’t you want to be more like these people? Isn’t this how we should all be operating?
I have no illusions of being able to change how others behave… or getting them to stop making unnecessary and exorbitant charges. These folks will have to answer to God for this at some point. But I can do my very best to operate fully in kindness, fairness, justice and integrity… to honor God with my most upright behavior in every arena of life. And so can you! It’s a start… and we might just be able to influence others by doing the right thing ourselves.
Thank God for being so just and fair toward us. Ask Him to show you how to live a life of kindness and justice. Do the right thing… always… as you serve to further God’s Kingdom – and in your own daily living, as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 7, 2011
Psalm 96:10-13
Get out the message—God Rules!
He put the world on a firm foundation;
He treats everyone fair and square.
Let's hear it from Sky,
With Earth joining in,
And a huge round of applause from Sea.
Let Wilderness turn cartwheels,
Animals, come dance,
Put every tree of the forest in the choir—
An extravaganza before God as he comes,
As he comes to set everything right on earth,
Set everything right, treat everyone fair.
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.
“It’s not fair!” If you have never uttered this sentence, you must be an alien from another planet! We all feel that life isn’t fair at some point… that we have not been treated well… that the world is spinning off its axis. And we complain loudly to anyone and everyone who will listen – especially God!
What we often fail to recognize is that many of the indignities and injustices we feel are being imposed on us are very much like those we impose on God! We go days/weeks/months without speaking to Him. We disappoint… speak unkindly… even lie to create the situation we prefer over that we know is honorable to God… we manipulate, whine, complain, disrespect, and more. And remember… any time we do this to another living being, we are doing these things to God, too!
Still, God comes and sets everything right. This is not a license to take Him for granted, but rather, a call to recognize His power, grace and mercy. God treats everyone fairly… He loves each of us and orchestrates the events of our lives - often showering us with undeserved blessings.
Much of life is not fair… or conducted on our terms. And I’m learning that often, when I call out to God, “This is not fair!” or “I am hurt and upset by this,” He answers… “Now you know how I feel sometimes.” I’m not saying God wants us to be hurt or feel mistreated… but sometimes these experiences humble us to the “log in our own eye,” so to speak, and help us to see how we are treating others… and God. When we realize how merciful He is to us in spite of our behavior that, frankly, is often quite awful… we see how much He loves us… how worthy He is of our constant praise.
Today, examine areas of your life where you feel you have been treated unfairly – and where you might have doled out that same treatment to others. Think about how you treat God… how much of your time and attention you give Him (and I’m talking about time spent loving, praising, and worshipping – not asking for something from Him). Praise God for loving us so well… treating us so fairly… and setting everything right on earth.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Get out the message—God Rules!
He put the world on a firm foundation;
He treats everyone fair and square.
Let's hear it from Sky,
With Earth joining in,
And a huge round of applause from Sea.
Let Wilderness turn cartwheels,
Animals, come dance,
Put every tree of the forest in the choir—
An extravaganza before God as he comes,
As he comes to set everything right on earth,
Set everything right, treat everyone fair.
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.
“It’s not fair!” If you have never uttered this sentence, you must be an alien from another planet! We all feel that life isn’t fair at some point… that we have not been treated well… that the world is spinning off its axis. And we complain loudly to anyone and everyone who will listen – especially God!
What we often fail to recognize is that many of the indignities and injustices we feel are being imposed on us are very much like those we impose on God! We go days/weeks/months without speaking to Him. We disappoint… speak unkindly… even lie to create the situation we prefer over that we know is honorable to God… we manipulate, whine, complain, disrespect, and more. And remember… any time we do this to another living being, we are doing these things to God, too!
Still, God comes and sets everything right. This is not a license to take Him for granted, but rather, a call to recognize His power, grace and mercy. God treats everyone fairly… He loves each of us and orchestrates the events of our lives - often showering us with undeserved blessings.
Much of life is not fair… or conducted on our terms. And I’m learning that often, when I call out to God, “This is not fair!” or “I am hurt and upset by this,” He answers… “Now you know how I feel sometimes.” I’m not saying God wants us to be hurt or feel mistreated… but sometimes these experiences humble us to the “log in our own eye,” so to speak, and help us to see how we are treating others… and God. When we realize how merciful He is to us in spite of our behavior that, frankly, is often quite awful… we see how much He loves us… how worthy He is of our constant praise.
Today, examine areas of your life where you feel you have been treated unfairly – and where you might have doled out that same treatment to others. Think about how you treat God… how much of your time and attention you give Him (and I’m talking about time spent loving, praising, and worshipping – not asking for something from Him). Praise God for loving us so well… treating us so fairly… and setting everything right on earth.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 6, 2011
Psalm 97:10-12
God loves all who hate evil,
And those who love him he keeps safe,
Snatches them from the grip of the wicked.
Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people,
Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
So, God's people, shout praise to God,
Give thanks to our Holy 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.
Through the magic of television, many around the world have been glued to the Casey Anthony trial, in which a young mother was accused of murdering her small child, Caylee, and covering up the death for 31 days. I have heard a few bits and pieces of information, but I chose not to follow the minute coverage of this trial. And I guess because so many did watch every single second of testimony on the airwaves, they feel that they have an “informed” opinion about whether this young mother is guilty or not. I find the whole situation very sad and heartbreaking. But honestly, I do not have an opinion one way or the other about this woman’s guilt or innocence… and that is not the point of this devotional.
I have a different “take” on some things. My perspective changed greatly when I read The Shack by William P. Young. In his fictional story, Young tells of a little girl who disappeared from her family while they are on a camping trip. Her body was never found, but the authorities did find her blood-soaked red dress, and a little “ladybug” pin – the signature “calling card” of a serial killer. The guilt-ridden father goes on a Spiritual journey that culminates in a healing experience for him, as he makes several profound discoveries about God and his faith… that God never left this child… that He was right beside her through all of the brutality… and that He swept her into His arms and carried her safely to heaven… and that the father must forgive all involved – including himself – in order to truly heal.
As I listened to the snippets of coverage about this latest trial, I was reminded over and over that God was with little Caylee Anthony every step of the way. He shielded her in ways we can’t even imagine from the horror of the events… He swept her up, kept her safe, and snatched her from the grip of evil and wickedness that might have been her life on this earth. In The Shack, Young writes as if he were speaking as God… “Nobody knows what horrors I have saved the world from ‘cuz people can’t see what never happened. All evil flows from independence, and independence is your choice. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don’t. If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all.” We don’t know why God allowed this to happen. But we do know that God never stops loving us… even in the midst of evil.
I would never venture to suggest to any of you how you should feel about this trial or any other event. But I do suggest that you spend some time in prayer for all concerned… and thank God that He is still in control. God knows every detail surrounding this horrific tragedy, and He will mete out perfect justice to everyone involved. Little Caylee Anthony is safe and whole in His arms. Any lies, cover-ups, deceit, and evil that occurred before, during, and after her death will be dealt with as only God can.
Regardless of how you are feeling about this particular case, be joyful that in the end, evil will not win. God always has the last say… and He will prevail. He will mete out perfect justice to those who embrace evil… and He will bless and keep those who are innocent. Praise God for His fairness, grace and mercy… praise Him for loving each of us… and for always meeting our needs.
©2011 Debbie Robus
God loves all who hate evil,
And those who love him he keeps safe,
Snatches them from the grip of the wicked.
Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God's people,
Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.
So, God's people, shout praise to God,
Give thanks to our Holy 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.
Through the magic of television, many around the world have been glued to the Casey Anthony trial, in which a young mother was accused of murdering her small child, Caylee, and covering up the death for 31 days. I have heard a few bits and pieces of information, but I chose not to follow the minute coverage of this trial. And I guess because so many did watch every single second of testimony on the airwaves, they feel that they have an “informed” opinion about whether this young mother is guilty or not. I find the whole situation very sad and heartbreaking. But honestly, I do not have an opinion one way or the other about this woman’s guilt or innocence… and that is not the point of this devotional.
I have a different “take” on some things. My perspective changed greatly when I read The Shack by William P. Young. In his fictional story, Young tells of a little girl who disappeared from her family while they are on a camping trip. Her body was never found, but the authorities did find her blood-soaked red dress, and a little “ladybug” pin – the signature “calling card” of a serial killer. The guilt-ridden father goes on a Spiritual journey that culminates in a healing experience for him, as he makes several profound discoveries about God and his faith… that God never left this child… that He was right beside her through all of the brutality… and that He swept her into His arms and carried her safely to heaven… and that the father must forgive all involved – including himself – in order to truly heal.
As I listened to the snippets of coverage about this latest trial, I was reminded over and over that God was with little Caylee Anthony every step of the way. He shielded her in ways we can’t even imagine from the horror of the events… He swept her up, kept her safe, and snatched her from the grip of evil and wickedness that might have been her life on this earth. In The Shack, Young writes as if he were speaking as God… “Nobody knows what horrors I have saved the world from ‘cuz people can’t see what never happened. All evil flows from independence, and independence is your choice. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don’t. If I take away the consequences of people’s choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all.” We don’t know why God allowed this to happen. But we do know that God never stops loving us… even in the midst of evil.
