Jeremiah 32:40
And I will make an everlasting
covenant with them, promising never again to desert them but only to do
them good. I will put a desire into their hearts to worship me, and they
shall never leave me.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
When I was seven, my dad
worked on a construction crew in southeast Arkansas. He would get up
before daylight on Monday mornings and drive several hours to be at work
on time…then on Friday evenings, he would drive home for the weekend.
Sometimes we visited him on the weekends at the little house he rented
through the week. I absolutely HATED this. I know that this a strong
word to use, but it’s the truth! I cried every Sunday night when he
tucked me into bed, knowing that he would be gone when I woke up the
next morning. I begged him to stay home with us…and after several
months, Daddy did come home.
My dad tried to explain to me that
he needed this job…that he did this so that our family could have the
things we needed…and extras like the horse that I loved so much at my
grandparent’s farm. But when you are seven, the world does not seem
logical in the least…and this did not make a lick of sense to me. All I
knew was that my daddy was not there most of the time.
When I
was ten, my dad moved our family to Oklahoma for six months for another
construction job. The pay was good – and for the first time ever, my
mother didn’t have to work. But my sister, brother and I were
miserable. We missed our home in Arkansas – and our family (even though
family members or friends visited us all but maybe one or two of the
weekends of that six months). My then six-year-old brother was so
homesick that he was physically ill much of that time…and many nights,
he cried to go home. I know the struggle between staying “on
the road,” where my dad made a great wage, and going home to
lower-paying jobs must have been very hard for my parents. But in the
end, we did return home.
I tell you all of this to explain that the
sense of “abandonment” is powerful…whether it is a child who longs for
the comforts and security of the home he/she has known since birth...to
the boy whose parents are carted off to jail while DHS finds a suitable
“substitute family” until things can be ironed out…to a little girl
whose dad packs his things and leaves his family to start a new life
with another family – without so much as a backward glance…or the kid who
waits after school for a parent to pick him/her up – and nobody shows.
So
it is easy for me to understand the potential “fear” that God might
turn His back on us. You may not have ever been “abandoned” or
“deserted” per se, but if you have ever experienced any situation that
involved a profound loss (and now, I’ve probably covered everyone!), you
can better understand the deep-seated emptiness and pain that comes
from feeling like someone has left you.
HEAR THE GOOD NEWS…GOD
NEVER LEAVES US! He never goes off to work in another town or sends us
packing to a strange place away from our “family.” He never chooses
someone else over us or does anything to cause a family breakup. If you
are a child of God, you will NEVER be an orphan! You are never out of His sight! Given this knowledge,
why would you ever want to walk away from God – for even a minute?
The
God who would never abandon you wants to know that YOU would never do
the same to Him. Are you ready to make this commitment, once and for
all? Will this be the day that you do?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label fully operating in Christian faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fully operating in Christian faith. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for December 13, 2015
Genesis 22:12
“Don’t hurt the boy or harm him in any way!” the angel said. “Now I know that you truly obey God, because you were willing to offer him your only son.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Friends of mine are sitting with their 31-year-old daughter as she nears the end of her battle with breast cancer. The mother wrote a heart-wrenching note on Facebook today, describing the time she is sharing with her child before she enters the gates of Heaven…the conversations they are having…and how grateful this mother is for the years she was given with her daughter and the medical staff who extended her earthly stay. She closed by saying, “From our family to you and yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS and A BLESSED and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.” Because I know this family and their level of faith, I know that this mother means every word of her last sentence.
I have sat with more than one person who was nearing the end of their life and the beginning of an eternity in the presence of Jesus. I have shared conversations and “prayed them on” in their journey…I have “let go.” But thankfully, I have never done this as a parent. I am told it is the deepest heartbreak imaginable. And yet, countless mothers and fathers have had to let go of their children and say, “They belong to You now, LORD”…and find a way to move on with their lives. In a way, these people are modern-day Abrahams.
Okay, so they didn’t physically sacrifice their own children…or make preparations to take their lives as a demonstration of faith in God. And no, they really had no “say” about whether their children lived or died. But still, they had to make the mental choice to offer their sons and daughters to God and say, “Go ahead and take them…I will trust You to take care of me without them.” And that is a huge leap of faith for anyone.
This is the kind of faith that I am cultivating. I want to be so confident in God’s love and care that I can boldly say, “Take everything and everyone, if You must…and I will still honor You and glorify Your name. I will still serve You with every fiber of my being and do my best to serve you with obedience and grace.” This is fearless living…and I want to embrace it!
Will it be easy? Not at all…but then, being a faith-filled Christian often is anything but comfortable and trouble-free. That’s why they call it “faith!” I know that the rewards are so worth it…of this I am very sure. So I am going all in and asking God to equip me to live this life to which He has called me. What about you? Are you ready to live fearlessly, too?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“Don’t hurt the boy or harm him in any way!” the angel said. “Now I know that you truly obey God, because you were willing to offer him your only son.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Friends of mine are sitting with their 31-year-old daughter as she nears the end of her battle with breast cancer. The mother wrote a heart-wrenching note on Facebook today, describing the time she is sharing with her child before she enters the gates of Heaven…the conversations they are having…and how grateful this mother is for the years she was given with her daughter and the medical staff who extended her earthly stay. She closed by saying, “From our family to you and yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS and A BLESSED and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.” Because I know this family and their level of faith, I know that this mother means every word of her last sentence.
I have sat with more than one person who was nearing the end of their life and the beginning of an eternity in the presence of Jesus. I have shared conversations and “prayed them on” in their journey…I have “let go.” But thankfully, I have never done this as a parent. I am told it is the deepest heartbreak imaginable. And yet, countless mothers and fathers have had to let go of their children and say, “They belong to You now, LORD”…and find a way to move on with their lives. In a way, these people are modern-day Abrahams.
Okay, so they didn’t physically sacrifice their own children…or make preparations to take their lives as a demonstration of faith in God. And no, they really had no “say” about whether their children lived or died. But still, they had to make the mental choice to offer their sons and daughters to God and say, “Go ahead and take them…I will trust You to take care of me without them.” And that is a huge leap of faith for anyone.
This is the kind of faith that I am cultivating. I want to be so confident in God’s love and care that I can boldly say, “Take everything and everyone, if You must…and I will still honor You and glorify Your name. I will still serve You with every fiber of my being and do my best to serve you with obedience and grace.” This is fearless living…and I want to embrace it!
Will it be easy? Not at all…but then, being a faith-filled Christian often is anything but comfortable and trouble-free. That’s why they call it “faith!” I know that the rewards are so worth it…of this I am very sure. So I am going all in and asking God to equip me to live this life to which He has called me. What about you? Are you ready to live fearlessly, too?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 6, 2015
Romans 6:22-23
But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
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.
There has been a lot of talk in our country lately about wages. Presently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. In my home state (Arkansas), the minimum wage is $7.50 per hour. A bill in Congress to increase federal minimum wage to $10 per hour over a three-year period has been stymied, while some companies – like Walmart, Starbucks, T.J. Maxx, Whole Foods, and Costco – have gone ahead and raised their company’s minimum wage (though not all to $10…Walmart went up to $9/hour).
Lest anyone think this is “good return” for the work, consider that “minimum wage” and a “living wage” are not at all the same thing. According to information found at http://livingwage.mit.edu/, a living wage reflects the amount required for persons to meet a minimum standard of living…buy food, clothing, shelter, medical care, child care, transportation, and other basic necessities…and this amount varies across the country, depending on location and the “cost of living” there.
Far too often, the “prevailing wage” is nowhere near what can be considered a “living wage”. So not only does quality of life suffer on a daily basis…but there is no hope of any light at the end of the tunnel. Certainly these hardworking folks do not have any grandiose notions of a cushy retirement someday – or visions of “retirement” at all You hear a lot of people say, “I’ll work until the day I die.” And for many, this is their reality!
This is a serious problem in our country that needs to be addressed. But even more importantly, we need to consider the “wages” for our spiritual life. I’ve heard this passage, “The wages of sin is death” all of my life…but I never considered them literally before today. It never really occurred to me that we are “working” for “wages”…that we are either “employed” in the business of sin – or that of serving the LORD. And there is a rate of “pay” for both.
For sinful living, the wages might seem quite fair - or even generous, at times…while those who are living Godly, faith-filled lives of service to Jesus might seem to be struggling to make ends meet. Think “Why do bad things happen to good people?” and you will see what I mean. A lot of rotten sinners seem to skate by on “Easy Street!” Or do they?
Unlike the disparity that exists in our natural lives between “minimum wage” and “living wage”…the tables are often turned in the Spiritual sense. Those who give their hearts to Jesus and diligently work to listen to God and live according to His will can claim a “living wage” with a generous “retirement plan.” Those who operate in sin may seem to have it all…but honestly, they are scraping by at best - and they will have nothing to show for their lives in the end except misery and heartache.
I have known some pretty “poor” people who were far richer than the wealthiest mega-millionaires of this world, because their “living wage” came from Jesus Christ. In this regard, I want to be “rich,” too…don’t you? I believe we must continue to argue for decent “living wages” for families and individuals across this great nation…but we must be even more aggressive in our attempts to grow in “wealth” that matters for all Eternity.
You may be “workin’ hard for a livin’” on this earth…but are you working harder for a life in Christ? What sort of “retirement plan” do you have in place? Are you ready to make a “living wage” with benefits and bonuses? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way! Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.
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.
There has been a lot of talk in our country lately about wages. Presently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. In my home state (Arkansas), the minimum wage is $7.50 per hour. A bill in Congress to increase federal minimum wage to $10 per hour over a three-year period has been stymied, while some companies – like Walmart, Starbucks, T.J. Maxx, Whole Foods, and Costco – have gone ahead and raised their company’s minimum wage (though not all to $10…Walmart went up to $9/hour).
Lest anyone think this is “good return” for the work, consider that “minimum wage” and a “living wage” are not at all the same thing. According to information found at http://livingwage.mit.edu/, a living wage reflects the amount required for persons to meet a minimum standard of living…buy food, clothing, shelter, medical care, child care, transportation, and other basic necessities…and this amount varies across the country, depending on location and the “cost of living” there.
Far too often, the “prevailing wage” is nowhere near what can be considered a “living wage”. So not only does quality of life suffer on a daily basis…but there is no hope of any light at the end of the tunnel. Certainly these hardworking folks do not have any grandiose notions of a cushy retirement someday – or visions of “retirement” at all You hear a lot of people say, “I’ll work until the day I die.” And for many, this is their reality!
This is a serious problem in our country that needs to be addressed. But even more importantly, we need to consider the “wages” for our spiritual life. I’ve heard this passage, “The wages of sin is death” all of my life…but I never considered them literally before today. It never really occurred to me that we are “working” for “wages”…that we are either “employed” in the business of sin – or that of serving the LORD. And there is a rate of “pay” for both.
For sinful living, the wages might seem quite fair - or even generous, at times…while those who are living Godly, faith-filled lives of service to Jesus might seem to be struggling to make ends meet. Think “Why do bad things happen to good people?” and you will see what I mean. A lot of rotten sinners seem to skate by on “Easy Street!” Or do they?
