John 20:1-2
Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, breathlessly panting, "They took the Master from the tomb. We don't know where they've put 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 don’t know about you, but I have had things scare me so badly that I ran for help, breathlessly panting in fear and panic. So I can easily get an idea of how Mary Magdalene felt when she approached Jesus’ tomb and realized that the massive, heavy stone had been rolled away from the entrance. All of us have probably known moments of panic so profound that we felt as if we couldn’t catch our breath. And in these moments, most of us run to someone we can trust… our parents, a spouse or significant other, a dependable relative, teacher or coach, our pastor, or perhaps our dearest friend.
Sometimes, when we are truly desperate and scared out of our wits, we run to our Heavenly Father. We fall to our knees (if only figuratively), and ask God to please rescue us and/or show us what to do. And God answers! Not only does He answer when we run directly to Him… He answers when we turn to a trusted friend or relative, as well. I believe that God uses others in those moments to guide us… to calm our fears… to speak rationally and calmly on His behalf and tell us what to do.
I am thankful that God meets our every need… especially when we are in a panic. I am so grateful to know that He will place people in my path to help me through the scariest, most breathless times of my life. When I don’t know where to turn or what to do… God knows. If I will only stop and listen for His voice, He will handle the rest.
Aren’t you glad that God is always busy looking out for us? Doesn’t it give you joy to know that even when you are in a breathless panic, God is putting people in front of you to help you figure out the best course of action? This is a good time to stop and thank God for all He does… for always loving us and having our back. Praise God for being available to us 24/7, and thank Him for always giving good gifts. Rest in the knowledge that you can run to Him anytime - with everything… joys, sorrows, accomplishments, dejections, excitements, fears and concerns… and He will always be there to respond.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fear. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 10, 2011
John 12:24-26
I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honor you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was cleaning my desk this morning (those of you who know me can start laughing now), and I came across a note I had made that said, “Sidewalk Prophets – The Words I Would Say.” I Googled the phrase and found the YouTube video for this song. I had heard it on Christian radio one day and noted the names of the song and artist. This morning, I listened to it again and bookmarked it for future listening.
I had already found my scripture passage for today… the words practically leapt off the page at me. The message I received loud and clear is that life will not be easy or pleasant for us every single day just because we invite Jesus to be LORD of our life. If everything were hunky-dory every day, most of us would decide we really didn’t need a Savior, wouldn’t we?!
In order to truly prove to God that we are with Him 100%, we have to endure some bumps in the road… set our own personal agendas aside… and follow Him completely. We may have to work at a job we don’t particularly enjoy. We may have to get up at 3:00 a.m. with a sick baby or miss a party because our mom or grandma needs our help. We may have to tell our friends, “I’m sorry, but I can’t come with you,” as they get in a car and head for the liquor store and an all-nighter. We may have to speak up and share our disapproval to the person who makes unkind comments toward someone of another ethnicity, religious belief or lifestyle choice that differs from his/hers.
Recently I made the comment that I have had to do things in the past that did not make me happy… but they were the right thing to do – and I know God was guiding my steps. We don’t always get to have things our way, particularly if we are genuine Disciples of Christ. But the rewards and blessings far outweigh any momentary unhappiness we might encounter.
I encourage you to click on the video at the end of this post and listen to “The Words I Would Say.” If you don’t care to listen, take a look at the lyrics I’ve provided. Let Jesus speak to you through them today. Hear Him tell you to be strong in Him… never give up hope… don’t live life in fear and don’t forget why you are here! God’s got His hand on you… come find peace in the Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honor you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was cleaning my desk this morning (those of you who know me can start laughing now), and I came across a note I had made that said, “Sidewalk Prophets – The Words I Would Say.” I Googled the phrase and found the YouTube video for this song. I had heard it on Christian radio one day and noted the names of the song and artist. This morning, I listened to it again and bookmarked it for future listening.
I had already found my scripture passage for today… the words practically leapt off the page at me. The message I received loud and clear is that life will not be easy or pleasant for us every single day just because we invite Jesus to be LORD of our life. If everything were hunky-dory every day, most of us would decide we really didn’t need a Savior, wouldn’t we?!
In order to truly prove to God that we are with Him 100%, we have to endure some bumps in the road… set our own personal agendas aside… and follow Him completely. We may have to work at a job we don’t particularly enjoy. We may have to get up at 3:00 a.m. with a sick baby or miss a party because our mom or grandma needs our help. We may have to tell our friends, “I’m sorry, but I can’t come with you,” as they get in a car and head for the liquor store and an all-nighter. We may have to speak up and share our disapproval to the person who makes unkind comments toward someone of another ethnicity, religious belief or lifestyle choice that differs from his/hers.
Recently I made the comment that I have had to do things in the past that did not make me happy… but they were the right thing to do – and I know God was guiding my steps. We don’t always get to have things our way, particularly if we are genuine Disciples of Christ. But the rewards and blessings far outweigh any momentary unhappiness we might encounter.
I encourage you to click on the video at the end of this post and listen to “The Words I Would Say.” If you don’t care to listen, take a look at the lyrics I’ve provided. Let Jesus speak to you through them today. Hear Him tell you to be strong in Him… never give up hope… don’t live life in fear and don’t forget why you are here! God’s got His hand on you… come find peace in the Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
- The Words I Would Say
©2009 Sidewalk Prophets – These Simple Truths
http://www.sidewalkprophets.com/
Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say
Daily Devotional for June 8, 2011
1 Samuel 17:39-47
David strapped on a sword and tried to walk around, but he was not used to wearing those things.
"I can't move with all this stuff on," David said. "I'm just not used to it."
David took off the armor and picked up his shepherd's stick. He went out to a stream and picked up five smooth rocks and put them in his leather bag. Then with his sling in his hand, he went straight toward Goliath.
Goliath came toward David, walking behind the soldier who was carrying his shield. When Goliath saw that David was just a healthy, good-looking boy, he made fun of him. "Do you think I'm a dog?" Goliath asked. "Is that why you've come after me with a stick?" He cursed David in the name of the Philistine gods and shouted, "Come on! When I'm finished with you, I'll feed you to the birds and wild animals!"
David answered: You've come out to fight me with a sword and a spear and a dagger. But I've come out to fight you in the name of the LORD All-Powerful. He is the God of Israel's army, and you have insulted him too!
Today the LORD will help me defeat you. I'll knock you down and cut off your head, and I'll feed the bodies of the other Philistine soldiers to the birds and wild animals. Then the whole world will know that Israel has a real God. Everybody here will see that the LORD doesn't need swords or spears to save his people. The LORD always wins his battles, and he will help us defeat you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few nights ago, my husband and I watched the movie Secretariat. If you haven’t seen it yet, put it on your list to rent soon. As we watched, I told my husband, “There seems to be a lot of sadness (and struggle) in this story.” He laughed and said, “You remember how it ends, don’t you?” I did, but still, the writers/directors had done a great job of maintaining the suspense and interest… and weaving stories of interpersonal relationships in along the way.
We know how the “story” ends with God, too. We know that He always wins his battles… and yes, most of us know – if only deep down – that God will help us defeat our enemies. But we tend to waste a lot of time trying to change the story… even when that makes no sense. At best, we try to fight our own battles, handle things our way and on our own timetable… and in essence, we walk through life burdened with all of the armor that weighed David down and would have impeded his ability to fight.
It’s time we took off the heavy armor… the defense mechanisms, the defeatist attitudes, the worry, frustration and fear that the devil tries to heap on us… and let God fight our battles. He may fight for us – or He may work through us to accomplish His purposes. Either way, we know how this ends… God wins! And if we trust him to fight our battles, so do we.
©2011 Debbie Robus
David strapped on a sword and tried to walk around, but he was not used to wearing those things.
"I can't move with all this stuff on," David said. "I'm just not used to it."
David took off the armor and picked up his shepherd's stick. He went out to a stream and picked up five smooth rocks and put them in his leather bag. Then with his sling in his hand, he went straight toward Goliath.
Goliath came toward David, walking behind the soldier who was carrying his shield. When Goliath saw that David was just a healthy, good-looking boy, he made fun of him. "Do you think I'm a dog?" Goliath asked. "Is that why you've come after me with a stick?" He cursed David in the name of the Philistine gods and shouted, "Come on! When I'm finished with you, I'll feed you to the birds and wild animals!"
David answered: You've come out to fight me with a sword and a spear and a dagger. But I've come out to fight you in the name of the LORD All-Powerful. He is the God of Israel's army, and you have insulted him too!