I would never venture to suggest to any of you how you should feel about this trial or any other event. But I do suggest that you spend some time in prayer for all concerned… and thank God that He is still in control. God knows every detail surrounding this horrific tragedy, and He will mete out perfect justice to everyone involved. Little Caylee Anthony is safe and whole in His arms. Any lies, cover-ups, deceit, and evil that occurred before, during, and after her death will be dealt with as only God can.
Regardless of how you are feeling about this particular case, be joyful that in the end, evil will not win. God always has the last say… and He will prevail. He will mete out perfect justice to those who embrace evil… and He will bless and keep those who are innocent. Praise God for His fairness, grace and mercy… praise Him for loving each of us… and for always meeting our needs.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 4, 2010
Psalm 37:3
Trust the LORD and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I wonder if our forefathers read this passage when they were signing the Declaration of Independence! Before you start pointing fingers and saying, “But we’re not always safe, and this land is not always ours,” let’s take a closer look at this Psalm. If we go back to Verse 1, it says “Don’t be annoyed by anyone who does wrong, and don’t envy them.” When you put this together with Verse 3 and “trust the LORD and live right,” we get a bigger picture. Rather than get bogged down in our aggravation, we must strive to make changes, and we must begin by “taking the high road.”
Have you ever been in a situation where you were felt you were unwelcome – and perhaps intimidated to the point where you were maybe even a little afraid? Perhaps you were in a crowd or in an unfamiliar area of a large city, and you felt like you stuck out like a sore thumb to the “natives.” It’s not a pleasant feeling, is it?! At that moment, we have to dig deep and trust God to keep us safe and tamp down our unsettled feelings.
I was shopping in Wal-Mart on Friday, and the place was a madhouse. Every check-out line was long and crowded… except for one self-check aisle. The register wasn’t closed or malfunctioning… but there were two somewhat scruffy looking men checking out there… and behind them were two tall, very dark black teenage boys. The boys were standing so far back in line that I honestly could not tell if they were in line behind the “scruffy” men or not. I assumed they were being polite and not crowding the man who was checking his groceries. But I did observe more than a couple of people cutting these boys a wide berth. They were looking at them as if to ask, “What are YOU doing here?” The boys were dressed nicely in almost head-to-toe Nike apparel. They were buying a swimsuit and some flip flops, and I saw people who appeared to be tourists in other lines glaring at them, in what I interpreted as, “Surely you are not going to swim in the lake we drove here to enjoy, are you?!” It was disgusting.
I touched the arm of one of the young men and asked, “Are you in line to check out?” He said he was, and I quickly moved in line behind him. The other boy needed help getting his debit card to work properly, and I offered some suggestions, since I was familiar with this register and know it is cantankerous on a good day. The young man was very grateful and thanked me profusely for helping him.
Over lunch, I told my husband about this, and I said, “Those boys could not have helped but feel the glares of others. They must think this is the most hateful place.” He replied something to the effect of… “Yes, but one nice lady helped them.” That took me aback… because I had not considered my actions anything but the right thing to do. Since when did this become just “our” land? Are we so unloving and sinful that we would make anyone feel unwelcome – much less frightened – in our community… particularly a young person? I was reminded all too poignantly that many in our own country still do not feel safe, or welcome. I pray that their faith is strong, and that they truly do trust in God to help them “take the high road” and live right, believing that God will do the rest.
Meanwhile, we must pray that, on this day of all days, people throughout our nation humble themselves before God and ask forgiveness for times when they have not recognized the equality of their fellow countrymen and women. We must ask God to help us all to be more embracing and less judgmental… and to celebrate the victory of our Declaration of Independence and the subsequent tenets of freedom on which this country was founded. In our Pledge of Allegiance, we vow to strive for “liberty and justice for all,” and that begins with something as seemingly insignificant as dropping the attitudes towards others in our local Wal-Mart.
I certainly don’t envy those who gave the ugly stares, and I’m working on overcoming my annoyance with them. But at the same time, I am praying that God works in their hearts to bring about change… and that He strengthens those who are mistreated, if only with unkind stares. We are so blessed… not only to live in America… but to be called God’s children. It’s time we honored Him and our country by behaving better. I can’t think of a more perfect day to start than this one. Happy Birthday, America… may God bless and strengthen you and your people… and may He always keep us safe.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Trust the LORD and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I wonder if our forefathers read this passage when they were signing the Declaration of Independence! Before you start pointing fingers and saying, “But we’re not always safe, and this land is not always ours,” let’s take a closer look at this Psalm. If we go back to Verse 1, it says “Don’t be annoyed by anyone who does wrong, and don’t envy them.” When you put this together with Verse 3 and “trust the LORD and live right,” we get a bigger picture. Rather than get bogged down in our aggravation, we must strive to make changes, and we must begin by “taking the high road.”
Have you ever been in a situation where you were felt you were unwelcome – and perhaps intimidated to the point where you were maybe even a little afraid? Perhaps you were in a crowd or in an unfamiliar area of a large city, and you felt like you stuck out like a sore thumb to the “natives.” It’s not a pleasant feeling, is it?! At that moment, we have to dig deep and trust God to keep us safe and tamp down our unsettled feelings.
I was shopping in Wal-Mart on Friday, and the place was a madhouse. Every check-out line was long and crowded… except for one self-check aisle. The register wasn’t closed or malfunctioning… but there were two somewhat scruffy looking men checking out there… and behind them were two tall, very dark black teenage boys. The boys were standing so far back in line that I honestly could not tell if they were in line behind the “scruffy” men or not. I assumed they were being polite and not crowding the man who was checking his groceries. But I did observe more than a couple of people cutting these boys a wide berth. They were looking at them as if to ask, “What are YOU doing here?” The boys were dressed nicely in almost head-to-toe Nike apparel. They were buying a swimsuit and some flip flops, and I saw people who appeared to be tourists in other lines glaring at them, in what I interpreted as, “Surely you are not going to swim in the lake we drove here to enjoy, are you?!” It was disgusting.
I touched the arm of one of the young men and asked, “Are you in line to check out?” He said he was, and I quickly moved in line behind him. The other boy needed help getting his debit card to work properly, and I offered some suggestions, since I was familiar with this register and know it is cantankerous on a good day. The young man was very grateful and thanked me profusely for helping him.
Over lunch, I told my husband about this, and I said, “Those boys could not have helped but feel the glares of others. They must think this is the most hateful place.” He replied something to the effect of… “Yes, but one nice lady helped them.” That took me aback… because I had not considered my actions anything but the right thing to do. Since when did this become just “our” land? Are we so unloving and sinful that we would make anyone feel unwelcome – much less frightened – in our community… particularly a young person? I was reminded all too poignantly that many in our own country still do not feel safe, or welcome. I pray that their faith is strong, and that they truly do trust in God to help them “take the high road” and live right, believing that God will do the rest.
Meanwhile, we must pray that, on this day of all days, people throughout our nation humble themselves before God and ask forgiveness for times when they have not recognized the equality of their fellow countrymen and women. We must ask God to help us all to be more embracing and less judgmental… and to celebrate the victory of our Declaration of Independence and the subsequent tenets of freedom on which this country was founded. In our Pledge of Allegiance, we vow to strive for “liberty and justice for all,” and that begins with something as seemingly insignificant as dropping the attitudes towards others in our local Wal-Mart.
I certainly don’t envy those who gave the ugly stares, and I’m working on overcoming my annoyance with them. But at the same time, I am praying that God works in their hearts to bring about change… and that He strengthens those who are mistreated, if only with unkind stares. We are so blessed… not only to live in America… but to be called God’s children. It’s time we honored Him and our country by behaving better. I can’t think of a more perfect day to start than this one. Happy Birthday, America… may God bless and strengthen you and your people… and may He always keep us safe.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 13, 2010
June 13 ~ Isaiah 43:5
Don't be afraid! I am with you. From both east and west I will bring you together.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In case you have been under a rock for the last few days, this has not been the happiest week for Arkansans at large. A massive flash flood swept away campers in southwest Arkansas, killing dozens and leaving others injured and incredibly frightened. Many lost not only family members and friends, but also pets, belongings, and more. Some literally lost the clothing off their backs from the force of the water. The devastation and destruction is truly incredible.
In northeastern Arkansas, Lillian Wilson, an 80-year-old woman known locally as “Miss Lill,” was beaten to death in the sanctuary of her church with a 2-foot brass cross from the Holy Communion table. She had returned on Sunday afternoon to leave a bucket to finish out a “disaster kit” filled with cleaning supplies that, ironically, would aid in the cleanup of places just like the Albert Pike Campground area in southwestern Arkansas.
As we watched these stories unfold in the media, we couldn’t help but ask, “Why, God? Why did a two-year-old toddler have to die before her mother’s eyes? Why was a faithful Christian servant murdered in her church sanctuary… and by the very symbol of Your protection?” As I read over this scripture passage, God very clearly reminded me that He was with the people at Albert Pike Campground… and He was with Miss Lill. God is always with us, even in the most horrific circumstances. I know… you are thinking this doesn’t make sense… why doesn’t He rescue us? I believe He does… just not in the ways we envision.