Unlike the disparity that exists in our natural lives between “minimum wage” and “living wage”…the tables are often turned in the Spiritual sense. Those who give their hearts to Jesus and diligently work to listen to God and live according to His will can claim a “living wage” with a generous “retirement plan.” Those who operate in sin may seem to have it all…but honestly, they are scraping by at best - and they will have nothing to show for their lives in the end except misery and heartache.
I have known some pretty “poor” people who were far richer than the wealthiest mega-millionaires of this world, because their “living wage” came from Jesus Christ. In this regard, I want to be “rich,” too…don’t you? I believe we must continue to argue for decent “living wages” for families and individuals across this great nation…but we must be even more aggressive in our attempts to grow in “wealth” that matters for all Eternity.
You may be “workin’ hard for a livin’” on this earth…but are you working harder for a life in Christ? What sort of “retirement plan” do you have in place? Are you ready to make a “living wage” with benefits and bonuses? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 21, 2014
Matthew 8:5-13
When Jesus was going into the town of Capernaum, an army officer came up to him and said, “Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can’t even move.” “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied.
But the officer said, “Lord, I’m not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, ‘Go!’ and he goes. I can say to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes. I can say to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he will do it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you that in all of Israel I’ve never found anyone with this much faith! Many people will come from everywhere to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But the ones who should have been in the kingdom will be thrown out into the dark. They will cry and grit their teeth in pain.”
Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.” Right then his servant was healed.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
According to information found at http://usps.com - the website of the U.S. Postal Service - the "motto" we all can quote in some form is not actually the Postal Service's official slogan.
The postal system is not infallible. When we mail a letter or a package, we must accept that it may not be delivered as expected. This doesn't happen often...but it only takes one undelivered parcel - or a piece of mail that arrives so mangled you can't possibly restore it - to disappoint us and cause us to doubt the "system". When the Postal Service operations work as designed, they are wonderful. But like most "systems" in life, this one isn't perfect.
Here's the thing...Jesus IS perfect! He will never fail to deliver. We can depend on Him to do what He has promised - every single time. When Jesus tells us in Scripture that He will heal us, we can believe it. This may not happen in exactly the manner we desire or expect...or on our timetable...but it will happen! When Jesus tells us that all who call on His name and make Him the LORD of their lives will be with Him in Paradise for all of Eternity, we can rest assured that this will be the case. When Jesus tells us that He is always with us, we can believe Him - and call on Him 24/7 for anything and everything.
My question for today is this...How can we put so much faith and trust in a system like the US Postal Service - and not trust in the words and promises of Jesus Christ? How can we so readily believe that an envelope or package placed in a metal box at the end of our driveway will be sent to someone halfway around the world, yet doubt the power of Jesus Christ to heal us and meet our every need? How can we so blindly accept the assurances of mere mortals that "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"...yet question whether Jesus will truly love us unconditionally, forgive our sins, and offer us unending grace, mercy, restoration - and Eternity in His presence?
The time has come for us to assess our faith...to get into such a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ that He is at the top of the list when it comes to trust issues. We may not have confidence in much - especially the "human" things of this world - but we must know who Jesus truly is and what He is capable of doing in our lives. Do you know this today? Are you like the soldier who believed that just asking Jesus to heal His child could make it so? Do you know Who REALLY delivers in your life? Isn't it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
When Jesus was going into the town of Capernaum, an army officer came up to him and said, “Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can’t even move.” “I will go and heal him,” Jesus replied.
But the officer said, “Lord, I’m not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, ‘Go!’ and he goes. I can say to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes. I can say to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he will do it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you that in all of Israel I’ve never found anyone with this much faith! Many people will come from everywhere to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But the ones who should have been in the kingdom will be thrown out into the dark. They will cry and grit their teeth in pain.”
Then Jesus said to the officer, “You may go home now. Your faith has made it happen.” Right then his servant was healed.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
According to information found at http://usps.com - the website of the U.S. Postal Service - the "motto" we all can quote in some form is not actually the Postal Service's official slogan.
"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.""Official" or not, many of us depend on this sentiment - and the regularity of our mail delivery. We count on bills and payments being delivered promptly. We expect many of the products we order or send to be shipped expeditiously and with some semblance of care. For some of us, accurate and efficient postal delivery is the heart of our business and livelihood! And we have confidence that we can stick a letter or parcel in a mailbox and trust that it will arrive at the appointed destination within a predetermined amount of time.
While the Postal Service has no official motto, the popular belief that it does is a tribute to America's postal workers. The words above, thought to be the motto, are chiseled in gray granite over the entrance to the New York City Post Office on 8th Avenue and come from Book 8, Paragraph 98, of The Persian Wars by Herodotus. During the wars between the Greeks and Persians (500-449 B.C.), the Persians operated a system of mounted postal couriers who served with great fidelity.
The postal system is not infallible. When we mail a letter or a package, we must accept that it may not be delivered as expected. This doesn't happen often...but it only takes one undelivered parcel - or a piece of mail that arrives so mangled you can't possibly restore it - to disappoint us and cause us to doubt the "system". When the Postal Service operations work as designed, they are wonderful. But like most "systems" in life, this one isn't perfect.
Here's the thing...Jesus IS perfect! He will never fail to deliver. We can depend on Him to do what He has promised - every single time. When Jesus tells us in Scripture that He will heal us, we can believe it. This may not happen in exactly the manner we desire or expect...or on our timetable...but it will happen! When Jesus tells us that all who call on His name and make Him the LORD of their lives will be with Him in Paradise for all of Eternity, we can rest assured that this will be the case. When Jesus tells us that He is always with us, we can believe Him - and call on Him 24/7 for anything and everything.
My question for today is this...How can we put so much faith and trust in a system like the US Postal Service - and not trust in the words and promises of Jesus Christ? How can we so readily believe that an envelope or package placed in a metal box at the end of our driveway will be sent to someone halfway around the world, yet doubt the power of Jesus Christ to heal us and meet our every need? How can we so blindly accept the assurances of mere mortals that "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds"...yet question whether Jesus will truly love us unconditionally, forgive our sins, and offer us unending grace, mercy, restoration - and Eternity in His presence?
The time has come for us to assess our faith...to get into such a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ that He is at the top of the list when it comes to trust issues. We may not have confidence in much - especially the "human" things of this world - but we must know who Jesus truly is and what He is capable of doing in our lives. Do you know this today? Are you like the soldier who believed that just asking Jesus to heal His child could make it so? Do you know Who REALLY delivers in your life? Isn't it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 11, 2014
John 14:1
“Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in me."
Romans 15:13
So I pray for you Gentiles that God who gives you hope will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. I pray that God will help you overflow with hope in him through the Holy Spirit’s power within you.
Psalm 40:4
Many blessings are given to those who trust the Lord and have no confidence in those who are proud or who trust in idols.
John 6:29
Jesus told them, “This is the will of God, that you believe in the one he has sent.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the book One Thousand Gifts*, author Ann Voskamp talks about standing in her laundry room one day and staring out at the barn that housed their livelihood - pigs. The market for the sale of swine had plummeted in Canada, and Voskamp worried about how they would pay bills, feed their family...in short, how they would survive. She relates how stressed she felt...and how sad. Her husband tried to reassure her that all would be well, and she desperately wanted to believe him. So she sought answers – and comfort - in these scripture passages.
Voskamp realized that stress was stealing her joy...and that when you drill it down, operating in stress is really a sin. How so? When we allow stress, worry and fear to overtake our thoughts, we fail to trust completely in God and His power to “work things together for good”. We cannot be stressed and claim to fully believe that God will heal us...that He can – and will – fix things. As Voskamp puts it...”stress brings no joy.”
I read this part of Voskamp’s book several times and let her thoughts and the scriptures soak into my heart. I thought about “stressful” situations in my life – and in the lives of others that I know and love. I looked at the ways that God has seen many of us through seemingly impossible or unbearable situations...different for each person, but alike in many ways. I thought of the griefs, sadnesses, heartaches, illnesses, injuries, disappointments, tests and trials that have come into all of our lives. I considered the times when many of us were scared half to death and couldn’t believe that things would ever be “right” again...how a lot of us have wondered if we would ever know joy and peace again. And to a person, I could not think of a single fellow believer that God did not rescue and restore from these things.
Here’s the deal...whatever you are “stressed” over today...wherever you are worried, fearful, and uncertain...it’s time for you to move in a different direction. Voskamp admits that operating in complete trust involves work...that we have to work at remaining intentional and focused on God and His power and ability to handle every aspect of our lives. Trusting God to rescue, heal and restore us is our primary job...our main purpose...our true “life’s work”.
It’s time to shift gears...to examine where we are focused – what drives us. If we find that we are in any way operating in stress, worry or fear, we need a “makeover”. We may not be able to accomplish complete success in a single day...but we have to start somewhere. So let’s begin by studying these scripture verses and thanking God for His gifts...Jesus Christ, unconditional love and care, healing, forgiveness, joy and blessings.
Make a list of the ways that God has blessed your life...the times that He has rescued or healed you...the ways that He has brought about a positive outcome where all you saw was a rotten mess! Thank Him...over and over...for His generosity, grace and mercy. Then pledge to honor His commitment to you by giving Him your full trust over a specific situation that is stressing you presently. Each day, add another “stressor”...and continue giving God your worries and burdens until you find yourself operating more and more in trust – and joy – and less in the pointless, dead-end futility of stress.
God has you in the palm of His hand...don’t you know that? When you gave your heart to Jesus, you promised to honor His promises by giving Him your full trust. God has held up His end of the bargain...isn’t it time you did the same?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
“Let not your heart be troubled. You are trusting God, now trust in me."
Romans 15:13
So I pray for you Gentiles that God who gives you hope will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. I pray that God will help you overflow with hope in him through the Holy Spirit’s power within you.
Psalm 40:4
Many blessings are given to those who trust the Lord and have no confidence in those who are proud or who trust in idols.
John 6:29
Jesus told them, “This is the will of God, that you believe in the one he has sent.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the book One Thousand Gifts*, author Ann Voskamp talks about standing in her laundry room one day and staring out at the barn that housed their livelihood - pigs. The market for the sale of swine had plummeted in Canada, and Voskamp worried about how they would pay bills, feed their family...in short, how they would survive. She relates how stressed she felt...and how sad. Her husband tried to reassure her that all would be well, and she desperately wanted to believe him. So she sought answers – and comfort - in these scripture passages.
Voskamp realized that stress was stealing her joy...and that when you drill it down, operating in stress is really a sin. How so? When we allow stress, worry and fear to overtake our thoughts, we fail to trust completely in God and His power to “work things together for good”. We cannot be stressed and claim to fully believe that God will heal us...that He can – and will – fix things. As Voskamp puts it...”stress brings no joy.”