Today the LORD will help me defeat you. I'll knock you down and cut off your head, and I'll feed the bodies of the other Philistine soldiers to the birds and wild animals. Then the whole world will know that Israel has a real God. Everybody here will see that the LORD doesn't need swords or spears to save his people. The LORD always wins his battles, and he will help us defeat you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few nights ago, my husband and I watched the movie Secretariat. If you haven’t seen it yet, put it on your list to rent soon. As we watched, I told my husband, “There seems to be a lot of sadness (and struggle) in this story.” He laughed and said, “You remember how it ends, don’t you?” I did, but still, the writers/directors had done a great job of maintaining the suspense and interest… and weaving stories of interpersonal relationships in along the way.
We know how the “story” ends with God, too. We know that He always wins his battles… and yes, most of us know – if only deep down – that God will help us defeat our enemies. But we tend to waste a lot of time trying to change the story… even when that makes no sense. At best, we try to fight our own battles, handle things our way and on our own timetable… and in essence, we walk through life burdened with all of the armor that weighed David down and would have impeded his ability to fight.
It’s time we took off the heavy armor… the defense mechanisms, the defeatist attitudes, the worry, frustration and fear that the devil tries to heap on us… and let God fight our battles. He may fight for us – or He may work through us to accomplish His purposes. Either way, we know how this ends… God wins! And if we trust him to fight our battles, so do we.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 22, 2010
Colossians 3:15
Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It seems like everywhere I go these days, people are grumbling. As I bought groceries early one morning, I was greeted with a loud conversation between two stockers who were complaining about our government leaders and how bad they feel things are going in this country. Not once did they acknowledge how blessed they are to have a job. The “peace” of my early morning shopping trip was blasted by their agitated tirade … and they didn’t appear to be living peacefully themselves.
I hear others complain about everything from poor health to their lousy jobs or how much they hate school to how “foreigners” are overtaking our country, and more. Sadly, I don’t notice nearly as many people who are eager to share how blessed they are … how much God has done for them … how fortunate they feel to be able to get out of bed every morning and breathe fresh air. I don’t notice many people who answer the question, “How is work?” or “How is school?” with a response that indicates that they are grateful for the opportunity to have a job or the chance to obtain an education.
Back to the stockers at the grocery store – they peppered their conversation with references to a televangelist and other church “leaders” who are warning us about how bad things are. Frankly, their reference to this particular evangelist – who I consider to be a grumbler who operates in spreading fear – spoke volumes to me. They never once mentioned prayer for our nation, trusting God to help us through our struggles, or anything that was remotely related to experiencing the peace of Christ. And I had to ask myself … what does this say to others who hear them? Do people recognize them as part of the body of Christ, allowing Him to control their thoughts and give them peace? Do others see any sign that these people are grateful or walking in faith?
Or does our grumbling, complaining and negative body language give others the impression that we are fearful and pessimistic? Does our apparent lack of peace and confidence actually turn off others … especially those who are riding the fence about whether or not to trust Jesus for themselves?
What is wrong with us? Why have we allowed the devil to have such victory in this area of our lives? Why have we let him steal our peace? Why aren’t we talking with God and asking Him to show us how to get through the challenges of our day, then moving forward in the peace and comfort of feeling confident that He will do exactly this? Why aren’t we more grateful for how blessed we are?
I believe the devil makes it too easy and too “fun” to grumble and gripe. For many of us it has become our favorite pastime and hobby. But we need to take a good hard look at our behavior and kick this negativity to the curb. It’s time to start operating in positives. I’m not talking about being phony. If we truly are trusting God to control our thoughts and give us peace, behaving as if we are peaceful and grateful is authentic … and reflects our commitment to being an honorable member of the body of Christ.
I pray that we will each set aside some time this next week to examine our lives … our thoughts, speech, and actions. Let’s see where we need to make some changes. Let’s see where we need to trust God more … and operate in blessings and gratitude. Let’s kick Satan - and his negativity and dissention - to the curb and represent the body of Christ as we were chosen to do. Are you with me on this?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It seems like everywhere I go these days, people are grumbling. As I bought groceries early one morning, I was greeted with a loud conversation between two stockers who were complaining about our government leaders and how bad they feel things are going in this country. Not once did they acknowledge how blessed they are to have a job. The “peace” of my early morning shopping trip was blasted by their agitated tirade … and they didn’t appear to be living peacefully themselves.
I hear others complain about everything from poor health to their lousy jobs or how much they hate school to how “foreigners” are overtaking our country, and more. Sadly, I don’t notice nearly as many people who are eager to share how blessed they are … how much God has done for them … how fortunate they feel to be able to get out of bed every morning and breathe fresh air. I don’t notice many people who answer the question, “How is work?” or “How is school?” with a response that indicates that they are grateful for the opportunity to have a job or the chance to obtain an education.
Back to the stockers at the grocery store – they peppered their conversation with references to a televangelist and other church “leaders” who are warning us about how bad things are. Frankly, their reference to this particular evangelist – who I consider to be a grumbler who operates in spreading fear – spoke volumes to me. They never once mentioned prayer for our nation, trusting God to help us through our struggles, or anything that was remotely related to experiencing the peace of Christ. And I had to ask myself … what does this say to others who hear them? Do people recognize them as part of the body of Christ, allowing Him to control their thoughts and give them peace? Do others see any sign that these people are grateful or walking in faith?
Or does our grumbling, complaining and negative body language give others the impression that we are fearful and pessimistic? Does our apparent lack of peace and confidence actually turn off others … especially those who are riding the fence about whether or not to trust Jesus for themselves?
What is wrong with us? Why have we allowed the devil to have such victory in this area of our lives? Why have we let him steal our peace? Why aren’t we talking with God and asking Him to show us how to get through the challenges of our day, then moving forward in the peace and comfort of feeling confident that He will do exactly this? Why aren’t we more grateful for how blessed we are?
I believe the devil makes it too easy and too “fun” to grumble and gripe. For many of us it has become our favorite pastime and hobby. But we need to take a good hard look at our behavior and kick this negativity to the curb. It’s time to start operating in positives. I’m not talking about being phony. If we truly are trusting God to control our thoughts and give us peace, behaving as if we are peaceful and grateful is authentic … and reflects our commitment to being an honorable member of the body of Christ.
I pray that we will each set aside some time this next week to examine our lives … our thoughts, speech, and actions. Let’s see where we need to make some changes. Let’s see where we need to trust God more … and operate in blessings and gratitude. Let’s kick Satan - and his negativity and dissention - to the curb and represent the body of Christ as we were chosen to do. Are you with me on this?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 1, 2010
Romans 12:1
[Christ Brings New Life] Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever watched “Let’s Make a Deal”? Often, the host of the show gives someone a wonderful prize, and then he says something, “I’ll give you what’s behind Door #2, if you’ll give me the new couch I just gave you.” In order to get something potentially greater, the contestant has to be willing to sacrifice what he/she just won. Whether the prize behind Door #2 is actually better is not known until the curtain goes up. Choosing to do this is a 50-50 gamble. And some contestants are not willing to take the chance.
In order to experience new life in Christ, we have to “sacrifice” something … our sinful nature. When you get down to it, that’s not much of a “sacrifice” per se, but for some of us, it can feel like a hard choice or a gamble – especially at first. Some of us enjoy our old, sinful lives, and letting go of the past and the lifestyle and behaviors we are comfortable with can be daunting. What many don’t realize is how incredibly amazing – how pure and pleasing – life in Christ can be. Like the people on “Let’s Make a Deal,” we are nervous about what lies “behind Door #2”.
I won’t lie to you … choosing to follow Jesus is not always easy. You may lose a few “friends” or have to stop going some of the places you used to go and doing the things you used to do. But God will send you new friends. He will give you new activities and interests. If you fill your days and nights with loving, serving and studying Him, He will fill YOU!
What are you waiting for? Stand up and choose “what’s behind the door.” Tell God your fears and apprehensions about accepting His offer of a new life in Christ. Let Him help you work through the growing pains and attain the peace and joy that being in a right relationship with Him brings. We all get discouraged from time to time … and you will, too! But God is waiting to set you back on your feet and give you the desires of your heart. All you have to do is choose His “door”.
©2010 Debbie Robus
[Christ Brings New Life] Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever watched “Let’s Make a Deal”? Often, the host of the show gives someone a wonderful prize, and then he says something, “I’ll give you what’s behind Door #2, if you’ll give me the new couch I just gave you.” In order to get something potentially greater, the contestant has to be willing to sacrifice what he/she just won. Whether the prize behind Door #2 is actually better is not known until the curtain goes up. Choosing to do this is a 50-50 gamble. And some contestants are not willing to take the chance.
