Genesis 50:16-21
So they sent Joseph a message, "Before his death, your father gave this command: Tell Joseph, 'Forgive your brothers' sin—all that wrongdoing. They did treat you very badly.' Will you do it? Will you forgive the sins of the servants of your father's God?”
When Joseph received their message, he wept.
Then the brothers went in person to him, threw themselves on the ground before him and said, "We'll be your slaves."
Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.
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.
19th-Century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” And truly, some of our most powerful – and effective – lessons are learned through adversity. The ability to see the positive side of a tough situation is a talent many of us could use!
The cool thing is that God can show each of us how to find the blessings in the “bad stuff”…to say, “That guy actually did me a favor” or “This really worked out pretty well.” I know in my own life that there have been times when I wanted to be so angry with someone over how they treated me – or I wanted to be mad and upset about unplanned circumstances and how they “ruined my day.” But when I stopped and took a hard look at what I gained from the experience, my negative feelings began to fade. I won’t say they always disappeared, but let’s just say they were not so near the surface!
A lot of this is nothing more than a resentment we harbor against someone or something. I can tell you that nobody suffers more from a grudge than the person who holds it. If you really want to live in joy and abundance, let it go. Take a page from Joseph’s book… recognize that what others plan against you for evil, God can use for good. Realize that “life happens.” The key is to stay faithful to God… close to Him in every way – at all times – and to be fully attuned to His will and desires for your life, rather than those of others.
Joseph had it right. We are not God… but we are not to be a doormat for others, either. We are to operate fully in the will of God and trust Him to show us –and others - positive aspects and outcomes for every situation. It may be hard at times. We may feel like we are going to die in the process – or possibly suffer a broken heart or public embarrassment beyond repair. And yes, we may get a little frustrated when things don’t go as we planned. But God will take care of this, too. He will meet our needs at all times - if only we will let Him. GOD will handle any “revenge” necessary. He will bless us even in adversity… and that will make all the difference.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label faithfulness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faithfulness. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 12, 2012
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I'm commanding you today—live a good life.
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.
Over the weekend, my husband and I attended the wedding of one of my former Sunday School students, whose parents are good friends of ours. As we were seated, the girls who were presiding over the guest book handed us a card on which to sign our name. “Write out some advice for the couple,” they told us. I signed our names to the card and wrote, “Always put God first… and never go to bed angry.” Had I thought a little longer and harder, I could have possibly written something clever, but I’m not sure I could have written anything that will serve them better in life. I wish I had been able to quote Deuteronomy 10:12-13… because this passage says it all in a neat, concise form!
I could also have quoted Mark 12:30… “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (KJV) But truly, when we put God first, everything else falls into place, doesn’t it? Because to truly put Him first, we must follow the road He sets out for us… love Him… serve Him with everything we have in us… and obey His commandments and regulations. When we do this, we can’t help but live a good life.
When you think about your own life… and times when you feel like things weren’t going so well… just how close were you to God? Did you trust Him and praise Him even when you suffered illness or injury – loss of one kind of another – or something of a failed experience? Did you continue to look to God for strength when things were going extraordinarily well… or did you get cocky and decide you could handle things on your own? Do you stew and stress, argue and fight, criticize and complain… or do you “love one another” as outlined in 1 John 4:7-12? Do you look the other way and pretend not to hear when others rebuke God or take His name in vain? Do you truly respect and revere Him at all times?
In order to fully serve God, we have to live in His presence in both the big things and the little ones. We have to follow the road He sets out for us every day… not just when it feels good or we are in dire straits.
The more I think about it, the more I believe my advice to the newlyweds was solid. When we truly put God first in everything, the rest will follow. Life may not always be easy – or fun – but God will bless us in the end… and the results will all be good. Are you putting God first in everything? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I'm commanding you today—live a good life.
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.
Over the weekend, my husband and I attended the wedding of one of my former Sunday School students, whose parents are good friends of ours. As we were seated, the girls who were presiding over the guest book handed us a card on which to sign our name. “Write out some advice for the couple,” they told us. I signed our names to the card and wrote, “Always put God first… and never go to bed angry.” Had I thought a little longer and harder, I could have possibly written something clever, but I’m not sure I could have written anything that will serve them better in life. I wish I had been able to quote Deuteronomy 10:12-13… because this passage says it all in a neat, concise form!
I could also have quoted Mark 12:30… “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” (KJV) But truly, when we put God first, everything else falls into place, doesn’t it? Because to truly put Him first, we must follow the road He sets out for us… love Him… serve Him with everything we have in us… and obey His commandments and regulations. When we do this, we can’t help but live a good life.
When you think about your own life… and times when you feel like things weren’t going so well… just how close were you to God? Did you trust Him and praise Him even when you suffered illness or injury – loss of one kind of another – or something of a failed experience? Did you continue to look to God for strength when things were going extraordinarily well… or did you get cocky and decide you could handle things on your own? Do you stew and stress, argue and fight, criticize and complain… or do you “love one another” as outlined in 1 John 4:7-12? Do you look the other way and pretend not to hear when others rebuke God or take His name in vain? Do you truly respect and revere Him at all times?
In order to fully serve God, we have to live in His presence in both the big things and the little ones. We have to follow the road He sets out for us every day… not just when it feels good or we are in dire straits.
The more I think about it, the more I believe my advice to the newlyweds was solid. When we truly put God first in everything, the rest will follow. Life may not always be easy – or fun – but God will bless us in the end… and the results will all be good. Are you putting God first in everything? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 10, 2012
John 15:7
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago on Valentine’s Day, my husband gave me a planter filled with beautiful red tulips. After the blooms had faded, I planted the bulbs in our yard. The following year, the flowers sprouted, and we once again enjoyed the bright red flowers… for about a day. One morning I walked out in the yard, and there were my tulip stems. It looked as if someone had taken scissors and snipped every single red bloom from atop its green stalk. The culprits were deer! Apparently deer LOVE tulip blooms, and they had neatly snipped away mine! I had a similar problem this past summer with a pesky squirrel and some begonias on my back porch. The squirrel wanted my ceramic pots full of dirt for his stash of hickory nuts, so he kept digging out the begonias and tossing them aside – and making a royal mess in the process!
Here’s my dilemma… I planted the seed, but apparently, I didn’t do enough to nurture and protect it. So these pesky backyard critters were able to have a field day! Isn’t this how we do in our Spiritual life? We join to Christ… we study His word and allow the seed of God’s wisdom to be planted in us… but then we don’t do enough to guard and nurture that seed. We allow pesky critters – a.k.a. the devil – to get into our heart and dig around… and often he creates a huge mess there.
In recent days, I’ve really tried to “pray the scriptures.” In other words, instead of asking for healing for my friend Joe, I’ve reminded God that Psalm 103:3 tells us…” The LORD forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick”… and I am asking Him to heal Joe according to His word. I have asked for strength and courage in my own life according to Philippians 4:13, which says that “Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” I have praised God with the words of Psalm 100:5…” The LORD is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever.”
By communicating with God in this manner, I am using the wisdom of His word to root the seeds of His promises deeply within my heart. I am not throwing God’s words back at Him… I am letting Him know that I am starting to “get it!” And I am asking Him to answer my prayers, because I have become a part of Him and trust that He will bless my faithfulness and commitment to Him.
I no longer try to grow tulips in the yard. Unlike my confidence in God to help me fight the devil, I don’t think I have the time and energy to guard a patch of flowers against persistent, hungry deer! I may take another stab this summer at growing begonias on the porch. If I do, I will be armed with some protective netting, or pepper spray… or maybe even a slingshot! After all, Ephesians 6:11 reminds us to…” Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks.”
How deeply rooted is your “seed?” How fortified is your arsenal of tools to fight the devil? How confident are you that what you have planted comes from God’s word and will bear “good fruit” in the form of answers to your prayers? Our prayer life should be based on confidence that when we ask God for something, “it shall be done,” according to His will. When we plant the seed of God’s wisdom in our heart and keep it there, we should have no trouble accomplishing all that He desires for us… and more than we could ever imagine on our own!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago on Valentine’s Day, my husband gave me a planter filled with beautiful red tulips. After the blooms had faded, I planted the bulbs in our yard. The following year, the flowers sprouted, and we once again enjoyed the bright red flowers… for about a day. One morning I walked out in the yard, and there were my tulip stems. It looked as if someone had taken scissors and snipped every single red bloom from atop its green stalk. The culprits were deer! Apparently deer LOVE tulip blooms, and they had neatly snipped away mine! I had a similar problem this past summer with a pesky squirrel and some begonias on my back porch. The squirrel wanted my ceramic pots full of dirt for his stash of hickory nuts, so he kept digging out the begonias and tossing them aside – and making a royal mess in the process!
Here’s my dilemma… I planted the seed, but apparently, I didn’t do enough to nurture and protect it. So these pesky backyard critters were able to have a field day! Isn’t this how we do in our Spiritual life? We join to Christ… we study His word and allow the seed of God’s wisdom to be planted in us… but then we don’t do enough to guard and nurture that seed. We allow pesky critters – a.k.a. the devil – to get into our heart and dig around… and often he creates a huge mess there.
In recent days, I’ve really tried to “pray the scriptures.” In other words, instead of asking for healing for my friend Joe, I’ve reminded God that Psalm 103:3 tells us…” The LORD forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick”… and I am asking Him to heal Joe according to His word. I have asked for strength and courage in my own life according to Philippians 4:13, which says that “Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” I have praised God with the words of Psalm 100:5…” The LORD is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever.”
By communicating with God in this manner, I am using the wisdom of His word to root the seeds of His promises deeply within my heart. I am not throwing God’s words back at Him… I am letting Him know that I am starting to “get it!” And I am asking Him to answer my prayers, because I have become a part of Him and trust that He will bless my faithfulness and commitment to Him.
I no longer try to grow tulips in the yard. Unlike my confidence in God to help me fight the devil, I don’t think I have the time and energy to guard a patch of flowers against persistent, hungry deer! I may take another stab this summer at growing begonias on the porch. If I do, I will be armed with some protective netting, or pepper spray… or maybe even a slingshot! After all, Ephesians 6:11 reminds us to…” Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks.”
How deeply rooted is your “seed?” How fortified is your arsenal of tools to fight the devil? How confident are you that what you have planted comes from God’s word and will bear “good fruit” in the form of answers to your prayers? Our prayer life should be based on confidence that when we ask God for something, “it shall be done,” according to His will. When we plant the seed of God’s wisdom in our heart and keep it there, we should have no trouble accomplishing all that He desires for us… and more than we could ever imagine on our own!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 2, 2012
Psalm 37:4-8
Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right. Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things. Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We are apparently wired from birth to experience anger. How else would toddlers know to throw temper tantrums? Where would little children learn to lash out – at one another and at us? And even at young ages, the results of anger are often what most of us would consider “sinful”… bad behavior and “meltdowns,” physical abuse or mistreatment, and a generally poor attitude. Let’s face it… Satan is not picky about age. The younger he can gain a stronghold in our lives, the better!
But this is not the real point I want to stress today. What I want to emphasize is that we are all wired for anger, but we must not surrender to it. We must learn to rest in the LORD and let Him have control, rather than succumb to the ramifications of irritation and fury in our own lives. And we must do our part to teach children (of all ages) to do this, as well.
Does this mean that we will not be affected by news reports of injustice and mistreatment? Will we wear our rose-colored glasses and never get emotional when we see people get by with crime or dishonesty? When someone “does us wrong,” will we feel nothing? Absolutely not! But where and how we channel the energy of these emotions is what matters. We can be angry and furious… and open ourselves wide for the devil to step in and cause us to say things we shouldn’t, drive us to drink, or make us act out inappropriately… or we can turn to God, trust Him to help, and wait patiently for His response.
The next time something angers you… the next time you are bothered by some news or something you witness – or some injustice hurled in your direction… stop, breathe, listen... PRAY! Ask God to handle things according to HIS will, then give Him time and leeway to do so. Make sure that your words, actions and desires line up with God’s will. Do what pleases Him, trust Him to act as judge and jury over others, and bask in the blessings He will send your way.
