Ephesians 4:14-16
We must stop acting like
children. We must not let deceitful people trick us by their false
teachings, which are like winds that toss us around from place to place.
Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every
way and be more like Christ, the head of the body. Christ holds it
together and makes all of its parts work perfectly, as it grows and
becomes strong because of love.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This
morning, Timothy made a Lego® creation he dubbed “Trash Can Monster.”
The “body” of this guy was the “trash can” from his Lego® set. As the
creature took shape Timothy looked at Greg and me and said, “This guy
needs a head! Every creature needs a head!” I thought of this as we
looked at this scripture passage together this afternoon.
Jesus
is the “head” of our body. I read this scripture passage from
Ephesians 4 to Timothy and asked him what he thought it meant. First he
said, “We need to stop acting like babies and act like teenagers. We
need to quit crying when we have to clean up our room…and we need to not
argue with our ‘loves and dears’ (he means adults!).” I asked him
about the head and body verses, and he said, “Well, without a head, you
can’t see where you are going!”
Sometimes, it pays to talk to
seven-year-olds and get their perspective. See, Timothy gets it!
Without Jesus to be our “eyes, ears, and brain…our head,” our
body cannot function properly. His love fuels us and sustains us.
Christ’s truth leads us and steers us in the right direction.
There
are plenty of influences that want to fill us with lies and trick us
into believing things we shouldn’t. I’ve seen some pretty slick and
convincing talkers in my day…haven’t you? But this is where we have to
listen to our “loves and dears” and learn to discern who is telling us
the truth – and Who really has our back!
Read this passage
again…because it’s really rich! It’s time for us to grow up…to
recognize that our “creature” needs a “Head” – Jesus Christ. We need to
operate in His love and truth – always…to grow more like Him every day.
Jesus holds our lives together and makes each of us work perfectly as
individuals – and as a collective “body.” His love strengthens us and
helps us to stand up for truth – and to stand against the lies and
deceit of those who deal in falsehoods.
How close are you to
Jesus today? As you build your “body” and grow in His love and
knowledge, are you fully surrendered to His truth? Is Jesus really the
“head” of your body? Isn’t it time He became your ultimate “Love and
Dear?” Will this be the day that you move in that direction, once and
for all?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label giving God complete control. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giving God complete control. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for December 20, 2015
Job 28:28
And this is what he says to all mankind: ‘Look, to fear the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I was watching a show about people who weigh more than 600 pounds and desperately want gastric bypass surgery to help them lose weight. On one particular episode, the doctor asked his patient, “What do you eat?” The young man explained that “I only eat twice a day…but I snack a lot, and I can’t seem to get by without potatoes – especially potato chips.” The doctor asked this patient what he thought would happen to him if he stopped eating the chips. “I would probably lose weight,” he replied.
The young man really didn’t want to do this. He told the doctor that he was an emotional eater…that he didn’t eat because he was hungry, but because he was trying to feed inner conflicts. This is a common behavior…and the doctor pointed out that if the young man continued to feed his feelings after surgery, he still would not lose weight.
This doctor has a reputation for helping morbidly obese people get their lives back on track…and this young man had a healthy “fear” (respect) for the doctor’s opinion. He was able to receive psychological counseling in tandem with the bypass surgery – and he lost almost 400 pounds. But for every “success story” on this program, there are probably two or three stories of people who simply cannot stop eating poorly and don’t keep the weight off long-term. In fact, there is a “five-year mark” that is deemed the true measure of success. If the patient can lose weight and maintain it for five years, there is a decent chance that this weight loss will be permanent.
In so many ways, we are the obese person who looks to God to help us lose our “weight”…but we don’t want to give up the “chips.” We know that God can fix us…that He can heal our bodies, minds and souls…that He can resolve conflicts and set us on the right course in every area of our lives. But we want Him to do this while we continue right on with our old habits. We want to wring our hands over people and problems. We want to eat whatever we choose and sit on our backsides. We want to gripe and complain, gossip and disparage, and do as we please…and we want God to fix it all.
The truth is…we can’t have it both ways. A lot of us are wise enough to trust and “fear” God…but fewer of us have figured out that the real victory comes in an understanding of how He works. And this means that we must do our part and forsake evil in all of its forms.
So our assignment for today is to take a good hard look at our lives and see where we are allowing “evil” of some sort to control us. Where have we not fully surrendered to God? Where have we given up on something or someone instead of humbly trusting God to work in this situation? Where have we thrown up our hands and said, “It’s no use!” – and “opened the bag of chips and begun to eat?”
Look at the circumstances of your life today, and make the necessary changes. Fear (respect) God and walk in His wisdom – and grow in understanding of how He cares for you and meets your every need. Surrender your will to God’s…and see how far He will take you. Make this the day that you shed the weight of a life not fully offered to God and discover the new “spring in your step” that comes from letting Him have your burdens. This is the day to “lighten our load!” I’m all in…are you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
And this is what he says to all mankind: ‘Look, to fear the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I was watching a show about people who weigh more than 600 pounds and desperately want gastric bypass surgery to help them lose weight. On one particular episode, the doctor asked his patient, “What do you eat?” The young man explained that “I only eat twice a day…but I snack a lot, and I can’t seem to get by without potatoes – especially potato chips.” The doctor asked this patient what he thought would happen to him if he stopped eating the chips. “I would probably lose weight,” he replied.
The young man really didn’t want to do this. He told the doctor that he was an emotional eater…that he didn’t eat because he was hungry, but because he was trying to feed inner conflicts. This is a common behavior…and the doctor pointed out that if the young man continued to feed his feelings after surgery, he still would not lose weight.
This doctor has a reputation for helping morbidly obese people get their lives back on track…and this young man had a healthy “fear” (respect) for the doctor’s opinion. He was able to receive psychological counseling in tandem with the bypass surgery – and he lost almost 400 pounds. But for every “success story” on this program, there are probably two or three stories of people who simply cannot stop eating poorly and don’t keep the weight off long-term. In fact, there is a “five-year mark” that is deemed the true measure of success. If the patient can lose weight and maintain it for five years, there is a decent chance that this weight loss will be permanent.