I believe that there is so much about God we cannot ever understand… His power and how He really operates. If we did, we wouldn’t need Him. I believe that even in the most terrifying situations, such as being swept away by flood waters or being beaten with a brass cross, God is there, saying, “Hold My hand… I’m right here with you. You’ll see… I will make this okay.” And just as God orchestrates everything perfectly, we will see His power at work in these two tragedies. He will use the lady who made disaster relief buckets and the people who needed them to change lives. Satan may have meant these two events for evil… his plan was surely to cause us to say, “What kind of God would allow this?” But God is saying… “Don’t turn away from me in fear… turn TO me and realize that I was there all along… and I am still with you.”
This is a hard lesson. We humans want someone to blame… and more often than not we blame God instead of the real culprit – Satan. We see the negative more than the positive, and we lose our way – and our faith. Let’s renew our faith and trust in God. Let’s recognize today that He is still in control… and He is still right beside us. Let’s acknowledge that God can take the most horrific events and bring blessings out of them… and let’s take comfort in realizing how powerful He is. This is an amazing thing… we serve an awesome God. Don’t be afraid. God is bringing east, west, north and south together… and He is always… ALWAYS with us.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Don't be afraid! I am with you. From both east and west I will bring you together.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In case you have been under a rock for the last few days, this has not been the happiest week for Arkansans at large. A massive flash flood swept away campers in southwest Arkansas, killing dozens and leaving others injured and incredibly frightened. Many lost not only family members and friends, but also pets, belongings, and more. Some literally lost the clothing off their backs from the force of the water. The devastation and destruction is truly incredible.
In northeastern Arkansas, Lillian Wilson, an 80-year-old woman known locally as “Miss Lill,” was beaten to death in the sanctuary of her church with a 2-foot brass cross from the Holy Communion table. She had returned on Sunday afternoon to leave a bucket to finish out a “disaster kit” filled with cleaning supplies that, ironically, would aid in the cleanup of places just like the Albert Pike Campground area in southwestern Arkansas.
As we watched these stories unfold in the media, we couldn’t help but ask, “Why, God? Why did a two-year-old toddler have to die before her mother’s eyes? Why was a faithful Christian servant murdered in her church sanctuary… and by the very symbol of Your protection?” As I read over this scripture passage, God very clearly reminded me that He was with the people at Albert Pike Campground… and He was with Miss Lill. God is always with us, even in the most horrific circumstances. I know… you are thinking this doesn’t make sense… why doesn’t He rescue us? I believe He does… just not in the ways we envision.
I believe that there is so much about God we cannot ever understand… His power and how He really operates. If we did, we wouldn’t need Him. I believe that even in the most terrifying situations, such as being swept away by flood waters or being beaten with a brass cross, God is there, saying, “Hold My hand… I’m right here with you. You’ll see… I will make this okay.” And just as God orchestrates everything perfectly, we will see His power at work in these two tragedies. He will use the lady who made disaster relief buckets and the people who needed them to change lives. Satan may have meant these two events for evil… his plan was surely to cause us to say, “What kind of God would allow this?” But God is saying… “Don’t turn away from me in fear… turn TO me and realize that I was there all along… and I am still with you.”
This is a hard lesson. We humans want someone to blame… and more often than not we blame God instead of the real culprit – Satan. We see the negative more than the positive, and we lose our way – and our faith. Let’s renew our faith and trust in God. Let’s recognize today that He is still in control… and He is still right beside us. Let’s acknowledge that God can take the most horrific events and bring blessings out of them… and let’s take comfort in realizing how powerful He is. This is an amazing thing… we serve an awesome God. Don’t be afraid. God is bringing east, west, north and south together… and He is always… ALWAYS with us.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 23, 2010
May 23 ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
Be brave and strong! Don't be afraid of the nations on the other side of the Jordan. The LORD your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent weeks, we have all heard the news reports about the controversy brewing in Arizona, where a movement to address the problem of illegal immigrants is afoot. The crackdown is a response to an increase in the number of immigrants who are taking up residence in Arizona and other border states and utilizing public services, even though they may not be legal residents of the United States. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed a law allowing police in her state to stop cars they suspect may contain illegal immigrants and demand identification. She has been accused of racial profiling and civil rights violations… and this controversy has sparked a national debate. Regardless of how you feel about this issue, we must accept the fact that much of the action and response are largely based in fear. More than that, we have to recognize that fear is one of the devil’s best tools!
Let’s be honest… we are all guilty of this to some degree. Many of us fear the person in the checkout line at Wal-Mart who looks like he/she is unclean or “a druggie.” Many of us fear the person who appears to be of another race who drives through our neighborhood or the parking lots in a car that doesn’t look like our shiny “American” sedans and SUVs. Many of us are scared to death of someone we perceive to be homosexual, whether we know this or are merely making an assumption. We fear what we do not fully understand. Someone who had a relative dying with AIDS once asked me, “Can I get it from hugging and kissing her?” This broke my heart! And for the record, the answer was “No!”
We have so forgotten who we are. We have failed to remember that we are ALL God’s children, and He loves each of us. God made each race and gave us all unique qualities. God may not be happy about a person’s choices, but He still loves the person. God loves people who are sick and dirty and homeless and strung out on drugs. He loves people with AIDS and cancer and warts! And He wants us to love them, too.
Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying we have to open our borders and allow any and all immigrants to enter into our homes - or that we have to compromise our values and beliefs about social issues like recreational drug use, sexually transmitted diseases, and anything done illegally. But we have to recognize that operating in fear does not change any of these things – in fact, if often makes them far worse. We say we believe in God’s power to save us, and then we act completely the opposite. It’s time we started “walking the walk and talking the talk.” It’s time we claimed God’s power and protection in our lives – and then acted on it. We need to reach out to others more. We need to say, “I don’t necessarily understand or agree, but I know that God loves you as much as He loves me, and that’s a good place to start.” We have sold God so short. It’s time to step up and start believing Him for BIG things. Be brave and strong! God will never abandon you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Be brave and strong! Don't be afraid of the nations on the other side of the Jordan. The LORD your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent weeks, we have all heard the news reports about the controversy brewing in Arizona, where a movement to address the problem of illegal immigrants is afoot. The crackdown is a response to an increase in the number of immigrants who are taking up residence in Arizona and other border states and utilizing public services, even though they may not be legal residents of the United States. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed a law allowing police in her state to stop cars they suspect may contain illegal immigrants and demand identification. She has been accused of racial profiling and civil rights violations… and this controversy has sparked a national debate. Regardless of how you feel about this issue, we must accept the fact that much of the action and response are largely based in fear. More than that, we have to recognize that fear is one of the devil’s best tools!
Let’s be honest… we are all guilty of this to some degree. Many of us fear the person in the checkout line at Wal-Mart who looks like he/she is unclean or “a druggie.” Many of us fear the person who appears to be of another race who drives through our neighborhood or the parking lots in a car that doesn’t look like our shiny “American” sedans and SUVs. Many of us are scared to death of someone we perceive to be homosexual, whether we know this or are merely making an assumption. We fear what we do not fully understand. Someone who had a relative dying with AIDS once asked me, “Can I get it from hugging and kissing her?” This broke my heart! And for the record, the answer was “No!”
We have so forgotten who we are. We have failed to remember that we are ALL God’s children, and He loves each of us. God made each race and gave us all unique qualities. God may not be happy about a person’s choices, but He still loves the person. God loves people who are sick and dirty and homeless and strung out on drugs. He loves people with AIDS and cancer and warts! And He wants us to love them, too.
Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying we have to open our borders and allow any and all immigrants to enter into our homes - or that we have to compromise our values and beliefs about social issues like recreational drug use, sexually transmitted diseases, and anything done illegally. But we have to recognize that operating in fear does not change any of these things – in fact, if often makes them far worse. We say we believe in God’s power to save us, and then we act completely the opposite. It’s time we started “walking the walk and talking the talk.” It’s time we claimed God’s power and protection in our lives – and then acted on it. We need to reach out to others more. We need to say, “I don’t necessarily understand or agree, but I know that God loves you as much as He loves me, and that’s a good place to start.” We have sold God so short. It’s time to step up and start believing Him for BIG things. Be brave and strong! God will never abandon you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 20, 2010
May 20 ~ Genesis 50:19
But Joseph told them, "Don't be afraid! I have no right to change what God has decided.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In the spring of 2006, two students at Taylor University, an evangelical college in Indiana, traveled with fellow students and staff members to the school’s Ft. Wayne campus to set up a banquet. That night around 8:00, the group headed back to the main campus on I-69. A truck driver lost control of his semi and crashed into the van, killing five of the nine people instantly. Susie Van Ryn was telephoned in Michigan and told that her daughter, Laura, was badly injured and had been taken to a hospital in Ft. Wayne. Colleen Cerak and her family were notified that their daughter, Whitney, was dead. In weeks to come, the amazing, and bittersweet discovery would be made that, in fact, Whitney was alive and had been mistaken for Laura. Now a once-grieving family was filled with joy, while another was left to mourn the loss of their daughter.
In an interview with Matt Lauer of NBC’s Today show, posted at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23849928/page/11/, Lauer asked Susie Van Ryn about the experience and the tragic loss of her daughter.
Matt Lauer: Do you ever question, Susie, how God could have let this happen?