When we get angry, nobody wins but Satan. Don’t give Him any victories… even for a second! Stay focused and still… and wait for the “good stuff” that God is getting ready to send your way.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right. Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things. Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We are apparently wired from birth to experience anger. How else would toddlers know to throw temper tantrums? Where would little children learn to lash out – at one another and at us? And even at young ages, the results of anger are often what most of us would consider “sinful”… bad behavior and “meltdowns,” physical abuse or mistreatment, and a generally poor attitude. Let’s face it… Satan is not picky about age. The younger he can gain a stronghold in our lives, the better!
But this is not the real point I want to stress today. What I want to emphasize is that we are all wired for anger, but we must not surrender to it. We must learn to rest in the LORD and let Him have control, rather than succumb to the ramifications of irritation and fury in our own lives. And we must do our part to teach children (of all ages) to do this, as well.
Does this mean that we will not be affected by news reports of injustice and mistreatment? Will we wear our rose-colored glasses and never get emotional when we see people get by with crime or dishonesty? When someone “does us wrong,” will we feel nothing? Absolutely not! But where and how we channel the energy of these emotions is what matters. We can be angry and furious… and open ourselves wide for the devil to step in and cause us to say things we shouldn’t, drive us to drink, or make us act out inappropriately… or we can turn to God, trust Him to help, and wait patiently for His response.
The next time something angers you… the next time you are bothered by some news or something you witness – or some injustice hurled in your direction… stop, breathe, listen... PRAY! Ask God to handle things according to HIS will, then give Him time and leeway to do so. Make sure that your words, actions and desires line up with God’s will. Do what pleases Him, trust Him to act as judge and jury over others, and bask in the blessings He will send your way.
When we get angry, nobody wins but Satan. Don’t give Him any victories… even for a second! Stay focused and still… and wait for the “good stuff” that God is getting ready to send your way.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 1, 2012
Luke 16:10-12
Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters. If you cannot be trusted with this wicked wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? And if you cannot be trusted with what belongs to someone else, who will give you something that will be your own?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When Timothy was staying with us, I tried to be very careful to always keep my promises. Some would argue that a two-year-old cannot remember that I said last week I would pick him up on Saturday… or that I told him I would take him to a birthday party, but someone else ended up taking him. But I believe that it’s more about us keeping our word – even to little children who might not remember – than whether what we promised is truly important. This scripture gets it so right… if we can’t be trusted in the little things, how can we ever be trusted with really important stuff?!
A story was recently shared with me about a pastor who had a church member who was hospitalized in another town – but the pastor had been told she was not seriously ill. He had made several trips already that week to the hospital to visit other patients, so he told himself, “I’m tired…she’s not seriously ill, and it’s such a long trip… I’ll catch her next time.” In truth, the woman was very ill. When the pastor finally visited her, he asked forgiveness and apologized. The woman told him, “I will forgive you… but I’ll never forget.” And subsequently, she and her family stopped coming to that particular church.
Now this is a drastic illustration… and you might argue that the woman was at fault for being too sensitive. But this does clearly indicate that little things matter… a visit, hug, or handshake… a kind word (written or spoken)… a kept promise… personal attention to small details… respect for others and their property… acting responsibly and being accountable. If we cannot be faithful in the little things, why on earth should God or anybody else ever trust us with more?
In my notes, I have written that “Judgment day will be a day to judge how well you did your assignment. The only thing that matters is, ‘Am I doing the thing that God called me to do?’” What is God calling you to do today… large and small? What little things has He asked of you? Have you been faithful in these? Are you ready to accept larger assignments? Are you worthy of the responsibility that these carry? Do you keep your promises?
The key to getting closer to God lies in faithfulness - in accomplishing the bigger things…and more importantly, the littlest matters. How close are you to God these days? Can He trust you with any assignment… regardless of the size?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters. If you cannot be trusted with this wicked wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? And if you cannot be trusted with what belongs to someone else, who will give you something that will be your own?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When Timothy was staying with us, I tried to be very careful to always keep my promises. Some would argue that a two-year-old cannot remember that I said last week I would pick him up on Saturday… or that I told him I would take him to a birthday party, but someone else ended up taking him. But I believe that it’s more about us keeping our word – even to little children who might not remember – than whether what we promised is truly important. This scripture gets it so right… if we can’t be trusted in the little things, how can we ever be trusted with really important stuff?!
A story was recently shared with me about a pastor who had a church member who was hospitalized in another town – but the pastor had been told she was not seriously ill. He had made several trips already that week to the hospital to visit other patients, so he told himself, “I’m tired…she’s not seriously ill, and it’s such a long trip… I’ll catch her next time.” In truth, the woman was very ill. When the pastor finally visited her, he asked forgiveness and apologized. The woman told him, “I will forgive you… but I’ll never forget.” And subsequently, she and her family stopped coming to that particular church.
Now this is a drastic illustration… and you might argue that the woman was at fault for being too sensitive. But this does clearly indicate that little things matter… a visit, hug, or handshake… a kind word (written or spoken)… a kept promise… personal attention to small details… respect for others and their property… acting responsibly and being accountable. If we cannot be faithful in the little things, why on earth should God or anybody else ever trust us with more?
In my notes, I have written that “Judgment day will be a day to judge how well you did your assignment. The only thing that matters is, ‘Am I doing the thing that God called me to do?’” What is God calling you to do today… large and small? What little things has He asked of you? Have you been faithful in these? Are you ready to accept larger assignments? Are you worthy of the responsibility that these carry? Do you keep your promises?
The key to getting closer to God lies in faithfulness - in accomplishing the bigger things…and more importantly, the littlest matters. How close are you to God these days? Can He trust you with any assignment… regardless of the size?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 29, 2012
Romans 12:3
I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I have written already about my grandmother’s fall on our driveway on Christmas Eve. Even at age 99, she still wants to do things herself… and her way! So she did not wait for help when she got out of my mom’s car, and she fell. Quite literally, Proverbs 16:18… “First pride, then the crash — the bigger the ego, the harder the fall”… came to life that day! And honestly, at age 99, I believe it is more an attempt for my grandmother to maintain her independence and to feel self-sufficient than a matter of ego.
In the same way, small children will say, “I’ll do it myself!” Their pride and desire to be independent often leads to a mishap of some form or another. And in many ways, we all behave this way with everything from daily activities to matters of faith. We try to handle things on our own… and often, we end up making a mess of things. Our pride is a form of doing our own thing instead of GOD’s thing. It is a rebellion rather than compliance… and it demonstrates a lack of faith on our part.
If we want to remain faithful, we have to work diligently to remain engaged with God. We must combat two enemies of our faithfulness… boredom and pride. When we are not constantly seeking God’s will… or we develop an exaggerated opinion of our own ability to handle daily challenges… we can become not only proud – but also bored. Our “faith walk” develops a sameness and becomes somewhat routine and one-dimensional. We read our Bible, say a prayer, and then forge ahead to handle life on our own. We don’t seek God… we never look for Him in unexpected places. In reality, we don’t expect Him to show up in our lives at all… and things get pretty dull and uninteresting. This is when our faith can waiver.
It’s time to remember the promise of Philippians 4:13…”Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” We must learn to not only be content with what God gives us each day… but also with relying on Him to meet all of our needs – and expecting Him to do so! We need to kick pride to the curb – in every area of our life. We need to engage fully in seeking God each and every day… and in so doing, powerfully reconnect to God’s anointing. It’s time to operate in faithfulness… to “let go and let God…and to be completely fulfilled in Him. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I have written already about my grandmother’s fall on our driveway on Christmas Eve. Even at age 99, she still wants to do things herself… and her way! So she did not wait for help when she got out of my mom’s car, and she fell. Quite literally, Proverbs 16:18… “First pride, then the crash — the bigger the ego, the harder the fall”… came to life that day! And honestly, at age 99, I believe it is more an attempt for my grandmother to maintain her independence and to feel self-sufficient than a matter of ego.
In the same way, small children will say, “I’ll do it myself!” Their pride and desire to be independent often leads to a mishap of some form or another. And in many ways, we all behave this way with everything from daily activities to matters of faith. We try to handle things on our own… and often, we end up making a mess of things. Our pride is a form of doing our own thing instead of GOD’s thing. It is a rebellion rather than compliance… and it demonstrates a lack of faith on our part.
If we want to remain faithful, we have to work diligently to remain engaged with God. We must combat two enemies of our faithfulness… boredom and pride. When we are not constantly seeking God’s will… or we develop an exaggerated opinion of our own ability to handle daily challenges… we can become not only proud – but also bored. Our “faith walk” develops a sameness and becomes somewhat routine and one-dimensional. We read our Bible, say a prayer, and then forge ahead to handle life on our own. We don’t seek God… we never look for Him in unexpected places. In reality, we don’t expect Him to show up in our lives at all… and things get pretty dull and uninteresting. This is when our faith can waiver.
It’s time to remember the promise of Philippians 4:13…”Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” We must learn to not only be content with what God gives us each day… but also with relying on Him to meet all of our needs – and expecting Him to do so! We need to kick pride to the curb – in every area of our life. We need to engage fully in seeking God each and every day… and in so doing, powerfully reconnect to God’s anointing. It’s time to operate in faithfulness… to “let go and let God…and to be completely fulfilled in Him. Are you in?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 9, 2012
Acts 1:22-26
"Judas must now be replaced. The replacement must come from the company of men who stayed together with us from the time Jesus was baptized by John up to the day of his ascension, designated along with us as a witness to his resurrection."
They nominated two: Joseph Barsabbas, nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, "You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way." They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of the most puzzling questions many have is, “How do you know when you’ve truly heard from God?” Few, if any of us, get a lightning bolt… much less an audible Voice that tells us how to proceed. So how do you know when you are really hearing from God? As I read this scripture passage, I had to laugh when I got to the part where the people prayed to God for an answer… and then “drew straws.”
Surely picking a name out of the hat or “drawing straws” is not how God communicates with us… or is it? If you go back and read the verses in Acts 1 leading up to this passage, you will see that the disciples were following God’s word from scripture… replacing Judas, who had fulfilled prophecy and betrayed Jesus, then killed himself on a farm he bought with the dirty money. There were about 120 people gathered together, including Jesus’ mother Mary, His brothers, the disciples, and other followers.
Two names were placed in nomination, and then they prayed before drawing a name of one of the nominees. The more I thought about this, the more I realized what the message of this passage is for us today. God shows up in amazing, unexpected places. And He very well may tell us to “draw straws” for our answer. But the KEY to the passage comes before the name was drawn. The most important part of the passage is the verse where the people ask God to “make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership.”
As long as we are communicating with God and asking Him to guide or steps and our choices, He can utilize any tool or method to deliver our answer. If you have a hard choice to make, and God plainly directs you to “draw straws,” then do it. If He sends you an audible message in the form of advice from a trusted Christian brother or sister that you cannot shake… that’s probably what you are supposed to do. If you just know in your gut that one choice is right over another, God is probably giving you that physical nudge. If you have prayerfully sought God’s guidance, He can show up to answer in amazing ways that may even seem off-the-wall to some.
How do you know when you’ve heard from God? When you have spent time talking with Him and done all of the necessary preparation… then listened… God will show up. Whatever He is telling you to do… however He is reaching you and giving you the solution…don’t hesitate to follow through on His message. Have you consulted God about your decisions for today? Eenie, meenie, miney, moe… who has some straws to draw?
©2012 Debbie Robus
"Judas must now be replaced. The replacement must come from the company of men who stayed together with us from the time Jesus was baptized by John up to the day of his ascension, designated along with us as a witness to his resurrection."
They nominated two: Joseph Barsabbas, nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, "You, O God, know every one of us inside and out. Make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership that Judas threw away in order to go his own way." They then drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of the most puzzling questions many have is, “How do you know when you’ve truly heard from God?” Few, if any of us, get a lightning bolt… much less an audible Voice that tells us how to proceed. So how do you know when you are really hearing from God? As I read this scripture passage, I had to laugh when I got to the part where the people prayed to God for an answer… and then “drew straws.”
Surely picking a name out of the hat or “drawing straws” is not how God communicates with us… or is it? If you go back and read the verses in Acts 1 leading up to this passage, you will see that the disciples were following God’s word from scripture… replacing Judas, who had fulfilled prophecy and betrayed Jesus, then killed himself on a farm he bought with the dirty money. There were about 120 people gathered together, including Jesus’ mother Mary, His brothers, the disciples, and other followers.