I read this part of Voskamp’s book several times and let her thoughts and the scriptures soak into my heart. I thought about “stressful” situations in my life – and in the lives of others that I know and love. I looked at the ways that God has seen many of us through seemingly impossible or unbearable situations...different for each person, but alike in many ways. I thought of the griefs, sadnesses, heartaches, illnesses, injuries, disappointments, tests and trials that have come into all of our lives. I considered the times when many of us were scared half to death and couldn’t believe that things would ever be “right” again...how a lot of us have wondered if we would ever know joy and peace again. And to a person, I could not think of a single fellow believer that God did not rescue and restore from these things.
Here’s the deal...whatever you are “stressed” over today...wherever you are worried, fearful, and uncertain...it’s time for you to move in a different direction. Voskamp admits that operating in complete trust involves work...that we have to work at remaining intentional and focused on God and His power and ability to handle every aspect of our lives. Trusting God to rescue, heal and restore us is our primary job...our main purpose...our true “life’s work”.
It’s time to shift gears...to examine where we are focused – what drives us. If we find that we are in any way operating in stress, worry or fear, we need a “makeover”. We may not be able to accomplish complete success in a single day...but we have to start somewhere. So let’s begin by studying these scripture verses and thanking God for His gifts...Jesus Christ, unconditional love and care, healing, forgiveness, joy and blessings.
Make a list of the ways that God has blessed your life...the times that He has rescued or healed you...the ways that He has brought about a positive outcome where all you saw was a rotten mess! Thank Him...over and over...for His generosity, grace and mercy. Then pledge to honor His commitment to you by giving Him your full trust over a specific situation that is stressing you presently. Each day, add another “stressor”...and continue giving God your worries and burdens until you find yourself operating more and more in trust – and joy – and less in the pointless, dead-end futility of stress.
God has you in the palm of His hand...don’t you know that? When you gave your heart to Jesus, you promised to honor His promises by giving Him your full trust. God has held up His end of the bargain...isn’t it time you did the same?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* One Thousand Gifts ~ ©2010 Ann Morton Voskamp ~ One Zondervan Press ~ www.zondervan.com
Daily Devotional for October 8, 2014
Luke 4:17-19
When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on Saturday, and stood up to read the Scriptures. The book of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him, and he opened it to the place where it says:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted and to announce that captives shall be released and the blind shall see, that the downtrodden shall be freed from their oppressors, and that God is ready to give blessings to all who come to him.”
He closed the book and handed it back to the attendant and sat down, while everyone in the synagogue gazed at him intently. Then he added, “These Scriptures came true today!”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Our community has an annual dinner for alumni of the local high school who graduated at least 30 years ago or more. The “50-year” class is in charge of the dinner and program each year. So this year’s program was presented by the graduating class of 1964. One of the things the speaker related was that years ago, she saw an image of a young girl looking at a device that appeared to be a telephone with a video screen. The caption said something like, “By the time her daughter is this age, everyone will use these.” The speaker added...”and here we are!”
Indeed, as a child, I watched the cartoon, “The Jetsons” and marveled as they “phoned” each other on what looked like a television and talked to each other. I wondered, “Could this ever really happen?” I will admit that I have shaken my head more than once as I heard predictions for “the next big thing” on the horizon – and then saw them happen. When people my age were kids, we watched “Dick Tracy” talk into his wristwatch...but many of us never believed that it could become a reality someday...”and here we are.” My grandmother used to talk about how many “advents of change” she witnessed in more than 100 years of life – many that I’m sure she and her contemporaries never dreamed would truly happen. From rocket ships to television, computers and smart phones - and countless “newfangled gadgets” in between - she saw a lot of things come to fruition that many probably deemed pipe dreams.
So it’s not a stretch to see that people might have been shocked when a young Jesus read the words of Isaiah and then said, “Today these words have come true.” In other words...”I’m here...in the flesh...just as prophesied!” There were surely skeptics in the group! But quite often, “seeing really is believing”. And for many, the subsequent demonstrations of Jesus truly did convince them that He was the real Messiah...that He actually could heal the brokenhearted, cast out demons, make the blind see and the lame walk.
Where this gets a little “muddy” is that things have actually reversed just a bit for us. We cannot physically see Jesus do these things. We are promised that He will return again for us someday...but all we have is His pledge in God’s word. We are once again left to wonder...”Could this really happen?” We are required to operate each and every day in blind faith that Jesus is with us...that He is still in the business of healing, salvation, and restoration.
Several years ago, my spiritual journey took a huge turn when I heard someone speak on the verse from John 20:29, where Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. But blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway.” In this verse, we received another promise from Jesus...that our “blind faith” would be rewarded. As I began to embrace these words and truly trust them, I began to “see” evidence in my own life of Jesus’ touch...to experience His healing and restoration in numerous areas of my life...and to rest in His abundant care and protection. For me, that day of revelation was essentially the day that “Scriptures came true”.
What about you? Do you have confidence that the promises Jesus gave us truly will happen? Do you believe in the hope that we are given in God’s word? Are you aware of Jesus’ presence in your own life...do you trust Him to heal you, protect you, and care for your every need – even though you cannot physically see Him? What is your “talking phone or wristwatch moment”? Where are you wondering if this could all be “wishful thinking”? Isn’t it time to recognize that all things are possible with God? Will this be the day that “Scriptures come true” for you? Are you ready to say...”and here we are” to Jesus?
©2014 Debbie Robus
When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on Saturday, and stood up to read the Scriptures. The book of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him, and he opened it to the place where it says:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted and to announce that captives shall be released and the blind shall see, that the downtrodden shall be freed from their oppressors, and that God is ready to give blessings to all who come to him.”
He closed the book and handed it back to the attendant and sat down, while everyone in the synagogue gazed at him intently. Then he added, “These Scriptures came true today!”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Our community has an annual dinner for alumni of the local high school who graduated at least 30 years ago or more. The “50-year” class is in charge of the dinner and program each year. So this year’s program was presented by the graduating class of 1964. One of the things the speaker related was that years ago, she saw an image of a young girl looking at a device that appeared to be a telephone with a video screen. The caption said something like, “By the time her daughter is this age, everyone will use these.” The speaker added...”and here we are!”
Indeed, as a child, I watched the cartoon, “The Jetsons” and marveled as they “phoned” each other on what looked like a television and talked to each other. I wondered, “Could this ever really happen?” I will admit that I have shaken my head more than once as I heard predictions for “the next big thing” on the horizon – and then saw them happen. When people my age were kids, we watched “Dick Tracy” talk into his wristwatch...but many of us never believed that it could become a reality someday...”and here we are.” My grandmother used to talk about how many “advents of change” she witnessed in more than 100 years of life – many that I’m sure she and her contemporaries never dreamed would truly happen. From rocket ships to television, computers and smart phones - and countless “newfangled gadgets” in between - she saw a lot of things come to fruition that many probably deemed pipe dreams.
So it’s not a stretch to see that people might have been shocked when a young Jesus read the words of Isaiah and then said, “Today these words have come true.” In other words...”I’m here...in the flesh...just as prophesied!” There were surely skeptics in the group! But quite often, “seeing really is believing”. And for many, the subsequent demonstrations of Jesus truly did convince them that He was the real Messiah...that He actually could heal the brokenhearted, cast out demons, make the blind see and the lame walk.
Where this gets a little “muddy” is that things have actually reversed just a bit for us. We cannot physically see Jesus do these things. We are promised that He will return again for us someday...but all we have is His pledge in God’s word. We are once again left to wonder...”Could this really happen?” We are required to operate each and every day in blind faith that Jesus is with us...that He is still in the business of healing, salvation, and restoration.
Several years ago, my spiritual journey took a huge turn when I heard someone speak on the verse from John 20:29, where Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen me. But blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway.” In this verse, we received another promise from Jesus...that our “blind faith” would be rewarded. As I began to embrace these words and truly trust them, I began to “see” evidence in my own life of Jesus’ touch...to experience His healing and restoration in numerous areas of my life...and to rest in His abundant care and protection. For me, that day of revelation was essentially the day that “Scriptures came true”.
What about you? Do you have confidence that the promises Jesus gave us truly will happen? Do you believe in the hope that we are given in God’s word? Are you aware of Jesus’ presence in your own life...do you trust Him to heal you, protect you, and care for your every need – even though you cannot physically see Him? What is your “talking phone or wristwatch moment”? Where are you wondering if this could all be “wishful thinking”? Isn’t it time to recognize that all things are possible with God? Will this be the day that “Scriptures come true” for you? Are you ready to say...”and here we are” to Jesus?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 19, 2014
Mark 11:22-25
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
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 watch so many cooking shows and competitions on cable television that I should be a Le Cordon Bleu chef by now! Often, in the “heat” of the competition, a contestant will forget something really important...like turning the water on to boil soon enough or getting the oven hot enough – or adding salt and seasoning. As a result, the dish is just not what it should be. Oh, “it’ll eat,” as we like to say in the South...but cakes and breads are a little mushy in the center sometimes...and savory dishes (do you like my “foodie” term there?!) are simply bland. A single step could have made such a huge difference in the end result.
In our spiritual lives, we often operate like the cooks in these competitions. We get so caught up in ourselves and what God will do for us and through us that we miss a step here and there...and this can make all the difference. When we leave out forgiveness and mercy for others, Jesus still forgives our sins. His Holy Spirit still guides our steps – and yes, He can still move mountains for us. But He expects us to “get all of our ducks in a row” first. It’s something akin to telling a child, “You can have ice cream...but you have to finish your dinner first.” We can have God’s “good stuff”...but we have to do what He asks and operate as He would beforehand.
We would never dream of God not forgiving us when we ask Him. We cannot imagine a God who doesn’t love us wholeheartedly. We SAY that we believe in a God who moves mountains...with whom all things are possible. And then we tie His hands by acting in a “do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do” manner. How can we expect God to forgive – and work on our behalf – when we are unwilling to do the same toward others? Where is your “bump in the road” today? Who needs the “salt and seasoning” of your mercy and forgiveness?
When you think of your life as your “best dish” served up for God...what is missing? Are you giving – and getting – the best results in your daily living, as a result of total obedience in your faith? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus was matter-of-fact: “Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”
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 watch so many cooking shows and competitions on cable television that I should be a Le Cordon Bleu chef by now! Often, in the “heat” of the competition, a contestant will forget something really important...like turning the water on to boil soon enough or getting the oven hot enough – or adding salt and seasoning. As a result, the dish is just not what it should be. Oh, “it’ll eat,” as we like to say in the South...but cakes and breads are a little mushy in the center sometimes...and savory dishes (do you like my “foodie” term there?!) are simply bland. A single step could have made such a huge difference in the end result.
In our spiritual lives, we often operate like the cooks in these competitions. We get so caught up in ourselves and what God will do for us and through us that we miss a step here and there...and this can make all the difference. When we leave out forgiveness and mercy for others, Jesus still forgives our sins. His Holy Spirit still guides our steps – and yes, He can still move mountains for us. But He expects us to “get all of our ducks in a row” first. It’s something akin to telling a child, “You can have ice cream...but you have to finish your dinner first.” We can have God’s “good stuff”...but we have to do what He asks and operate as He would beforehand.