In so many ways, we are the obese person who looks to God to help us lose our “weight”…but we don’t want to give up the “chips.” We know that God can fix us…that He can heal our bodies, minds and souls…that He can resolve conflicts and set us on the right course in every area of our lives. But we want Him to do this while we continue right on with our old habits. We want to wring our hands over people and problems. We want to eat whatever we choose and sit on our backsides. We want to gripe and complain, gossip and disparage, and do as we please…and we want God to fix it all.
The truth is…we can’t have it both ways. A lot of us are wise enough to trust and “fear” God…but fewer of us have figured out that the real victory comes in an understanding of how He works. And this means that we must do our part and forsake evil in all of its forms.
So our assignment for today is to take a good hard look at our lives and see where we are allowing “evil” of some sort to control us. Where have we not fully surrendered to God? Where have we given up on something or someone instead of humbly trusting God to work in this situation? Where have we thrown up our hands and said, “It’s no use!” – and “opened the bag of chips and begun to eat?”
Look at the circumstances of your life today, and make the necessary changes. Fear (respect) God and walk in His wisdom – and grow in understanding of how He cares for you and meets your every need. Surrender your will to God’s…and see how far He will take you. Make this the day that you shed the weight of a life not fully offered to God and discover the new “spring in your step” that comes from letting Him have your burdens. This is the day to “lighten our load!” I’m all in…are you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 6, 2015
Daniel 10:12
Then he said, “Don’t be frightened, Daniel, for your request has been heard in heaven and was answered the very first day you began to fast before the Lord and pray for understanding; that very day I was sent here to meet you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It’s time for a little confession…this morning, things just did not come together like I had hoped. Several circumstances beyond my control weighed heavily on me…my mother’s battle with cancer…family members who do not believe in Jesus…two dear, young friends who appear to be losing their battles with cancer, just to name a few. I shuffled to the kitchen to pour another cup of coffee, and I said, “Lord, I can’t fix this. These are all things beyond my control.” And I honestly heard Him laugh. I stopped dead in my tracks as I realized the absurdity of my thought. It was as if I audibly heard God say, “You are not supposed to control or fix these things! Leave that to me!”
I sat down to look up a scripture for this devotional, and I was not surprised to read these words…”your request has been heard in heaven and was answered the very first day...” I turned on the television, and Joel Osteen was preaching about keeping the faith, speaking and believing the things that GOD will do for us. He shared a story of faithfulness over his own grandfather, and how family members who had given their hearts to Jesus believed for the salvation of this man – and he came to know the LORD. When this grandfather Osteen died, the suit in which he was buried had pockets stuffed with tracts that he passed out to others to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Joel Osteen made this comment…”He’s [God] got it all figured out. You don’t have to worry – God has ya in the palm of His hand. He’s not going to fail you. He is faithful to His promises. Your family is coming together. The dream may look too big – keep believing. It’s coming together…God has a way. When you realize that God’s in control…that He’s directing your steps…that He’s already lined up everything you need…then you can relax. You don’t have to go through life trying to make it all happen on your own…worried about your children…frustrated because it’s taking too long…discouraged because a dream looks dead.”
“Keep reminding yourself…the sovereign LORD…the God who breathed life into you…the God who knew you before you were born…the God who has planned out your days for good…the God who has protected you, promoted you, healed you…the same God that brought you to where you are – He’s gonna get you to where you’re supposed to be. It may take a little longer than you thought it ought to be…but that’s okay. God’s timing is the perfect time.”
Osteen continued by saying that things may not happen the way we planned…”But God’s ways are better than our ways.” I took a collective breath, checked myself for thinking I was “all that” and actually COULD control/fix anything on my own…and I thanked God for His sovereignty and perfection. I reminded myself that He has heard my requests – over and over! And just like those of Daniel so long ago, God has heard my petitions and answered my prayers…beautifully, perfectly, and in His indisputable timing.
The sermon concluded with Pastor Osteen saying that, “You don’t have to worry…you don’t have to live stressed out. God is directing your steps. He controls the whole universe…you can stay in a place of peace.” I am free to go about my day now, secure once again in the knowledge that GOD has my back…that He is watching over me and orchestrating every single minute of my life – and the lives of my friends and loved ones. He is doing this for YOU, also. Your job is to recognize His presence and power…and to trust Him to handle every aspect of your life.
Now I ask you…what are you still trying to fix on your own? Isn’t it time you gave this to the One who has already handled it? Will this be the day that you let go of your fears and let God have complete control, once and for all? Shouldn’t it be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Then he said, “Don’t be frightened, Daniel, for your request has been heard in heaven and was answered the very first day you began to fast before the Lord and pray for understanding; that very day I was sent here to meet you.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
It’s time for a little confession…this morning, things just did not come together like I had hoped. Several circumstances beyond my control weighed heavily on me…my mother’s battle with cancer…family members who do not believe in Jesus…two dear, young friends who appear to be losing their battles with cancer, just to name a few. I shuffled to the kitchen to pour another cup of coffee, and I said, “Lord, I can’t fix this. These are all things beyond my control.” And I honestly heard Him laugh. I stopped dead in my tracks as I realized the absurdity of my thought. It was as if I audibly heard God say, “You are not supposed to control or fix these things! Leave that to me!”
I sat down to look up a scripture for this devotional, and I was not surprised to read these words…”your request has been heard in heaven and was answered the very first day...” I turned on the television, and Joel Osteen was preaching about keeping the faith, speaking and believing the things that GOD will do for us. He shared a story of faithfulness over his own grandfather, and how family members who had given their hearts to Jesus believed for the salvation of this man – and he came to know the LORD. When this grandfather Osteen died, the suit in which he was buried had pockets stuffed with tracts that he passed out to others to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Joel Osteen made this comment…”He’s [God] got it all figured out. You don’t have to worry – God has ya in the palm of His hand. He’s not going to fail you. He is faithful to His promises. Your family is coming together. The dream may look too big – keep believing. It’s coming together…God has a way. When you realize that God’s in control…that He’s directing your steps…that He’s already lined up everything you need…then you can relax. You don’t have to go through life trying to make it all happen on your own…worried about your children…frustrated because it’s taking too long…discouraged because a dream looks dead.”
“Keep reminding yourself…the sovereign LORD…the God who breathed life into you…the God who knew you before you were born…the God who has planned out your days for good…the God who has protected you, promoted you, healed you…the same God that brought you to where you are – He’s gonna get you to where you’re supposed to be. It may take a little longer than you thought it ought to be…but that’s okay. God’s timing is the perfect time.”