Two names were placed in nomination, and then they prayed before drawing a name of one of the nominees. The more I thought about this, the more I realized what the message of this passage is for us today. God shows up in amazing, unexpected places. And He very well may tell us to “draw straws” for our answer. But the KEY to the passage comes before the name was drawn. The most important part of the passage is the verse where the people ask God to “make plain which of these two men you choose to take the place in this ministry and leadership.”
As long as we are communicating with God and asking Him to guide or steps and our choices, He can utilize any tool or method to deliver our answer. If you have a hard choice to make, and God plainly directs you to “draw straws,” then do it. If He sends you an audible message in the form of advice from a trusted Christian brother or sister that you cannot shake… that’s probably what you are supposed to do. If you just know in your gut that one choice is right over another, God is probably giving you that physical nudge. If you have prayerfully sought God’s guidance, He can show up to answer in amazing ways that may even seem off-the-wall to some.
How do you know when you’ve heard from God? When you have spent time talking with Him and done all of the necessary preparation… then listened… God will show up. Whatever He is telling you to do… however He is reaching you and giving you the solution…don’t hesitate to follow through on His message. Have you consulted God about your decisions for today? Eenie, meenie, miney, moe… who has some straws to draw?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 8, 2012
Psalm 148:1-4
Shout praises to the LORD! Shout the LORD's praises in the highest heavens. All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise. Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year ago this day, my cousin J.D. and a woman named Angie were married. While all wedding anniversaries are milestones, what makes this one particularly worthy of mention lies in the story of how these two were brought together in the first place… and how God works in our lives each and every day. On his website at www.kingdomcallministries.org, J.D. tells his story… how he became consumed with both using and dealing drugs as a teenager… how he was in and out of rehabs and jails – and ultimately he was incarcerated in prison for more than three years. True to his nature and the pull of the devil on his heart, J.D. was rebellious and uncooperative, and he became a frequent visitor to “The Hole” – also known as solitary confinement.
J.D. writes that… “Being sent to prison relegates you to a low class. Being sent to a prison within in a prison places one in the top ranks of the biggest losers… that is where I was. Most, I’m sure, had given up on me ever becoming a productive human being. My life was a mess, my brain was shot, and my situation was hopeless.” J.D. got some of it right… a few people did give up on him. But others did not. We prayed, we encouraged… and God kept working. And one day while sitting alone in “The Hole,” J.D. had a visit from Jesus that totally transformed his life.
After his release from prison in 2007, J.D. returned home and found a job – and a church home. He grew in his faith and found that God was calling Him to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others… to be a living testament to His ability to make a way where none seems possible. It wasn’t easy… and Satan would not go away. In 2009, J.D. awoke in a hospital with virtually every bone in his face broken, and his jaws wired shut. He had been involved in a horrible logging accident where a pine tree fell directly onto his face. In his words…“Satan had tried to take me out with that pine tree and had come awfully close to succeeding.”
But J.D. recovered fully from his injuries, and he began to share the word of God wherever a church would invite him to speak. He spent his days immersed in prayer and studying God’s word. He trusted God to provide for his needs via “love offerings” and a small business he managed selling chainsaws and parts online. And one evening as he stopped to attend a tent revival near Romance, Arkansas, he greeted the evangelist and his assistant – a woman named Angie, who would soon become his wife.
In the past year, J.D. and Angie have begun their own ministry and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others in churches and via tent revivals from Arkansas to Indiana. The young man who was hopeless and helpless is now using his own story of rescue and redemption to offer the hope and promise of a life in Christ to others. And at every turn, he and Angie are praising God for His faithfulness… and encouraging others to do the same.
J.D. and I have laughed and agreed that the God who can fix him can fix anybody! But really, this is no laughing matter… it’s the plain and simple truth. I don’t know what you are facing. I don’t know your challenges… your concerns… your needs and fears. But I know that God can accomplish ANYTHING. So I am asking you to hang on… to keep the faith… to never give up… and to always… ALWAYS, give Him the praise He so richly deserves. To God be the glory for rescuing J.D. and uniting Him with Angie. To God be the glory for the miraculous and wonderful things He is doing – and will continue – in each of our lives. Won’t you come and offer Him YOUR praise today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! Shout the LORD's praises in the highest heavens. All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise. Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year ago this day, my cousin J.D. and a woman named Angie were married. While all wedding anniversaries are milestones, what makes this one particularly worthy of mention lies in the story of how these two were brought together in the first place… and how God works in our lives each and every day. On his website at www.kingdomcallministries.org, J.D. tells his story… how he became consumed with both using and dealing drugs as a teenager… how he was in and out of rehabs and jails – and ultimately he was incarcerated in prison for more than three years. True to his nature and the pull of the devil on his heart, J.D. was rebellious and uncooperative, and he became a frequent visitor to “The Hole” – also known as solitary confinement.
J.D. writes that… “Being sent to prison relegates you to a low class. Being sent to a prison within in a prison places one in the top ranks of the biggest losers… that is where I was. Most, I’m sure, had given up on me ever becoming a productive human being. My life was a mess, my brain was shot, and my situation was hopeless.” J.D. got some of it right… a few people did give up on him. But others did not. We prayed, we encouraged… and God kept working. And one day while sitting alone in “The Hole,” J.D. had a visit from Jesus that totally transformed his life.
After his release from prison in 2007, J.D. returned home and found a job – and a church home. He grew in his faith and found that God was calling Him to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others… to be a living testament to His ability to make a way where none seems possible. It wasn’t easy… and Satan would not go away. In 2009, J.D. awoke in a hospital with virtually every bone in his face broken, and his jaws wired shut. He had been involved in a horrible logging accident where a pine tree fell directly onto his face. In his words…“Satan had tried to take me out with that pine tree and had come awfully close to succeeding.”
But J.D. recovered fully from his injuries, and he began to share the word of God wherever a church would invite him to speak. He spent his days immersed in prayer and studying God’s word. He trusted God to provide for his needs via “love offerings” and a small business he managed selling chainsaws and parts online. And one evening as he stopped to attend a tent revival near Romance, Arkansas, he greeted the evangelist and his assistant – a woman named Angie, who would soon become his wife.
In the past year, J.D. and Angie have begun their own ministry and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others in churches and via tent revivals from Arkansas to Indiana. The young man who was hopeless and helpless is now using his own story of rescue and redemption to offer the hope and promise of a life in Christ to others. And at every turn, he and Angie are praising God for His faithfulness… and encouraging others to do the same.
J.D. and I have laughed and agreed that the God who can fix him can fix anybody! But really, this is no laughing matter… it’s the plain and simple truth. I don’t know what you are facing. I don’t know your challenges… your concerns… your needs and fears. But I know that God can accomplish ANYTHING. So I am asking you to hang on… to keep the faith… to never give up… and to always… ALWAYS, give Him the praise He so richly deserves. To God be the glory for rescuing J.D. and uniting Him with Angie. To God be the glory for the miraculous and wonderful things He is doing – and will continue – in each of our lives. Won’t you come and offer Him YOUR praise today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 10, 2011
John 19:1-11
Pilate gave orders for Jesus to be beaten with a whip. The soldiers made a crown out of thorn branches and put it on Jesus. Then they put a purple robe on him. They came up to him and said, "Hey, you king of the Jews!" They also hit him with their fists.
Once again Pilate went out. This time he said, "I will have Jesus brought out to you again. Then you can see for yourselves that I have not found him guilty." Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, "Here is the man!" When the chief priests and the temple police saw him, they yelled, "Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!”
Pilate told them, "You take him and nail him to a cross! I don't find him guilty of anything." The crowd replied, "He claimed to be the Son of God! Our Jewish Law says that he must be put to death." When Pilate heard this, he was terrified. He went back inside and asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus did not answer. "Why won't you answer my question?"
Pilate asked. "Don't you know that I have the power to let you go free or to nail you to a cross?" Jesus replied, "If God had not given you the power, you couldn't do anything at all to me. But the one who handed me over to you did something even worse."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A little boy of about kindergarten age was visiting his aunt’s home and wandered into the bathroom. He emerged a while later and told all of the adults, “I hear sumpin’ – do you hear sumpin’?” When the aunt went to investigate, the bathroom was filled with steam, and the bathtub was full of hot water. The little boy shrugged and said, “I don’t know how that happened. I didn’t touch the hot water!” Even at five years of age, he knew not to confess to the actual “crime,” but he was not savvy enough to know that his comment about the water temperature did in fact place him in hot water!
We have a bad habit of taking credit for things we shouldn’t – and denying those for which we are truly responsible. So it was that Pilate told Jesus that he alone could save Him from the cross, giving himself credit where none was due. At the same time, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus had set everything in motion. And while Judas may have recognized his part in this eventually, all he saw initially was thirty pieces of silver being tossed his way.
What does this all mean for us? I believe we fail to see the big picture, because we are looking only at the events right in front of us – or how we appear to be directly affected. So we take credit for things we shouldn’t. We puff ourselves up for acts of “service” and generosity – giving to charity, serving on committees at church, or being kind to our friends and neighbors. We say things like, “I decided to give to such-and-such,” or “I thought I’d better help Joe with that project,” or “I let it slide that Carol owed me $100… it’s the holidays, after all.” Where is God in these decisions? Where is the prayerful consideration that “God led me to teach a Sunday school class” or “I felt the LORD telling me to help Jim out with his bills”?
We take pride in knowing that we had options, and we exercised them in a “noble” way that is sure to please God and everyone else! In taking credit for more than we should, we often betray the God who numbers the very hairs on our head. We fail to recognize His power and authority in our life… and in essence, we deny His presence – if not His very existence. At the same time, we are quick to wash our hands of things when they don't go as we hoped. "That's not my problem," we will say. Just like Pilate, we say, "If others want to pursue this, they can... but I'm outta here!"
At this time of year when we are all excited about the Good News of the birth of Jesus, I think we would do well to consider for a moment how we treat Him. Do we acknowledge the power and presence of God in our lives with our words and actions… or do we sell him out for a bag of silver? Do we “take credit for hearing the bath water running, but deny touching the faucet handle that started the whole thing”? Do we honor Jesus for His sacrifices on our behalf and His continual grace and mercy?
We can’t have it both ways. Either we serve God faithfully and trust His decisions on our behalf, or we sell Him out and give ourselves more credit than we deserve for how things go in our lives – and blame Him when so often they don’t turn out as we hoped.
This is the perfect season in which to get our priorities straight – and fully acknowledge God’s presence. It’s time to recognize our weakness apart from Him – and His incredible power over the events of our lives. Where do you fit into this picture? Are you at times like Pilate, Judas... or both? Are you honoring Jesus in your daily living? Isn't it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Pilate gave orders for Jesus to be beaten with a whip. The soldiers made a crown out of thorn branches and put it on Jesus. Then they put a purple robe on him. They came up to him and said, "Hey, you king of the Jews!" They also hit him with their fists.
Once again Pilate went out. This time he said, "I will have Jesus brought out to you again. Then you can see for yourselves that I have not found him guilty." Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, "Here is the man!" When the chief priests and the temple police saw him, they yelled, "Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!”
Pilate told them, "You take him and nail him to a cross! I don't find him guilty of anything." The crowd replied, "He claimed to be the Son of God! Our Jewish Law says that he must be put to death." When Pilate heard this, he was terrified. He went back inside and asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus did not answer. "Why won't you answer my question?"
Pilate asked. "Don't you know that I have the power to let you go free or to nail you to a cross?" Jesus replied, "If God had not given you the power, you couldn't do anything at all to me. But the one who handed me over to you did something even worse."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A little boy of about kindergarten age was visiting his aunt’s home and wandered into the bathroom. He emerged a while later and told all of the adults, “I hear sumpin’ – do you hear sumpin’?” When the aunt went to investigate, the bathroom was filled with steam, and the bathtub was full of hot water. The little boy shrugged and said, “I don’t know how that happened. I didn’t touch the hot water!” Even at five years of age, he knew not to confess to the actual “crime,” but he was not savvy enough to know that his comment about the water temperature did in fact place him in hot water!
We have a bad habit of taking credit for things we shouldn’t – and denying those for which we are truly responsible. So it was that Pilate told Jesus that he alone could save Him from the cross, giving himself credit where none was due. At the same time, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus had set everything in motion. And while Judas may have recognized his part in this eventually, all he saw initially was thirty pieces of silver being tossed his way.