Susie Van Ryn: Sure. You want to say that. And yet I don't have to look very far to see that it happens all the time. It happens everywhere to anyone. And why should I be any different?
Whitney Cerak, the girl who was mistakenly thought to be dead had this to say…
Whitney Cerak: Well, I would just, like, cry out to God a lot. And just be, like, "Why? Why me?" Because everyone else in the accident -- they were just amazing people. And so I never really understood why I was, in a way, left behind. And I was just talking to my dad about it one day and I was, like, "Dad, I don't get this. Why me?" And he's, like, "Whitney, why not you?"
This is a drastic and dramatic example of a circumstance where it would seem that anyone in this position would question God. WHY would something like this happen? And yet, God brought so many good things out of this set of circumstances. Countless people have been touched by the story of the Van Ryns and the Ceraks. In a recent follow-up interview, Matt Lauer learned that God has used these families in mighty ways since this life-changing event in 2006. And he was visibly moved by their faith and courage. Susie Van Ryn commented that she, too, could ask “Why me?” - but she could also ask, “Why not me?”
There may be circumstances in your life that are causing you to ask, “Why are you allowing this, God?” There may be situations that cause you to ask, “Wasn’t there a better way?” And asking this is not wrong. In the Garden of Gethsemane, even Jesus asked God, “Is there another way to do this?” Asking is one thing… and becoming bitter or failing to accept God’s answer is another. In the end, God does have a perfect plan. So often we can’t see it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. We cannot operate in fear of what God will choose for us. We must boldly, faithfully trust that whatever He takes us to… He will take us through… because this is the truth. Communicate with God… question His choices, if you must… but don’t try to change them on your own. If you will trust God to see you through every trial and scary situation, He will do just that – and so much more.
We don’t get to choose so much of what happens to us in life… but when we stop and look at WHO is in charge of the choices, we really wouldn’t want to, anyway. Whatever you fear… whatever challenges you this day… trust GOD to handle this circumstance for you. It’s time we started believing that our Heavenly Father truly does know best – and acting like it!
©2010 Debbie Robus
But Joseph told them, "Don't be afraid! I have no right to change what God has decided.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In the spring of 2006, two students at Taylor University, an evangelical college in Indiana, traveled with fellow students and staff members to the school’s Ft. Wayne campus to set up a banquet. That night around 8:00, the group headed back to the main campus on I-69. A truck driver lost control of his semi and crashed into the van, killing five of the nine people instantly. Susie Van Ryn was telephoned in Michigan and told that her daughter, Laura, was badly injured and had been taken to a hospital in Ft. Wayne. Colleen Cerak and her family were notified that their daughter, Whitney, was dead. In weeks to come, the amazing, and bittersweet discovery would be made that, in fact, Whitney was alive and had been mistaken for Laura. Now a once-grieving family was filled with joy, while another was left to mourn the loss of their daughter.
In an interview with Matt Lauer of NBC’s Today show, posted at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23849928/page/11/, Lauer asked Susie Van Ryn about the experience and the tragic loss of her daughter.
Matt Lauer: Do you ever question, Susie, how God could have let this happen?
Susie Van Ryn: Sure. You want to say that. And yet I don't have to look very far to see that it happens all the time. It happens everywhere to anyone. And why should I be any different?
Whitney Cerak, the girl who was mistakenly thought to be dead had this to say…
Whitney Cerak: Well, I would just, like, cry out to God a lot. And just be, like, "Why? Why me?" Because everyone else in the accident -- they were just amazing people. And so I never really understood why I was, in a way, left behind. And I was just talking to my dad about it one day and I was, like, "Dad, I don't get this. Why me?" And he's, like, "Whitney, why not you?"
This is a drastic and dramatic example of a circumstance where it would seem that anyone in this position would question God. WHY would something like this happen? And yet, God brought so many good things out of this set of circumstances. Countless people have been touched by the story of the Van Ryns and the Ceraks. In a recent follow-up interview, Matt Lauer learned that God has used these families in mighty ways since this life-changing event in 2006. And he was visibly moved by their faith and courage. Susie Van Ryn commented that she, too, could ask “Why me?” - but she could also ask, “Why not me?”
There may be circumstances in your life that are causing you to ask, “Why are you allowing this, God?” There may be situations that cause you to ask, “Wasn’t there a better way?” And asking this is not wrong. In the Garden of Gethsemane, even Jesus asked God, “Is there another way to do this?” Asking is one thing… and becoming bitter or failing to accept God’s answer is another. In the end, God does have a perfect plan. So often we can’t see it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. We cannot operate in fear of what God will choose for us. We must boldly, faithfully trust that whatever He takes us to… He will take us through… because this is the truth. Communicate with God… question His choices, if you must… but don’t try to change them on your own. If you will trust God to see you through every trial and scary situation, He will do just that – and so much more.
We don’t get to choose so much of what happens to us in life… but when we stop and look at WHO is in charge of the choices, we really wouldn’t want to, anyway. Whatever you fear… whatever challenges you this day… trust GOD to handle this circumstance for you. It’s time we started believing that our Heavenly Father truly does know best – and acting like it!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 29, 2010
April 29 ~ Proverbs 3:27-32
Do all you can for everyone who deserves your help. Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow, if you can help today. Don't try to be mean to neighbors who trust you. Don't argue just to be arguing, when you haven't been hurt. Don't be jealous of cruel people or follow their example. The LORD doesn't like anyone who is dishonest, but he lets good people be his friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, we were hosting a party during the Christmas holidays. As we sent out invitations, we learned that another couple who lived in our town was hosting a party the same evening – and many of our mutual friends were invited to both. We had invited this couple to the party we were hosting, but we had not received an RSVP. The day before our party, I got a phone call, and the host of the other party said, “We’d love to come to your party, but some relatives have come to visit, and we are going to be busy with them. So maybe we can make it another time.” I thanked him for letting me know – but all the while, I knew the real reason they weren’t coming was because of their own party. I don’t know why this person didn’t want to tell me that they were hosting a party. I wasn’t seeking an invitation to join them. And many of our friends came to our party and left early to attend the other party…and that was fine with us.
The problem I had with this whole scenario is that it colored how I thought of these friends. If this person would create such a detailed lie about something so insignificant as a party invitation, what else would he lie about? If this was considered acceptable behavior, how did he treat others – both socially and in his profession? In the end, I decided to “take the high road” and try to let it go… and you can see how well I’ve done! The point is… even though I have let it go for the most part, deep down it still impacts how I view this person. I try to think that he was either having a bad day and not thinking clearly, or he felt the lie would be less hurtful than saying, “We’re having our own party and can’t come to yours.” Still, I wonder on some levels… is he trustworthy?
If we are going to be disciples of Christ and represent Him to the world, we have to be honest and real at all times and in all things. This is not a license to be cruel or overly blunt with people. But we do need to consider how we treat others and why we say the things we do. We need to analyze our behavior to see where we need to be more loving, considerate, and honest. There is a good way and a bad way to deliver the truth… and with God’s help, we can operate in the former. If we are cruel, dishonest, or uncaring toward others, we risk permanent damage to the image they have of us… and very possibly we nullify our Christian witness with that person. Remember the “Golden Rule” – treat others as you wish to be treated – and rest in the knowledge that God is pleased and wants you for His friend.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Do all you can for everyone who deserves your help. Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow, if you can help today. Don't try to be mean to neighbors who trust you. Don't argue just to be arguing, when you haven't been hurt. Don't be jealous of cruel people or follow their example. The LORD doesn't like anyone who is dishonest, but he lets good people be his friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, we were hosting a party during the Christmas holidays. As we sent out invitations, we learned that another couple who lived in our town was hosting a party the same evening – and many of our mutual friends were invited to both. We had invited this couple to the party we were hosting, but we had not received an RSVP. The day before our party, I got a phone call, and the host of the other party said, “We’d love to come to your party, but some relatives have come to visit, and we are going to be busy with them. So maybe we can make it another time.” I thanked him for letting me know – but all the while, I knew the real reason they weren’t coming was because of their own party. I don’t know why this person didn’t want to tell me that they were hosting a party. I wasn’t seeking an invitation to join them. And many of our friends came to our party and left early to attend the other party…and that was fine with us.
The problem I had with this whole scenario is that it colored how I thought of these friends. If this person would create such a detailed lie about something so insignificant as a party invitation, what else would he lie about? If this was considered acceptable behavior, how did he treat others – both socially and in his profession? In the end, I decided to “take the high road” and try to let it go… and you can see how well I’ve done! The point is… even though I have let it go for the most part, deep down it still impacts how I view this person. I try to think that he was either having a bad day and not thinking clearly, or he felt the lie would be less hurtful than saying, “We’re having our own party and can’t come to yours.” Still, I wonder on some levels… is he trustworthy?
If we are going to be disciples of Christ and represent Him to the world, we have to be honest and real at all times and in all things. This is not a license to be cruel or overly blunt with people. But we do need to consider how we treat others and why we say the things we do. We need to analyze our behavior to see where we need to be more loving, considerate, and honest. There is a good way and a bad way to deliver the truth… and with God’s help, we can operate in the former. If we are cruel, dishonest, or uncaring toward others, we risk permanent damage to the image they have of us… and very possibly we nullify our Christian witness with that person. Remember the “Golden Rule” – treat others as you wish to be treated – and rest in the knowledge that God is pleased and wants you for His friend.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 19, 2010
April 19 ~ Jude 1:20-25
Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.