Osteen continued by saying that things may not happen the way we planned…”But God’s ways are better than our ways.” I took a collective breath, checked myself for thinking I was “all that” and actually COULD control/fix anything on my own…and I thanked God for His sovereignty and perfection. I reminded myself that He has heard my requests – over and over! And just like those of Daniel so long ago, God has heard my petitions and answered my prayers…beautifully, perfectly, and in His indisputable timing.
The sermon concluded with Pastor Osteen saying that, “You don’t have to worry…you don’t have to live stressed out. God is directing your steps. He controls the whole universe…you can stay in a place of peace.” I am free to go about my day now, secure once again in the knowledge that GOD has my back…that He is watching over me and orchestrating every single minute of my life – and the lives of my friends and loved ones. He is doing this for YOU, also. Your job is to recognize His presence and power…and to trust Him to handle every aspect of your life.
Now I ask you…what are you still trying to fix on your own? Isn’t it time you gave this to the One who has already handled it? Will this be the day that you let go of your fears and let God have complete control, once and for all? Shouldn’t it be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 29, 2015
Joshua 1:9
I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last Christmas, I found a recipe for Cashew Brittle…a salty/sweet concoction of caramelized sugar and cashews. I made several batches and shared with friends and family…but I have to say, I ate my fair share! I wasn’t even a fan of cashews…until they were combined with this crunchy sweetness. Then I could NOT stay away from the candy jar. I knew that I should pace myself…that I needed to exercise will power and resolve and stay away from that delicious concoction. Hey, I knew better than to make it in the first place! But I simply could not control myself…or maybe I allowed myself to be controlled by the thought – and taste – of that delicious treat. If you have ever said to yourself or someone else, “I won’t rest until I’ve eaten the whole thing!”…you know exactly what I mean.
We do this very thing with our worries and fears. We say we are going to give them to God. And sometimes, we do let God handle these things – for a little while. But in the back of our mind, the devil is saying, “You better pick those back up and fiddle with them for a while longer. What if this? What about that? You should be concerned!” Essentially, we are encouraged to return to the “Worry Candy Jar” - and keep going back as the “weight” of our troubles mounts.
This scripture from Joshua is incredibly powerful and profound. In these words, we pretty well have a sum total of what it means to live and breathe in Christian faith. We have the perfect recipe for how to walk in peace and confidence with God. “…be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.”
Today, let’s make a concerted effort to “let go and let God” – in every situation. Let God handle your worries and fears. Let God heal you and give you peace. Let God comfort you in grief and encourage you in challenges and stressful situations. Let God be God and do the heavy lifting. Be strong and brave – and confident that He is in complete and perfect control. And stay away from that “candy jar” of worries and lies from the devil.
I cannot promise that I won’t make Cashew Brittle this year…or something equally delectable and tempting. But I am trusting God to give me strength and will power to manage even this enticement in my life. With God, ALL things are possible…even the ability to “just say no!” during the holidays! Are you ready to let Him have complete control of your worries, fears and temptations? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last Christmas, I found a recipe for Cashew Brittle…a salty/sweet concoction of caramelized sugar and cashews. I made several batches and shared with friends and family…but I have to say, I ate my fair share! I wasn’t even a fan of cashews…until they were combined with this crunchy sweetness. Then I could NOT stay away from the candy jar. I knew that I should pace myself…that I needed to exercise will power and resolve and stay away from that delicious concoction. Hey, I knew better than to make it in the first place! But I simply could not control myself…or maybe I allowed myself to be controlled by the thought – and taste – of that delicious treat. If you have ever said to yourself or someone else, “I won’t rest until I’ve eaten the whole thing!”…you know exactly what I mean.
We do this very thing with our worries and fears. We say we are going to give them to God. And sometimes, we do let God handle these things – for a little while. But in the back of our mind, the devil is saying, “You better pick those back up and fiddle with them for a while longer. What if this? What about that? You should be concerned!” Essentially, we are encouraged to return to the “Worry Candy Jar” - and keep going back as the “weight” of our troubles mounts.
This scripture from Joshua is incredibly powerful and profound. In these words, we pretty well have a sum total of what it means to live and breathe in Christian faith. We have the perfect recipe for how to walk in peace and confidence with God. “…be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.”
Today, let’s make a concerted effort to “let go and let God” – in every situation. Let God handle your worries and fears. Let God heal you and give you peace. Let God comfort you in grief and encourage you in challenges and stressful situations. Let God be God and do the heavy lifting. Be strong and brave – and confident that He is in complete and perfect control. And stay away from that “candy jar” of worries and lies from the devil.
I cannot promise that I won’t make Cashew Brittle this year…or something equally delectable and tempting. But I am trusting God to give me strength and will power to manage even this enticement in my life. With God, ALL things are possible…even the ability to “just say no!” during the holidays! Are you ready to let Him have complete control of your worries, fears and temptations? Don’t you think it’s time you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 22, 2015
Luke 4:4-8
But Jesus replied, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘Other things in life are much more important than bread!’”
Then Satan took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time; and the devil told him, “I will give you all these splendid kingdoms and their glory—for they are mine to give to anyone I wish—if you will only get down on your knees and worship me.”
Jesus replied, “We must worship God, and him alone. So it is written in the Scriptures.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“He wore me down!” If you have not uttered this sentence at some point in your life, you are probably lying! Whether it was a child who persisted in the “Please, can I have just one piece of candy/toy/whatever” or a friend who said, “C’mon, it won’t hurt to try just one,” to the person who convinced you that “Everyone is doing it…it’s not that bad”…we have all been “worn down” at one point or another.
This is the devil’s specialty – wearing us down. He has the patience of Job – and the persistence of a five-year-old who really, really wants something! And the only One who can truly stand up to him is Jesus Christ. “So you are saying there is no hope for us?” you may ask. No…I am saying that the only way that we can handle Satan is by calling on the power of Jesus Christ to work and through us.
Too many people think that the devil is just an imaginary “bogey man” that Christians use to manipulate others…that he isn’t real. And they couldn’t be more wrong. This evil being had the “chutzpah” to try to tempt Jesus Christ! So we should be anything but surprised that he would take a stab at us on a daily basis!