In order to experience new life in Christ, we have to “sacrifice” something … our sinful nature. When you get down to it, that’s not much of a “sacrifice” per se, but for some of us, it can feel like a hard choice or a gamble – especially at first. Some of us enjoy our old, sinful lives, and letting go of the past and the lifestyle and behaviors we are comfortable with can be daunting. What many don’t realize is how incredibly amazing – how pure and pleasing – life in Christ can be. Like the people on “Let’s Make a Deal,” we are nervous about what lies “behind Door #2”.
I won’t lie to you … choosing to follow Jesus is not always easy. You may lose a few “friends” or have to stop going some of the places you used to go and doing the things you used to do. But God will send you new friends. He will give you new activities and interests. If you fill your days and nights with loving, serving and studying Him, He will fill YOU!
What are you waiting for? Stand up and choose “what’s behind the door.” Tell God your fears and apprehensions about accepting His offer of a new life in Christ. Let Him help you work through the growing pains and attain the peace and joy that being in a right relationship with Him brings. We all get discouraged from time to time … and you will, too! But God is waiting to set you back on your feet and give you the desires of your heart. All you have to do is choose His “door”.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 31, 2010
Colossians 1:13
God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Many years ago, some teenage boys were spelunking in the area now known as Blanchard Caverns. This was probably the late 1950’s, before the caves were developed for public exploration. These boys found themselves deep within the cave … and they got lost. As the felt around in the scary darkness - not knowing where they were, what was surrounding them, or how to escape - they felt their way along with just the tiny beams of light from their flashlights. Then the unthinkable happened … their flashlight batteries died. Now they were in total darkness.
Miraculously, help came. The boys made their way to an opening in the caves that leads to the outside world, and they were rescued. Today this opening is covered by a metal grate, so that no one can accidentally fall into what could be a world of darkness and danger.
The dark power of Satan is somewhat like that cave … full of all sorts of unknowns, holes, crevices, slick and slippery spots, and dangers at every turn. Many of us are still fumbling around in the cave of Satan’s darkness. We have not recognized that God stands ready to pull us up out of the pit and save us from all of this. He wants to bring us into the light, joy and peace that surround Jesus and give us a place of safety there – and to cover the opening with the “grate” of salvation through Jesus Christ!
For those of us who have been rescued by God, we still want to dance near the edge of the cave sometimes. We peek over the edge and dabble with the temptation and allure that lies in the dark, mysterious pit. We need to stop this! We need to recognize that the power, grace and mercy of God that saved us … the life in Christ and the blessings of His kingdom … are more than enough. We need to be done with Satan, once and for all, and rest in the joy of the awesome rescue of our Almighty God.
Where are you today? Have you managed to get far, far away from the opening to Satan’s darkness, or are you still dancing along the edge, toying with the temptation of what lies beneath? Isn’t it time you moved away once and for all? Is today the day?
©2010 Debbie Robus
God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Many years ago, some teenage boys were spelunking in the area now known as Blanchard Caverns. This was probably the late 1950’s, before the caves were developed for public exploration. These boys found themselves deep within the cave … and they got lost. As the felt around in the scary darkness - not knowing where they were, what was surrounding them, or how to escape - they felt their way along with just the tiny beams of light from their flashlights. Then the unthinkable happened … their flashlight batteries died. Now they were in total darkness.
Miraculously, help came. The boys made their way to an opening in the caves that leads to the outside world, and they were rescued. Today this opening is covered by a metal grate, so that no one can accidentally fall into what could be a world of darkness and danger.
The dark power of Satan is somewhat like that cave … full of all sorts of unknowns, holes, crevices, slick and slippery spots, and dangers at every turn. Many of us are still fumbling around in the cave of Satan’s darkness. We have not recognized that God stands ready to pull us up out of the pit and save us from all of this. He wants to bring us into the light, joy and peace that surround Jesus and give us a place of safety there – and to cover the opening with the “grate” of salvation through Jesus Christ!
For those of us who have been rescued by God, we still want to dance near the edge of the cave sometimes. We peek over the edge and dabble with the temptation and allure that lies in the dark, mysterious pit. We need to stop this! We need to recognize that the power, grace and mercy of God that saved us … the life in Christ and the blessings of His kingdom … are more than enough. We need to be done with Satan, once and for all, and rest in the joy of the awesome rescue of our Almighty God.
Where are you today? Have you managed to get far, far away from the opening to Satan’s darkness, or are you still dancing along the edge, toying with the temptation of what lies beneath? Isn’t it time you moved away once and for all? Is today the day?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 23, 2010
Leviticus 26:13
I am the LORD your God, and I rescued you from Egypt, so that you would never again be slaves. I have set you free; now walk with your heads held high.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I still remember January 20, 1981… when fifty-two hostages were released following 444 days of captivity in Iran. I can see them stepping off the plane… thin, shaken, but still holding their heads high. The hostages were captured at the American Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, by a group of Islamic students who were supporting the Iranian Revolution. You can Google more information about this, or go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis.
Thankfully, most of us will never know the devastation, agony and horror of being held captive. We will never be enslaved and forced to do anything against our will. But many of us are slaves to sin. We are driven by the forces of such things as gluttony, greed, drugs, alcohol, money, and much more. We are slaves to social pressure. And far too many Christians walk around with their heads slung low, encumbered by burdens they shouldn’t be carrying but can’t seem to release.
If this describes you in any way, I encourage you to reflect on this passage from Leviticus. God has rescued us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. We do not have to be held hostage… we do not have to live in slavery. We are free to live as Christ’s chosen people… and if we stay on course with Him and in His will, we don’t have to worry or wonder about pleasing others or conforming to any confines of society. It’s time for us to walk off the plane, so to speak… holding our heads high… and say, “I am a child of God. He loves me as I am, and I am free in Him. I have been rescued from sin… and it feels great! I’ll never be a slave again because of Jesus!”
Where are you in this equation? Are you still a hostage… or have you been rescued? How proudly are you walking today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I am the LORD your God, and I rescued you from Egypt, so that you would never again be slaves. I have set you free; now walk with your heads held high.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I still remember January 20, 1981… when fifty-two hostages were released following 444 days of captivity in Iran. I can see them stepping off the plane… thin, shaken, but still holding their heads high. The hostages were captured at the American Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, by a group of Islamic students who were supporting the Iranian Revolution. You can Google more information about this, or go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis.
Thankfully, most of us will never know the devastation, agony and horror of being held captive. We will never be enslaved and forced to do anything against our will. But many of us are slaves to sin. We are driven by the forces of such things as gluttony, greed, drugs, alcohol, money, and much more. We are slaves to social pressure. And far too many Christians walk around with their heads slung low, encumbered by burdens they shouldn’t be carrying but can’t seem to release.
If this describes you in any way, I encourage you to reflect on this passage from Leviticus. God has rescued us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. We do not have to be held hostage… we do not have to live in slavery. We are free to live as Christ’s chosen people… and if we stay on course with Him and in His will, we don’t have to worry or wonder about pleasing others or conforming to any confines of society. It’s time for us to walk off the plane, so to speak… holding our heads high… and say, “I am a child of God. He loves me as I am, and I am free in Him. I have been rescued from sin… and it feels great! I’ll never be a slave again because of Jesus!”
Where are you in this equation? Are you still a hostage… or have you been rescued? How proudly are you walking today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2010
2 Kings 6:16
"Don't be afraid," Elisha answered. "There are more troops on our side than on theirs."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all been there… we’ve all had a time when we felt like “the deck was stacked against us.” The obstacles seemed too large… we couldn’t see how we could overcome such huge odds. But we learn in this passage that “there are more troops on our side than theirs.”
Still not convinced? Consider this… with God on our side, we don’t need large armies. We don’t need huge odds in our favor… we’ve already got the overwhelming “Majority Vote!” Once again, we underestimate our God! We fail to recognize that He can defeat any and all enemies… and He can do it single-handedly.
It’s time we recognized God’s power in our life. It’s time we started to humbly seek His will, then act courageously as He leads us. We’ve been meek, timid and fearful long enough. Now it’s time to act like God’s children… and to begin to really live for Him! Don’t be afraid… with God on our side, we have all the “troops” we need!
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Don't be afraid," Elisha answered. "There are more troops on our side than on theirs."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all been there… we’ve all had a time when we felt like “the deck was stacked against us.” The obstacles seemed too large… we couldn’t see how we could overcome such huge odds. But we learn in this passage that “there are more troops on our side than theirs.”