Be helpful to all who may have doubts. Rescue any who need to be saved, as you would rescue someone from a fire. Then with fear in your own hearts, have mercy on everyone who needs it. But hate even the clothes of those who have been made dirty by their filthy deeds.
Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent months the “climate” in our country has taken on a disappointing – and at times nasty – tone. I am sad to see people who publicly proclaim their Christian faith, then cover their car in bumper stickers that express unloving or disrespectful sentiments. It bothers me to see posts on Facebook from fellow believers that express intolerance for others. The message may be subtle and a bit cryptic, but the meaning is clear. I am discouraged when I read the posts that ask me to join a group to “get rid of” a specific politician or organization…or say “I hate my life”…or are so filled with four-letter words that I have to “hide” them. We shouldn’t be joking about the deaths of Al-Qaeda military leaders and administrators or the latest celebrity sex scandal or trip to rehab. Remember, God loves them just as much as He loves you!
Those of you who know me know that one of my mantras is, “People are always watching.” We need to be aware of where we are and with whom we are associating. Additionally, we need to be careful that our attitudes and behaviors do not discredit our Christian faith. People are indeed watching, and they notice when we judge others and invoke the name of Jesus in practically the same sentence. They recognize those of us who claim to be “Christians” as we stand at protest rallies, and they hear us shouting unkind – or even hateful – things. They hear our off-color jokes about the latest celebrity scandal. They see the posts on Facebook and read our editorial comments in the newspaper. They hear our conversations over lunch at the local diner. And we are judged accordingly. While we have every right to voice our opinions, we need to think about what our thoughts and actions convey to others before we do so.
When you publicly express your displeasure with everything from public welfare programs to abortion and a person’s sexual orientation or unhappiness with your government officials, you are certainly within your constitutional rights to do so. But before you speak, consider who will hear your remarks. It doesn’t matter whether others agree with you or not. If they hear you expound on a certain issue in an unkind or even hateful manner – and then they take a seat in the pew next to you on Sunday - how do you think they will view you and your faith? Will they see you as a disciple of Christ who has mercy on those who need it? Or will they see a judgmental, hard-nosed, “my-way-or-the-highway” person who serves God in a rather critical, selective manner? Will they want to serve your Jesus?
I’m not saying you can’t have opinions – or even that you have to keep them to yourself. I am asking you to stop and think before you react and speak. The very person or group you are publicly condemning may be looking to you for an example of Christian faith and mercy. They may be gauging Christianity by your level of grace and love – and how you emulate Jesus in your daily living. It’s the “love the sinner, hate the sin” concept. You don’t have to approve of sinful behavior or any lifestyle or choice you feel doesn’t line up with God’s will. But if you alienate the people to whom you wish to minister, you may never get a second chance to share Jesus’ love with them. Many will never darken the door of the church, much less return for another visit! Don’t be “guilty by association” – in any form. Before you act or speak, ask God if He approves of the message, as our politicians like to say in their campaign ads. Make sure you show love and mercy to those who need it, and keep in step with God throughout each day.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Dear friends, keep building on the foundation of your most holy faith, as the Holy Spirit helps you to pray. And keep in step with God's love, as you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to show how kind he is by giving you eternal life.
Be helpful to all who may have doubts. Rescue any who need to be saved, as you would rescue someone from a fire. Then with fear in your own hearts, have mercy on everyone who needs it. But hate even the clothes of those who have been made dirty by their filthy deeds.
Offer praise to God our Savior because of our Lord Jesus Christ! Only God can keep you from falling and make you pure and joyful in his glorious presence. Before time began and now and forevermore, God is worthy of glory, honor, power, and authority. Amen.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent months the “climate” in our country has taken on a disappointing – and at times nasty – tone. I am sad to see people who publicly proclaim their Christian faith, then cover their car in bumper stickers that express unloving or disrespectful sentiments. It bothers me to see posts on Facebook from fellow believers that express intolerance for others. The message may be subtle and a bit cryptic, but the meaning is clear. I am discouraged when I read the posts that ask me to join a group to “get rid of” a specific politician or organization…or say “I hate my life”…or are so filled with four-letter words that I have to “hide” them. We shouldn’t be joking about the deaths of Al-Qaeda military leaders and administrators or the latest celebrity sex scandal or trip to rehab. Remember, God loves them just as much as He loves you!
Those of you who know me know that one of my mantras is, “People are always watching.” We need to be aware of where we are and with whom we are associating. Additionally, we need to be careful that our attitudes and behaviors do not discredit our Christian faith. People are indeed watching, and they notice when we judge others and invoke the name of Jesus in practically the same sentence. They recognize those of us who claim to be “Christians” as we stand at protest rallies, and they hear us shouting unkind – or even hateful – things. They hear our off-color jokes about the latest celebrity scandal. They see the posts on Facebook and read our editorial comments in the newspaper. They hear our conversations over lunch at the local diner. And we are judged accordingly. While we have every right to voice our opinions, we need to think about what our thoughts and actions convey to others before we do so.
When you publicly express your displeasure with everything from public welfare programs to abortion and a person’s sexual orientation or unhappiness with your government officials, you are certainly within your constitutional rights to do so. But before you speak, consider who will hear your remarks. It doesn’t matter whether others agree with you or not. If they hear you expound on a certain issue in an unkind or even hateful manner – and then they take a seat in the pew next to you on Sunday - how do you think they will view you and your faith? Will they see you as a disciple of Christ who has mercy on those who need it? Or will they see a judgmental, hard-nosed, “my-way-or-the-highway” person who serves God in a rather critical, selective manner? Will they want to serve your Jesus?
I’m not saying you can’t have opinions – or even that you have to keep them to yourself. I am asking you to stop and think before you react and speak. The very person or group you are publicly condemning may be looking to you for an example of Christian faith and mercy. They may be gauging Christianity by your level of grace and love – and how you emulate Jesus in your daily living. It’s the “love the sinner, hate the sin” concept. You don’t have to approve of sinful behavior or any lifestyle or choice you feel doesn’t line up with God’s will. But if you alienate the people to whom you wish to minister, you may never get a second chance to share Jesus’ love with them. Many will never darken the door of the church, much less return for another visit! Don’t be “guilty by association” – in any form. Before you act or speak, ask God if He approves of the message, as our politicians like to say in their campaign ads. Make sure you show love and mercy to those who need it, and keep in step with God throughout each day.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 16, 2010
April 16 ~ Galatians 5:22-26
God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, I was shopping in the grocery store. I looked up as a very dirty, disheveled man came through the door. For a second, I thought to myself, “What is he doing in here?” When I got a closer look, he was a man I know very well… and he happens to be quite wealthy! Apparently he was doing yard work or heavy outside carpentry or something and happened to need an item from the store. I admit, I was ashamed of myself for my earlier thought!
Be honest… probably every single one of us has judged someone else on their appearance. We’ve deemed ourselves to be better than others based on this… or what kind of car they drive, whether they went to college, where they work, their neighborhood, or even how they smell. We quickly label people as smart or dumb, rich or poor, fat or skinny, and more. We lose our patience, our joy, our gentleness, and our self-control over the smallest of things. And often, our first thought about another person is, “What can he/she do for me?” We wonder how associating with them will affect our reputation – positively or negatively. Who does this person know and how can it help or hurt us? This is totally the opposite of what God desires and how operating in the Holy Spirit should affect us. Frankly, when we operate and behave any other way, we are pretty much denying Christ! We can’t have it both ways – either we serve ourselves or we serve God… and the reward for serving Him is love, happiness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That sounds like traits I really want to have - don’t you?
Let’s look at our lives today and see where we need to toss out some old baggage and thought processes and fill ourselves more with the Holy Spirit. Let’s start to live like the children of the Most High God… saved and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s operate under the power of the Holy Spirit and see how good life can be. I’m ready… are you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, I was shopping in the grocery store. I looked up as a very dirty, disheveled man came through the door. For a second, I thought to myself, “What is he doing in here?” When I got a closer look, he was a man I know very well… and he happens to be quite wealthy! Apparently he was doing yard work or heavy outside carpentry or something and happened to need an item from the store. I admit, I was ashamed of myself for my earlier thought!
Be honest… probably every single one of us has judged someone else on their appearance. We’ve deemed ourselves to be better than others based on this… or what kind of car they drive, whether they went to college, where they work, their neighborhood, or even how they smell. We quickly label people as smart or dumb, rich or poor, fat or skinny, and more. We lose our patience, our joy, our gentleness, and our self-control over the smallest of things. And often, our first thought about another person is, “What can he/she do for me?” We wonder how associating with them will affect our reputation – positively or negatively. Who does this person know and how can it help or hurt us? This is totally the opposite of what God desires and how operating in the Holy Spirit should affect us. Frankly, when we operate and behave any other way, we are pretty much denying Christ! We can’t have it both ways – either we serve ourselves or we serve God… and the reward for serving Him is love, happiness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. That sounds like traits I really want to have - don’t you?