We would never dream of God not forgiving us when we ask Him. We cannot imagine a God who doesn’t love us wholeheartedly. We SAY that we believe in a God who moves mountains...with whom all things are possible. And then we tie His hands by acting in a “do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do” manner. How can we expect God to forgive – and work on our behalf – when we are unwilling to do the same toward others? Where is your “bump in the road” today? Who needs the “salt and seasoning” of your mercy and forgiveness?
When you think of your life as your “best dish” served up for God...what is missing? Are you giving – and getting – the best results in your daily living, as a result of total obedience in your faith? Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 2, 2014
Galatians 5:4-6
I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.
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.
In December 17, 2013, 61-year-old Cecil Williams fainted and fell onto the rail bed of an oncoming subway train in Harlem. In a harrowing-yet-miraculous tale, onlookers screamed for Williams to duck down into the trough between the rails as the train barreled down upon him. William’s service dog Orlando – an 11-year-old black lab – tried to keep Williams backed away from the edge of the subway platform. But when Williams passed out and fell into the train bed, Orlando jumped down beside his owner and hunkered with him. At the last minute, both ducked their heads - and were spared as the train literally passed over them.
What makes this story more compelling is that Cecil Williams’ insurance was not going to continue to pay for Orlando’s services, so the dog was scheduled to be placed up for adoption. The news of this story spread quickly, and offers poured in to fund not only Orlando’s stay with his master… but the gift of a new service dog, Godiva - a yellow lab who has just “graduated” from a training program run by “Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Williams suffered only minor scrapes and bruises…Orlando was virtually unscathed in the accident. From his hospital bed, Williams said, “I feel that God, the powers that be, have something in store for me. They didn’t take me away this time. I’m here for a reason.” Williams says Orlando can now learn to put his feet up and let Godiva do the work! He added… “The spirit of good will — it exists,” he said. “In the world you see a lot of negative things, but I try to focus on the positive.”
Here’s the thing… there are thousands of “Cecil Williamses” in the world…dozens in our own back yard. Their stories are not necessarily as dramatic… they may not be in need of a service dog or something else as drastic. But they do need us. Cecil Williams was not extraordinary… and had he not fallen into the path of that oncoming Manhattan subway train, few would have given him and Orlando a second look. Sadly, he would have been one more blind man with a “seeing-eye dog”…and a black man at that. The color of his skin alone would have been reason for several in many parts of our country to ignore him or look the other way.
So the question becomes…are we seeing the people in our midst as God sees them? Or do we view them with the eyes of “conscientious religion”? In other words, are we only kind and considerate to those who are “like us” in some way? Must they attend our church…share our faith…have the same skin color…or be of political leaning or sexual orientation as we are? Do we only notice and attend to those who are in our socio-economic class? Do we assume that those who are “better off” can manage for themselves – and those who are not as fortunate are getting their “just desserts” in some way?
The real question is, “Are we snobs who are hiding behind the label of ‘Christians’?” And in doing so, have we fallen out of grace with Christ Jesus? I don’t mean to imply that we have lost our salvation – or the promise of eternity in heaven. But there is so much more to the life of a Christian. I do believe that our attitudes and behaviors on this earth can create a chasm between us and God…and cause Him to withhold – or block - a certain amount of grace, mercy and blessings in our lives. Think of it as the parent who takes a child’s favorite toys or the car keys for a time – or says, “No ice cream today because you didn’t eat all of your dinner.” The child knows that he/she is still loved - and that all basic needs are met. The parents still care deeply for that child and wish no harm to come to him/her. But the child also understands that added “perks” are doled out in direct proportion to a certain set of behaviors.
We are called to love others - and to offer the compassion of Christ to them. We are not called to mold them into OUR image…or to insist that they conform to our demands first. We are to love them where they are…as they are…and to leave the rest up to God Almighty. We are to operate in faith expressed by love…not just because this brings a “satisfying relationship with the Spirit” – and His grace and blessings in our own lives. We are to do this because it extends these same gifts and miracles to others. And that’s what really matters.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Read more about Cecil Williams and Orlando at: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/blind-new-yorker-survived-fall-subway-tracks-guide-dog-gifted-new-service-dog-article-1.1593292
I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.
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.
In December 17, 2013, 61-year-old Cecil Williams fainted and fell onto the rail bed of an oncoming subway train in Harlem. In a harrowing-yet-miraculous tale, onlookers screamed for Williams to duck down into the trough between the rails as the train barreled down upon him. William’s service dog Orlando – an 11-year-old black lab – tried to keep Williams backed away from the edge of the subway platform. But when Williams passed out and fell into the train bed, Orlando jumped down beside his owner and hunkered with him. At the last minute, both ducked their heads - and were spared as the train literally passed over them.
What makes this story more compelling is that Cecil Williams’ insurance was not going to continue to pay for Orlando’s services, so the dog was scheduled to be placed up for adoption. The news of this story spread quickly, and offers poured in to fund not only Orlando’s stay with his master… but the gift of a new service dog, Godiva - a yellow lab who has just “graduated” from a training program run by “Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Williams suffered only minor scrapes and bruises…Orlando was virtually unscathed in the accident. From his hospital bed, Williams said, “I feel that God, the powers that be, have something in store for me. They didn’t take me away this time. I’m here for a reason.” Williams says Orlando can now learn to put his feet up and let Godiva do the work! He added… “The spirit of good will — it exists,” he said. “In the world you see a lot of negative things, but I try to focus on the positive.”
Here’s the thing… there are thousands of “Cecil Williamses” in the world…dozens in our own back yard. Their stories are not necessarily as dramatic… they may not be in need of a service dog or something else as drastic. But they do need us. Cecil Williams was not extraordinary… and had he not fallen into the path of that oncoming Manhattan subway train, few would have given him and Orlando a second look. Sadly, he would have been one more blind man with a “seeing-eye dog”…and a black man at that. The color of his skin alone would have been reason for several in many parts of our country to ignore him or look the other way.
So the question becomes…are we seeing the people in our midst as God sees them? Or do we view them with the eyes of “conscientious religion”? In other words, are we only kind and considerate to those who are “like us” in some way? Must they attend our church…share our faith…have the same skin color…or be of political leaning or sexual orientation as we are? Do we only notice and attend to those who are in our socio-economic class? Do we assume that those who are “better off” can manage for themselves – and those who are not as fortunate are getting their “just desserts” in some way?
The real question is, “Are we snobs who are hiding behind the label of ‘Christians’?” And in doing so, have we fallen out of grace with Christ Jesus? I don’t mean to imply that we have lost our salvation – or the promise of eternity in heaven. But there is so much more to the life of a Christian. I do believe that our attitudes and behaviors on this earth can create a chasm between us and God…and cause Him to withhold – or block - a certain amount of grace, mercy and blessings in our lives. Think of it as the parent who takes a child’s favorite toys or the car keys for a time – or says, “No ice cream today because you didn’t eat all of your dinner.” The child knows that he/she is still loved - and that all basic needs are met. The parents still care deeply for that child and wish no harm to come to him/her. But the child also understands that added “perks” are doled out in direct proportion to a certain set of behaviors.
We are called to love others - and to offer the compassion of Christ to them. We are not called to mold them into OUR image…or to insist that they conform to our demands first. We are to love them where they are…as they are…and to leave the rest up to God Almighty. We are to operate in faith expressed by love…not just because this brings a “satisfying relationship with the Spirit” – and His grace and blessings in our own lives. We are to do this because it extends these same gifts and miracles to others. And that’s what really matters.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Read more about Cecil Williams and Orlando at: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/blind-new-yorker-survived-fall-subway-tracks-guide-dog-gifted-new-service-dog-article-1.1593292
Daily Devotional for September 16, 2013
Hebrews 11:24-28
By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house. He chose a hard life with God’s people rather than an opportunistic soft life of sin with the oppressors. He valued suffering in the Messiah’s camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff. By an act of faith, he turned his heel on Egypt, indifferent to the king’s blind rage. He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going. By an act of faith, he kept the Passover Feast and sprinkled Passover blood on each house so that the destroyer of the firstborn wouldn’t touch them.
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 still remember when a lifelong friend of mine telephoned his wife from another state, where he had traveled on business, to tell her that he was quitting his lucrative job as a sales manager for a five-state area in order to return to college and earn a teaching degree. He became a second grade teacher… one of the best I’ve ever known. He took a lot of flak for this decision, but quite frankly, we don’t have enough male teachers in elementary classrooms, where many children need a strong, positive masculine influence.
I recall the words of 17-year-old Cassie Bernall, a senior at Columbine High School, who was reportedly asked, “Do you believe in God?” by one of two deranged shooters who killed 15 people and injured twenty-four more. Observers report that when Bernall answered, “Yes,” she was shot and killed. Some claim that several students were asked this same question - not just Bernall - but the story of her supposed encounter and response has circulated the world and caused more than one person to choose to follow Jesus.
We are not all called to make noble sacrifices. We will not all be faced with choosing to stay stuck in a career we don’t enjoy or “changing gears” and going in a different direction. Most of us will not face the decision of whether to sign up to serve our country in the military, as countless men and women have before us – and more will in the future. I pray that none of us will ever be asked at gunpoint whether we love Jesus. But we will each face choices and decisions that frame our lives and define us... and how we respond will have lifelong - if not eternal - impact.
If you have not chosen a life partner and/or spouse, you probably will. You may be faced with the decision to have children – or not… to change majors – or universities… to change jobs or move to another area of the country (or another country altogether)…to end – or drastically alter – friendships, lifestyles, and more. At every turn, we face choices… and there will be plenty of people just like the Egyptian king who are unhappy with your decisions – if not reduced to blind rage, as this scripture mentions. Not every choice we make will be popular, and we will have to endure the ramifications and consequences. Just because we listen to God and choose to do what He directs does not ensure smooth sailing.
As this scripture passage indicates, this all comes down to a matter of faith. When we trust God and listen to His voice, our choices may be difficult… they may raise eyebrows among family and friends…and they may cause our heart to race as we commit to God and believe in Him for the desired outcome. But like Moses, we will be looking ahead to a bigger payoff… we will have our eye on the One no eye can see. And HE will make the ultimate difference.
Whatever decisions you face today, prayerfully consider your options and LISTEN for God’s voice. Follow His direction…trust His plans… choose faithfully… and trust Him to handle the rest.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 9, 2013
Proverbs 16:7
When people’s lives please the Lord,
even their enemies are at peace with them.
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.
Sometimes, you have to be the bigger person. I know people who have not spoken to each other in years… and neither one will budge. Honestly, they probably couldn’t even tell you at this point how the stand-off started! And maybe there is someone who refuses to acknowledge or speak to you this very day. What are you doing about it? How are you reacting? Your answers can make all the difference!
Do you believe that God has the power to turn disagreements around… to create friendships among “enemies”? Do you trust God to bring you peace in all situations… even those where the disdain from another is palpable? In this verse from Proverbs, we hear God telling us that those who please Him will find peace… even among their enemies. In other words, those who stay faithful and live a life that pleases God have no reason to feel unsettled. God can turn things around… He can supply peace where none seems possible.