Still not convinced? Consider this… with God on our side, we don’t need large armies. We don’t need huge odds in our favor… we’ve already got the overwhelming “Majority Vote!” Once again, we underestimate our God! We fail to recognize that He can defeat any and all enemies… and He can do it single-handedly.
It’s time we recognized God’s power in our life. It’s time we started to humbly seek His will, then act courageously as He leads us. We’ve been meek, timid and fearful long enough. Now it’s time to act like God’s children… and to begin to really live for Him! Don’t be afraid… with God on our side, we have all the “troops” we need!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 7, 2010
Isaiah 43:1
Descendants of Jacob, I, the LORD, created you and formed your nation. Israel, don't be afraid. I have rescued you. I have called you by name; now you belong to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I was watching episodes of TLC’s Cake Boss. A man from Italy came into the shop and asked Buddy, the “Cake Boss,” to make an authentic Italian tiramisu cake for his parents, who were coming from Italy for a visit. Buddy made the cake, following a family recipe his own father had used, and he created a beautiful tiramisu for this man. He also made an extra cake in a small container. When the man and his wife came to collect their cake, Buddy passed out spoons and invited them to taste the smaller tiramisu. Buddy took the first bite and proudly showed off his skills as a baker.
Why is this important… and why did the baker take the first bite? It goes back to an old adage among good cooks… “Never serve your guests something you would not eat yourself.” And in some instances, kings and rulers even had tasters who “tested” food for them to make sure it was safe for them to eat!
You may be wondering what on earth this has to do with Isaiah 43:1. My point is that God has created us… He’s done all the prep work AND the sampling, and we are His pride and joy – His beautiful creation. We belong to Him, and He has put His “stamp” on each of us. So we truly have nothing to fear. This is the ultimate endorsement. Whatever we face, God is there with us… guarding His prized possessions and clearing the way for us.
The question for us becomes… “Are we living up to this honor?” None of us deserve it, but we can do all in our power to show our honor and respect to God for this gift by operating in confidence and courage. Are you courageous today? No matter what you are facing, have you put your trust in your Creator to guide your steps? Thank God for choosing you, and honor Him in the way you live each day. Do all you can to be a person of courage and faith… and believe in God to do the rest.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Descendants of Jacob, I, the LORD, created you and formed your nation. Israel, don't be afraid. I have rescued you. I have called you by name; now you belong to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I was watching episodes of TLC’s Cake Boss. A man from Italy came into the shop and asked Buddy, the “Cake Boss,” to make an authentic Italian tiramisu cake for his parents, who were coming from Italy for a visit. Buddy made the cake, following a family recipe his own father had used, and he created a beautiful tiramisu for this man. He also made an extra cake in a small container. When the man and his wife came to collect their cake, Buddy passed out spoons and invited them to taste the smaller tiramisu. Buddy took the first bite and proudly showed off his skills as a baker.
Why is this important… and why did the baker take the first bite? It goes back to an old adage among good cooks… “Never serve your guests something you would not eat yourself.” And in some instances, kings and rulers even had tasters who “tested” food for them to make sure it was safe for them to eat!
You may be wondering what on earth this has to do with Isaiah 43:1. My point is that God has created us… He’s done all the prep work AND the sampling, and we are His pride and joy – His beautiful creation. We belong to Him, and He has put His “stamp” on each of us. So we truly have nothing to fear. This is the ultimate endorsement. Whatever we face, God is there with us… guarding His prized possessions and clearing the way for us.
The question for us becomes… “Are we living up to this honor?” None of us deserve it, but we can do all in our power to show our honor and respect to God for this gift by operating in confidence and courage. Are you courageous today? No matter what you are facing, have you put your trust in your Creator to guide your steps? Thank God for choosing you, and honor Him in the way you live each day. Do all you can to be a person of courage and faith… and believe in God to do the rest.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 6, 2010
July 6 ~ Isaiah 40:29-31
The LORD gives strength to those who are weary. Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Like many babies, Timothy fights sleep. We can tell when he is becoming tired. He wobbles and stumbles as he walks, drops toys, and cries. Dark circles form under his eyes, and he whines and becomes fussy. But let him have a good nap… and everything changes. His eyes brighten. He is steady on his feet, and his walk becomes almost a run at times. He can carry his toys and books with him and never drop anything, unless he wants to do so. Yes indeed, even young people get tired, stumble and fall.
In truth, this passage is not about being physically tired as much as mental and spiritual fatigue. And we all experience this from time to time. “Life” gets us down, and we become discouraged… and maybe even exhausted. But God can lift us. He is like the two-hour nap that refreshes a baby… He can give us new strength and courage for whatever we are facing.
When Timmy gets weary, he does everything he can to keep from falling asleep… hair and ear pulling, extra walking and tumbling, and pounding on his crib mattress with his fists and feet. Does this describe you when you are spiritually weary? Do you wring your hands and cry and stay up late and stew over your problems night and day? Just as we tell our little nephew, “You will feel better after you rest,” God is saying this to us… “Come rest in Me… let Me refresh you and handle your worries… see how much difference some ‘God-nap’ time can make.”
Everyone can benefit from a good nap. But the most important rest we can get may very well be “rest in the Lord.” Are you getting enough these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD gives strength to those who are weary. Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Like many babies, Timothy fights sleep. We can tell when he is becoming tired. He wobbles and stumbles as he walks, drops toys, and cries. Dark circles form under his eyes, and he whines and becomes fussy. But let him have a good nap… and everything changes. His eyes brighten. He is steady on his feet, and his walk becomes almost a run at times. He can carry his toys and books with him and never drop anything, unless he wants to do so. Yes indeed, even young people get tired, stumble and fall.
In truth, this passage is not about being physically tired as much as mental and spiritual fatigue. And we all experience this from time to time. “Life” gets us down, and we become discouraged… and maybe even exhausted. But God can lift us. He is like the two-hour nap that refreshes a baby… He can give us new strength and courage for whatever we are facing.
When Timmy gets weary, he does everything he can to keep from falling asleep… hair and ear pulling, extra walking and tumbling, and pounding on his crib mattress with his fists and feet. Does this describe you when you are spiritually weary? Do you wring your hands and cry and stay up late and stew over your problems night and day? Just as we tell our little nephew, “You will feel better after you rest,” God is saying this to us… “Come rest in Me… let Me refresh you and handle your worries… see how much difference some ‘God-nap’ time can make.”
Everyone can benefit from a good nap. But the most important rest we can get may very well be “rest in the Lord.” Are you getting enough these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 5, 2010
Psalm 37:28
The LORD loves justice, and he won't ever desert his faithful people. He always protects them, but destroys the children of the wicked.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For my birthday, my mom gave me some really pretty note cards that feature the work of a Christian artist, Jack E. Dawson. I make mention of the fact that Dawson is a Christian because he incorporates a lot of references to his faith in his paintings. One set of cards is called “Reviewing the Troops,” and it features an image of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Superimposed on the wall are images of soldiers from various wars, a Vietnamese woman and baby, and George Washington atop a white horse in front of an American flag. It appears at first glance that Washington is “reviewing the troops.” Behind Washington are faint images of helicopters, and in the trees, the leaves create an image of Jesus, looking down on the entire scene.
The notes on the back of the cards say that in this picture, “it is the Lord who is truly ‘reviewing the troops.’ We are to be counted as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. He is reviewing our lives. The ultimate question is, ‘Do I recognize and trust Him?’” And that is the question for us. Are we faithful and courageous? Do we recognize God and trust Him? When He “reviews the troops” – meaning us – is He pleased? The artist notes that the real key to his painting is the image of Jesus… and the implication of His review of us. We must be sure that we are faithful and just… and living in a way that is honorable. Are our lives worthy of His approval – and His protection? Are there areas where we need to make changes… and if so, shouldn’t we get busy doing so?
For more on the work of Jack E. Dawson, visit http://www.bittersweetgallery.com/.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD loves justice, and he won't ever desert his faithful people. He always protects them, but destroys the children of the wicked.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For my birthday, my mom gave me some really pretty note cards that feature the work of a Christian artist, Jack E. Dawson. I make mention of the fact that Dawson is a Christian because he incorporates a lot of references to his faith in his paintings. One set of cards is called “Reviewing the Troops,” and it features an image of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Superimposed on the wall are images of soldiers from various wars, a Vietnamese woman and baby, and George Washington atop a white horse in front of an American flag. It appears at first glance that Washington is “reviewing the troops.” Behind Washington are faint images of helicopters, and in the trees, the leaves create an image of Jesus, looking down on the entire scene.