What does this mean for you and me? First, we must not think more highly of ourselves than we ought. We must remember that we are powerless without God. Additionally, we must work every single day to stay connected to God…to hear His voice…to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart and mind, so that we have the strength and confidence to say, “I don’t need this…and I most certainly do not need you, Devil!”
Finally, we must not grow complacent. This, too, is the devil’s stock in trade. He needles us and whispers lies in our ears and waits for us to wear down – and to give in to his manipulations. He plays on our frustrations and the fact that everything doesn’t always go as we hoped…and he says, “I’ll make it ALL better if you will join me.” We MUST NOT fall for this!
I know this will make me sound wack-a-doodle (and a lot of you already think I am) but I often find myself saying, “Go away, Devil!” I say this several times a day…from the little things like when my serger machine will not re-thread easily to when someone cuts me off in traffic or I am tempted to lose my patience over something. (I've already had to speak to him this morning!) You may not believe that "the devil is in the details" of something so insignificant…but I assure you that this is the case! Satan will start with the smallest things and escalate them into big ones, just to get your attention – and your heart.
Recognize that Satan is real…and that he wants you in his camp. Stay connected to Jesus…listen for His voice and learn from His example. Remind yourself often that the “Bread of Life” is all you need…and thank God for sending His Son. Stand tall and strong against the devil, and never let him wear you down. Only JESUS can “make it all better” and give you the desires of your heart. Do not be fooled by this imposter. If you really want Jesus to make a difference in your life, you must surrender completely to His will and trust in His strength and sustenance…on all levels.
Join the “Wack-a-doodle Club” and learn to put the devil in his place. Call on Jesus to feed you and give you His will power. Instead of being worn down, wear the full armor of God and stand up…for Jesus – the only One who can really make everything better.
©2015 Debbie Robus
But Jesus replied, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘Other things in life are much more important than bread!’”
Then Satan took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time; and the devil told him, “I will give you all these splendid kingdoms and their glory—for they are mine to give to anyone I wish—if you will only get down on your knees and worship me.”
Jesus replied, “We must worship God, and him alone. So it is written in the Scriptures.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“He wore me down!” If you have not uttered this sentence at some point in your life, you are probably lying! Whether it was a child who persisted in the “Please, can I have just one piece of candy/toy/whatever” or a friend who said, “C’mon, it won’t hurt to try just one,” to the person who convinced you that “Everyone is doing it…it’s not that bad”…we have all been “worn down” at one point or another.
This is the devil’s specialty – wearing us down. He has the patience of Job – and the persistence of a five-year-old who really, really wants something! And the only One who can truly stand up to him is Jesus Christ. “So you are saying there is no hope for us?” you may ask. No…I am saying that the only way that we can handle Satan is by calling on the power of Jesus Christ to work and through us.
Too many people think that the devil is just an imaginary “bogey man” that Christians use to manipulate others…that he isn’t real. And they couldn’t be more wrong. This evil being had the “chutzpah” to try to tempt Jesus Christ! So we should be anything but surprised that he would take a stab at us on a daily basis!
What does this mean for you and me? First, we must not think more highly of ourselves than we ought. We must remember that we are powerless without God. Additionally, we must work every single day to stay connected to God…to hear His voice…to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart and mind, so that we have the strength and confidence to say, “I don’t need this…and I most certainly do not need you, Devil!”
Finally, we must not grow complacent. This, too, is the devil’s stock in trade. He needles us and whispers lies in our ears and waits for us to wear down – and to give in to his manipulations. He plays on our frustrations and the fact that everything doesn’t always go as we hoped…and he says, “I’ll make it ALL better if you will join me.” We MUST NOT fall for this!
I know this will make me sound wack-a-doodle (and a lot of you already think I am) but I often find myself saying, “Go away, Devil!” I say this several times a day…from the little things like when my serger machine will not re-thread easily to when someone cuts me off in traffic or I am tempted to lose my patience over something. (I've already had to speak to him this morning!) You may not believe that "the devil is in the details" of something so insignificant…but I assure you that this is the case! Satan will start with the smallest things and escalate them into big ones, just to get your attention – and your heart.
Recognize that Satan is real…and that he wants you in his camp. Stay connected to Jesus…listen for His voice and learn from His example. Remind yourself often that the “Bread of Life” is all you need…and thank God for sending His Son. Stand tall and strong against the devil, and never let him wear you down. Only JESUS can “make it all better” and give you the desires of your heart. Do not be fooled by this imposter. If you really want Jesus to make a difference in your life, you must surrender completely to His will and trust in His strength and sustenance…on all levels.
Join the “Wack-a-doodle Club” and learn to put the devil in his place. Call on Jesus to feed you and give you His will power. Instead of being worn down, wear the full armor of God and stand up…for Jesus – the only One who can really make everything better.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 7, 2014
Luke 2:16-19
They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them.
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 family took in the community’s annual lighted Christmas parade recently… including our niece and her husband and children - Timothy, Zola and Nathan. Timothy was clutching a small drawing that he and his mother had made earlier in the day. There was a depiction of Santa Claus, a reindeer, and some writing. He was very proud of his picture and showed it to several people…but he never let go of it.
Timothy told a friend of ours that he was going to see Santa after the parade. She asked, “Are you going to tell him what you want for Christmas?” With a gentle shake of his head, he very politely, but definitively told her, “No…he already knows!”
After the parade, the children did indeed get to see Santa. And we learned that the picture had been prepared for HIM…for his refrigerator at the North Pole. All that Timothy wanted to do was to give Santa the drawing he made for him. When he saw Santa walking across the lawn, he shot out toward him like a rocket…and he presented him with the picture. Santa thanked him - and Zola and Nathan. And he said, “I’ll be seeing you again very soon!”
Now, I know that Jesus isn’t Santa…and I do not mean to draw that comparison, except to say that the childlike faith and confidence of trusting that Santa WILL come and knows what we want often eludes us in the context of our Christian faith and trusting God for the same things. It doesn’t occur to us to “give back” to Jesus…to “make something for Him” in words and deeds. And while some of us might SAY that we believe that He knows our every need…few of us operate with such confidence and assurance that “God’s got this!” in our daily lives.
With unwavering conviction, the shepherds rushed to the stable to greet the newborn King. With complete certainty, they returned to their village and surrounding pastures to tell everyone what they had seen…that Jesus - the Messiah - was HERE! They did their part to herald the birth of Christ and share the Good News with others.