Does this mean that every person with whom you disagree will someday come to you and say, “I’m sorry…I want to be your friend again.”? Will your obedience and faithfulness guarantee that all discord will ultimately be resolved, and everyone will live happily ever after? Not in the way you might think! I do not believe that God promises us that everyone will like us, agree with us, and want to make up and be the best of friends. I don’t believe that He will mend every relationship in the way we may anticipate or desire.
When we serve the Lord and do everything we possibly can to please Him, I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God will give us His peace. We will have comfort and confidence in knowing that we did the right thing… that we focused on our relationship with Jesus and kept the Holy Spirit in our hearts… that we listened to His voice and shared His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion with everyone we encountered. Whether the other person chooses to reciprocate is up to him/her… but either way, God will fill us with His peace – and it will be more than enough.
So the question becomes this… “What are you doing on your end?” How are you conducting your life...WHO are you serving and trusting? Are you counting on God to meet your needs and handle your worries and cares while you go about the business of serving Him and following His commandments? Or are you “stirring the pot” in relationships that are less than perfect… then wringing your hands and wondering why things never seem to improve? God’s peace is so near… all you have to do is reach out to Him and surrender your own selfish will. When people’s lives please the LORD, He makes sure that they have peace in all things. Do you have His peace today? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
When people’s lives please the Lord,
even their enemies are at peace with them.
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.
Sometimes, you have to be the bigger person. I know people who have not spoken to each other in years… and neither one will budge. Honestly, they probably couldn’t even tell you at this point how the stand-off started! And maybe there is someone who refuses to acknowledge or speak to you this very day. What are you doing about it? How are you reacting? Your answers can make all the difference!
Do you believe that God has the power to turn disagreements around… to create friendships among “enemies”? Do you trust God to bring you peace in all situations… even those where the disdain from another is palpable? In this verse from Proverbs, we hear God telling us that those who please Him will find peace… even among their enemies. In other words, those who stay faithful and live a life that pleases God have no reason to feel unsettled. God can turn things around… He can supply peace where none seems possible.
Does this mean that every person with whom you disagree will someday come to you and say, “I’m sorry…I want to be your friend again.”? Will your obedience and faithfulness guarantee that all discord will ultimately be resolved, and everyone will live happily ever after? Not in the way you might think! I do not believe that God promises us that everyone will like us, agree with us, and want to make up and be the best of friends. I don’t believe that He will mend every relationship in the way we may anticipate or desire.
When we serve the Lord and do everything we possibly can to please Him, I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God will give us His peace. We will have comfort and confidence in knowing that we did the right thing… that we focused on our relationship with Jesus and kept the Holy Spirit in our hearts… that we listened to His voice and shared His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion with everyone we encountered. Whether the other person chooses to reciprocate is up to him/her… but either way, God will fill us with His peace – and it will be more than enough.
So the question becomes this… “What are you doing on your end?” How are you conducting your life...WHO are you serving and trusting? Are you counting on God to meet your needs and handle your worries and cares while you go about the business of serving Him and following His commandments? Or are you “stirring the pot” in relationships that are less than perfect… then wringing your hands and wondering why things never seem to improve? God’s peace is so near… all you have to do is reach out to Him and surrender your own selfish will. When people’s lives please the LORD, He makes sure that they have peace in all things. Do you have His peace today? Isn’t it time you did?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 20, 2013
Hebrews 12:1-3
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite hymns is “Be Still My Soul”… published by Katharina A. von Schlegel, in 1752. These words were set to the tune Finlandia, composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899. This hymn was became popular during World War II, as the words offered hope and encouragement to countless soldiers and citizens who were enduring horrific tragedies and hardships. They desperately needed to hear, “Don’t give up!” – and this hymn offered this message and more.
The words of this hymn are just as significant for us today. I don’t know what challenges you face. I don’t know what has caused you to feel discouraged, ashamed, tired and worn down. But I do know that we have a hope in Jesus Christ, Who never gave up! I know that a lot of us need to strip down and “trim the spiritual fat”… to remove the parasitic sins that trouble us day in and out. We need to focus on where we are headed… and Who is with us along the way. We must “keep our eye on the prize”… eternity in Heaven at the feet of Jesus… and a place of honor at the King’s table. We would do well to study the words of this hymn and take them to heart… to internalize them and make them a part of our daily living.
Here are the lyrics to “Be Still My Soul”...may they encourage you today and energize you for your Spiritual journey. May you take heart and truly “be still” as you realize that the LORD is on your side… that we can “bear patiently the cross of grief or pain” because of Jesus and all that He endured on our behalf. My prayer for you today is that you would thoughtfully read these verses and take a few moments to still your soul. In the words of this scripture passage, “we’d better get on with it!” I believe this is a great place to begin… don’t you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite hymns is “Be Still My Soul”… published by Katharina A. von Schlegel, in 1752. These words were set to the tune Finlandia, composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899. This hymn was became popular during World War II, as the words offered hope and encouragement to countless soldiers and citizens who were enduring horrific tragedies and hardships. They desperately needed to hear, “Don’t give up!” – and this hymn offered this message and more.
The words of this hymn are just as significant for us today. I don’t know what challenges you face. I don’t know what has caused you to feel discouraged, ashamed, tired and worn down. But I do know that we have a hope in Jesus Christ, Who never gave up! I know that a lot of us need to strip down and “trim the spiritual fat”… to remove the parasitic sins that trouble us day in and out. We need to focus on where we are headed… and Who is with us along the way. We must “keep our eye on the prize”… eternity in Heaven at the feet of Jesus… and a place of honor at the King’s table. We would do well to study the words of this hymn and take them to heart… to internalize them and make them a part of our daily living.
Here are the lyrics to “Be Still My Soul”...may they encourage you today and energize you for your Spiritual journey. May you take heart and truly “be still” as you realize that the LORD is on your side… that we can “bear patiently the cross of grief or pain” because of Jesus and all that He endured on our behalf. My prayer for you today is that you would thoughtfully read these verses and take a few moments to still your soul. In the words of this scripture passage, “we’d better get on with it!” I believe this is a great place to begin… don’t you?
Be Still My Soul
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 13, 2013
Colossians 1:9-12
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Over the weekend, my husband helped me recover my piano bench. The fabric I had stapled to the lid over 15 years ago had worn bare around the edges, and it was time for a makeover! My husband used his drill to remove the padded board that fit inside a wooden frame on the lid. I used a staple gun to attach the new fabric. When we got ready to re-insert the board, it would not fit. I had stapled the new fabric atop the old… which was attached over an original layer… and the three thicknesses were simply too much. The screws would not “grab” in the wood. Moreover, I had used a staple that we thought was the right size… but once everything was in place, the staples stuck through the wood. “Those will snag your clothes, little legs, and cause all sorts of problems,” my husband lamented.
They make this type of project look so easy on HGTV! There was nothing to do but take everything apart… pull out ALL of the staples and remove the new fabric and the second layer. We decided the first layer was holding the padding in place, so it should stay. A couple of hours later, we had everything back together again – this time with upholsterer’s tacks and duct tape! – and the bench looked great!
There was a time when this setback would have sent me into orbit. I would have sputtered, spewed and grumbled. I would have gritted my teeth and griped as I pulled out each staple. But this time, I just looked at the bench, took a deep breath, stuck with the project… and soon all was back in order. And there is a pattern here! I still get mad at myself when I break a dish or spill something… and I still get frustrated and impatient when things don’t work out just as I had hoped or happen as quickly as I would like. But I’m learning to operate in the glory-strength of God instead of my own grim strength.
Lately, I’ve been taking a few minutes fairly often to make a list (if only mentally) of all of the things God has done for me… all of the prayers He has answered in my life in just the last short while… all of the things He has worked out and the positive outcomes that are all around me. When I stop and examine them, I realize that He is at work… and I am learning how to do His work – on His terms. There are still plenty of things that I wish that God would fix! There are still areas that I need to work on – and situations in which I wish He was working a little faster. But that’s on me… because He is doing exactly what is necessary and needed. I am the one who still has real work that needs to be done.
The more we learn to operate in patience and the glory-strength of God, the more bearable and joyful our lives become. We are calmer, more confident, and certainly much more effective for His Kingdom. So what is your “broken glass” or project gone awry today? How will you handle it? Will you call on God to grant you the necessary patience, endurance and strength to handle things with dignity and calm? Or will you grit your teeth, grumble and fumble? The choice is totally yours… how will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Over the weekend, my husband helped me recover my piano bench. The fabric I had stapled to the lid over 15 years ago had worn bare around the edges, and it was time for a makeover! My husband used his drill to remove the padded board that fit inside a wooden frame on the lid. I used a staple gun to attach the new fabric. When we got ready to re-insert the board, it would not fit. I had stapled the new fabric atop the old… which was attached over an original layer… and the three thicknesses were simply too much. The screws would not “grab” in the wood. Moreover, I had used a staple that we thought was the right size… but once everything was in place, the staples stuck through the wood. “Those will snag your clothes, little legs, and cause all sorts of problems,” my husband lamented.
They make this type of project look so easy on HGTV! There was nothing to do but take everything apart… pull out ALL of the staples and remove the new fabric and the second layer. We decided the first layer was holding the padding in place, so it should stay. A couple of hours later, we had everything back together again – this time with upholsterer’s tacks and duct tape! – and the bench looked great!
There was a time when this setback would have sent me into orbit. I would have sputtered, spewed and grumbled. I would have gritted my teeth and griped as I pulled out each staple. But this time, I just looked at the bench, took a deep breath, stuck with the project… and soon all was back in order. And there is a pattern here! I still get mad at myself when I break a dish or spill something… and I still get frustrated and impatient when things don’t work out just as I had hoped or happen as quickly as I would like. But I’m learning to operate in the glory-strength of God instead of my own grim strength.
Lately, I’ve been taking a few minutes fairly often to make a list (if only mentally) of all of the things God has done for me… all of the prayers He has answered in my life in just the last short while… all of the things He has worked out and the positive outcomes that are all around me. When I stop and examine them, I realize that He is at work… and I am learning how to do His work – on His terms. There are still plenty of things that I wish that God would fix! There are still areas that I need to work on – and situations in which I wish He was working a little faster. But that’s on me… because He is doing exactly what is necessary and needed. I am the one who still has real work that needs to be done.
The more we learn to operate in patience and the glory-strength of God, the more bearable and joyful our lives become. We are calmer, more confident, and certainly much more effective for His Kingdom. So what is your “broken glass” or project gone awry today? How will you handle it? Will you call on God to grant you the necessary patience, endurance and strength to handle things with dignity and calm? Or will you grit your teeth, grumble and fumble? The choice is totally yours… how will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 8, 2013
May 8 ~ Romans 2:28-29
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the early 1980s, my husband’s father was mayor of our community. My maternal grandfather was mayor in the early 1950s. With two surname changes and over 50 years over and done, few people associate me with my grandfather’s term in office. But people still comment to my husband, “Oh, you’re the mayor’s son!” The thing is…people say this as if this somehow gives him special privilege. We didn’t even live in this community during my father-in-law’s term as mayor… and even if we had, we would have been no different than any other local citizens. Just because my father-in-law and grandfather were mayors doesn’t imply that we should have enjoyed any special advantages.