The notes on the back of the cards say that in this picture, “it is the Lord who is truly ‘reviewing the troops.’ We are to be counted as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. He is reviewing our lives. The ultimate question is, ‘Do I recognize and trust Him?’” And that is the question for us. Are we faithful and courageous? Do we recognize God and trust Him? When He “reviews the troops” – meaning us – is He pleased? The artist notes that the real key to his painting is the image of Jesus… and the implication of His review of us. We must be sure that we are faithful and just… and living in a way that is honorable. Are our lives worthy of His approval – and His protection? Are there areas where we need to make changes… and if so, shouldn’t we get busy doing so?
For more on the work of Jack E. Dawson, visit http://www.bittersweetgallery.com/.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 3, 2010
Psalm 31:24
All who trust the LORD, be cheerful and strong.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Is life getting you down these days? Do you feel like you don’t have what it takes to keep going? Then you need to hear about Charlsie Baldridge Little, a woman who had plenty of reasons to give up and let life get her down. Mrs. Little died on June 30, at the age of 102. She was a single mother and a "career woman" long before either of those terms was commonly applied to women. On “Pearl Harbor Day” – December 7, 1941 - her husband James was helping fight a fire at the GEM theater in Heber Springs, when a wall collapsed. James was critically injured and died, leaving Charlsie with two young sons to rear alone. She was a school teacher, and her salary was only $100 a month.
Mrs. Little managed to save enough money from her meager salary to take the boys on summer vacations and to attend cultural events, such as operas and plays. Her son Jack tells of traveling by bus to Little Rock to hear his first opera at the Robinson Auditorium when he was a small boy. In the summers, Mrs. Little left her boys with their grandparents, while she attended Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, and obtained a Master’s Degree in education. She taught in schools throughout the state of Arkansas and ultimately became an elementary principal and college supervisor of teachers before she retired in 1973. But Mrs. Little did not retire from education completely. She helped to establish the Cleburne County Historical Society and served as the editor of its member publication. Later, she wrote a book, Upon this Rock, chronicling the history of the First Baptist Church of Heber Springs. For this she traveled to Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia to gather information.
Throughout all of her life, Mrs. Little was pragmatic – always sensible and strong. She trusted God to see her through every trial and difficulty, and she met them head-on. Her daughter-in-law, Barbara, described her as “a force to be reckoned with” – and indeed, she was, in her matter-of-fact, no-nonsense manner. In recent years, she buried her son, Jim, who died suddenly of a heart attack, and after that, grandson Aaron, who had cancer. She endured the loss of brothers and other family members. And anyone who lives 102 years just sees a lot of challenges and hardships along the way. But Mrs. Little met them with dignity and courage, and she served as a tremendous influence and role model for countless people, particularly women. At her funeral, the pastor said, “Charlsie showed young women that they can have a career and be successful.” She also modeled strength and faith in God for each person she encountered.
Hardships and struggles are nothing new. Ours just seem worse because they are our own! But the God who met Charlsie Little’s needs is the same God who can carry our burdens and give us new joys. With God, all things are possible – even those that seem so very hard. Trust Him… be strong and of good cheer. Take a good look at faithful men and women like Charlsie Little, and be encouraged and inspired… and keep trying. At Mrs. Charlsie’s funeral, we sang “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” In the latter hymn, the chorus says in part, “Morning by morning new mercies I see… All I have needed Thy hand hath provided… Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.” This is a good “mantra” for all of us… all that we need God HAS provided… and his faithfulness toward us is indeed great.
©2010 Debbie Robus
All who trust the LORD, be cheerful and strong.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Is life getting you down these days? Do you feel like you don’t have what it takes to keep going? Then you need to hear about Charlsie Baldridge Little, a woman who had plenty of reasons to give up and let life get her down. Mrs. Little died on June 30, at the age of 102. She was a single mother and a "career woman" long before either of those terms was commonly applied to women. On “Pearl Harbor Day” – December 7, 1941 - her husband James was helping fight a fire at the GEM theater in Heber Springs, when a wall collapsed. James was critically injured and died, leaving Charlsie with two young sons to rear alone. She was a school teacher, and her salary was only $100 a month.
Mrs. Little managed to save enough money from her meager salary to take the boys on summer vacations and to attend cultural events, such as operas and plays. Her son Jack tells of traveling by bus to Little Rock to hear his first opera at the Robinson Auditorium when he was a small boy. In the summers, Mrs. Little left her boys with their grandparents, while she attended Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, and obtained a Master’s Degree in education. She taught in schools throughout the state of Arkansas and ultimately became an elementary principal and college supervisor of teachers before she retired in 1973. But Mrs. Little did not retire from education completely. She helped to establish the Cleburne County Historical Society and served as the editor of its member publication. Later, she wrote a book, Upon this Rock, chronicling the history of the First Baptist Church of Heber Springs. For this she traveled to Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia to gather information.
Throughout all of her life, Mrs. Little was pragmatic – always sensible and strong. She trusted God to see her through every trial and difficulty, and she met them head-on. Her daughter-in-law, Barbara, described her as “a force to be reckoned with” – and indeed, she was, in her matter-of-fact, no-nonsense manner. In recent years, she buried her son, Jim, who died suddenly of a heart attack, and after that, grandson Aaron, who had cancer. She endured the loss of brothers and other family members. And anyone who lives 102 years just sees a lot of challenges and hardships along the way. But Mrs. Little met them with dignity and courage, and she served as a tremendous influence and role model for countless people, particularly women. At her funeral, the pastor said, “Charlsie showed young women that they can have a career and be successful.” She also modeled strength and faith in God for each person she encountered.
Hardships and struggles are nothing new. Ours just seem worse because they are our own! But the God who met Charlsie Little’s needs is the same God who can carry our burdens and give us new joys. With God, all things are possible – even those that seem so very hard. Trust Him… be strong and of good cheer. Take a good look at faithful men and women like Charlsie Little, and be encouraged and inspired… and keep trying. At Mrs. Charlsie’s funeral, we sang “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” In the latter hymn, the chorus says in part, “Morning by morning new mercies I see… All I have needed Thy hand hath provided… Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.” This is a good “mantra” for all of us… all that we need God HAS provided… and his faithfulness toward us is indeed great.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 1, 2010
Colossians 1:21-23
You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent.
But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. It was preached to everyone on earth, and I myself have become a servant of this message.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently my mom floated the Buffalo River with her husband’s family, and at one “swimming hole,” people were climbing massive bluffs and jumping back into the river. Swimmers below were encouraging those jumping to “conquer your fears,” and telling them, “You can do it!” And Mom said most did just that – even those whose faces indicated they were scared silly! However, she said one or two climbed back down and accepted defeat… and in this instance, that was just fine.
In our spiritual life, “backing off” and “climbing down” are not okay. Defeat is not an option. The cost of our salvation was far too high. The price Jesus Christ paid to stand in the gap for us with God was just too costly for us to back down and stop fighting. We must keep trusting – keep believing – and keep holding on to the promises of God for us and others. And more than this, we must never give up on one another. We must become, as the Apostle Paul, “a servant of this message.” We must vigilantly remind others how precious they are to God. We must pray for them, encourage them, and never, never, EVER give up.
We can do it! We must “conquer our fears” – with the Lord’s help – and trust Him to honor His promises… to us and to others. We must stay deeply rooted and firm in our faith and be servants of God’s message to everyone around us. I say again… defeat is not an option when it comes to Jesus and our faith. How deeply are you rooted these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent.
But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. It was preached to everyone on earth, and I myself have become a servant of this message.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently my mom floated the Buffalo River with her husband’s family, and at one “swimming hole,” people were climbing massive bluffs and jumping back into the river. Swimmers below were encouraging those jumping to “conquer your fears,” and telling them, “You can do it!” And Mom said most did just that – even those whose faces indicated they were scared silly! However, she said one or two climbed back down and accepted defeat… and in this instance, that was just fine.
In our spiritual life, “backing off” and “climbing down” are not okay. Defeat is not an option. The cost of our salvation was far too high. The price Jesus Christ paid to stand in the gap for us with God was just too costly for us to back down and stop fighting. We must keep trusting – keep believing – and keep holding on to the promises of God for us and others. And more than this, we must never give up on one another. We must become, as the Apostle Paul, “a servant of this message.” We must vigilantly remind others how precious they are to God. We must pray for them, encourage them, and never, never, EVER give up.