Today, it’s our turn. What will YOU do to demonstrate your faith and confidence in Jesus? Do you fully believe that He knows what you need before you even speak of it? Isn’t it time for you to trust Him more fully? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them.
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 family took in the community’s annual lighted Christmas parade recently… including our niece and her husband and children - Timothy, Zola and Nathan. Timothy was clutching a small drawing that he and his mother had made earlier in the day. There was a depiction of Santa Claus, a reindeer, and some writing. He was very proud of his picture and showed it to several people…but he never let go of it.
Timothy told a friend of ours that he was going to see Santa after the parade. She asked, “Are you going to tell him what you want for Christmas?” With a gentle shake of his head, he very politely, but definitively told her, “No…he already knows!”
After the parade, the children did indeed get to see Santa. And we learned that the picture had been prepared for HIM…for his refrigerator at the North Pole. All that Timothy wanted to do was to give Santa the drawing he made for him. When he saw Santa walking across the lawn, he shot out toward him like a rocket…and he presented him with the picture. Santa thanked him - and Zola and Nathan. And he said, “I’ll be seeing you again very soon!”
Now, I know that Jesus isn’t Santa…and I do not mean to draw that comparison, except to say that the childlike faith and confidence of trusting that Santa WILL come and knows what we want often eludes us in the context of our Christian faith and trusting God for the same things. It doesn’t occur to us to “give back” to Jesus…to “make something for Him” in words and deeds. And while some of us might SAY that we believe that He knows our every need…few of us operate with such confidence and assurance that “God’s got this!” in our daily lives.
With unwavering conviction, the shepherds rushed to the stable to greet the newborn King. With complete certainty, they returned to their village and surrounding pastures to tell everyone what they had seen…that Jesus - the Messiah - was HERE! They did their part to herald the birth of Christ and share the Good News with others.
Today, it’s our turn. What will YOU do to demonstrate your faith and confidence in Jesus? Do you fully believe that He knows what you need before you even speak of it? Isn’t it time for you to trust Him more fully? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2014
Revelation 6:11
White robes were given to each of them, and they were told to rest a little longer until their other brothers, fellow servants of Jesus, had been martyred on the earth and joined them.
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 my sister, brother and I were little, I remember having to lie down to rest on summer afternoons while our “kiddie pool” filled with water…and said water warmed a bit. Sometimes we napped, but often, we tossed and turned and waited until our parents allowed us to get up and go outside to play in the water. If you have spent any time with a toddler or young child, you know how hard it can be to persuade him/her to rest for a while and/or wait on an upcoming event…like a swim at the pool, a play date, or maybe a treat of some sort. In the words of the evil magician in the movie, “Frosty the Snowman” - who wanted his “magic” hat back - “I want it [that hat]…and I want it NOW!”
We are impatient people. And the wonderful thing is that God understands that! Even the martyrs of the Bible who were killed for preaching the Good News about Jesus were told in John’s Revelation dream…”rest a little longer until more martyrs join you!” Hopefully whatever we are waiting for does not involve the peril of others. But often, God calls on us to wait for something. And in this waiting, He calls upon us to rest – to chill out, relax, be patient, and to be content where we are in this moment.
This is really a big order for a lot of us. We want everything to be resolved right away. We don’t want to feel better in a few days…we want to be well NOW! We can’t wait for “Mr. or Miss Right”…we have to have a companion this week! We have asked God to answer our prayers…and we meant TODAY…not some nebulous date in the future that He chooses! And all the while, God often gently listens to us and whispers, “There, there…rest just a little while longer!”
Where is God calling you to rest a little longer today? Where do you need to trust His timing more and demand less? Are there areas of your life in which you have failed to exercise patience? How content are you this day with how God is orchestrating your circumstances? How sure are you of God’s presence and timing?
If the martyrs who suffered and died to share the Gospel of Jesus can wait…don’t you think we can hang on a little longer, too? Let’s “put on a white robe” and rest in God’s love and care. His answers will come…the time of rest will end. You will have plenty of time to “dip in the pool” of God’s promises and the good things He holds in store for you!
©2014 Debbie Robus
White robes were given to each of them, and they were told to rest a little longer until their other brothers, fellow servants of Jesus, had been martyred on the earth and joined them.
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 my sister, brother and I were little, I remember having to lie down to rest on summer afternoons while our “kiddie pool” filled with water…and said water warmed a bit. Sometimes we napped, but often, we tossed and turned and waited until our parents allowed us to get up and go outside to play in the water. If you have spent any time with a toddler or young child, you know how hard it can be to persuade him/her to rest for a while and/or wait on an upcoming event…like a swim at the pool, a play date, or maybe a treat of some sort. In the words of the evil magician in the movie, “Frosty the Snowman” - who wanted his “magic” hat back - “I want it [that hat]…and I want it NOW!”
We are impatient people. And the wonderful thing is that God understands that! Even the martyrs of the Bible who were killed for preaching the Good News about Jesus were told in John’s Revelation dream…”rest a little longer until more martyrs join you!” Hopefully whatever we are waiting for does not involve the peril of others. But often, God calls on us to wait for something. And in this waiting, He calls upon us to rest – to chill out, relax, be patient, and to be content where we are in this moment.
This is really a big order for a lot of us. We want everything to be resolved right away. We don’t want to feel better in a few days…we want to be well NOW! We can’t wait for “Mr. or Miss Right”…we have to have a companion this week! We have asked God to answer our prayers…and we meant TODAY…not some nebulous date in the future that He chooses! And all the while, God often gently listens to us and whispers, “There, there…rest just a little while longer!”
Where is God calling you to rest a little longer today? Where do you need to trust His timing more and demand less? Are there areas of your life in which you have failed to exercise patience? How content are you this day with how God is orchestrating your circumstances? How sure are you of God’s presence and timing?
If the martyrs who suffered and died to share the Gospel of Jesus can wait…don’t you think we can hang on a little longer, too? Let’s “put on a white robe” and rest in God’s love and care. His answers will come…the time of rest will end. You will have plenty of time to “dip in the pool” of God’s promises and the good things He holds in store for you!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 29, 2014
2 Corinthians 5:16-20
Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.
God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.
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.