What does this all mean for us? I believe we fail to see the big picture, because we are looking only at the events right in front of us – or how we appear to be directly affected. So we take credit for things we shouldn’t. We puff ourselves up for acts of “service” and generosity – giving to charity, serving on committees at church, or being kind to our friends and neighbors. We say things like, “I decided to give to such-and-such,” or “I thought I’d better help Joe with that project,” or “I let it slide that Carol owed me $100… it’s the holidays, after all.” Where is God in these decisions? Where is the prayerful consideration that “God led me to teach a Sunday school class” or “I felt the LORD telling me to help Jim out with his bills”?
We take pride in knowing that we had options, and we exercised them in a “noble” way that is sure to please God and everyone else! In taking credit for more than we should, we often betray the God who numbers the very hairs on our head. We fail to recognize His power and authority in our life… and in essence, we deny His presence – if not His very existence. At the same time, we are quick to wash our hands of things when they don't go as we hoped. "That's not my problem," we will say. Just like Pilate, we say, "If others want to pursue this, they can... but I'm outta here!"
At this time of year when we are all excited about the Good News of the birth of Jesus, I think we would do well to consider for a moment how we treat Him. Do we acknowledge the power and presence of God in our lives with our words and actions… or do we sell him out for a bag of silver? Do we “take credit for hearing the bath water running, but deny touching the faucet handle that started the whole thing”? Do we honor Jesus for His sacrifices on our behalf and His continual grace and mercy?
We can’t have it both ways. Either we serve God faithfully and trust His decisions on our behalf, or we sell Him out and give ourselves more credit than we deserve for how things go in our lives – and blame Him when so often they don’t turn out as we hoped.
This is the perfect season in which to get our priorities straight – and fully acknowledge God’s presence. It’s time to recognize our weakness apart from Him – and His incredible power over the events of our lives. Where do you fit into this picture? Are you at times like Pilate, Judas... or both? Are you honoring Jesus in your daily living? Isn't it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 30, 2011
John 15:7-10
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered. When you become fruitful disciples of mine, my Father will be honored. I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Twenty-six years ago, I was in my eighth year of teaching kindergarten/first grade. My principal was retiring, and his assistant was slated to become his replacement. This woman had once been a fellow teacher… now she was a tyrant who abused all of her former “friends” on a daily basis. I needed a change in more ways than one… and I started seeking an exit strategy. I interviewed in another building for a position as a fifth grade teacher. The principal had asked me in my interview, “What makes you think you can transition from 5-and-six-year-olds to fifth graders?” I assured him I could do it. Everyone who was “in the know” told me the job was mine, and I eagerly anticipated the call from the principal to welcome me… and the subsequent move to another school on the opposite end of town.
One morning the secretary called over the intercom to tell me I had a phone call, and I hurried to the library next door to my classroom. The principal from the other school informed me he had hired someone else. My heart sank, and a huge lump formed in my throat as I thanked him for calling. I phoned my husband, and through tears, I delivered my news. My husband said his first instinct was to drive straight to the school, collect me, and tell everyone that I was quitting – then and there! But in retrospect, we both realized this solved nothing.
After lots of discussion, careful planning, and a lot of prayer, we both decided I should teach for one more year. At that time, I could not see how on earth I would survive it, but I stuck it out… and I think knowing that I was checking the weeks off the calendar (and an exceptionally great class of kiddos!) helped me to persevere. Looking back, that was one of my best years of teaching, in many ways. And because I hung in there and made the most of it, I was blessed more than I can express.
Teaching one more year added more savings to our “nest egg” so that we could both leave our jobs, move back home, and start our own business. Teaching one more year taught me countless lessons in honoring commitments, fighting through hard times, and making the most of even a really stressful situation. By staying that last year, I developed lifelong relationships with some great people and actually had many truly happy experiences. And I learned a lot about trusting God to see me through the rough patches… and use me in spite of the circumstances.
I am sharing this because you may be going through your own rough patch. Things may not be working out like you had hoped or desired… or you may be struggling right now and wondering if your situation will ever improve. I am here to tell you it can – and it will – if you will stay faithful to God. Let Him nurture you and feed you. Allow Him to sustain you in the darkest hours… and to teach you in ways you can’t begin to imagine. Ask God, “Which direction should I take, and how should I get where you want me to go?” Let Him guide your steps and strengthen you throughout the journey.
If someone had been able to show me my life as it is today when I was so frustrated in 1985, I would have found it very hard to believe them, at best. But I know what God can do. I have seen how He can bless. I am learning more every day about how He rewards faithful servants who stick with Him and allow Him to guide them… even through the roughest patches. Our God is so powerful and all-encompassing. What He does for me, He will most certainly do for you, too.
As I share this message of hope with you today, I am reminding myself of the same things. We all need a reminder once in a while that God can handle anything and give us all of the desires of our heart – according to His perfect will. We just have to stick closely to Him and believe in His promises. I’m in… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Stay joined to me and let my teachings become part of you. Then you can pray for whatever you want, and your prayer will be answered. When you become fruitful disciples of mine, my Father will be honored. I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Twenty-six years ago, I was in my eighth year of teaching kindergarten/first grade. My principal was retiring, and his assistant was slated to become his replacement. This woman had once been a fellow teacher… now she was a tyrant who abused all of her former “friends” on a daily basis. I needed a change in more ways than one… and I started seeking an exit strategy. I interviewed in another building for a position as a fifth grade teacher. The principal had asked me in my interview, “What makes you think you can transition from 5-and-six-year-olds to fifth graders?” I assured him I could do it. Everyone who was “in the know” told me the job was mine, and I eagerly anticipated the call from the principal to welcome me… and the subsequent move to another school on the opposite end of town.
One morning the secretary called over the intercom to tell me I had a phone call, and I hurried to the library next door to my classroom. The principal from the other school informed me he had hired someone else. My heart sank, and a huge lump formed in my throat as I thanked him for calling. I phoned my husband, and through tears, I delivered my news. My husband said his first instinct was to drive straight to the school, collect me, and tell everyone that I was quitting – then and there! But in retrospect, we both realized this solved nothing.
After lots of discussion, careful planning, and a lot of prayer, we both decided I should teach for one more year. At that time, I could not see how on earth I would survive it, but I stuck it out… and I think knowing that I was checking the weeks off the calendar (and an exceptionally great class of kiddos!) helped me to persevere. Looking back, that was one of my best years of teaching, in many ways. And because I hung in there and made the most of it, I was blessed more than I can express.
Teaching one more year added more savings to our “nest egg” so that we could both leave our jobs, move back home, and start our own business. Teaching one more year taught me countless lessons in honoring commitments, fighting through hard times, and making the most of even a really stressful situation. By staying that last year, I developed lifelong relationships with some great people and actually had many truly happy experiences. And I learned a lot about trusting God to see me through the rough patches… and use me in spite of the circumstances.
I am sharing this because you may be going through your own rough patch. Things may not be working out like you had hoped or desired… or you may be struggling right now and wondering if your situation will ever improve. I am here to tell you it can – and it will – if you will stay faithful to God. Let Him nurture you and feed you. Allow Him to sustain you in the darkest hours… and to teach you in ways you can’t begin to imagine. Ask God, “Which direction should I take, and how should I get where you want me to go?” Let Him guide your steps and strengthen you throughout the journey.
If someone had been able to show me my life as it is today when I was so frustrated in 1985, I would have found it very hard to believe them, at best. But I know what God can do. I have seen how He can bless. I am learning more every day about how He rewards faithful servants who stick with Him and allow Him to guide them… even through the roughest patches. Our God is so powerful and all-encompassing. What He does for me, He will most certainly do for you, too.
As I share this message of hope with you today, I am reminding myself of the same things. We all need a reminder once in a while that God can handle anything and give us all of the desires of our heart – according to His perfect will. We just have to stick closely to Him and believe in His promises. I’m in… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 12, 2011
John 13:1-11
It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.
Even before the evening meal started, the devil had made Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, decide to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.
But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You don't really know what I am doing, but later you will understand."
"You will never wash my feet!" Peter replied. "If I don't wash you," Jesus told him, "you don't really belong to me." Peter said, "Lord, don't wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head."
Jesus answered, "People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of you." Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, "except for one of you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Betrayal… sadly, most of us have experienced this in some form. Certainly we have not been betrayed on the scale of Judas’ disloyalty to Jesus… but we’ve all been betrayed in some way – and possibly, we have betrayed someone else.
Someone has told something we shared in confidence. A friend or loved one may have gladly accepted our hospitality or help… then spoke unkindly of us to others. We may have trusted someone with our heart, our home, and our assets, only to wake up one day and find that person – and all of our belongings – gone.
Regardless of the magnitude of our betrayal, we are left hurt, disappointed, confused… and sometimes angry. We wonder how this could have happened… how people could be so cruel and heartless… or evil… and we wonder how to handle it all. All we really have to do is read this scripture passage.
Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him before it ever happened! Yet He performed this act of love and humility – washing the feet of His disciples. In doing so, He was demonstrating something incredibly powerful. In order to belong to Jesus, we must be washed clean by Him – by the blood He shed for us on the cross. And… no matter what we have done in the past, He stands ready and able to cleans us.
You may be a really good person. You may do and say all the right things, go to church, read your Bible, and pray. You may give your time, talents, and money to serve others… and you may behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. Betrayal of another might be the furthest thing from your mind. But unless you humble yourself before Jesus and allow Him to wash you clean in His blood… to “wash your feet,” you are not truly free of sin and entitled to be His disciple – and to enjoy Eternal Life with Him someday.
There are two lessons here today –
How clean are your feet? Could you use another “foot washing” today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.
Even before the evening meal started, the devil had made Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, decide to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that he had come from God and would go back to God. He also knew that the Father had given him complete power. So during the meal Jesus got up, removed his outer garment, and wrapped a towel around his waist. He put some water into a large bowl. Then he began washing his disciples' feet and drying them with the towel he was wearing.
But when he came to Simon Peter, that disciple asked, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You don't really know what I am doing, but later you will understand."
"You will never wash my feet!" Peter replied. "If I don't wash you," Jesus told him, "you don't really belong to me." Peter said, "Lord, don't wash just my feet. Wash my hands and my head."
Jesus answered, "People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of you." Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, "except for one of you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Betrayal… sadly, most of us have experienced this in some form. Certainly we have not been betrayed on the scale of Judas’ disloyalty to Jesus… but we’ve all been betrayed in some way – and possibly, we have betrayed someone else.
Someone has told something we shared in confidence. A friend or loved one may have gladly accepted our hospitality or help… then spoke unkindly of us to others. We may have trusted someone with our heart, our home, and our assets, only to wake up one day and find that person – and all of our belongings – gone.
Regardless of the magnitude of our betrayal, we are left hurt, disappointed, confused… and sometimes angry. We wonder how this could have happened… how people could be so cruel and heartless… or evil… and we wonder how to handle it all. All we really have to do is read this scripture passage.
Jesus knew that Judas would betray Him before it ever happened! Yet He performed this act of love and humility – washing the feet of His disciples. In doing so, He was demonstrating something incredibly powerful. In order to belong to Jesus, we must be washed clean by Him – by the blood He shed for us on the cross. And… no matter what we have done in the past, He stands ready and able to cleans us.
You may be a really good person. You may do and say all the right things, go to church, read your Bible, and pray. You may give your time, talents, and money to serve others… and you may behave in a manner that is beyond reproach. Betrayal of another might be the furthest thing from your mind. But unless you humble yourself before Jesus and allow Him to wash you clean in His blood… to “wash your feet,” you are not truly free of sin and entitled to be His disciple – and to enjoy Eternal Life with Him someday.
There are two lessons here today –
- When you are betrayed by another, remember Jesus. Show the love and mercy He did. “Wash their feet” by praying for them and offering forgiveness (if only in your own heart). Lose the baggage of hurt and disappointment that the devil is trying to heap upon you.
- Invite Jesus to wash YOU clean of your sins. Humble yourself before Him and say, “LORD, I need you to cleanse me completely, so that I can truly follow You and serve you as a true disciple.”