By the same token, this didn’t mean we were more loyal to our community… or that our community was more special to us. Each person who lives here should love and respect their city and its neighborhoods - and live in a manner that shows honor and value for this area and its residents. I have heard more than one newcomer to our town say, “We’ve grown to love it here.” And if you look closely, you will notice that these people embraced the community and its residents… got involved in activities and organizations… and truly got to know the history and heart of the surrounding area.
There are people who live in a community and never truly “get it.” They gripe and complain about “what’s wrong with this town”… all the while claiming residency. And indeed, they are legal residents. They live here and benefit from city services and more… but they don’t embrace the spirit of the community. They have no heart for the town and its citizenry.
Do you see what I am saying? Christians are all part of a “community” of believers. If we are saved by the blood of Jesus, we belong to God. But this does not mean we are engaged with Him… or truly serving as a Disciple of Christ. What I desperately want you to understand is that giving your heart to Jesus is important… and doing so ensures that you are His child and will live with Him for all eternity. But this is not enough! It’s like moving into a town and drawing all the blinds, locking your doors and never going outside. You’re a resident of the community… but you are not an active and involved citizen. Your heart has not changed.
I realize there can be mitigating circumstances whereby someone moves into a community and does not become involved. Perhaps there are physical or economical limitations. But you can still love and support your town. You can still lift it up when talking to others. You can be informed about local happenings, read area newspapers and church newsletters and other regional publications and stay up on current events. You can talk to others by telephone or social media and chat with visitors and stay connected.
These things are all true for Christians in their “faith walk” as well. We may have legitimate limitations with regard to serving. We may not be able to deliver Meals on Wheels or visit the sick – or even attend church services on a regular basis. We might not have the monetary resources to contribute to fundraisers and missions. But there is so much we can do to stay active and involved with God… to “bloom where we are planted.”
Claiming the name of Jesus and hiding behind our salvation is not acceptable. We have to do more. In a nutshell… you’re either all in, or you’re not “in” at all. And if you read this passage in some translations, Paul actually tells us that it’s worse to claim to be Disciples of Christ when we’re not than to do nothing at all. So where does this leave you? Are you “playing Christian?” Or are you “all in”…fully engaged… serving and supporting God to the best of your abilities and with all your heart.
When it comes to Christian faith, it does matter Who you know… but not in the way you might think. Stop making excuses and “dropping names” and start truly serving. Forget what others might think or say and concentrate on pleasing God. And get ready to be changed from the inside out. Get your heart truly right with God, and see how amazing life can be when you are fully involved in His community.
©2013 Debbie Robus
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In the early 1980s, my husband’s father was mayor of our community. My maternal grandfather was mayor in the early 1950s. With two surname changes and over 50 years over and done, few people associate me with my grandfather’s term in office. But people still comment to my husband, “Oh, you’re the mayor’s son!” The thing is…people say this as if this somehow gives him special privilege. We didn’t even live in this community during my father-in-law’s term as mayor… and even if we had, we would have been no different than any other local citizens. Just because my father-in-law and grandfather were mayors doesn’t imply that we should have enjoyed any special advantages.
By the same token, this didn’t mean we were more loyal to our community… or that our community was more special to us. Each person who lives here should love and respect their city and its neighborhoods - and live in a manner that shows honor and value for this area and its residents. I have heard more than one newcomer to our town say, “We’ve grown to love it here.” And if you look closely, you will notice that these people embraced the community and its residents… got involved in activities and organizations… and truly got to know the history and heart of the surrounding area.
There are people who live in a community and never truly “get it.” They gripe and complain about “what’s wrong with this town”… all the while claiming residency. And indeed, they are legal residents. They live here and benefit from city services and more… but they don’t embrace the spirit of the community. They have no heart for the town and its citizenry.
Do you see what I am saying? Christians are all part of a “community” of believers. If we are saved by the blood of Jesus, we belong to God. But this does not mean we are engaged with Him… or truly serving as a Disciple of Christ. What I desperately want you to understand is that giving your heart to Jesus is important… and doing so ensures that you are His child and will live with Him for all eternity. But this is not enough! It’s like moving into a town and drawing all the blinds, locking your doors and never going outside. You’re a resident of the community… but you are not an active and involved citizen. Your heart has not changed.
I realize there can be mitigating circumstances whereby someone moves into a community and does not become involved. Perhaps there are physical or economical limitations. But you can still love and support your town. You can still lift it up when talking to others. You can be informed about local happenings, read area newspapers and church newsletters and other regional publications and stay up on current events. You can talk to others by telephone or social media and chat with visitors and stay connected.
These things are all true for Christians in their “faith walk” as well. We may have legitimate limitations with regard to serving. We may not be able to deliver Meals on Wheels or visit the sick – or even attend church services on a regular basis. We might not have the monetary resources to contribute to fundraisers and missions. But there is so much we can do to stay active and involved with God… to “bloom where we are planted.”
Claiming the name of Jesus and hiding behind our salvation is not acceptable. We have to do more. In a nutshell… you’re either all in, or you’re not “in” at all. And if you read this passage in some translations, Paul actually tells us that it’s worse to claim to be Disciples of Christ when we’re not than to do nothing at all. So where does this leave you? Are you “playing Christian?” Or are you “all in”…fully engaged… serving and supporting God to the best of your abilities and with all your heart.
When it comes to Christian faith, it does matter Who you know… but not in the way you might think. Stop making excuses and “dropping names” and start truly serving. Forget what others might think or say and concentrate on pleasing God. And get ready to be changed from the inside out. Get your heart truly right with God, and see how amazing life can be when you are fully involved in His community.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 28, 2013
Matthew 8:21
Another disciple said to Jesus, “Lord, let me wait till I bury my father.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, a good friend kept encouraging me to attend a Walk to Emmaus. I kept making excuses. I couldn’t make the dates work with my schedule… it just wasn’t the right time in my life… I would go someday, when everything fell into place. The truth is…I thought I had a few things I needed to fix before I went. I needed to work on a few things… my attitudes… my prayer life and how I communicated with God, and more. THEN, I would go. Finally, my excuses just seemed to grow weak. My friend didn’t badger me… but he kept gently asking… “Are you ready? There’s room on this next Walk! There’s a Walk in a couple of months. I’ll sponsor you. You deserve this!” DESERVE? Really?! I couldn’t imagine that I deserved this 72-hour “retreat,” but I agreed to go. My friend and his wife drove me to the campus where the Walk was taking place. And there, I learned just how ridiculous all of my excuses had been.
On my Walk to Emmaus, I learned that we don’t need to “fix” anything on our own – we just need to follow God. And we don’t need to keep him waiting. If you are a young person reading this, I understand… I get you! I know you have things you want to do… and you think you have plenty of time to develop an intimate relationship with God later. For now, it’s enough to know that you are a Christian… that God has your back, and that you can call on Him whenever you need Him. If you are an older person, maybe you have let “life” get in the way. You are working too hard… you have family pressures...you are not happy with certain aspects of your life… you feel inadequate and unworthy. You may be complacent or comfortable with your current relationship with God… such as it is. And what I want to tell all of you is that Jesus is calling… don’t put off answering!
This is not a campaign to get you to go on a Walk to Emmaus… although there are plenty of people who would gladly sponsor you, if you chose to do so. And the Walk to Emmaus itself was not a “magic bullet” that changed me… although I do think I am a different kind of Christian as a result of what God revealed to me there. What is important is for each of us to recognize that we have no time to waste! Excuses are simply that… excuses. God doesn’t want us to try to fix ourselves before we come to Him… He’s waiting to do this for us! He doesn’t want us to put off serving until we have the right amount of time, get our hair fixed and buy new clothes, rear our kids, or “sow a few wild oats” and get established in our career, home and relationships. God wants us to come to Him now…to be His disciples… and to go “all in” from the beginning.
We must understand that God doesn’t want perfect people who have all the time in the world. He wants people who are willing to drop everything and say, “Here I am, LORD… where do You want me to serve?” He wants servants who fully trust Him to fix the broken places… those who will serve so faithfully that they would even forego burying their own father to get in line behind Him and follow wherever He leads. Chances are good that you will never be asked to make such a sacrifice… but God needs to know you would be willing to serve Him at a moment’s notice.
I hope that you will take some time and examine your heart. Talk to God and tell Him all of your excuses. Say them out loud, and listen to how silly they probably will sound. Above all, understand that God wants you to follow Him completely, unconditionally… TODAY! He wants you to be willing to sacrifice relationships with your family and friends, your career, your material possessions, your physical safety and well-being… everything. In truth, anyone who humbly and faithfully follows God will never really give up anything. God will restore anything that is taken… He will bless and benefit all who become genuine Disciples. And none of us deserve this… but God will do it anyway.
So what about you… what do you have to do that is keeping you from the business of serving God? What are your excuses? Jesus is calling you to follow Him. Isn’t it time you dropped everything and got in line?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Another disciple said to Jesus, “Lord, let me wait till I bury my father.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, a good friend kept encouraging me to attend a Walk to Emmaus. I kept making excuses. I couldn’t make the dates work with my schedule… it just wasn’t the right time in my life… I would go someday, when everything fell into place. The truth is…I thought I had a few things I needed to fix before I went. I needed to work on a few things… my attitudes… my prayer life and how I communicated with God, and more. THEN, I would go. Finally, my excuses just seemed to grow weak. My friend didn’t badger me… but he kept gently asking… “Are you ready? There’s room on this next Walk! There’s a Walk in a couple of months. I’ll sponsor you. You deserve this!” DESERVE? Really?! I couldn’t imagine that I deserved this 72-hour “retreat,” but I agreed to go. My friend and his wife drove me to the campus where the Walk was taking place. And there, I learned just how ridiculous all of my excuses had been.
On my Walk to Emmaus, I learned that we don’t need to “fix” anything on our own – we just need to follow God. And we don’t need to keep him waiting. If you are a young person reading this, I understand… I get you! I know you have things you want to do… and you think you have plenty of time to develop an intimate relationship with God later. For now, it’s enough to know that you are a Christian… that God has your back, and that you can call on Him whenever you need Him. If you are an older person, maybe you have let “life” get in the way. You are working too hard… you have family pressures...you are not happy with certain aspects of your life… you feel inadequate and unworthy. You may be complacent or comfortable with your current relationship with God… such as it is. And what I want to tell all of you is that Jesus is calling… don’t put off answering!