Let’s look at our lives today and see where we need to toss out some old baggage and thought processes and fill ourselves more with the Holy Spirit. Let’s start to live like the children of the Most High God… saved and sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s operate under the power of the Holy Spirit and see how good life can be. I’m ready… are you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 15, 2010
April 15 ~ Ephesians 4:32
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who is always angry at someone or about something? This person is not very much fun person to be around. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of having to tiptoe lightly around certain people, because I know that the slightest thing can “set them off” and cause problems. And I would be willing to bet that nobody would want to hang around me if I were that way (gee, I hope I’m not!). It also amazes me that anyone who claims to be filled with the Holy Spirit and washed in the blood of Jesus could behave in this manner and be so miserable. And truly, people who are bitter, angry and mad are miserable, even if they won’t admit it!
So when someone gives you less than stellar service at a store or restaurant – or wherever you happen to be, don’t “let them have it,” and stomp out. Certainly do not curse at others… and don’t be rude, either. Just because someone makes a bonehead move doesn’t mean he/she should be called an “idiot.” Just because friends and family members don’t measure up to your standards doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated poorly… by you or anyone else.
Stop and think about this… every single person you encounter is just as much a child of God as you are – and they are every bit as important to Him. You wouldn’t want God to approve of others treating you unkindly. And how do you think God feels about the grudges you hold? Get over yourself! Ask God to refill your “love and tolerance tank,” and start living like the person Christ redeemed. You’ll feel better for it… and so will those around you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who is always angry at someone or about something? This person is not very much fun person to be around. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of having to tiptoe lightly around certain people, because I know that the slightest thing can “set them off” and cause problems. And I would be willing to bet that nobody would want to hang around me if I were that way (gee, I hope I’m not!). It also amazes me that anyone who claims to be filled with the Holy Spirit and washed in the blood of Jesus could behave in this manner and be so miserable. And truly, people who are bitter, angry and mad are miserable, even if they won’t admit it!
So when someone gives you less than stellar service at a store or restaurant – or wherever you happen to be, don’t “let them have it,” and stomp out. Certainly do not curse at others… and don’t be rude, either. Just because someone makes a bonehead move doesn’t mean he/she should be called an “idiot.” Just because friends and family members don’t measure up to your standards doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated poorly… by you or anyone else.
Stop and think about this… every single person you encounter is just as much a child of God as you are – and they are every bit as important to Him. You wouldn’t want God to approve of others treating you unkindly. And how do you think God feels about the grudges you hold? Get over yourself! Ask God to refill your “love and tolerance tank,” and start living like the person Christ redeemed. You’ll feel better for it… and so will those around you!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 5, 2010
February 5 ~ Psalms 141
I pray to you, LORD! Please listen when I pray and hurry to help me. Think of my prayer sweet-smelling incense, and think of my lifted hands as an evening sacrifice. Help me to guard my words whenever I say something. Don't let me want to do evil or waste my time doing wrong with wicked people. Don't let me even taste the good things they offer. Let your faithful people correct and punish me. My prayers condemn the deeds of those who do wrong, so don't let me be friends with any of them. Everyone will admit that I was right when their rulers are thrown down a rocky cliff, and their bones lie scattered like broken rocks on top of a grave. You are my LORD and God, and I look to you for safety. Don't let me be harmed. Protect me from the traps of those violent people, and make them fall into their own traps while you help me escape.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We are all about protection. We slather on sunscreen before venturing outside. We buckle up our seatbelt before we leave the driveway or parking lot. We wear sunglasses to block harmful UV rays. We use an oven mitt or a pot holder to lift a hot dish from the stove or oven. We fingerprint our small children and place them in the requisite child safety seats when traveling by car or truck. And these days, we carry a hand sanitizer in our pocket or purse – and some even wear a face mask when out in public – to prevent exposure to harmful viruses.
Given all of this, it seems rather strange that we often fail to pray for the most important protection of our day – God’s! We don’t seem to realize that starting the day by asking God to guide our steps and protect us from saying the wrong thing, spending time with the wrong people, and even being tempted to sin are more important than any SPF factor, seatbelt, or hand sanitizer. We need the Spiritual “mask” and armor of God to really save us each day!
Psalms 141 is a great prayer to pray. If you did nothing but read these words each morning… speaking them from your heart to God… this would be a good starting place. Another trick might be to stop for a second every time that you buckle your seatbelt or wash your hands each day and just say, “Lord, I look to you for my safety today.” Get in the habit of seeking God’s protection. Don’t leave home without it!
©2009 Debbie Robus
I pray to you, LORD! Please listen when I pray and hurry to help me. Think of my prayer sweet-smelling incense, and think of my lifted hands as an evening sacrifice. Help me to guard my words whenever I say something. Don't let me want to do evil or waste my time doing wrong with wicked people. Don't let me even taste the good things they offer. Let your faithful people correct and punish me. My prayers condemn the deeds of those who do wrong, so don't let me be friends with any of them. Everyone will admit that I was right when their rulers are thrown down a rocky cliff, and their bones lie scattered like broken rocks on top of a grave. You are my LORD and God, and I look to you for safety. Don't let me be harmed. Protect me from the traps of those violent people, and make them fall into their own traps while you help me escape.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We are all about protection. We slather on sunscreen before venturing outside. We buckle up our seatbelt before we leave the driveway or parking lot. We wear sunglasses to block harmful UV rays. We use an oven mitt or a pot holder to lift a hot dish from the stove or oven. We fingerprint our small children and place them in the requisite child safety seats when traveling by car or truck. And these days, we carry a hand sanitizer in our pocket or purse – and some even wear a face mask when out in public – to prevent exposure to harmful viruses.
Given all of this, it seems rather strange that we often fail to pray for the most important protection of our day – God’s! We don’t seem to realize that starting the day by asking God to guide our steps and protect us from saying the wrong thing, spending time with the wrong people, and even being tempted to sin are more important than any SPF factor, seatbelt, or hand sanitizer. We need the Spiritual “mask” and armor of God to really save us each day!
Psalms 141 is a great prayer to pray. If you did nothing but read these words each morning… speaking them from your heart to God… this would be a good starting place. Another trick might be to stop for a second every time that you buckle your seatbelt or wash your hands each day and just say, “Lord, I look to you for my safety today.” Get in the habit of seeking God’s protection. Don’t leave home without it!
©2009 Debbie Robus
October 2009 Devos - Week 3
October 21 ~ Proverbs 25:14
Broken promises are worse than rain clouds that don't bring rain.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
Let’s face it… most of us are familiar with broken promises. Some of you may feel they are a constant in your life. I don’t know a single person who enjoys being on the receiving end of a broken promise. Some are seemingly minor, like promising to show up at a party or a ballgame and not coming. Others are more serious, like promising to pay back a debt and not doing so or promising to tell the truth, then lying. The worst is promising God you will serve Him and follow His will… then living a life of sin and selfishness.
Whether a promise is “major or minor,” is not really the issue. The bottom line is that any time you promise something to someone, you have given your word. And as a Christian, your word is serious business. You are making a commitment to someone, and any failure to follow through discredits you and dishonors God. If you cannot fulfill your promise, do all you can to make things right. If you cannot make it to the party or ballgame, let your friend know. If you have trouble repaying a debt, go to the lender and work out something or at least let them know you have not forgotten you owe it. As Christians, we should always be truthful… even when the truth is unpleasant or difficult.
The GOOD NEWS is that God never breaks a promise. He has promised us Eternal Life with Him because of Jesus Christ. He has promised to always be with us and never leave our side. He has promised to meet our needs and to bless us and keep us. And that will never change. Today my prayer is that you will thank God for His promises… and the assurance that He will never break them. I also pray that you will ask God to help you keep YOUR promises… to be the faithful, obedient, truthful servant He has called you to be… and to make you a person of your word.
©2009 Debbie Robus
----------------------------------------------------------------
October 20 ~ Matthew 6:1
When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
We’re all human… and human nature often makes us vulnerable and in need of approval from others. So when we do something for someone else, human nature causes us to want recognition from others… or a pat on the back for our good deeds. The mark of a mature Christian is humility, and security in our faith that gives us the confidence that even the recipient of our good deeds doesn’t need to know we were involved. Only the approval and recognition from God matters… and God’s approval and recognition are enough! In fact, as you can see from this scripture, to report our good deeds to others effectively negates the blessing… the “star in your crown,” so to speak!
Lately, I have been asking God to give me a sense of completeness in Him. I have asked that He help me to only desire HIS approval and HIS company. Don’t misunderstand me. I love my husband, my family and friends. I enjoy their company. But I don’t want to depend on another human being to complete me. I don’t want to feel that very human need to have others around validating me. I want GOD to validate me… and I want HIM to be more than enough. And when I am obedient to His will, I want His approval to be all that I seek.
Today, I pray that this would be your desire, too. We have all that we will ever need in our relationship with God. Jesus suffered, bled and died for this privilege. He gave His very life that ours might be complete in our Heavenly Father. When we truly get this, we won’t need the recognition or approval of others for our good deeds. God will truly complete us…He will be enough.