How clean are your feet? Could you use another “foot washing” today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 30, 2011
Psalm 108:1-5
Our God, I am faithful to you with all my heart, and you can trust me. I will sing and play music for you with all that I am. I will start playing my harps before the sun rises. I will praise you, LORD, for everyone to hear; I will sing hymns to you in every nation. Your love reaches higher than the heavens, and your loyalty extends beyond the clouds. Our God, may you be honored above the heavens; may your glory be seen everywhere on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Everybody needs a hero, and I’ve had a dandy. For more than fifty-four years, I’ve been encouraged and nurtured by a remarkable lady who shared my birthday. Yesterday, she went to heaven… less than 48 hours after her beloved baby girl died. “MawMac,” as I called her, was really Geraldine McCurry. She took great pride in being the wife of the local Chevrolet dealer, Andrew McCurry… and mother to three girls - Andrea, Marsha, and Mary.
As Andrea wrote in Mary’s obituary, “…a tragic accident at birth caused her to be severely physically handicapped by cerebral palsy. Because of her condition, she was never able to walk, talk, use her hands or be able to care for herself in any way. However, she devised a method of communication when she was about a year and a half old using her eyes. For those who took the time to learn to "talk" with Mary, they found a warm, loving, rather bawdy personality with a little streak of the devil.” Mary would have been 60 this October. Mary’s family and all who knew her loved her dearly. And in a time when many children with cerebral palsy were hidden away in institutions, the McCurrys never treated Mary with such disdain. MawMac and her family were ahead of their time in recognizing that Mary was a bright girl trapped in a body that betrayed her… and they did all they could to make life as “normal” as possible for this precious girl.
As further proof of this, a friend recalled on Facebook the Sunday that Mrs. McCurry wheeled Mary to the front of our church sanctuary, where she said Mary was wishing to make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and be baptized. MawMac said, “I just couldn’t hold her back any longer… she insisted on coming to the altar.” That was our MawMac… dedicated to her children… and to her God. She was also fiercely patriotic. I like to joke that I am a “Firecracker Baby” because of my July 4th birthday… but MawMac truly was… and she had a collection of red/white/blue memorabilia that defies belief – down to a life-sized “Uncle Sam!” This past July 4th, she wore a new blouse fashioned by her daughters to fit her 4-ft frame… featuring red/white/blue stars, of course! She wore it with red/white/blue shoes, and – what else? – a headband with shooting stars that bobbled along! Did I mention that MawMac was 93 on her last birthday?
If you didn’t get a chance to know Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry in this lifetime, you will hopefully meet her in heaven. She will be the one standing with Jesus, tall and stately, healed from the osteoporosis that shrunk her tiny frame by almost 5 inches… and she will be talking and greeting everyone who enters the Pearly Gates! MawMac taught me a lot about life and overcoming challenges and obstacles… but she taught me more about faith and devotion. She hardly ever missed a church service (or anything else in our community, for that matter!), and she was one of the most devoted Christians I ever knew. She wasn’t preachy or one of those who spouted scripture and lectured about sinful behaviors. She merely modeled the teachings of Jesus… every single day of her life.
I know MawMac wasn’t perfect. I’m sure she had her moments. But I never saw them. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that she and Mary are dancing with Jesus… two faithful women who were loyal to Him without fail. This scripture passage is so fitting for Geraldine and Mary. I know they are having a celebration to end all celebrations… and because of this, I feel like singing and dancing, too – in spite of my sadness.
The more of my loved ones who pass on and go to heaven, the more real heaven becomes to me. It’s a glorious resting place for those who have chosen to follow Jesus, and I am so looking forward to joining the party there. Will you be along? Do you know Jesus in the way MawMac and Mary know Him? Do you live for Him each day – and will you dance and sing His praises even into Eternity? You can! Who – or what – is holding you back? Isn’t it time you raced down the altar, so to speak, like Mary did… and secured your place at the party?
I ask you to please stop and thank God today for heroes like MawMac… for Godly women who are devoted to their Heavenly Father, their family, church and community. Pray for those who will miss her… and thank God for welcoming her and Mary to His banquet table. I’m sure they’ve saved a seat nearby for me… and I am looking forward to seeing them again someday. Won’t you join us?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Our God, I am faithful to you with all my heart, and you can trust me. I will sing and play music for you with all that I am. I will start playing my harps before the sun rises. I will praise you, LORD, for everyone to hear; I will sing hymns to you in every nation. Your love reaches higher than the heavens, and your loyalty extends beyond the clouds. Our God, may you be honored above the heavens; may your glory be seen everywhere on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Everybody needs a hero, and I’ve had a dandy. For more than fifty-four years, I’ve been encouraged and nurtured by a remarkable lady who shared my birthday. Yesterday, she went to heaven… less than 48 hours after her beloved baby girl died. “MawMac,” as I called her, was really Geraldine McCurry. She took great pride in being the wife of the local Chevrolet dealer, Andrew McCurry… and mother to three girls - Andrea, Marsha, and Mary.
As Andrea wrote in Mary’s obituary, “…a tragic accident at birth caused her to be severely physically handicapped by cerebral palsy. Because of her condition, she was never able to walk, talk, use her hands or be able to care for herself in any way. However, she devised a method of communication when she was about a year and a half old using her eyes. For those who took the time to learn to "talk" with Mary, they found a warm, loving, rather bawdy personality with a little streak of the devil.” Mary would have been 60 this October. Mary’s family and all who knew her loved her dearly. And in a time when many children with cerebral palsy were hidden away in institutions, the McCurrys never treated Mary with such disdain. MawMac and her family were ahead of their time in recognizing that Mary was a bright girl trapped in a body that betrayed her… and they did all they could to make life as “normal” as possible for this precious girl.
As further proof of this, a friend recalled on Facebook the Sunday that Mrs. McCurry wheeled Mary to the front of our church sanctuary, where she said Mary was wishing to make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and be baptized. MawMac said, “I just couldn’t hold her back any longer… she insisted on coming to the altar.” That was our MawMac… dedicated to her children… and to her God. She was also fiercely patriotic. I like to joke that I am a “Firecracker Baby” because of my July 4th birthday… but MawMac truly was… and she had a collection of red/white/blue memorabilia that defies belief – down to a life-sized “Uncle Sam!” This past July 4th, she wore a new blouse fashioned by her daughters to fit her 4-ft frame… featuring red/white/blue stars, of course! She wore it with red/white/blue shoes, and – what else? – a headband with shooting stars that bobbled along! Did I mention that MawMac was 93 on her last birthday?
If you didn’t get a chance to know Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry in this lifetime, you will hopefully meet her in heaven. She will be the one standing with Jesus, tall and stately, healed from the osteoporosis that shrunk her tiny frame by almost 5 inches… and she will be talking and greeting everyone who enters the Pearly Gates! MawMac taught me a lot about life and overcoming challenges and obstacles… but she taught me more about faith and devotion. She hardly ever missed a church service (or anything else in our community, for that matter!), and she was one of the most devoted Christians I ever knew. She wasn’t preachy or one of those who spouted scripture and lectured about sinful behaviors. She merely modeled the teachings of Jesus… every single day of her life.
I know MawMac wasn’t perfect. I’m sure she had her moments. But I never saw them. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that she and Mary are dancing with Jesus… two faithful women who were loyal to Him without fail. This scripture passage is so fitting for Geraldine and Mary. I know they are having a celebration to end all celebrations… and because of this, I feel like singing and dancing, too – in spite of my sadness.
The more of my loved ones who pass on and go to heaven, the more real heaven becomes to me. It’s a glorious resting place for those who have chosen to follow Jesus, and I am so looking forward to joining the party there. Will you be along? Do you know Jesus in the way MawMac and Mary know Him? Do you live for Him each day – and will you dance and sing His praises even into Eternity? You can! Who – or what – is holding you back? Isn’t it time you raced down the altar, so to speak, like Mary did… and secured your place at the party?
I ask you to please stop and thank God today for heroes like MawMac… for Godly women who are devoted to their Heavenly Father, their family, church and community. Pray for those who will miss her… and thank God for welcoming her and Mary to His banquet table. I’m sure they’ve saved a seat nearby for me… and I am looking forward to seeing them again someday. Won’t you join us?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2011
John 6:16-29
That evening, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and started across for Capernaum. Later that evening Jesus had still not come to them, and a strong wind was making the water rough.
When the disciples had rowed for three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified. But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!" The disciples wanted to take him into the boat, but suddenly the boat reached the shore where they were headed.
The people who had stayed on the east side of the lake knew that only one boat had been there. They also knew that Jesus had not left in it with his disciples. But the next day some boats from Tiberias sailed near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread for which the Lord had given thanks. They saw that Jesus and his disciples had left. Then they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. They found him on the west side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so." "What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked.
Jesus answered, "God wants you to have faith in the one he sent."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all had someone be nice to us when they wanted something. There are some people who only come around or act interested in others when they are hoping to gain something from the interaction or relationship. I don’t mean to be cynical or skeptical, but often you can spot these people coming a mile away. And even if there is no ulterior motive, the history with this person makes it hard to believe that he/she is genuine.
It’s somewhat like when a teenager’s mom cooks his/her favorite dish, and the teen would do just about anything to get Mom to cook it again. The teenager really doesn’t notice all the wonderful, important things a mom does every day for him/her and the rest of the family (extended family, friends, community and more). It’s all about that favorite meal… personal gratification… and the teen will go to great lengths to schmooze Mom so that she will cook it again.
If we honestly look at our relationship to God, we are much the same. We pretty well always have our hand out in some manner. “LORD, please do this for me… Father, I need a miracle… God, heal me, my relationship, my family, my friends.” We’re not interested in God’s miracles and healing in the context of the world at large – much less giving back in service and dedication. We want God to feed us… to meet our needs at that very moment.
Let’s be clear… there is nothing wrong with asking God to meet our needs. He can… He will… He wants to do this for us. He wants to heal our bodies, minds, and relationships… and to do the same for those in our circle of family and friends. He wants to give us answers to our troubles and bless us each and every day. But He wants us to love and follow Him because of the Bread of Life… the gift of eternal salvation He provides to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want us to believe in Him and serve Him because He cured our cancer, helped us pass a biology test, or we ran extra fast in the 5k or cross-country event. He doesn’t want us to follow Him because He gives us a roof over our head and a good job to pay the bills. He wants us to look beyond these material, “now” things and say, “I will follow you all the days of my life because you gave me Jesus.”
For me, this was a simple – but highly powerful – illustration. Some people are following Jesus for the “fish dinner” that He provides – that “favorite meal”. They are willing to love Jesus and serve Him – and basically butter Him up – for whatever is in it for them at the moment… the “quick fix.” But God wants us to be in it for the “Daily Bread” – the meal that satisfies our soul more than our bellies... and lasts! God wants us to follow Him and serve because we love Him and desire to be a part of His Kingdom forever.
What are your motives? Do you serve Jesus for the instant miracle… the “quick fix” to your present problem? Or do you see the bigger picture? Is your faith in God based on His tremendous love and sacrifice for us… His promise to meet our needs and bless us with the Bread of Life - now and forever? Or are you only looking to your next meal or miracle? There is a difference… can you see it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
That evening, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and started across for Capernaum. Later that evening Jesus had still not come to them, and a strong wind was making the water rough.
When the disciples had rowed for three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified. But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!" The disciples wanted to take him into the boat, but suddenly the boat reached the shore where they were headed.
The people who had stayed on the east side of the lake knew that only one boat had been there. They also knew that Jesus had not left in it with his disciples. But the next day some boats from Tiberias sailed near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread for which the Lord had given thanks. They saw that Jesus and his disciples had left. Then they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. They found him on the west side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so." "What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked.
Jesus answered, "God wants you to have faith in the one he sent."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all had someone be nice to us when they wanted something. There are some people who only come around or act interested in others when they are hoping to gain something from the interaction or relationship. I don’t mean to be cynical or skeptical, but often you can spot these people coming a mile away. And even if there is no ulterior motive, the history with this person makes it hard to believe that he/she is genuine.
It’s somewhat like when a teenager’s mom cooks his/her favorite dish, and the teen would do just about anything to get Mom to cook it again. The teenager really doesn’t notice all the wonderful, important things a mom does every day for him/her and the rest of the family (extended family, friends, community and more). It’s all about that favorite meal… personal gratification… and the teen will go to great lengths to schmooze Mom so that she will cook it again.
If we honestly look at our relationship to God, we are much the same. We pretty well always have our hand out in some manner. “LORD, please do this for me… Father, I need a miracle… God, heal me, my relationship, my family, my friends.” We’re not interested in God’s miracles and healing in the context of the world at large – much less giving back in service and dedication. We want God to feed us… to meet our needs at that very moment.