This is not a campaign to get you to go on a Walk to Emmaus… although there are plenty of people who would gladly sponsor you, if you chose to do so. And the Walk to Emmaus itself was not a “magic bullet” that changed me… although I do think I am a different kind of Christian as a result of what God revealed to me there. What is important is for each of us to recognize that we have no time to waste! Excuses are simply that… excuses. God doesn’t want us to try to fix ourselves before we come to Him… He’s waiting to do this for us! He doesn’t want us to put off serving until we have the right amount of time, get our hair fixed and buy new clothes, rear our kids, or “sow a few wild oats” and get established in our career, home and relationships. God wants us to come to Him now…to be His disciples… and to go “all in” from the beginning.
We must understand that God doesn’t want perfect people who have all the time in the world. He wants people who are willing to drop everything and say, “Here I am, LORD… where do You want me to serve?” He wants servants who fully trust Him to fix the broken places… those who will serve so faithfully that they would even forego burying their own father to get in line behind Him and follow wherever He leads. Chances are good that you will never be asked to make such a sacrifice… but God needs to know you would be willing to serve Him at a moment’s notice.
I hope that you will take some time and examine your heart. Talk to God and tell Him all of your excuses. Say them out loud, and listen to how silly they probably will sound. Above all, understand that God wants you to follow Him completely, unconditionally… TODAY! He wants you to be willing to sacrifice relationships with your family and friends, your career, your material possessions, your physical safety and well-being… everything. In truth, anyone who humbly and faithfully follows God will never really give up anything. God will restore anything that is taken… He will bless and benefit all who become genuine Disciples. And none of us deserve this… but God will do it anyway.
So what about you… what do you have to do that is keeping you from the business of serving God? What are your excuses? Jesus is calling you to follow Him. Isn’t it time you dropped everything and got in line?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 6, 2013
April 6 ~ 2 Kings 5:10-14
Elisha sent out a servant to meet him with this message: “Go to the River Jordan and immerse yourself seven times. Your skin will be healed and you’ll be as good as new.”
Naaman lost his temper. He turned on his heel saying, “I thought he’d personally come out and meet me, call on the name of God, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and get rid of the disease. The Damascus rivers, Abana and Pharpar, are cleaner by far than any of the rivers in Israel. Why not bathe in them? I’d at least get clean.” He stomped off, mad as a hornet.
But his servants caught up with him and said, “Father, if the prophet had asked you to do something hard and heroic, wouldn’t you have done it? So why not this simple ‘wash and be clean’?”
So he did it. He went down and immersed himself in the Jordan seven times, following the orders of the Holy Man. His skin was healed; it was like the skin of a little baby. He was as good as new.
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.
This afternoon, my husband and I took Timothy, Zola, Nathan and their mother to the park to play. I packed dried cereals, some graham cracker teddy bears, raisins, a few “cuties” oranges, and some juice and water for a “snack. The last time we went to the park, the children got hungry, and I had not taken any food or drinks. So this time, we had a “picnic” when they grew restless… then they played a little while longer.
This was not fancy, by any means. I didn’t spend a lot of time baking cookies or preparing just the right snacks. I threw some things I had on hand into some plastic containers, grabbed a stack of paper plates and napkins and a package of wet wipes, and declared it a “picnic.” The children ate as if they were at a fancy party. They were perfectly satisfied with the fare and the company. We told them it was a “picnic,” and that was sufficient. Almost two years ago, Timothy and I sat under this same pavilion at a lavish 3-year-old birthday party for a fellow daycare student. There was a beautifully sculpted cake, other foods and drinks, candy, party favors and more. But I don’t think Timothy enjoyed that any more than he enjoyed today’s outing.
So often, we try to complicate things. And nowhere do we do this more than in our spiritual life. We say, “All we can do is pray,” when prayer is all that is necessary! Some of us feel like we have not truly “worshipped” if we have not dressed in suit and tie and our “Sunday best” and sat in a sanctuary where we were called to recite prayers and scriptures en masse and stand and sit at appointed times. We call on God to help us… to heal us… to answer our prayers… and then we stand back and wring our hands and wait on some astonishing, all-knowing “sign” – all the while failing to recognize how and where He has worked in our lives already! In other words, we expect the party with the lavish cake and favors instead of a simple family picnic.
We are all Naaman… and our excuses run the gamut. But the bottom line is that too many of us are looking for some big, magnificent display from God and totally missing Him in the process. Where have you made excuses? Where have you looked past what God is doing – or wants to do – in your life and totally missed Him? Isn’t it time to start looking at the simplest things and truly seeing God… wherever and whenever He shows up in your life? Aren’t you ready to “wash and be clean?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Elisha sent out a servant to meet him with this message: “Go to the River Jordan and immerse yourself seven times. Your skin will be healed and you’ll be as good as new.”
Naaman lost his temper. He turned on his heel saying, “I thought he’d personally come out and meet me, call on the name of God, wave his hand over the diseased spot, and get rid of the disease. The Damascus rivers, Abana and Pharpar, are cleaner by far than any of the rivers in Israel. Why not bathe in them? I’d at least get clean.” He stomped off, mad as a hornet.
But his servants caught up with him and said, “Father, if the prophet had asked you to do something hard and heroic, wouldn’t you have done it? So why not this simple ‘wash and be clean’?”
So he did it. He went down and immersed himself in the Jordan seven times, following the orders of the Holy Man. His skin was healed; it was like the skin of a little baby. He was as good as new.
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.
This afternoon, my husband and I took Timothy, Zola, Nathan and their mother to the park to play. I packed dried cereals, some graham cracker teddy bears, raisins, a few “cuties” oranges, and some juice and water for a “snack. The last time we went to the park, the children got hungry, and I had not taken any food or drinks. So this time, we had a “picnic” when they grew restless… then they played a little while longer.
This was not fancy, by any means. I didn’t spend a lot of time baking cookies or preparing just the right snacks. I threw some things I had on hand into some plastic containers, grabbed a stack of paper plates and napkins and a package of wet wipes, and declared it a “picnic.” The children ate as if they were at a fancy party. They were perfectly satisfied with the fare and the company. We told them it was a “picnic,” and that was sufficient. Almost two years ago, Timothy and I sat under this same pavilion at a lavish 3-year-old birthday party for a fellow daycare student. There was a beautifully sculpted cake, other foods and drinks, candy, party favors and more. But I don’t think Timothy enjoyed that any more than he enjoyed today’s outing.
So often, we try to complicate things. And nowhere do we do this more than in our spiritual life. We say, “All we can do is pray,” when prayer is all that is necessary! Some of us feel like we have not truly “worshipped” if we have not dressed in suit and tie and our “Sunday best” and sat in a sanctuary where we were called to recite prayers and scriptures en masse and stand and sit at appointed times. We call on God to help us… to heal us… to answer our prayers… and then we stand back and wring our hands and wait on some astonishing, all-knowing “sign” – all the while failing to recognize how and where He has worked in our lives already! In other words, we expect the party with the lavish cake and favors instead of a simple family picnic.
We are all Naaman… and our excuses run the gamut. But the bottom line is that too many of us are looking for some big, magnificent display from God and totally missing Him in the process. Where have you made excuses? Where have you looked past what God is doing – or wants to do – in your life and totally missed Him? Isn’t it time to start looking at the simplest things and truly seeing God… wherever and whenever He shows up in your life? Aren’t you ready to “wash and be clean?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 30, 2013
Psalm 26:8-12
I love your sanctuary, Lord,
the place where your glorious presence dwells.
Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.
Don’t condemn me along with murderers.
Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,
and they constantly take bribes.
But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
So redeem me and show me mercy.
Now I stand on solid ground,
and I will publicly praise the Lord.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My husband and I have spent much of this week sorting through old photographs – ours and my grandmothers, mostly. We’ve looked at each one and compared this one and that… “Aren’t they almost identical? Is this one more blurry than the next? Why are we saving a picture of someone we don’t even know?” We’ve “culled” the ones that we did not deem worthy of keeping for some reason. Some went to the shredder… others were sent to those featured in the picture for their albums – or trash cans!
Our qualifying criteria for keeping a picture were that it had to have some sort of value – or integrity – or it had to be something we could scan and improve the quality. More than once, one of us would be ready to toss a picture, and the other would say, “I know that’s not a great photo… but I like the way So-and-so is smiling…” or “Yes, that’s a little blurry, but that is good of XYZ…you never saw him/her without that object!” So we were merciful and returned more than a few less-than-stellar specimens to the “save” pile.
I’d like to think that I have more redeeming qualities than poor ones. I strive to live with integrity… to please God with my thoughts, words and actions. But on any given day, He could easily toss me to the “cull” stack if He chose… and I know this. So I make a concerted effort to live in a way that honors God each day. I try not to murder… even with sharp words or gossip. I try very hard not to be manipulated or bribed into doing or saying something I shouldn’t. Even when I feel that others won’t like my comments or actions, I work hard at standing on solid ground and operating in God’s truth – and I hope I do so with kindness and grace.
I do love God’s sanctuary… the place where His glorious presence dwells. I am forever indebted to Him for His gift of Jesus Christ… and for the sacrifice that He made for you and me on the cross. I am forever grateful that Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into heaven… that He waits for me there. Ultimately, I praise God for taking a second look at me… for putting me back in the “keep” pile to live for Him another day… and I’m doing everything I can to stay there. What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
I love your sanctuary, Lord,
the place where your glorious presence dwells.
Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.
Don’t condemn me along with murderers.
Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,
and they constantly take bribes.
But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
So redeem me and show me mercy.
Now I stand on solid ground,
and I will publicly praise the Lord.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My husband and I have spent much of this week sorting through old photographs – ours and my grandmothers, mostly. We’ve looked at each one and compared this one and that… “Aren’t they almost identical? Is this one more blurry than the next? Why are we saving a picture of someone we don’t even know?” We’ve “culled” the ones that we did not deem worthy of keeping for some reason. Some went to the shredder… others were sent to those featured in the picture for their albums – or trash cans!
Our qualifying criteria for keeping a picture were that it had to have some sort of value – or integrity – or it had to be something we could scan and improve the quality. More than once, one of us would be ready to toss a picture, and the other would say, “I know that’s not a great photo… but I like the way So-and-so is smiling…” or “Yes, that’s a little blurry, but that is good of XYZ…you never saw him/her without that object!” So we were merciful and returned more than a few less-than-stellar specimens to the “save” pile.
I’d like to think that I have more redeeming qualities than poor ones. I strive to live with integrity… to please God with my thoughts, words and actions. But on any given day, He could easily toss me to the “cull” stack if He chose… and I know this. So I make a concerted effort to live in a way that honors God each day. I try not to murder… even with sharp words or gossip. I try very hard not to be manipulated or bribed into doing or saying something I shouldn’t. Even when I feel that others won’t like my comments or actions, I work hard at standing on solid ground and operating in God’s truth – and I hope I do so with kindness and grace.
I do love God’s sanctuary… the place where His glorious presence dwells. I am forever indebted to Him for His gift of Jesus Christ… and for the sacrifice that He made for you and me on the cross. I am forever grateful that Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into heaven… that He waits for me there. Ultimately, I praise God for taking a second look at me… for putting me back in the “keep” pile to live for Him another day… and I’m doing everything I can to stay there. What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 29, 2013
March 29 ~ Psalm 26:1-3
Show that I am right, Lord! I stay true to myself, and I have trusted you without doubting.