©2009 Debbie Robus
------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 19 ~ Isaiah 38:14
I cry like a swallow; I mourn like a dove. My eyes are red from looking to you, LORD. I am terribly abused. Please come and help me.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
My second teaching assignment was a one-year position to fill in for a kindergarten teacher who was going on maternity leave. In July before my position started in August, this teacher suffered a brain aneurysm and died within hours. She left behind a husband and a 6-year-old son. I never even got to meet her. From all I have been told, Becky was a beautiful, wonderful woman and a very good teacher. Someone cleared her things out of the classroom, and I began preparing for my school year. Once in awhile, I would find something that had been missed in the cleaning… a stray coffee cup… the umbrella hanging on the back of the closet door knob. It was a bit unsettling, but I turned these in at the office and kept working. More than once, I saw fellow teachers standing in my doorway, shaking their heads. I would hear them whisper, “Becky did it this way,” or “Becky would have a fit if she saw that!”
The worst was my next-door neighbor teacher, Vickie, who had been Becky’s best friend. I realize now that her grief overshadowed everything she said and did, but at the time, I couldn’t understand that. I was only 21, and I had never experienced such personal devastation or loss. So I internalized her digs and unkind remarks. I felt terribly abused by this woman. Nothing I said or did pleased her, and I knew she said things about me to other teachers and expressed her displeasure. I took it very personally. Over and over I prayed, “Please, God! Come and help me. Take this burden from me.”
The one-year assignment became permanent, and the following year was more of the same. Vickie was still mired in her grief… and she vented toward me! When Thanksgiving break came, she and her family traveled to Oklahoma for the holiday weekend. While there, a large dump truck roared through an intersection just as Vickie entered it and literally sliced the entire top off her car. She was killed instantly. Her mother and 7-year-old son – the same age as Becky’s son - were miraculously spared.
The next few weeks were dark ones for our school. We were now all mired in grief, and for most, it was a double whammy from losing two dear friends. I befriended the teacher who replaced my next-door neighbor, and I made a point to avoid the “Vickie did this” or “This was Vickie’s” statements that had hurt me so badly. When she found some of Vickie’s things that had been overlooked, I commiserated. I see now that God allowed me to help my new neighbor through HER transition into this classroom. I also came to realize that it didn’t matter WHO replaced these teachers… the perceived wrath and venting was really just grief that had no clear target.
I've never told anyone this, but at first I was angry with God… and I felt very guilty. “Lord, this is NOT how I meant for You to fix this!” I sometimes wished I had not prayed for help. How could God answer me in this way?! Over time I came to understand that…
My point is this… you are going to face things that seem unfair. You may even feel abused and mistreated. But GOD understands. Pray. Ask God to “come and help me.” Then let it go… let Him work... and trust His outcome.
©2009 Debbie Robus
--------------------------------------------------------------------
October 18 ~ Psalm 44:24
Why do you keep looking away? Don't forget our sufferings and all of our troubles.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
Do you ever feel like God has just looked the other way and forgotten about you? First of all, I assure you that He has NOT! But I do understand that we can all feel this way from time to time. Recently, as I prayed, I told God, “I feel so helpless about this situation.” And in the next second, I felt God say to me, “You know better than that! You are NEVER helpless… I am always here to help you.”
In the times that we feel like God has looked away, we need to search our own heart and see where we have lost faith, if only momentarily. We need to confess our troubles to God (even though He knows them already – He wants to hear it from us!) and then GIVE them all to Him. We need to humbly admit that on our own, we are indeed helpless, but through Him, we can handle anything.
God has not forgotten our sufferings or our troubles… and He has not looked away. We have simply momentarily lost sight of how big He is and the fact that He can handle anything… and we have forgotten to let Him. Maybe today we need to give God our burdens and our cares again… and trust Him this time to handle them for us.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 17 ~ Psalm 119:121, 134
I did what was fair and right! Don't hand me over to those who want to mistreat me.
Verse 134: Protect me from abuse, so I can obey your laws.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
Let’s say you are out with friends on a Friday night, and some of them start drinking. They offer you a drink, but you refuse. In fact, you refuse to ride in a car with them and try to persuade them not to drink and drive. But they insist they only had a couple of beers, and off they go. The car has an unfortunate meeting with a guard rail after the driver can’t negotiate a curve, and the driver wrecks. Thankfully no one is injured, but the car is a mess. Police and parents rush to interview anyone and everyone who might know something about this incident, and someone asks you, “Was anyone drinking?” What do you say? Do you lie and cover for your friends – and maybe protect your friendship? Or do you tell the truth, taking a chance that your friends will suffer consequences and never speak to you again?
The choice truly is a hard one. But think of it this way. Suppose you cover for your friends, and because basically all that happened was damage to the car, the friends feel invincible and drink and drive again. But this time the results are much different. Suppose someone is badly injured – or even killed. Can you live with the fact that you did not take action initially that might have prevented this? Of course, you will never know for sure whether admitting these friends were drinking would have resulted in prevention of the second event. Are you willing to take this risk?
So often we operate out of fear. If I do this… such-and-such will happen. If I don’t act, this other thing will result. If I do what is fair and right, I will lose my friends, or at the very least, they will pick on me and mistreat me. Someone will laugh - someone will criticize. I’ll lose my boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, friends or family members. I once reported a student for suspected child abuse, and the mother came to school a few days later, intending to “whip” me!
Right choices are often HARD! But hear the good news… God has our back! He will protect us when we make the hard choices. When we stand up for what is fair and right and honor Him with our choices and behavior, He will protect us. Obey God. Be fair and right in all things. Ask Him to help you make good choices, and to protect you from the consequences (and possible wrath) that ensues. Stand tall and proud in your choices, and know that God really does have your back when you do what is right.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------------
October 16 ~ Psalms 17:9
Don't let my brutal enemies attack from all sides and kill me.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
What “brutal enemies” are attacking you from all sides today? Is it a test you are studying for or a class you are struggling to pass? Is it your health, a relationship, a job, or money troubles? Is your family in a crisis of some sort? Is the devil attacking you with temptations – or convincing you to choose what he says is the “fun” of sin over a relationship with God?
Whatever you are facing, God can handle it for you. But you need to ask. I’m not saying God won’t protect you anyway, but He really wants to hear from you… He wants you to come before Him and humbly ASK for His help. In a way, it’s a matter of respect and reverence. So show God the respect and honor He deserves. Acknowledge His power, and ask for His help. Don’t let Satan’s brutal enemies attack from all sides… don’t risk Spiritual death at his hands. Trust God to help – ASK Him to do so – and believe that He will!
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------------
October 15 ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them. Pray for kings and others in power, so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honor God.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
Did it ever occur to you to pray for “kings and others in power?” How about Osama Bin Laden – ever prayed for him? If you get a chance to read The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, I encourage you to do so. These novels by Khaled Hosseini helped me to understand the people of Afghanistan better and “humanized” them for me. We get so self-absorbed sometimes that we forget that real people have real lives halfway around the world in a completely different culture from ours… but they are nonetheless God’s precious children. Christianity is not just for Americans!
So we should pray for world leaders – regardless of their faith. Don’t we believe in a God who is able to do all things? Can’t He change the heart of a ruthless dictator just as well as a sinful American? Do you remember the little children’s song, “Jesus Loves the Little Children?” In it, a verse says, “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.” I tell you, we do not have an exclusive on God! And we are called in scripture to pray for those in other lands – and their leaders… to thank God for them and to ask for His blessings upon them.
I guess the question today is, “How big is the God we serve?” Is He able to bring us into agreement and peaceful coexistence? Is He able to change the hearts of evil men and women? How big is your God today – and have you prayed for all of His children?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Broken promises are worse than rain clouds that don't bring rain.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
Let’s face it… most of us are familiar with broken promises. Some of you may feel they are a constant in your life. I don’t know a single person who enjoys being on the receiving end of a broken promise. Some are seemingly minor, like promising to show up at a party or a ballgame and not coming. Others are more serious, like promising to pay back a debt and not doing so or promising to tell the truth, then lying. The worst is promising God you will serve Him and follow His will… then living a life of sin and selfishness.
Whether a promise is “major or minor,” is not really the issue. The bottom line is that any time you promise something to someone, you have given your word. And as a Christian, your word is serious business. You are making a commitment to someone, and any failure to follow through discredits you and dishonors God. If you cannot fulfill your promise, do all you can to make things right. If you cannot make it to the party or ballgame, let your friend know. If you have trouble repaying a debt, go to the lender and work out something or at least let them know you have not forgotten you owe it. As Christians, we should always be truthful… even when the truth is unpleasant or difficult.
The GOOD NEWS is that God never breaks a promise. He has promised us Eternal Life with Him because of Jesus Christ. He has promised to always be with us and never leave our side. He has promised to meet our needs and to bless us and keep us. And that will never change. Today my prayer is that you will thank God for His promises… and the assurance that He will never break them. I also pray that you will ask God to help you keep YOUR promises… to be the faithful, obedient, truthful servant He has called you to be… and to make you a person of your word.