Let’s be clear… there is nothing wrong with asking God to meet our needs. He can… He will… He wants to do this for us. He wants to heal our bodies, minds, and relationships… and to do the same for those in our circle of family and friends. He wants to give us answers to our troubles and bless us each and every day. But He wants us to love and follow Him because of the Bread of Life… the gift of eternal salvation He provides to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want us to believe in Him and serve Him because He cured our cancer, helped us pass a biology test, or we ran extra fast in the 5k or cross-country event. He doesn’t want us to follow Him because He gives us a roof over our head and a good job to pay the bills. He wants us to look beyond these material, “now” things and say, “I will follow you all the days of my life because you gave me Jesus.”
For me, this was a simple – but highly powerful – illustration. Some people are following Jesus for the “fish dinner” that He provides – that “favorite meal”. They are willing to love Jesus and serve Him – and basically butter Him up – for whatever is in it for them at the moment… the “quick fix.” But God wants us to be in it for the “Daily Bread” – the meal that satisfies our soul more than our bellies... and lasts! God wants us to follow Him and serve because we love Him and desire to be a part of His Kingdom forever.
What are your motives? Do you serve Jesus for the instant miracle… the “quick fix” to your present problem? Or do you see the bigger picture? Is your faith in God based on His tremendous love and sacrifice for us… His promise to meet our needs and bless us with the Bread of Life - now and forever? Or are you only looking to your next meal or miracle? There is a difference… can you see it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 24, 2011
Luke 24:28-34
They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: "Stay and have supper with us. It's nearly evening; the day is done." So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared.
Back and forth they talked. "Didn't we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?"
They didn't waste a minute. They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away: "It's really happened! The Master has been raised up—Simon saw him!"
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“Light bulb moments”… “Aha! Moments”… whatever you call them, we’ve all had that time when “the lights went on,” and we truly understood something that had eluded us beforehand. For these two men on the road to Emmaus, their “light bulb” moment came when Jesus sat with them and broke bread, then blessed it. They had been so caught up in their sadness over the crucifixion, death and disappearance of Jesus that they couldn’t recognize Him walking right alongside them on the road.
Suddenly, all of the things Jesus had said and done as He walked with them to their home came together and made sense… and helped them to realize that THIS was the man everyone was talking about… the person who was crucified, buried, and then came up missing from the tomb. THIS was no mere mortal… He was JESUS CHRIST… the MESSIAH! These men realized in an instant just how much Jesus loved them… how true His teachings were… and just how incredibly real His power was.
An entire “community” has been built around this scripture passage. Information about the Walk to Emmaus at www.upperroom.org says “The Walk to Emmaus offers today's disciples a parallel opportunity to rediscover Christ's presence in their lives, to gain fresh understanding of God's transforming grace, and to form friendships that foster faith and support spiritual maturity.” While the Walk to Emmaus is associated with the United Methodist Church, anyone can attend. For teenagers, there is a comparable event known as Chrysalis. Other denominations have similar spiritual renewal programs, such as the Catholic Church’s Cursillo and a non-denominational “Faith Walk” program that is offered in several locations throughout the South.
Whether you ever attend one of these four-day events or not is irrelevant. I found my Walk to Emmaus experience to be life-changing, as I discovered more about the abundant grace of Jesus Christ… how much He loves us and wants us to trust Him – and to serve Him by sharing His love and grace with others. It is safe to say that I had a “light bulb moment” on my “walk.” But we can have this same experience in the quiet of our own home… out on a hike in the natural beauty of God’s creation… or in the midst of a noisy praise and worship service at a local church.
The key is to open our hearts and minds to the possibilities with Jesus… to really, really recognize that He is walking right beside us! We’re on the road of life, head hung low, slogging through our daily routine and worrying and fretting about all sorts of things – many of which are quite legitimate! – and we fail to recognize that Jesus is right there with us. He’s ready to take on our burdens, to extend His grace to us for our shortcomings, and to love us unconditionally. But a lot of us have simply never fully recognized His presence.
Let’s make today a “light bulb moment” day for all of us. Even if you have had such an experience in the past… we all need a refresher course from time to time. Let’s stop what we are doing for a few seconds, close our eyes, and say, “Come close, LORD… I know you are there… I really, truly feel you with me.” Then DO IT! Feel His presence… accept His grace, mercy, and love – and bask in them. And share this good news with others by serving like the Disciple you are. It’s time… this is the day… altogether now… say, “Aha!”
©2011 Debbie Robus
They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: "Stay and have supper with us. It's nearly evening; the day is done." So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared.
Back and forth they talked. "Didn't we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?"
They didn't waste a minute. They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away: "It's really happened! The Master has been raised up—Simon saw him!"
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
“Light bulb moments”… “Aha! Moments”… whatever you call them, we’ve all had that time when “the lights went on,” and we truly understood something that had eluded us beforehand. For these two men on the road to Emmaus, their “light bulb” moment came when Jesus sat with them and broke bread, then blessed it. They had been so caught up in their sadness over the crucifixion, death and disappearance of Jesus that they couldn’t recognize Him walking right alongside them on the road.
Suddenly, all of the things Jesus had said and done as He walked with them to their home came together and made sense… and helped them to realize that THIS was the man everyone was talking about… the person who was crucified, buried, and then came up missing from the tomb. THIS was no mere mortal… He was JESUS CHRIST… the MESSIAH! These men realized in an instant just how much Jesus loved them… how true His teachings were… and just how incredibly real His power was.
An entire “community” has been built around this scripture passage. Information about the Walk to Emmaus at www.upperroom.org says “The Walk to Emmaus offers today's disciples a parallel opportunity to rediscover Christ's presence in their lives, to gain fresh understanding of God's transforming grace, and to form friendships that foster faith and support spiritual maturity.” While the Walk to Emmaus is associated with the United Methodist Church, anyone can attend. For teenagers, there is a comparable event known as Chrysalis. Other denominations have similar spiritual renewal programs, such as the Catholic Church’s Cursillo and a non-denominational “Faith Walk” program that is offered in several locations throughout the South.
Whether you ever attend one of these four-day events or not is irrelevant. I found my Walk to Emmaus experience to be life-changing, as I discovered more about the abundant grace of Jesus Christ… how much He loves us and wants us to trust Him – and to serve Him by sharing His love and grace with others. It is safe to say that I had a “light bulb moment” on my “walk.” But we can have this same experience in the quiet of our own home… out on a hike in the natural beauty of God’s creation… or in the midst of a noisy praise and worship service at a local church.
The key is to open our hearts and minds to the possibilities with Jesus… to really, really recognize that He is walking right beside us! We’re on the road of life, head hung low, slogging through our daily routine and worrying and fretting about all sorts of things – many of which are quite legitimate! – and we fail to recognize that Jesus is right there with us. He’s ready to take on our burdens, to extend His grace to us for our shortcomings, and to love us unconditionally. But a lot of us have simply never fully recognized His presence.
Let’s make today a “light bulb moment” day for all of us. Even if you have had such an experience in the past… we all need a refresher course from time to time. Let’s stop what we are doing for a few seconds, close our eyes, and say, “Come close, LORD… I know you are there… I really, truly feel you with me.” Then DO IT! Feel His presence… accept His grace, mercy, and love – and bask in them. And share this good news with others by serving like the Disciple you are. It’s time… this is the day… altogether now… say, “Aha!”
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 21, 2011
2 Samuel 7:28-29
"And now, Master GOD, being the God you are, speaking sure words as you do, and having just said this wonderful thing to me, please, just one more thing: Bless my family; keep your eye on them always. You've already as much as said that you would, Master GOD! Oh, may your blessing be on my family permanently!"
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Recently, we added a new member to our family. Three weeks ago, we welcomed Timothy’s baby sister, Zola, to the world. As soon as we knew that Zola was on the way, I began to pray for her. When the doctor declared that the baby would be a girl and a name was selected, I began to ask God specifically to nurture and protect Zola… before her birth and always. In the same way, I am praying for the unborn baby girl that my cousin and his wife are expecting, as well as the many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives in our extended family.
I don’t always pray for my family members by name… sometimes the prayer is more collective, as in “Please protect my husband’s brothers, their wives and children,” or “LORD, bless my cousins in northwest Arkansas and my husband’s family in Iowa.” But I believe these prayers make a difference… and pack more punch than we realize!
There is a lot of talk in the Old Testament about covenants – agreements between God and His children… promises to lead them through trials and tribulations and keep them safe. In the New Testament, the covenant between us and God comes from the blood of Jesus. When we invite Jesus to be LORD of our life, this covenant blood covers all of our sins and secures our future with Him in heaven. And when we pray and ask God for help, protection, answers, healing, and more… He hears us and delivers – according to His will.
I believe we fail to recognize the power of reminding God of His covenant with us as it extends to our family. There is power in the prayer, “Father, you promised to bless my family and keep your eye on them.” There is even more power in the confidence that God will do exactly this! I have seen the power of these prayers in action… I’ve seen the blessings and protection of God over my family members in a variety of situations. And I’ve come to recognize the power of God’s promise in the lives of those who are faithful. This makes me want to operate more fully in faith.
As much as people are watching, God is watching even more closely. When he sees a family member who is faithful and serving with honor… glorifying His name and trusting Him to mark their steps… I believe God looks at the extended family and blesses accordingly when asked. You may have family members who are not believers… or who certainly are not serving God and honoring Him in their lives. But because of your faithfulness and fervent prayers, God may bring about events that change this. I’m not saying your faith can save your family – or that they can be Christians “by proxy” through you. But I am saying that God will look at you – your service, your requests, and your faithfulness – and He will bless you in ways you can’t imagine – even to caring for your extended family.
So remember to talk to God often about everything – but be sure to remind Him of His covenant with you and your family. Ask Him to bless your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins – and those yet to come in future generations. Believe that God will hear your prayers and answer according to His will… which is always perfect. Then operate in the confidence that God is “on the clock” – for you and your family!
©2011 Debbie Robus
"And now, Master GOD, being the God you are, speaking sure words as you do, and having just said this wonderful thing to me, please, just one more thing: Bless my family; keep your eye on them always. You've already as much as said that you would, Master GOD! Oh, may your blessing be on my family permanently!"
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Recently, we added a new member to our family. Three weeks ago, we welcomed Timothy’s baby sister, Zola, to the world. As soon as we knew that Zola was on the way, I began to pray for her. When the doctor declared that the baby would be a girl and a name was selected, I began to ask God specifically to nurture and protect Zola… before her birth and always. In the same way, I am praying for the unborn baby girl that my cousin and his wife are expecting, as well as the many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives in our extended family.
I don’t always pray for my family members by name… sometimes the prayer is more collective, as in “Please protect my husband’s brothers, their wives and children,” or “LORD, bless my cousins in northwest Arkansas and my husband’s family in Iowa.” But I believe these prayers make a difference… and pack more punch than we realize!
There is a lot of talk in the Old Testament about covenants – agreements between God and His children… promises to lead them through trials and tribulations and keep them safe. In the New Testament, the covenant between us and God comes from the blood of Jesus. When we invite Jesus to be LORD of our life, this covenant blood covers all of our sins and secures our future with Him in heaven. And when we pray and ask God for help, protection, answers, healing, and more… He hears us and delivers – according to His will.
I believe we fail to recognize the power of reminding God of His covenant with us as it extends to our family. There is power in the prayer, “Father, you promised to bless my family and keep your eye on them.” There is even more power in the confidence that God will do exactly this! I have seen the power of these prayers in action… I’ve seen the blessings and protection of God over my family members in a variety of situations. And I’ve come to recognize the power of God’s promise in the lives of those who are faithful. This makes me want to operate more fully in faith.
As much as people are watching, God is watching even more closely. When he sees a family member who is faithful and serving with honor… glorifying His name and trusting Him to mark their steps… I believe God looks at the extended family and blesses accordingly when asked. You may have family members who are not believers… or who certainly are not serving God and honoring Him in their lives. But because of your faithfulness and fervent prayers, God may bring about events that change this. I’m not saying your faith can save your family – or that they can be Christians “by proxy” through you. But I am saying that God will look at you – your service, your requests, and your faithfulness – and He will bless you in ways you can’t imagine – even to caring for your extended family.