We can do it! We must “conquer our fears” – with the Lord’s help – and trust Him to honor His promises… to us and to others. We must stay deeply rooted and firm in our faith and be servants of God’s message to everyone around us. I say again… defeat is not an option when it comes to Jesus and our faith. How deeply are you rooted these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
June 30 ~ Luke 15:31-32
His father replied, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is the ending verses of one of Jesus’ parables, known to us as the story of “The Prodigal Son.” If you start reading in Luke 15 at Verse 11, you will see that a man had two sons, and he divided his wealth between them. One worked hard and honored his father, while the other ran off and partied and spent everything he had inherited on food, wine, and women. When he was penniless and working as a slave for others, he realized that his father’s pigs ate better than he did, so he decided to return to his father on his hands and knees and ask for a job – feeding the livestock or serving in some other way.
The father was so glad to have his son back that he welcomed him and planned a party to celebrate his return. This made the hard-working son mad and jealous… as it would a lot of us. But here’s the deal… think about how hard it was for that “prodigal son” to come home. He must have been scared to death of his father and what he might say and do. And aren’t we the same way? Aren’t we afraid, sometimes, to go to someone with whom we have disagreed or wronged in some way and say to them, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I’m asking you to forgive me.”
More than this, aren’t we often afraid to go to our Heavenly Father and admit that we have sinned against Him? Aren’t we embarrassed by our behavior and lack of respect and honor for God? Does this fear and embarrassment keep us from humbling ourselves before God and asking for His forgiveness? It shouldn’t. Take a good hard look at this passage… and at the father’s answer to the angry, jealous brother. In essence, he said, “You should be glad your brother is back. I have enough love and wealth for both of you. You’ll never lack for anything just because I took your brother back. You still have my love… but your brother needs it, too.”
I’m willing to bet that most of the people you are afraid to approach and apologize to…or mend a relationship with…would be glad to hear from you – if you came with a humble, sincere attitude. And I know that God would be glad to have you back. It’s time to stop being so afraid. It’s time to trust God to protect us and guide our steps… and to take a leap of faith and repair a relationship, mend a fence, apologize to someone we have wronged… and admit our sins and shortcomings to our Heavenly Father. We have operated in fear long enough… and given Satan far too much pleasure and satisfaction in the bargain. Be glad for those who have taken this step – those who were once lost and are now found. And if you need to be next in line… now is the time to start.
©2010 Debbie Robus
His father replied, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is the ending verses of one of Jesus’ parables, known to us as the story of “The Prodigal Son.” If you start reading in Luke 15 at Verse 11, you will see that a man had two sons, and he divided his wealth between them. One worked hard and honored his father, while the other ran off and partied and spent everything he had inherited on food, wine, and women. When he was penniless and working as a slave for others, he realized that his father’s pigs ate better than he did, so he decided to return to his father on his hands and knees and ask for a job – feeding the livestock or serving in some other way.
The father was so glad to have his son back that he welcomed him and planned a party to celebrate his return. This made the hard-working son mad and jealous… as it would a lot of us. But here’s the deal… think about how hard it was for that “prodigal son” to come home. He must have been scared to death of his father and what he might say and do. And aren’t we the same way? Aren’t we afraid, sometimes, to go to someone with whom we have disagreed or wronged in some way and say to them, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I’m asking you to forgive me.”
More than this, aren’t we often afraid to go to our Heavenly Father and admit that we have sinned against Him? Aren’t we embarrassed by our behavior and lack of respect and honor for God? Does this fear and embarrassment keep us from humbling ourselves before God and asking for His forgiveness? It shouldn’t. Take a good hard look at this passage… and at the father’s answer to the angry, jealous brother. In essence, he said, “You should be glad your brother is back. I have enough love and wealth for both of you. You’ll never lack for anything just because I took your brother back. You still have my love… but your brother needs it, too.”
I’m willing to bet that most of the people you are afraid to approach and apologize to…or mend a relationship with…would be glad to hear from you – if you came with a humble, sincere attitude. And I know that God would be glad to have you back. It’s time to stop being so afraid. It’s time to trust God to protect us and guide our steps… and to take a leap of faith and repair a relationship, mend a fence, apologize to someone we have wronged… and admit our sins and shortcomings to our Heavenly Father. We have operated in fear long enough… and given Satan far too much pleasure and satisfaction in the bargain. Be glad for those who have taken this step – those who were once lost and are now found. And if you need to be next in line… now is the time to start.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 29, 2010
June 29 ~ 1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If someone were robbing you, and they said, “Give me all your money,” would you keep a little in your back pocket? Probably not! You would give this complete stranger everything you could think of – and quickly – hoping the robber wasn’t going to harm you! So why is it that we withhold some of our worries and cares from God, when we know that He is going to take care of us? Why do we doubt God so readily, which is exactly what we do when we withhold our concerns and burdens from Him?
I could go into my ideas on why we do this… but they really don’t matter. What matters is that we need to STOP! We need to give all our cares to God… from the small, seemingly silly ones all the way to the gigantic ones that seem insurmountable.
The lyrics to “Cast All Your Cares,” a song by Christian artist Gary Oliver, say, “When troubles come… all you have to do is call Him. When sickness comes… call Him… for He cares for you, and He knows what you’re going through. Why don’t you cast all your cares upon the Lord.” If you want to listen to the song, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxABJT59Vhk and hear this song in its entirety. Then make an effort to cast all your cares upon the Lord. God even wants those you feel would be small and ridiculous to anyone else. Those you feel there is no way they can be resolved… God wants them, too! Let’s give our cares to God and expect Him to handle them, according to His will. I believe we will be amazed, astounded, and totally blown away by His grace and mercy – and how well He truly does care for us in every way! What have you got to lose? Cast all your cares upon the Lord today, and watch what happens!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If someone were robbing you, and they said, “Give me all your money,” would you keep a little in your back pocket? Probably not! You would give this complete stranger everything you could think of – and quickly – hoping the robber wasn’t going to harm you! So why is it that we withhold some of our worries and cares from God, when we know that He is going to take care of us? Why do we doubt God so readily, which is exactly what we do when we withhold our concerns and burdens from Him?
I could go into my ideas on why we do this… but they really don’t matter. What matters is that we need to STOP! We need to give all our cares to God… from the small, seemingly silly ones all the way to the gigantic ones that seem insurmountable.
The lyrics to “Cast All Your Cares,” a song by Christian artist Gary Oliver, say, “When troubles come… all you have to do is call Him. When sickness comes… call Him… for He cares for you, and He knows what you’re going through. Why don’t you cast all your cares upon the Lord.” If you want to listen to the song, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxABJT59Vhk and hear this song in its entirety. Then make an effort to cast all your cares upon the Lord. God even wants those you feel would be small and ridiculous to anyone else. Those you feel there is no way they can be resolved… God wants them, too! Let’s give our cares to God and expect Him to handle them, according to His will. I believe we will be amazed, astounded, and totally blown away by His grace and mercy – and how well He truly does care for us in every way! What have you got to lose? Cast all your cares upon the Lord today, and watch what happens!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 28, 2010
June 28 ~ Revelation 2:10
Don't worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“What’s the worst that can happen?” This has been a “mantra” of mine for decades, since I read a book by Dale Carnegie called “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.” I’ve talked about this before, but it bears repeating today. Carnegie wrote this book about the foolishness of worry. I’m paraphrasing here, but he gives a list of steps to go through in a worrisome situation, and one of them is to ask…“What is the worst that can happen?” The next question becomes, “What are the odds that this really will happen?” Then… “If it does happen, what will I do?” By facing the potential problem head-on and developing a mental strategy for dealing with it, the worry is diminished and becomes more manageable. I have to tell you, I have used this a LOT over the years, and as I have grown in my faith, I find that this works even better in terms of God’s promises.
So you ask yourself, “If I can’t pay my bills and have to sell my house or move into something more affordable, what is the worst that can happen?” “If my loved one dies, how will I manage?” “If I don’t get a job, how will I survive?” “What if I forgot to lock the door/turn off the curling iron/unplug the coffee maker or shut off the water sprinkler?” “If I tell my friend that her boyfriend is a loser, how will she react?””If I block a friend on Facebook or my e-mail account who is sending me offensive posts and messages, what will happen?” “If I move to another Sunday School class – or church – what will people think?”