©2009 Debbie Robus
----------------------------------------------------------------
October 20 ~ Matthew 6:1
When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
We’re all human… and human nature often makes us vulnerable and in need of approval from others. So when we do something for someone else, human nature causes us to want recognition from others… or a pat on the back for our good deeds. The mark of a mature Christian is humility, and security in our faith that gives us the confidence that even the recipient of our good deeds doesn’t need to know we were involved. Only the approval and recognition from God matters… and God’s approval and recognition are enough! In fact, as you can see from this scripture, to report our good deeds to others effectively negates the blessing… the “star in your crown,” so to speak!
Lately, I have been asking God to give me a sense of completeness in Him. I have asked that He help me to only desire HIS approval and HIS company. Don’t misunderstand me. I love my husband, my family and friends. I enjoy their company. But I don’t want to depend on another human being to complete me. I don’t want to feel that very human need to have others around validating me. I want GOD to validate me… and I want HIM to be more than enough. And when I am obedient to His will, I want His approval to be all that I seek.
Today, I pray that this would be your desire, too. We have all that we will ever need in our relationship with God. Jesus suffered, bled and died for this privilege. He gave His very life that ours might be complete in our Heavenly Father. When we truly get this, we won’t need the recognition or approval of others for our good deeds. God will truly complete us…He will be enough.
©2009 Debbie Robus
------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 19 ~ Isaiah 38:14
I cry like a swallow; I mourn like a dove. My eyes are red from looking to you, LORD. I am terribly abused. Please come and help me.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
My second teaching assignment was a one-year position to fill in for a kindergarten teacher who was going on maternity leave. In July before my position started in August, this teacher suffered a brain aneurysm and died within hours. She left behind a husband and a 6-year-old son. I never even got to meet her. From all I have been told, Becky was a beautiful, wonderful woman and a very good teacher. Someone cleared her things out of the classroom, and I began preparing for my school year. Once in awhile, I would find something that had been missed in the cleaning… a stray coffee cup… the umbrella hanging on the back of the closet door knob. It was a bit unsettling, but I turned these in at the office and kept working. More than once, I saw fellow teachers standing in my doorway, shaking their heads. I would hear them whisper, “Becky did it this way,” or “Becky would have a fit if she saw that!”
The worst was my next-door neighbor teacher, Vickie, who had been Becky’s best friend. I realize now that her grief overshadowed everything she said and did, but at the time, I couldn’t understand that. I was only 21, and I had never experienced such personal devastation or loss. So I internalized her digs and unkind remarks. I felt terribly abused by this woman. Nothing I said or did pleased her, and I knew she said things about me to other teachers and expressed her displeasure. I took it very personally. Over and over I prayed, “Please, God! Come and help me. Take this burden from me.”
The one-year assignment became permanent, and the following year was more of the same. Vickie was still mired in her grief… and she vented toward me! When Thanksgiving break came, she and her family traveled to Oklahoma for the holiday weekend. While there, a large dump truck roared through an intersection just as Vickie entered it and literally sliced the entire top off her car. She was killed instantly. Her mother and 7-year-old son – the same age as Becky’s son - were miraculously spared.
The next few weeks were dark ones for our school. We were now all mired in grief, and for most, it was a double whammy from losing two dear friends. I befriended the teacher who replaced my next-door neighbor, and I made a point to avoid the “Vickie did this” or “This was Vickie’s” statements that had hurt me so badly. When she found some of Vickie’s things that had been overlooked, I commiserated. I see now that God allowed me to help my new neighbor through HER transition into this classroom. I also came to realize that it didn’t matter WHO replaced these teachers… the perceived wrath and venting was really just grief that had no clear target.
I've never told anyone this, but at first I was angry with God… and I felt very guilty. “Lord, this is NOT how I meant for You to fix this!” I sometimes wished I had not prayed for help. How could God answer me in this way?! Over time I came to understand that…
- We don’t get to dictate how God answers, but we must ask for help anyway.
- God may have seen that Vickie could never recover from her grief sufficiently. More likely, God knew other things I couldn’t about her circumstances, and calling her to heaven was the best option for Vickie. There was more going on here than just my prayers for relief and rescue. It’s not always just about us!
- We waste a lot of time feeling sorry for ourselves… feeling helpless and abused… when what we really need to do is to relax, be patient and give God time to work.
My point is this… you are going to face things that seem unfair. You may even feel abused and mistreated. But GOD understands. Pray. Ask God to “come and help me.” Then let it go… let Him work... and trust His outcome.
©2009 Debbie Robus
--------------------------------------------------------------------
October 18 ~ Psalm 44:24
Why do you keep looking away? Don't forget our sufferings and all of our troubles.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
Do you ever feel like God has just looked the other way and forgotten about you? First of all, I assure you that He has NOT! But I do understand that we can all feel this way from time to time. Recently, as I prayed, I told God, “I feel so helpless about this situation.” And in the next second, I felt God say to me, “You know better than that! You are NEVER helpless… I am always here to help you.”
In the times that we feel like God has looked away, we need to search our own heart and see where we have lost faith, if only momentarily. We need to confess our troubles to God (even though He knows them already – He wants to hear it from us!) and then GIVE them all to Him. We need to humbly admit that on our own, we are indeed helpless, but through Him, we can handle anything.
God has not forgotten our sufferings or our troubles… and He has not looked away. We have simply momentarily lost sight of how big He is and the fact that He can handle anything… and we have forgotten to let Him. Maybe today we need to give God our burdens and our cares again… and trust Him this time to handle them for us.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 17 ~ Psalm 119:121, 134
I did what was fair and right! Don't hand me over to those who want to mistreat me.
Verse 134: Protect me from abuse, so I can obey your laws.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
Let’s say you are out with friends on a Friday night, and some of them start drinking. They offer you a drink, but you refuse. In fact, you refuse to ride in a car with them and try to persuade them not to drink and drive. But they insist they only had a couple of beers, and off they go. The car has an unfortunate meeting with a guard rail after the driver can’t negotiate a curve, and the driver wrecks. Thankfully no one is injured, but the car is a mess. Police and parents rush to interview anyone and everyone who might know something about this incident, and someone asks you, “Was anyone drinking?” What do you say? Do you lie and cover for your friends – and maybe protect your friendship? Or do you tell the truth, taking a chance that your friends will suffer consequences and never speak to you again?
The choice truly is a hard one. But think of it this way. Suppose you cover for your friends, and because basically all that happened was damage to the car, the friends feel invincible and drink and drive again. But this time the results are much different. Suppose someone is badly injured – or even killed. Can you live with the fact that you did not take action initially that might have prevented this? Of course, you will never know for sure whether admitting these friends were drinking would have resulted in prevention of the second event. Are you willing to take this risk?
So often we operate out of fear. If I do this… such-and-such will happen. If I don’t act, this other thing will result. If I do what is fair and right, I will lose my friends, or at the very least, they will pick on me and mistreat me. Someone will laugh - someone will criticize. I’ll lose my boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, friends or family members. I once reported a student for suspected child abuse, and the mother came to school a few days later, intending to “whip” me!
Right choices are often HARD! But hear the good news… God has our back! He will protect us when we make the hard choices. When we stand up for what is fair and right and honor Him with our choices and behavior, He will protect us. Obey God. Be fair and right in all things. Ask Him to help you make good choices, and to protect you from the consequences (and possible wrath) that ensues. Stand tall and proud in your choices, and know that God really does have your back when you do what is right.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------------
October 16 ~ Psalms 17:9
Don't let my brutal enemies attack from all sides and kill me.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
What “brutal enemies” are attacking you from all sides today? Is it a test you are studying for or a class you are struggling to pass? Is it your health, a relationship, a job, or money troubles? Is your family in a crisis of some sort? Is the devil attacking you with temptations – or convincing you to choose what he says is the “fun” of sin over a relationship with God?
Whatever you are facing, God can handle it for you. But you need to ask. I’m not saying God won’t protect you anyway, but He really wants to hear from you… He wants you to come before Him and humbly ASK for His help. In a way, it’s a matter of respect and reverence. So show God the respect and honor He deserves. Acknowledge His power, and ask for His help. Don’t let Satan’s brutal enemies attack from all sides… don’t risk Spiritual death at his hands. Trust God to help – ASK Him to do so – and believe that He will!
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------------
October 15 ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them. Pray for kings and others in power, so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honor God.
(Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.)
Did it ever occur to you to pray for “kings and others in power?” How about Osama Bin Laden – ever prayed for him? If you get a chance to read The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, I encourage you to do so. These novels by Khaled Hosseini helped me to understand the people of Afghanistan better and “humanized” them for me. We get so self-absorbed sometimes that we forget that real people have real lives halfway around the world in a completely different culture from ours… but they are nonetheless God’s precious children. Christianity is not just for Americans!
So we should pray for world leaders – regardless of their faith. Don’t we believe in a God who is able to do all things? Can’t He change the heart of a ruthless dictator just as well as a sinful American? Do you remember the little children’s song, “Jesus Loves the Little Children?” In it, a verse says, “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.” I tell you, we do not have an exclusive on God! And we are called in scripture to pray for those in other lands – and their leaders… to thank God for them and to ask for His blessings upon them.
I guess the question today is, “How big is the God we serve?” Is He able to bring us into agreement and peaceful coexistence? Is He able to change the hearts of evil men and women? How big is your God today – and have you prayed for all of His children?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)