So remember to talk to God often about everything – but be sure to remind Him of His covenant with you and your family. Ask Him to bless your parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins – and those yet to come in future generations. Believe that God will hear your prayers and answer according to His will… which is always perfect. Then operate in the confidence that God is “on the clock” – for you and your family!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 19, 2011
Judges 4:14-24
Deborah shouted, "Barak, it's time to attack Sisera! Because today the LORD is going to help you defeat him. In fact, the LORD has already gone on ahead to fight for you."
Barak led his ten thousand troops down from Mount Tabor. And during the battle, the LORD confused Sisera, his chariot drivers, and his whole army. Everyone was so afraid of Barak and his army, that even Sisera jumped down from his chariot and tried to escape. Barak's forces went after Sisera's chariots and army as far as Harosheth-Ha-Goiim. Sisera's entire army was wiped out.
Only Sisera escaped. He ran to Heber's camp, because Heber and his family had a peace treaty with the king of Hazor. Sisera went to the tent that belonged to Jael, Heber's wife. She came out to greet him and said, " Come in, sir! Please come on in. Don't be afraid."
After they had gone inside, Sisera lay down, and Jael covered him with a blanket. "Could I have a little water?" he asked. "I'm thirsty." Jael opened a leather bottle and poured him some milk, then she covered him back up. "Stand at the entrance to the tent," Sisera told her. "If someone comes by and asks if anyone is inside, tell them `No.'"
Sisera was exhausted and soon fell fast asleep. Jael took a hammer and drove a tent-peg through his head into the ground, and he died. Meanwhile, Barak had been following Sisera, and Jael went out to meet him. "The man you're looking for is inside," she said. "Come in and I'll show him to you."
They went inside, and there was Sisera--dead and stretched out with a tent-peg through his skull. That same day the Israelites defeated the Canaanite King Jabin, and his army was no longer powerful enough to attack the Israelites. Jabin grew weaker while the Israelites kept growing stronger, and at last the Israelites destroyed him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I bet you are expecting me to use this story to say, “Never underestimate the power of a woman!” Or maybe you’re saying to yourself, “WOW! I didn’t know these sort of things were written about in the Old Testament!” But what I really want you to understand today from this story is that when God makes a promise, He means what He says! And as I heard a pastor say recently, “It’s a fixed fight! The only way you can lose is to forfeit!”
God told Deborah that He was going to help Barak defeat Sisera’s army. In fact, He told her that He had already sent an army ahead to start the fighting. Basically, all Barak and his army had to do was show up! And that’s what they did… and the battle was successful – except for capturing and/or killing Sisera, the leader.
I guess Sisera thought he could run, hide and get away, but God had other plans… and he used Jael to accomplish them. See, as this pastor explained it so beautifully… “God has taken away your enemy’s ability to hurt you – you have nothing to fear. If you call on God, He is obligated to deliver you.” All you have to do is show up and trust Him to do it!
Does this mean we can ask for anything under the sun and expect to get it? NO! God’s will is still in play. But when we ask God to help us… He must, because He has promised to do so – according to His will.
I don’t know if I could have been as brave as Jael. I’d like to think so, because to do otherwise would have been, in essence, to forfeit. Do we really believe that God is with us… that He has “fixed the fight” for us? Isn’t it time we started showing up and trusting Him to already be there with His army in tow? Are we ready to start living, speaking and believing what He has promised? Do you have your “tent-peg” handy?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Deborah shouted, "Barak, it's time to attack Sisera! Because today the LORD is going to help you defeat him. In fact, the LORD has already gone on ahead to fight for you."
Barak led his ten thousand troops down from Mount Tabor. And during the battle, the LORD confused Sisera, his chariot drivers, and his whole army. Everyone was so afraid of Barak and his army, that even Sisera jumped down from his chariot and tried to escape. Barak's forces went after Sisera's chariots and army as far as Harosheth-Ha-Goiim. Sisera's entire army was wiped out.
Only Sisera escaped. He ran to Heber's camp, because Heber and his family had a peace treaty with the king of Hazor. Sisera went to the tent that belonged to Jael, Heber's wife. She came out to greet him and said, " Come in, sir! Please come on in. Don't be afraid."
After they had gone inside, Sisera lay down, and Jael covered him with a blanket. "Could I have a little water?" he asked. "I'm thirsty." Jael opened a leather bottle and poured him some milk, then she covered him back up. "Stand at the entrance to the tent," Sisera told her. "If someone comes by and asks if anyone is inside, tell them `No.'"
Sisera was exhausted and soon fell fast asleep. Jael took a hammer and drove a tent-peg through his head into the ground, and he died. Meanwhile, Barak had been following Sisera, and Jael went out to meet him. "The man you're looking for is inside," she said. "Come in and I'll show him to you."
They went inside, and there was Sisera--dead and stretched out with a tent-peg through his skull. That same day the Israelites defeated the Canaanite King Jabin, and his army was no longer powerful enough to attack the Israelites. Jabin grew weaker while the Israelites kept growing stronger, and at last the Israelites destroyed him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I bet you are expecting me to use this story to say, “Never underestimate the power of a woman!” Or maybe you’re saying to yourself, “WOW! I didn’t know these sort of things were written about in the Old Testament!” But what I really want you to understand today from this story is that when God makes a promise, He means what He says! And as I heard a pastor say recently, “It’s a fixed fight! The only way you can lose is to forfeit!”
God told Deborah that He was going to help Barak defeat Sisera’s army. In fact, He told her that He had already sent an army ahead to start the fighting. Basically, all Barak and his army had to do was show up! And that’s what they did… and the battle was successful – except for capturing and/or killing Sisera, the leader.
I guess Sisera thought he could run, hide and get away, but God had other plans… and he used Jael to accomplish them. See, as this pastor explained it so beautifully… “God has taken away your enemy’s ability to hurt you – you have nothing to fear. If you call on God, He is obligated to deliver you.” All you have to do is show up and trust Him to do it!
Does this mean we can ask for anything under the sun and expect to get it? NO! God’s will is still in play. But when we ask God to help us… He must, because He has promised to do so – according to His will.
I don’t know if I could have been as brave as Jael. I’d like to think so, because to do otherwise would have been, in essence, to forfeit. Do we really believe that God is with us… that He has “fixed the fight” for us? Isn’t it time we started showing up and trusting Him to already be there with His army in tow? Are we ready to start living, speaking and believing what He has promised? Do you have your “tent-peg” handy?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 12, 2011
Psalm 89:1-2
Our LORD, I will sing of your love forever. Everyone yet to be born will hear me praise your faithfulness. I will tell them, "God's love can always be trusted, and his faithfulness lasts as long as the heavens."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Lately, I have observed a great example of faithfulness and devotion… among a group of mothers who never miss a single one of their sons’ and daughters’ sporting events. I’ve watched about a half dozen mothers in particular who are always in the stands, no matter what. They travel the countryside all hours of the day and night, sit outside in all sorts of weather… and they wouldn’t think of not being there for a single minute - even if their child is warming the bench! I’m not sure if their children realize what a gift this is… or how much effort and dedication it requires… but these mothers are truly special in my book!
Things are changing for some of these moms. Their “babies” are graduating – from high school and/or college. And some of these mothers are feeling a little bittersweet – ready for a break and some rest, but also sad that this chapter of life has come to an end. One mom-turned-grandma consoled them on Facebook with assurance that in a few years, they will be like she is… back at the sporting events watching grandchildren.
Now you may be wondering why I am talking about this with relationship to these verses in the Psalms, and I’ll gladly explain. See, God is like these moms. He’s always with us. He attends every event we attend… He watches over us night and day. He travels far and wide and endures all kinds of “weather” just to be with us and support us through every event in our lives. And just like the young athletes, we often fail to recognize what a tremendous gift this is. We do not fully comprehend just how faithful God is toward us… how devoted He is to our every breath!
Scripture tells us that we can’t run far enough, climb high enough, or dig deeply enough to get away from God… He is always with us. And in my book, that is a good thing! I have to agree with the Psalmist… God’s faithfulness is worthy of my praise… and lasts as long as the heavens. When I look up into the “stands” of life, I’m grateful that God is there looking back at me… aren’t you? Are you trusting Him to support you in every endeavor? Do you sing of His unending love? God is our biggest cheerleader… our Number One Fan. Shouldn’t we be His in return?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Our LORD, I will sing of your love forever. Everyone yet to be born will hear me praise your faithfulness. I will tell them, "God's love can always be trusted, and his faithfulness lasts as long as the heavens."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Lately, I have observed a great example of faithfulness and devotion… among a group of mothers who never miss a single one of their sons’ and daughters’ sporting events. I’ve watched about a half dozen mothers in particular who are always in the stands, no matter what. They travel the countryside all hours of the day and night, sit outside in all sorts of weather… and they wouldn’t think of not being there for a single minute - even if their child is warming the bench! I’m not sure if their children realize what a gift this is… or how much effort and dedication it requires… but these mothers are truly special in my book!
Things are changing for some of these moms. Their “babies” are graduating – from high school and/or college. And some of these mothers are feeling a little bittersweet – ready for a break and some rest, but also sad that this chapter of life has come to an end. One mom-turned-grandma consoled them on Facebook with assurance that in a few years, they will be like she is… back at the sporting events watching grandchildren.
Now you may be wondering why I am talking about this with relationship to these verses in the Psalms, and I’ll gladly explain. See, God is like these moms. He’s always with us. He attends every event we attend… He watches over us night and day. He travels far and wide and endures all kinds of “weather” just to be with us and support us through every event in our lives. And just like the young athletes, we often fail to recognize what a tremendous gift this is. We do not fully comprehend just how faithful God is toward us… how devoted He is to our every breath!
Scripture tells us that we can’t run far enough, climb high enough, or dig deeply enough to get away from God… He is always with us. And in my book, that is a good thing! I have to agree with the Psalmist… God’s faithfulness is worthy of my praise… and lasts as long as the heavens. When I look up into the “stands” of life, I’m grateful that God is there looking back at me… aren’t you? Are you trusting Him to support you in every endeavor? Do you sing of His unending love? God is our biggest cheerleader… our Number One Fan. Shouldn’t we be His in return?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 11, 2011
Numbers 14:17-19
Show us your great power, LORD. You promised that you love to show mercy and kindness. And you said that you are very patient, but that you will punish everyone guilty of doing wrong--not only them but their children and grandchildren as well.
You are merciful, and you treat people better than they deserve. So please forgive these people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity… “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”… should be tattooed on the foreheads of many of us. How many times have you been guilty of knowing what you are doing won’t work… but you do it anyway?!
The Israelites were certainly like this, and Moses had quite a time trying to keep them in line. They were demanding whiners and complainers who were, for the most part, completely ungrateful for the blessings and care God showed them. And because of their lousy attitudes – and their “insanity” – they wandered around in the desert for forty years! They made God so mad that He cursed their children and grandchildren… and just flat-out killed many of them.
Believe me, God showed plenty of patience and mercy… but eventually, He had enough of this disobedience and disrespect. And remember, this happened before Jesus died on the cross for us. God’s way of dealing with sinful people was different in Moses’ day… although He still can get disgusted and let us wallow in our sin and the consequences to the point we feel pretty uncomfortable!
But the point is that we are all modern-day Israelites. We know what the Bible tells us about Christian behavior and the commandments to love God and love one another… and to follow the commandments given to Moses and his people by God centuries earlier. We know that a lot of what we do qualifies as “insanity” – the results are the same, but we keep trying for different ones anyway! So we think that we can sneak some illicit behavior in under the wire just this one time. We think we can turn our back on worship and Bible study and prayer… and God will cover us with His grace and mercy and let us take a little break for a few days/weeks/months/years.
We fail to recognize that the very things that troubled our parents and grandparents often trouble us. We repeat the same mistakes, character patterns and flaws in judgment and thinking… when we could be asking God to break the curse (of alcoholism, racism and bigotry, obesity, abuse, negativity, and more) and make us the start of generations who live differently. We have an opportunity, through the grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father – and with the blood of Jesus washing us clean – to do better. We can stop the extended fallout of the “sins of our forefathers” and live in the shadow of the love and protection of God Almighty.