By prayerfully applying the steps that Carnegie outlines, many situations are at least manageable, if not completely alleviated as insignificant and not worth your time and energy. After all, God is “on the clock,” helping us with situations of all sizes… and even your worst worries and fears, if realized, can be endured when viewed in the same window with a glorious life in heaven for all eternity. Keep your eye on “the prize.” Focus on God… serving Him, pleasing Him, living in and for Him. Let God handle your worries… and remember - the “worst” that could happen can never compare to the “best” that lies ahead with Him.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Don't worry about what you will suffer. The devil will throw some of you into jail, and you will be tested and made to suffer for ten days. But if you are faithful until you die, I will reward you with a glorious life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“What’s the worst that can happen?” This has been a “mantra” of mine for decades, since I read a book by Dale Carnegie called “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.” I’ve talked about this before, but it bears repeating today. Carnegie wrote this book about the foolishness of worry. I’m paraphrasing here, but he gives a list of steps to go through in a worrisome situation, and one of them is to ask…“What is the worst that can happen?” The next question becomes, “What are the odds that this really will happen?” Then… “If it does happen, what will I do?” By facing the potential problem head-on and developing a mental strategy for dealing with it, the worry is diminished and becomes more manageable. I have to tell you, I have used this a LOT over the years, and as I have grown in my faith, I find that this works even better in terms of God’s promises.
So you ask yourself, “If I can’t pay my bills and have to sell my house or move into something more affordable, what is the worst that can happen?” “If my loved one dies, how will I manage?” “If I don’t get a job, how will I survive?” “What if I forgot to lock the door/turn off the curling iron/unplug the coffee maker or shut off the water sprinkler?” “If I tell my friend that her boyfriend is a loser, how will she react?””If I block a friend on Facebook or my e-mail account who is sending me offensive posts and messages, what will happen?” “If I move to another Sunday School class – or church – what will people think?”
By prayerfully applying the steps that Carnegie outlines, many situations are at least manageable, if not completely alleviated as insignificant and not worth your time and energy. After all, God is “on the clock,” helping us with situations of all sizes… and even your worst worries and fears, if realized, can be endured when viewed in the same window with a glorious life in heaven for all eternity. Keep your eye on “the prize.” Focus on God… serving Him, pleasing Him, living in and for Him. Let God handle your worries… and remember - the “worst” that could happen can never compare to the “best” that lies ahead with Him.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 27, 2010
June 27 ~ Hebrews 13:6
That should make you feel like saying, "The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid of what people can do to me?"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have heard of “tough love.” This is a behavior modification model that utilizes hard decisions and choices in order to force the other person to change his/her behavior. Examples would be parents who tell a son or daughter who is using drugs or drinking that he/she has to move out of their home until this behavior ceases. Or, a coach may be really stern with his/her players… forcing them to work hard, and using strong language and berating them with criticism on the court or field… but showing them much love and affection otherwise. Sometimes human beings get carried away with this approach, and their “tough love” becomes something far different.
We could argue that God operates in “tough love” sometimes – allowing us to go through things that are not all that pleasant for us – or maybe they challenge us greatly. In the end, they build our faith and strengthen us… and the bottom line is that God never left us… He was there to help us every step of the way. And this is important… because sometimes we go through situations where we have to risk our relationship with other people. We have to say to our friend or loved one, “I am concerned about how you are living. You are making poor choices, and it’s affecting everyone around you. Your behaviors are inappropriate. You need to grow up.” The other person may not appreciate your “concern” or your comments. This person may alienate you, try to discredit you to others, and/or lash out at you and try to hurt you. But if you feel God leading you to confront someone with “tough love,” you must do so.
We see in Hebrews 13:6 that “tough love” practiced under God’s guidance will carry God’s protection. In other words, if God tells you to be bold in your faith about anything toward anyone or any situation, He’s got your back! I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel 1000% better! I know that backlash, retribution, and alienation may still come… at least temporarily… but that’s where the faith comes into play. If we step out for God in faith, He will help us… no weapon formed against us will prosper… and ultimately, we will have nothing to fear.
©2010 Debbie Robus
That should make you feel like saying, "The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid of what people can do to me?"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have heard of “tough love.” This is a behavior modification model that utilizes hard decisions and choices in order to force the other person to change his/her behavior. Examples would be parents who tell a son or daughter who is using drugs or drinking that he/she has to move out of their home until this behavior ceases. Or, a coach may be really stern with his/her players… forcing them to work hard, and using strong language and berating them with criticism on the court or field… but showing them much love and affection otherwise. Sometimes human beings get carried away with this approach, and their “tough love” becomes something far different.
We could argue that God operates in “tough love” sometimes – allowing us to go through things that are not all that pleasant for us – or maybe they challenge us greatly. In the end, they build our faith and strengthen us… and the bottom line is that God never left us… He was there to help us every step of the way. And this is important… because sometimes we go through situations where we have to risk our relationship with other people. We have to say to our friend or loved one, “I am concerned about how you are living. You are making poor choices, and it’s affecting everyone around you. Your behaviors are inappropriate. You need to grow up.” The other person may not appreciate your “concern” or your comments. This person may alienate you, try to discredit you to others, and/or lash out at you and try to hurt you. But if you feel God leading you to confront someone with “tough love,” you must do so.
We see in Hebrews 13:6 that “tough love” practiced under God’s guidance will carry God’s protection. In other words, if God tells you to be bold in your faith about anything toward anyone or any situation, He’s got your back! I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel 1000% better! I know that backlash, retribution, and alienation may still come… at least temporarily… but that’s where the faith comes into play. If we step out for God in faith, He will help us… no weapon formed against us will prosper… and ultimately, we will have nothing to fear.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 26, 2010
June 26 ~ Hebrews 11:27
Because of his faith, Moses left Egypt. Moses had seen the invisible God and wasn't afraid of the king's anger.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are like me, when you get unpleasant news, your mind goes into overdrive. I am a “fixer” by nature, and I immediately begin thinking about how to resolve this… a “what-can-I-do?” approach to the problem – even if it’s someone else’s! A few years after my brother died, I helped a nurse friend of his with a problem. She said to me, “Tim always said, ‘Debbie can fix anything.’ And I believe it!” I’m here to tell you, I cannot fix everything! And much as I would like to be able to “fix” several situations and/or the people in them, there are many things that are far beyond my abilities… or any other human’s, for that matter.
What I am learning is how to rely on God to fix the things I cannot. “But don’t you know that already?” you might be asking. Maybe I’m a slow learner! More likely, I’m like a lot of people. The “heart” knows that God is in control, but the “head” has not quite accepted this yet. And then there’s that old codger, the devil, who stands in the corner and says, “You need to DO something!” He’s right – well, partly. We do need to get on our knees and give these things to God and ask Him to handle them according to His will. We also need to acknowledge that we are NOT in control… but we serve a God who is more than able.
So often, we take the safe, easy route. We don’t want to “ruffle feathers” or risk being alienated or talked about or hurt in any way. We need to take a page from Moses’ book and trust the “Invisible God” who is working 24/7 on our behalf. If we have prayerfully considered our actions and choices and are certain that God is leading the way, we have nothing to fear. Are you trusting the Invisible God today? Is He guiding your choices and handling your concerns? Who fixes things for you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Because of his faith, Moses left Egypt. Moses had seen the invisible God and wasn't afraid of the king's anger.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are like me, when you get unpleasant news, your mind goes into overdrive. I am a “fixer” by nature, and I immediately begin thinking about how to resolve this… a “what-can-I-do?” approach to the problem – even if it’s someone else’s! A few years after my brother died, I helped a nurse friend of his with a problem. She said to me, “Tim always said, ‘Debbie can fix anything.’ And I believe it!” I’m here to tell you, I cannot fix everything! And much as I would like to be able to “fix” several situations and/or the people in them, there are many things that are far beyond my abilities… or any other human’s, for that matter.
What I am learning is how to rely on God to fix the things I cannot. “But don’t you know that already?” you might be asking. Maybe I’m a slow learner! More likely, I’m like a lot of people. The “heart” knows that God is in control, but the “head” has not quite accepted this yet. And then there’s that old codger, the devil, who stands in the corner and says, “You need to DO something!” He’s right – well, partly. We do need to get on our knees and give these things to God and ask Him to handle them according to His will. We also need to acknowledge that we are NOT in control… but we serve a God who is more than able.