My friend Tiger “lamented” (tongue-in-cheek) the “leisurely driver” in a recent Facebook post. He said in part…”Today we salute you, mister leisurely driver…ye who could drive anytime…however choose to trek at rush hour and lunch time!! Go, you warrior of intersection indecision! We bow and pause for you…after all, what choice do we have - you're blocking the street! We know each stop sign is a major decision!”
I suggested to Tiger that he and I may very likely be that “leisurely driver” soon enough! But I was also reminded of how we used to plead with my grandmother and great-aunt to run their errands at an earlier hour, when traffic wasn’t as heavy. Instead, they chose to go to the grocery store at the busiest hour of the day…usually on Friday afternoon around 3:30, just as school closed for the weekend! In truth, they did this so that they could see more people…and get in a good visit with a few of them. Their “mission” was more about socializing than shopping! They were not interested in hearing about traffic. It never bothered them that others had to be extra watchful for their “senior driving” or poke along behind them at intersections. They had a right to shop whenever they pleased… and they exercised it! And all of the talking in the world could not change their minds.
I still remember taking my Mam-ma Polly home from the beauty shop on Friday afternoons and unpacking the groceries that I had purchased for her while she got her hair done. Then she and her best friend, Ruby, would practically beat me back to the store, where I had returned to purchase my own groceries! Mam-ma would sometimes make up some excuse about picking up some item she forgot to put on the list when I shopped for her…but I knew the real reason these ladies were there at that hour!
My point in sharing this is two-fold …1) as I pointed out to Tiger, we very well may be this “leisurely driver” someday; and 2) we can encourage others to come around to our way of thinking… but the ultimate decision is theirs. And it’s the same with our Christian faith. As we share the love of Christ with others and demonstrate Christian discipleship and service, we must do so without judgment. We must recognize that on any given day, we are all stubborn and rebellious – and maybe a “leisurely driver”…and none of us are perfect. Still, God loves us! And if we are new creatures in Christ, we are called to find a way to reconcile differences, overcome our desires to be critical and judgmental…and learn to get along.
Moreover, we must understand that our job is not to force Jesus on others…but to share His GOOD NEWS and love with others… then let Him do the heavy lifting of changing hearts and minds. If you really study this scripture passage, you will find that the message is loud and clear to “move over and let God run the show!” So the next time you encounter a “leisurely driver” on the streets – or in the aisles at Wal-Mart – remember the words of Paul to the Corinthians. Remind yourself that “we’re Christ’s representatives”…and we share His love by offering forgiveness, compassion and understanding to the other guy.
Try to “look inside” others’ hearts and see what God sees. You are blessed to enjoy His friendship…offer the same to others. Set the stage for God to work…then move over and “give Him the wheel”!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Because of this decision we don’t evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don’t look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other.
God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.
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.
My friend Tiger “lamented” (tongue-in-cheek) the “leisurely driver” in a recent Facebook post. He said in part…”Today we salute you, mister leisurely driver…ye who could drive anytime…however choose to trek at rush hour and lunch time!! Go, you warrior of intersection indecision! We bow and pause for you…after all, what choice do we have - you're blocking the street! We know each stop sign is a major decision!”
I suggested to Tiger that he and I may very likely be that “leisurely driver” soon enough! But I was also reminded of how we used to plead with my grandmother and great-aunt to run their errands at an earlier hour, when traffic wasn’t as heavy. Instead, they chose to go to the grocery store at the busiest hour of the day…usually on Friday afternoon around 3:30, just as school closed for the weekend! In truth, they did this so that they could see more people…and get in a good visit with a few of them. Their “mission” was more about socializing than shopping! They were not interested in hearing about traffic. It never bothered them that others had to be extra watchful for their “senior driving” or poke along behind them at intersections. They had a right to shop whenever they pleased… and they exercised it! And all of the talking in the world could not change their minds.
I still remember taking my Mam-ma Polly home from the beauty shop on Friday afternoons and unpacking the groceries that I had purchased for her while she got her hair done. Then she and her best friend, Ruby, would practically beat me back to the store, where I had returned to purchase my own groceries! Mam-ma would sometimes make up some excuse about picking up some item she forgot to put on the list when I shopped for her…but I knew the real reason these ladies were there at that hour!
My point in sharing this is two-fold …1) as I pointed out to Tiger, we very well may be this “leisurely driver” someday; and 2) we can encourage others to come around to our way of thinking… but the ultimate decision is theirs. And it’s the same with our Christian faith. As we share the love of Christ with others and demonstrate Christian discipleship and service, we must do so without judgment. We must recognize that on any given day, we are all stubborn and rebellious – and maybe a “leisurely driver”…and none of us are perfect. Still, God loves us! And if we are new creatures in Christ, we are called to find a way to reconcile differences, overcome our desires to be critical and judgmental…and learn to get along.
Moreover, we must understand that our job is not to force Jesus on others…but to share His GOOD NEWS and love with others… then let Him do the heavy lifting of changing hearts and minds. If you really study this scripture passage, you will find that the message is loud and clear to “move over and let God run the show!” So the next time you encounter a “leisurely driver” on the streets – or in the aisles at Wal-Mart – remember the words of Paul to the Corinthians. Remind yourself that “we’re Christ’s representatives”…and we share His love by offering forgiveness, compassion and understanding to the other guy.
Try to “look inside” others’ hearts and see what God sees. You are blessed to enjoy His friendship…offer the same to others. Set the stage for God to work…then move over and “give Him the wheel”!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 23, 2013
Psalm 52
Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior?
Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever?
All day long you plot destruction.
Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor;
you’re an expert at telling lies.
You love evil more than good
and lies more than truth.
You love to destroy others with your words,
you liar!
But God will strike you down once and for all.
He will pull you from your home
and uproot you from the land of the living.
The righteous will see it and be amazed.
They will laugh and say,
“Look what happens to mighty warriors
who do not trust in God.
They trust their wealth instead
and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.”
But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.
I will praise you forever, O God,
for what you have done.
I will trust in your good name
in the presence of your faithful 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.
You know the song, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. We’ve all sung it a zillion times. Remember the line where it says, “He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice”? We’ve all known people who were plenty “naughty”… and still seemed to manage to be on Santa’s “nice” list!