I am guilty of Einstein’s “insanity” on a regular basis – in ways great and small. But I want to do better. I want to learn from my mistakes – and those of past generations. I want to recognize the guidance and wisdom of my Heavenly Father – and pay attention! I want to feel the extravagance of His loyal love and stop wandering in the “wilderness”. Will you ask God to help you break your own “insanity” – and come along with me?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Show us your great power, LORD. You promised that you love to show mercy and kindness. And you said that you are very patient, but that you will punish everyone guilty of doing wrong--not only them but their children and grandchildren as well.
You are merciful, and you treat people better than they deserve. So please forgive these people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity… “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”… should be tattooed on the foreheads of many of us. How many times have you been guilty of knowing what you are doing won’t work… but you do it anyway?!
The Israelites were certainly like this, and Moses had quite a time trying to keep them in line. They were demanding whiners and complainers who were, for the most part, completely ungrateful for the blessings and care God showed them. And because of their lousy attitudes – and their “insanity” – they wandered around in the desert for forty years! They made God so mad that He cursed their children and grandchildren… and just flat-out killed many of them.
Believe me, God showed plenty of patience and mercy… but eventually, He had enough of this disobedience and disrespect. And remember, this happened before Jesus died on the cross for us. God’s way of dealing with sinful people was different in Moses’ day… although He still can get disgusted and let us wallow in our sin and the consequences to the point we feel pretty uncomfortable!
But the point is that we are all modern-day Israelites. We know what the Bible tells us about Christian behavior and the commandments to love God and love one another… and to follow the commandments given to Moses and his people by God centuries earlier. We know that a lot of what we do qualifies as “insanity” – the results are the same, but we keep trying for different ones anyway! So we think that we can sneak some illicit behavior in under the wire just this one time. We think we can turn our back on worship and Bible study and prayer… and God will cover us with His grace and mercy and let us take a little break for a few days/weeks/months/years.
We fail to recognize that the very things that troubled our parents and grandparents often trouble us. We repeat the same mistakes, character patterns and flaws in judgment and thinking… when we could be asking God to break the curse (of alcoholism, racism and bigotry, obesity, abuse, negativity, and more) and make us the start of generations who live differently. We have an opportunity, through the grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father – and with the blood of Jesus washing us clean – to do better. We can stop the extended fallout of the “sins of our forefathers” and live in the shadow of the love and protection of God Almighty.
I am guilty of Einstein’s “insanity” on a regular basis – in ways great and small. But I want to do better. I want to learn from my mistakes – and those of past generations. I want to recognize the guidance and wisdom of my Heavenly Father – and pay attention! I want to feel the extravagance of His loyal love and stop wandering in the “wilderness”. Will you ask God to help you break your own “insanity” – and come along with me?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 8, 2011
Ecclesiastes 1:4
People come, and people go, but still the world never changes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, I had a small circle of close friends. I was friendly with other kids in my class and at church, but four girls – Becky, Carla, Martha and Robin – were especially dear. I didn’t have bridesmaids when we married, so these girls served cake and punch at our wedding. After high school, we did a fairly good job of staying in touch for several years… often getting together for brunch during Christmas break. But over time, we got together less often. We all married and moved in different directions… and as husbands and babies came along and lives got busy, we grew apart in some ways.
But the bond never left. We all grieved when breast cancer took Becky from us a few years ago… and when Robin’s daughter was tragically killed in a car wreck. We supported Carla through the illnesses and subsequent deaths of her parents. We celebrated the accomplishments of each other’s children along the way … and the birth of Becky’s grand-daughter and namesake.
On Christmas Eve, my friend Carla dropped in at our house to purchase a copy of a book my mother has written. We quickly snapped a couple of photos, not knowing when we will see each other again. I keep up with Robin on Facebook… and Martha sent a Christmas card with a photo of her two teenage sons. We don’t see each other very often any more, but I still feel a bond with these women. I have witnessed the ebb and flow of similar relationships between my mother and some of her childhood friends… and the underlying bond that remains.
We tend to romanticize the friendships of our childhood. We fondly remember long days spent playing together or working on a class project. We build up the conflicts and clashes, and they become epic events that forever shape our personalities. As we mature, we come to recognize that friends come and go in our lives. Some of my closest friends now are childhood friends with whom I lost touch for a number of years and have reconnected. Other people with whom I developed friendships as an adult have, for the moment, gone in different directions, and we seldom – if ever – communicate.
The thing is… we often treat our relationship with God like a friendship. And while Jesus is our “Forever Friend,” as we tell our children, the relationship we have with God and His Holy Spirit should not change. There should be no periods of distance… no need for reconnection. We should work hard to keep in constant touch with God, regardless of our circumstances… because I assure you, HE has not gone anywhere! Nothing has changed on God’s end… but we allow the things of this world to get in the way and affect our relationship.
If you need to reconnect with God today, I urge you to make this change. Rekindle your relationship with Him… rebuild your friendship… and NEVER, EVER move away again. People come and people go, but GOD is always there. The question is… where are YOU?
©2010 Debbie Robus
People come, and people go, but still the world never changes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, I had a small circle of close friends. I was friendly with other kids in my class and at church, but four girls – Becky, Carla, Martha and Robin – were especially dear. I didn’t have bridesmaids when we married, so these girls served cake and punch at our wedding. After high school, we did a fairly good job of staying in touch for several years… often getting together for brunch during Christmas break. But over time, we got together less often. We all married and moved in different directions… and as husbands and babies came along and lives got busy, we grew apart in some ways.
But the bond never left. We all grieved when breast cancer took Becky from us a few years ago… and when Robin’s daughter was tragically killed in a car wreck. We supported Carla through the illnesses and subsequent deaths of her parents. We celebrated the accomplishments of each other’s children along the way … and the birth of Becky’s grand-daughter and namesake.
On Christmas Eve, my friend Carla dropped in at our house to purchase a copy of a book my mother has written. We quickly snapped a couple of photos, not knowing when we will see each other again. I keep up with Robin on Facebook… and Martha sent a Christmas card with a photo of her two teenage sons. We don’t see each other very often any more, but I still feel a bond with these women. I have witnessed the ebb and flow of similar relationships between my mother and some of her childhood friends… and the underlying bond that remains.
We tend to romanticize the friendships of our childhood. We fondly remember long days spent playing together or working on a class project. We build up the conflicts and clashes, and they become epic events that forever shape our personalities. As we mature, we come to recognize that friends come and go in our lives. Some of my closest friends now are childhood friends with whom I lost touch for a number of years and have reconnected. Other people with whom I developed friendships as an adult have, for the moment, gone in different directions, and we seldom – if ever – communicate.
The thing is… we often treat our relationship with God like a friendship. And while Jesus is our “Forever Friend,” as we tell our children, the relationship we have with God and His Holy Spirit should not change. There should be no periods of distance… no need for reconnection. We should work hard to keep in constant touch with God, regardless of our circumstances… because I assure you, HE has not gone anywhere! Nothing has changed on God’s end… but we allow the things of this world to get in the way and affect our relationship.
If you need to reconnect with God today, I urge you to make this change. Rekindle your relationship with Him… rebuild your friendship… and NEVER, EVER move away again. People come and people go, but GOD is always there. The question is… where are YOU?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 6, 2010
Psalm 86:11
Teach me to follow you, and I will obey your truth. Always keep me faithful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the ladies who attended my grandmother’s birthday was a wonderful friend named Mary. I’ve known Mary for almost 25 years now, and I love her dearly… not only because of her sweet disposition, but because of her amazing example of abiding faith in God.
Mary has endured tremendous adversities and hardships. If I took the time and space to tell you about all of them, you might think I was making some of it up… a horrible tractor accident that left her husband, Fred, pinned under the machine – both of his legs crushed, and then the death of Fred several years later… tragic losses of a son, daughter-in-law, and grandson… poor health, and more. Yet Mary is neither bitter nor defeated.
As I visited with her, she hugged me tightly and squeezed my hand as she smiled and we talked. She told me of her darling grand-daughter, Riley, who is now attending college. She shared with the other ladies how we had known each other for a long time and had been members of the same Extension Homemaker’s Club, where I was far younger than the other ladies in our group. I told her how much I had learned from her and the other ladies, and she said, “We learned from each other.”
Somehow, I think I learned more than Mary and her peers… and as I looked at the ladies at my grandmother’s party, I was humbled to think how God has used so many of them to teach me over the years. These ladies showed me many useful and practical things, but more importantly, I saw God’s face through theirs. I saw faithfulness and perseverance in the lives of my own grandmother and my friend Mary. I saw the love and devotion of a mother for her child with cerebral palsy in my precious “birthday buddy,” whom I call MawMac… how she’s never treated her child as anything but the intelligent person she is - trapped in a body that doesn’t cooperate.
Even as my grandmother and her friends gathered around the table today to eat cake and drink punch, one of the ladies said, “Oh, we didn’t say the blessing!” And they stopped, put down their forks, held hands, and their Sunday School teacher led them in a prayer. As these ladies talked and laughed and shared memories that spanned more than nine decades in some cases, my 18-month-old great-nephew darted in and out among their chairs, awed by so many “grandmas” in one place. And God showed me the circle of life and reminded me of His promise to “make all things new.”
My point is that God is teaching us in all circumstances… if only we will pay attention. He can even use the birthday party of a 98-year-old grandmother and her friends to teach us about trust and faithfulness… perseverance and hard times… and the blessings of a life lived for Him, following in His steps and keeping the faith.
What is God showing you today? Who is He using to teach you His ways and truths? Are you learning from others and truly “getting” the lessons? Because I assure you, God is offering instruction… in places you probably never considered. Will you recognize these teachers and the lessons God offers through them? And what sort of example are you offering to others? Are you teaching about God’s love? Will you leave a legacy as rich in faith as these ladies? Are you really paying attention to God’s instruction these days? Shouldn’t you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Teach me to follow you, and I will obey your truth. Always keep me faithful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the ladies who attended my grandmother’s birthday was a wonderful friend named Mary. I’ve known Mary for almost 25 years now, and I love her dearly… not only because of her sweet disposition, but because of her amazing example of abiding faith in God.
Mary has endured tremendous adversities and hardships. If I took the time and space to tell you about all of them, you might think I was making some of it up… a horrible tractor accident that left her husband, Fred, pinned under the machine – both of his legs crushed, and then the death of Fred several years later… tragic losses of a son, daughter-in-law, and grandson… poor health, and more. Yet Mary is neither bitter nor defeated.
As I visited with her, she hugged me tightly and squeezed my hand as she smiled and we talked. She told me of her darling grand-daughter, Riley, who is now attending college. She shared with the other ladies how we had known each other for a long time and had been members of the same Extension Homemaker’s Club, where I was far younger than the other ladies in our group. I told her how much I had learned from her and the other ladies, and she said, “We learned from each other.”
Somehow, I think I learned more than Mary and her peers… and as I looked at the ladies at my grandmother’s party, I was humbled to think how God has used so many of them to teach me over the years. These ladies showed me many useful and practical things, but more importantly, I saw God’s face through theirs. I saw faithfulness and perseverance in the lives of my own grandmother and my friend Mary. I saw the love and devotion of a mother for her child with cerebral palsy in my precious “birthday buddy,” whom I call MawMac… how she’s never treated her child as anything but the intelligent person she is - trapped in a body that doesn’t cooperate.
Even as my grandmother and her friends gathered around the table today to eat cake and drink punch, one of the ladies said, “Oh, we didn’t say the blessing!” And they stopped, put down their forks, held hands, and their Sunday School teacher led them in a prayer. As these ladies talked and laughed and shared memories that spanned more than nine decades in some cases, my 18-month-old great-nephew darted in and out among their chairs, awed by so many “grandmas” in one place. And God showed me the circle of life and reminded me of His promise to “make all things new.”
My point is that God is teaching us in all circumstances… if only we will pay attention. He can even use the birthday party of a 98-year-old grandmother and her friends to teach us about trust and faithfulness… perseverance and hard times… and the blessings of a life lived for Him, following in His steps and keeping the faith.
What is God showing you today? Who is He using to teach you His ways and truths? Are you learning from others and truly “getting” the lessons? Because I assure you, God is offering instruction… in places you probably never considered. Will you recognize these teachers and the lessons God offers through them? And what sort of example are you offering to others? Are you teaching about God’s love? Will you leave a legacy as rich in faith as these ladies? Are you really paying attention to God’s instruction these days? Shouldn’t you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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