So often, we take the safe, easy route. We don’t want to “ruffle feathers” or risk being alienated or talked about or hurt in any way. We need to take a page from Moses’ book and trust the “Invisible God” who is working 24/7 on our behalf. If we have prayerfully considered our actions and choices and are certain that God is leading the way, we have nothing to fear. Are you trusting the Invisible God today? Is He guiding your choices and handling your concerns? Who fixes things for you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 25, 2010
June 25 ~ Romans 8:15
God's Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about television fathers of the fifties and sixties (or for some of you, from today’s reruns on TV Land). Consider Andy Griffith, or Fred McMurray’s character on “My Three Sons,” or even Ward Cleaver on “Leave it to Beaver.” These men were “large and in charge” and commanded respect. But when their sons misbehaved or made a mistake, they had nothing to fear. Sure, there were consequences, and sometimes the dads were disappointed or upset. But these fathers lovingly showed their sons their mistakes and how to correct them… and how to avoid repeating them in the future. The sons respected their fathers. Oh, sure, Beaver acted like he was afraid of his dad at times, but he wasn’t really… and he never felt like his slave.
In my mind, God is the same kind of Father as Andy Griffith – only super-sized and far more powerful. God takes things in stride… enjoys my successes, cries when I’m sad, and is disappointed and upset with me when I disobey Him or make wrong choices. But He is not a “slave-owner,” and He is not waiting to beat me into submission… or keep score of every time I’ve failed Him. At the day’s end, I am still His child, and He loves me. He wants me to have the very best He can provide – and to be all that I can be. Like most fathers, He wants me to live up to my full potential as His child – and to get all I can out of life on this earth… and my life in Him. If we are honest, we all want to please our parents. We want to feel that they are proud of us, and that we lived up to their expectations. And God is no exception to this.
If you view God as anything besides loving, just, fair, and taking your best interests to heart, you’ve misunderstood Him. If you think of God as a fierce judge who is waiting with a list of your infractions and a whip and chain to beat you into submission and correction, you are dead wrong. God loves us. He may correct us from time to time or allow us to suffer consequences of our actions, but He does not want us to serve Him out of fear. If you have any feelings toward God other than love and a healthy respect and reverence, I encourage you to spend some time reading His word and getting to really know him. Go to www.biblegateway.com and do a keyword search for “God’s love,” or “love of God” or other phrases about our Father and His love. See for yourself how deeply He cares. Discover Him in a new way, and serve Him joyfully as His child… and not a slave. God wants us to serve Him willingly and out of a deep joy and love. He’s worthy of that, and more. Find out why… and get busy being His child.
©2010 Debbie Robus
God's Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about television fathers of the fifties and sixties (or for some of you, from today’s reruns on TV Land). Consider Andy Griffith, or Fred McMurray’s character on “My Three Sons,” or even Ward Cleaver on “Leave it to Beaver.” These men were “large and in charge” and commanded respect. But when their sons misbehaved or made a mistake, they had nothing to fear. Sure, there were consequences, and sometimes the dads were disappointed or upset. But these fathers lovingly showed their sons their mistakes and how to correct them… and how to avoid repeating them in the future. The sons respected their fathers. Oh, sure, Beaver acted like he was afraid of his dad at times, but he wasn’t really… and he never felt like his slave.
In my mind, God is the same kind of Father as Andy Griffith – only super-sized and far more powerful. God takes things in stride… enjoys my successes, cries when I’m sad, and is disappointed and upset with me when I disobey Him or make wrong choices. But He is not a “slave-owner,” and He is not waiting to beat me into submission… or keep score of every time I’ve failed Him. At the day’s end, I am still His child, and He loves me. He wants me to have the very best He can provide – and to be all that I can be. Like most fathers, He wants me to live up to my full potential as His child – and to get all I can out of life on this earth… and my life in Him. If we are honest, we all want to please our parents. We want to feel that they are proud of us, and that we lived up to their expectations. And God is no exception to this.
If you view God as anything besides loving, just, fair, and taking your best interests to heart, you’ve misunderstood Him. If you think of God as a fierce judge who is waiting with a list of your infractions and a whip and chain to beat you into submission and correction, you are dead wrong. God loves us. He may correct us from time to time or allow us to suffer consequences of our actions, but He does not want us to serve Him out of fear. If you have any feelings toward God other than love and a healthy respect and reverence, I encourage you to spend some time reading His word and getting to really know him. Go to www.biblegateway.com and do a keyword search for “God’s love,” or “love of God” or other phrases about our Father and His love. See for yourself how deeply He cares. Discover Him in a new way, and serve Him joyfully as His child… and not a slave. God wants us to serve Him willingly and out of a deep joy and love. He’s worthy of that, and more. Find out why… and get busy being His child.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 23, 2010
June 23 ~ Luke 12:4
Whatever you say in the dark will be heard when it is day. Whatever you whisper in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops. My friends, don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have a dear friend who was my childhood neighbor. She lives in another community, and often when she e-mails me, she says, “Tell all.” When it comes to sharing our faith, Jesus has told us that we must “tell all.” We want to be sure that we share His message in a loving, inclusive, non-judgmental way. But we also don’t want to sugarcoat the truth - or water down the message out of fear of retribution or rejection.
When you hear someone speaking unkindly about a particular person or group of people, you must find a way to let this person know this is not the way a Christian would behave. Does this mean you embarrass this person and “call them” in front of others? No. But it may mean you walk away from the conversation and speak to that person privately at a later time. Suppose someone you know is in a lot of trouble and turmoil – anything and everything from failed relationships to problems in the workplace or loss of employment, financial woes, health issues, and more. You see the way they react – you hear their frustration and lack of faith that things can improve. They don’t seem to see a way out of their current troubles – but you know Someone who can help.
Do you cram the love of Jesus down this person’s throat? Do you act all high and mighty and say, “I know what you need!” or “If you would just go to church, things would be better!” No! First of all, these are not true statements. We don’t truly know another person’s needs - and going to church in and by itself doesn’t fix anything. But we do know Someone who can help. We do know that surrounding yourself with loving, caring, faith-filled Christians who can love you, pray for you, and support you in dozens of ways can ease burdens and lead to solutions.
What we need to be doing is praying for others, and boldly sharing our love. We need to be willing to step up and say, “I’m praying for you,” or “I’m here to help.” We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus instead of sitting on our own and cowering in the corner. The worst that can happen to us is death… physically, emotionally, socially. But remember - to die to the world is to live in Christ! What are we afraid will happen if we are bold in our faith? Do we fear death of an earthly nature more than the rewards of a heavenly eternity? Whatever God speaks into your heart… whatever message He brings to you in scripture… don’t waste it. Share it with others. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and exhibit His love to others each day. Dare to live in Christ without regard to how it might affect you personally. Don’t be afraid of people… trust God to shield you and guide your steps as you share His message and minister in His name. When it comes to Jesus, be sure you “tell all.”
©2010 Debbie Robus
Whatever you say in the dark will be heard when it is day. Whatever you whisper in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops. My friends, don't be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have a dear friend who was my childhood neighbor. She lives in another community, and often when she e-mails me, she says, “Tell all.” When it comes to sharing our faith, Jesus has told us that we must “tell all.” We want to be sure that we share His message in a loving, inclusive, non-judgmental way. But we also don’t want to sugarcoat the truth - or water down the message out of fear of retribution or rejection.
When you hear someone speaking unkindly about a particular person or group of people, you must find a way to let this person know this is not the way a Christian would behave. Does this mean you embarrass this person and “call them” in front of others? No. But it may mean you walk away from the conversation and speak to that person privately at a later time. Suppose someone you know is in a lot of trouble and turmoil – anything and everything from failed relationships to problems in the workplace or loss of employment, financial woes, health issues, and more. You see the way they react – you hear their frustration and lack of faith that things can improve. They don’t seem to see a way out of their current troubles – but you know Someone who can help.
Do you cram the love of Jesus down this person’s throat? Do you act all high and mighty and say, “I know what you need!” or “If you would just go to church, things would be better!” No! First of all, these are not true statements. We don’t truly know another person’s needs - and going to church in and by itself doesn’t fix anything. But we do know Someone who can help. We do know that surrounding yourself with loving, caring, faith-filled Christians who can love you, pray for you, and support you in dozens of ways can ease burdens and lead to solutions.
What we need to be doing is praying for others, and boldly sharing our love. We need to be willing to step up and say, “I’m praying for you,” or “I’m here to help.” We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus instead of sitting on our own and cowering in the corner. The worst that can happen to us is death… physically, emotionally, socially. But remember - to die to the world is to live in Christ! What are we afraid will happen if we are bold in our faith? Do we fear death of an earthly nature more than the rewards of a heavenly eternity? Whatever God speaks into your heart… whatever message He brings to you in scripture… don’t waste it. Share it with others. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and exhibit His love to others each day. Dare to live in Christ without regard to how it might affect you personally. Don’t be afraid of people… trust God to shield you and guide your steps as you share His message and minister in His name. When it comes to Jesus, be sure you “tell all.”
©2010 Debbie Robus
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