At some point, you have probably said of someone else… “If I did what he/she has done, I would be in jail… the poor house…big trouble…” (you fill in the blank). We all know people who seem to “get by with murder”. Maybe you know someone who never pays his/her bills, yet they always seem to get by somehow – and have nice things (like clothes, cars and homes) in the bargain. Or maybe you know someone who is dishonest…who makes promises and doesn’t keep them… someone who is unreliable or downright disruptive… yet people flock to this person and want him/her to be in their circle of friends and influences.
Perhaps you have worked very hard at school, at a job, for your team, or for a group in your church… and someone else who flies under the radar seems to take all of the glory and accolades. Or maybe you know those who waltz into a situation, toss around money and big talk, and make a big (and phony) splash to garner attention and credit, while the real workers were overshadowed on the sidelines. MAYBE…someone has lied about you – or to you – and somehow, he/she has managed to bully you and/or others into believing that you were actually the one who was “in the wrong” in a particular situation. It’s all enough to make you throw up your hands and claim that “Nice guys really DO finish LAST!”
But David is reminding all of us in this Psalm that no one gets by with anything! God is watching… and He is not amused by those who think they are above reproach. Like an olive tree (which is prized for its hard wood and durability - as well as its beauty), we are to remain strong and steady in our faith and our actions. We are to place our hope in God’s unfailing love… and trust His directives for our lives. We are to “keep on keepin’ on”… even when it seems like we are spinning our wheels.
Ultimately, God will take action. Those who have “misbehaved” will be reprimanded… there will be consequences for their actions. Those who have used wealth and influence to get ahead will have to answer for their actions… and those who have remained relentless and faithful in their trust and service will be rewarded.
I know it’s frustrating to sit on the sidelines and watch people cut corners and appear to skate by in life. But I also know that God will reward those who remain loyal and serve Him well. Don’t be distracted by the ones who play fast and loose with God’s gifts. Focus on Jesus and His teachings. Keep doing what you know is right… and never lose hope that God is noticing. GOD knows who is really naughty and nice…and His “list” is the only one that truly matters! The most important question is…in which column will He place your name?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Why do you boast about your crimes, great warrior?
Don’t you realize God’s justice continues forever?
All day long you plot destruction.
Your tongue cuts like a sharp razor;
you’re an expert at telling lies.
You love evil more than good
and lies more than truth.
You love to destroy others with your words,
you liar!
But God will strike you down once and for all.
He will pull you from your home
and uproot you from the land of the living.
The righteous will see it and be amazed.
They will laugh and say,
“Look what happens to mighty warriors
who do not trust in God.
They trust their wealth instead
and grow more and more bold in their wickedness.”
But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God.
I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.
I will praise you forever, O God,
for what you have done.
I will trust in your good name
in the presence of your faithful 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.
You know the song, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. We’ve all sung it a zillion times. Remember the line where it says, “He’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice”? We’ve all known people who were plenty “naughty”… and still seemed to manage to be on Santa’s “nice” list!
At some point, you have probably said of someone else… “If I did what he/she has done, I would be in jail… the poor house…big trouble…” (you fill in the blank). We all know people who seem to “get by with murder”. Maybe you know someone who never pays his/her bills, yet they always seem to get by somehow – and have nice things (like clothes, cars and homes) in the bargain. Or maybe you know someone who is dishonest…who makes promises and doesn’t keep them… someone who is unreliable or downright disruptive… yet people flock to this person and want him/her to be in their circle of friends and influences.
Perhaps you have worked very hard at school, at a job, for your team, or for a group in your church… and someone else who flies under the radar seems to take all of the glory and accolades. Or maybe you know those who waltz into a situation, toss around money and big talk, and make a big (and phony) splash to garner attention and credit, while the real workers were overshadowed on the sidelines. MAYBE…someone has lied about you – or to you – and somehow, he/she has managed to bully you and/or others into believing that you were actually the one who was “in the wrong” in a particular situation. It’s all enough to make you throw up your hands and claim that “Nice guys really DO finish LAST!”
But David is reminding all of us in this Psalm that no one gets by with anything! God is watching… and He is not amused by those who think they are above reproach. Like an olive tree (which is prized for its hard wood and durability - as well as its beauty), we are to remain strong and steady in our faith and our actions. We are to place our hope in God’s unfailing love… and trust His directives for our lives. We are to “keep on keepin’ on”… even when it seems like we are spinning our wheels.
Ultimately, God will take action. Those who have “misbehaved” will be reprimanded… there will be consequences for their actions. Those who have used wealth and influence to get ahead will have to answer for their actions… and those who have remained relentless and faithful in their trust and service will be rewarded.
I know it’s frustrating to sit on the sidelines and watch people cut corners and appear to skate by in life. But I also know that God will reward those who remain loyal and serve Him well. Don’t be distracted by the ones who play fast and loose with God’s gifts. Focus on Jesus and His teachings. Keep doing what you know is right… and never lose hope that God is noticing. GOD knows who is really naughty and nice…and His “list” is the only one that truly matters! The most important question is…in which column will He place your name?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 9, 2013
Daniel 3:15-18
I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It’s been 27 years since I taught public school kindergarten…and probably 30 years since the incident I am about to describe actually happened… but I remember it like it was yesterday. An administrator for our school district was observing a lesson that I taught one morning. Our school district was something of the “guinea pig” for every new program that came down the pike. This time, it was a program on assertive discipline. The woman who visited my classroom was doing “blind observations.” She did not know which teachers had attended the trial classes in assertive discipline… and which had not (and for the record, I was in the latter category!). As I began my lesson, a little boy named Marice began to “show out.” I warned him that a trip to “time out” was eminent. He persisted. I placed him in said “time out,” which consisted of a little nook in a corner of the classroom with a chair for sitting, separated from the rest of the room by a tall file cabinet. Think of it as a “3-sided box.”
I placed Marice in “time out.” He protested… loudly. I continued my lesson. He screamed and yelled, “I hate you! I’m never coming back!” I continued to deliver my lesson and interact with the other students as if nothing was amiss. Marice continued to shout, kick the filing cabinet, and protest… although he never left the corner. At the end of his ten minutes, the timer I had set began to ring, and I told him that he could return to his seat. The administrator later told me (as she shook her head), “I do not know how you did it! I could not have handled that!” I suggested to her that it was a matter of choices. The little boy chose to misbehave, and I gave him a chance to correct his behavior. By choosing to continue his actions, he elected to suffer consequences. I opted to enforce those consequences.