Test my thoughts and find out what I am like.
I never forget your kindness, and I am always faithful to you.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Years ago, I was called for jury duty. I sat with fellow citizens, awaiting my turn before the judge. He asked each of us questions to determine whether we would be suitable jury members. Those of us who felt we could not serve were given a chance to plead our case. For my part, I stood before the bench and explained that my husband and I were the sole employees in our business, and it would be an extraordinary hardship for me to be away for a week or more to serve on a jury. I’ll admit… I was a little bit nervous as I stood before the bench. But the judge was very nice and excused me right away.
This has been my only experience in court. But I’ve seen and heard enough to know that standing before a judge to plead your case can be daunting at best… even if you know you are right! And I have no doubt that when I stand before God Almighty on my ultimate Judgment Day, I should have every reason to be nervous. But I will have nothing to fear… because I belong to Jesus!
The blood of Christ and His sacrifices on my behalf give me assurance that I will have nothing to fear. All of my sins have been washed clean. They have been erased from the Lamb’s Book of Life… forgiven completely and scattered “as far as East is from West!” And while I remain on earth, I can come before God with confidence and ask Him to support me and meet my needs… as long as I am confident that I live faithfully - that I trust without doubting, and I stay true to myself.
When we know that we are doing the right thing, we have no trepidations… nothing to hide. We can boldly come before the throne of God…not worthy to be there, but fully entitled because of Jesus. What about you? Are you living with integrity? Do you have confidence that you are right and true… that God can test your thoughts and find you blameless? Are you “washed in the blood” of Jesus Christ, and thereby forgiven for all eternity? Are your present thoughts, words and actions pleasing to God? Does the image of having to stand before Him today and ask for His love and care make you nervous? It shouldn’t!
Search your heart. Look for areas where you may not be fully operating with honor and integrity, and get a handle on them. Live in a way that you can say on any given day – at any time – “Test my thoughts and find out what I am like. Show that I am right, Lord!” Make living with integrity as fundamental in your life as breathing… and stand before the LORD with full faith and confidence - now and for all eternity.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Show that I am right, Lord! I stay true to myself, and I have trusted you without doubting.
Test my thoughts and find out what I am like.
I never forget your kindness, and I am always faithful to you.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Years ago, I was called for jury duty. I sat with fellow citizens, awaiting my turn before the judge. He asked each of us questions to determine whether we would be suitable jury members. Those of us who felt we could not serve were given a chance to plead our case. For my part, I stood before the bench and explained that my husband and I were the sole employees in our business, and it would be an extraordinary hardship for me to be away for a week or more to serve on a jury. I’ll admit… I was a little bit nervous as I stood before the bench. But the judge was very nice and excused me right away.
This has been my only experience in court. But I’ve seen and heard enough to know that standing before a judge to plead your case can be daunting at best… even if you know you are right! And I have no doubt that when I stand before God Almighty on my ultimate Judgment Day, I should have every reason to be nervous. But I will have nothing to fear… because I belong to Jesus!
The blood of Christ and His sacrifices on my behalf give me assurance that I will have nothing to fear. All of my sins have been washed clean. They have been erased from the Lamb’s Book of Life… forgiven completely and scattered “as far as East is from West!” And while I remain on earth, I can come before God with confidence and ask Him to support me and meet my needs… as long as I am confident that I live faithfully - that I trust without doubting, and I stay true to myself.
When we know that we are doing the right thing, we have no trepidations… nothing to hide. We can boldly come before the throne of God…not worthy to be there, but fully entitled because of Jesus. What about you? Are you living with integrity? Do you have confidence that you are right and true… that God can test your thoughts and find you blameless? Are you “washed in the blood” of Jesus Christ, and thereby forgiven for all eternity? Are your present thoughts, words and actions pleasing to God? Does the image of having to stand before Him today and ask for His love and care make you nervous? It shouldn’t!
Search your heart. Look for areas where you may not be fully operating with honor and integrity, and get a handle on them. Live in a way that you can say on any given day – at any time – “Test my thoughts and find out what I am like. Show that I am right, Lord!” Make living with integrity as fundamental in your life as breathing… and stand before the LORD with full faith and confidence - now and for all eternity.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 25, 2013
Proverbs 2:6-8
For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, I found a Facebook post from my friend Mich that said… “Had an amazing weekend of class at OU. The moment I'll remember... I hung my bumper on the curb outside Cheddars, and when I backed up I tore the darned thing off! It was hanging by a corner. I tried to reattach it, but it just wouldn't cooperate. So I walked away to the Target next door to buy some duct tape. Did I mention it was freezing and the North wind was strong? I had abandoned all dignity and was determined to just tape the darned thing to my car and drive it. When I got back to my car I discovered someone had reattached my bumper! I only needed to put on a little tape and it was OK to drive. I continue to give thanks for Good Samaritans and Invisible Angels who act when we need them.”
I know that Mich is a man of integrity, and his path was definitely guarded. He was certainly protected this weekend. Would Mich have had the same experience if he didn’t walk in the wisdom and understanding of the LORD? It’s possible… I’m not saying that God will not look after those who lack common sense and honesty. I do believe that God extends love and care to all who need it, whether they realize this or not. But in what measure? Does God allow us to experience a certain level of discomfort and insecurity in order to persuade us to trust Him more and to seek His wisdom?
Yesterday, our Sunday school leader posed the question, “Why did Jesus ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday for you? We each shared our thoughts on this… and many mentioned that they did not feel they would be where they are today without Jesus and the sacrifices He made on that original “Holy Week.” Others said that knowing the sacrifices Jesus made for them gave them confidence that He loved them and cared for them in all situations… that He was guiding their steps and protecting them and the outcomes of all circumstances… that He offered the promise of heaven and an eternity spent in His presence. Still another response was that we might be blessed with a wonderful spouse, a beautiful family and many incredible things and experiences in life… but Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem fills us with hope and confidence in His promises.”
So what does this mean for us with regard to Proverbs 2:6-8? Does the wisdom and understanding we receive from a relationship with God really matter? Would Good Samaritans and Invisible Angels minister to us even if we didn’t operate with integrity? Would we be where we are today without the guidance and protection of God? Perhaps… but wouldn’t you rather know for sure? Without Jesus’ sacrifices, we surely would not have hope and the confidence of His promises to return for us… to be with us forever and in all things. Wouldn’t you rather live with confidence that God cares for your every situation and circumstance?
Duct tape is an amazing product… and no doubt, my friend Mich could have patched his bumper enough to get home. But I have every confidence that God took a look at his predicament and said, “Here, buddy… let Me give you a hand. I’ve got this one!” What God does for those who honor Him and walk with integrity, He will surely do for you. All you have to do is trust Him… to surrender to His will and operate in His common sense and wisdom. Don’t you want to live with the confidence that God always has your back? Why did Jesus ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday for you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 1, 2013
2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength to tell his full message, so that all Gentiles would hear it. And I was kept safe from hungry lions.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Timothy was a lion for Halloween. I found a little “lion suit” at the consignment store, and I made him a mask out of a paper plate, some felt, fleece fringe, and scraps from my fabric bin. He told me just last week about how the lions were after him, but because he was wearing his lion suit… “they didn’t get me.” Timothy talks a lot about the lions being after him… undoubtedly the result of some movie he has watched. I always assure him that the lions cannot get him… that he is safe with us and his family… that we will protect him. In essence, we give him strength to be the happiest three-year-old boy he can be… and we keep him safe from the “hungry lions” of the world. And apparently, he has decided that his “lion suit” from Halloween has some magical power and strength in the face of his adversaries.
Can I tell you something? There are “hungry lions” after every single one of us. They are not necessarily the four-legged kind with a mane and a tail… but their “teeth” are just as menacing. The devil sends these beasts to frighten us… to nip at our heels and cause us to worry and tremble. They come in every form imaginable… from stress about classes and workloads to dissention with family members, friends and co-workers - to concerns over how to pay bills and handle the effects of the “fiscal cliff.” When you are sad over the loss of a friend or loved one, the devil can take advantage of your grief to drag you down even further and steal your joy. When you are disappointed, discouraged or frustrated, Satan steps in to say, “See, life is lousy… things never truly work out like you envisioned.”
When you are sick or injured, the devil will tell you that you are weak and don’t deserve to be well. When you find yourself in a situation that is uncertain, he will send “lions” to roar that you are not smart enough and don’t deserve to do better. When you are lonely, his “lions” will do all they can to assure you that you are not worthy of companionship.
But GOD will keep us safe from all of these “lions” and more… if only we will call on Him. He will never leave our side. God will lift us, encourage us, and assure us that by His strength and power, we can do and be anything! God will fill in the gaps and raise us out of depression, disappointment, and fear. He will embolden us to learn new things… and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
We have a choice… we can put on the “lion suit” of God’s armor and fight the devil on a more-than-level playing field… or we can let the devil’s “lions” devour us. I know which I am choosing…do you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength to tell his full message, so that all Gentiles would hear it. And I was kept safe from hungry lions.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Timothy was a lion for Halloween. I found a little “lion suit” at the consignment store, and I made him a mask out of a paper plate, some felt, fleece fringe, and scraps from my fabric bin. He told me just last week about how the lions were after him, but because he was wearing his lion suit… “they didn’t get me.” Timothy talks a lot about the lions being after him… undoubtedly the result of some movie he has watched. I always assure him that the lions cannot get him… that he is safe with us and his family… that we will protect him. In essence, we give him strength to be the happiest three-year-old boy he can be… and we keep him safe from the “hungry lions” of the world. And apparently, he has decided that his “lion suit” from Halloween has some magical power and strength in the face of his adversaries.
Can I tell you something? There are “hungry lions” after every single one of us. They are not necessarily the four-legged kind with a mane and a tail… but their “teeth” are just as menacing. The devil sends these beasts to frighten us… to nip at our heels and cause us to worry and tremble. They come in every form imaginable… from stress about classes and workloads to dissention with family members, friends and co-workers - to concerns over how to pay bills and handle the effects of the “fiscal cliff.” When you are sad over the loss of a friend or loved one, the devil can take advantage of your grief to drag you down even further and steal your joy. When you are disappointed, discouraged or frustrated, Satan steps in to say, “See, life is lousy… things never truly work out like you envisioned.”
When you are sick or injured, the devil will tell you that you are weak and don’t deserve to be well. When you find yourself in a situation that is uncertain, he will send “lions” to roar that you are not smart enough and don’t deserve to do better. When you are lonely, his “lions” will do all they can to assure you that you are not worthy of companionship.
But GOD will keep us safe from all of these “lions” and more… if only we will call on Him. He will never leave our side. God will lift us, encourage us, and assure us that by His strength and power, we can do and be anything! God will fill in the gaps and raise us out of depression, disappointment, and fear. He will embolden us to learn new things… and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
We have a choice… we can put on the “lion suit” of God’s armor and fight the devil on a more-than-level playing field… or we can let the devil’s “lions” devour us. I know which I am choosing…do you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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