I could have “caved” and let him off the hook. I could have said, “We have a guest here today, and I don’t want to make a scene.” But I knew that this would not be the right option… this would not be productive for any of us in the long term. So I chose to grit my teeth and endure the 10 minutes of “time out” that was somewhat torturous for everyone. In the end, the little boy – and the other students – realized that I meant business. The rules were to be followed, or there would be consequences.
So often in our lives, there are “rules” that must be followed and choices that must be made, or we suffer consequences. In the case of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, there were two sets of rules - God’s, and King Nebuchadnezzar’s. To follow the king’s rules would save them from the fiery furnace. To follow God’s rules could possibly result in burning to death, which is not my idea of a pleasant way to go! I don’t know about you, but I would not have been able to blame these men if that threat had caused them to succumb to the pressure and say, “Okay, we will bow down to your idols.”
Here’s the thing…there are times when it would be so easy to say, “I just can’t do this. It’s too hard. I’m not sure exactly what will happen if I say ‘No!’… but I just can’t take that risk. I don’t think I can handle this.” But here’s the more important part… when we can’t handle a choice that we know God is calling us to make, we must trust Him to step in and do the hard work for us. We have to believe that He will carry us… that God will handle whatever pain and disruption our hard choice creates… that He will be there to rescue us from our “fiery furnace.”
I’m telling you… this is H.A.R.D. for me to digest – and it may be for you, as well. Like the administrator, there are times where I want to throw up my hands and say, “I simply cannot do this!” But I keep hearing God whisper, “Why can’t you? I’m right here with you. If you will listen and stay strong, I will show you that together, we can do this!” Does this mean that certain choices are no longer scary… that there aren’t times when I feel nauseous and anxious and wring my hands over the options I choose? Absolutely not! But my desire to follow God’s lead and serve Him is bigger than my fears… at least so far! What about yours?
©2013 Debbie Robus
I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
It’s been 27 years since I taught public school kindergarten…and probably 30 years since the incident I am about to describe actually happened… but I remember it like it was yesterday. An administrator for our school district was observing a lesson that I taught one morning. Our school district was something of the “guinea pig” for every new program that came down the pike. This time, it was a program on assertive discipline. The woman who visited my classroom was doing “blind observations.” She did not know which teachers had attended the trial classes in assertive discipline… and which had not (and for the record, I was in the latter category!). As I began my lesson, a little boy named Marice began to “show out.” I warned him that a trip to “time out” was eminent. He persisted. I placed him in said “time out,” which consisted of a little nook in a corner of the classroom with a chair for sitting, separated from the rest of the room by a tall file cabinet. Think of it as a “3-sided box.”
I placed Marice in “time out.” He protested… loudly. I continued my lesson. He screamed and yelled, “I hate you! I’m never coming back!” I continued to deliver my lesson and interact with the other students as if nothing was amiss. Marice continued to shout, kick the filing cabinet, and protest… although he never left the corner. At the end of his ten minutes, the timer I had set began to ring, and I told him that he could return to his seat. The administrator later told me (as she shook her head), “I do not know how you did it! I could not have handled that!” I suggested to her that it was a matter of choices. The little boy chose to misbehave, and I gave him a chance to correct his behavior. By choosing to continue his actions, he elected to suffer consequences. I opted to enforce those consequences.
I could have “caved” and let him off the hook. I could have said, “We have a guest here today, and I don’t want to make a scene.” But I knew that this would not be the right option… this would not be productive for any of us in the long term. So I chose to grit my teeth and endure the 10 minutes of “time out” that was somewhat torturous for everyone. In the end, the little boy – and the other students – realized that I meant business. The rules were to be followed, or there would be consequences.
So often in our lives, there are “rules” that must be followed and choices that must be made, or we suffer consequences. In the case of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, there were two sets of rules - God’s, and King Nebuchadnezzar’s. To follow the king’s rules would save them from the fiery furnace. To follow God’s rules could possibly result in burning to death, which is not my idea of a pleasant way to go! I don’t know about you, but I would not have been able to blame these men if that threat had caused them to succumb to the pressure and say, “Okay, we will bow down to your idols.”
Here’s the thing…there are times when it would be so easy to say, “I just can’t do this. It’s too hard. I’m not sure exactly what will happen if I say ‘No!’… but I just can’t take that risk. I don’t think I can handle this.” But here’s the more important part… when we can’t handle a choice that we know God is calling us to make, we must trust Him to step in and do the hard work for us. We have to believe that He will carry us… that God will handle whatever pain and disruption our hard choice creates… that He will be there to rescue us from our “fiery furnace.”
I’m telling you… this is H.A.R.D. for me to digest – and it may be for you, as well. Like the administrator, there are times where I want to throw up my hands and say, “I simply cannot do this!” But I keep hearing God whisper, “Why can’t you? I’m right here with you. If you will listen and stay strong, I will show you that together, we can do this!” Does this mean that certain choices are no longer scary… that there aren’t times when I feel nauseous and anxious and wring my hands over the options I choose? Absolutely not! But my desire to follow God’s lead and serve Him is bigger than my fears… at least so far! What about yours?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 20, 2013
2 Timothy 1:2
Timothy, you are like a dear child to me. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Christ Jesus will be kind and merciful to you and will bless you with peace!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a post on Facebook that said: “PEACE... it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” I couldn’t help but think that this is the kind of peace that the Apostle Paul was talking about… a peace so complete in Jesus Christ that we barely notice the “noise, trouble or hard work.” But there are a lot of us who do not enjoy such peace. It’s not that we can’t… or that complete peace in Jesus is not available to us. The problem is that too many of us either enjoy our worries and troubles a little too much… or we have just become numb to them. Either way, we have not surrendered them to God, so we find ourselves uncomfortable… unsettled… and frequently operating in anything but true serenity.
Don’t you want to change this? Don’t you want to be different… to conquer the devil’s power over you – and this IS the devil’s work, not God’s! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to look at whatever challenges you face and say, “Yes…I see this happening, but I’m not going to fall apart at the seams – or even stress out over it,” or “I am fully aware that things are chaotic right now, but I will not allow this to define or dishearten me.” Aren’t you ready to operate in a constant state of complete peace and the confidence that God has your back?
How do we make this shift? How do we go from being caught up in the chaos to operating in the complete peace of Jesus? We start by recognizing His power… by saying over and over that “God’s got this!” We recite scriptures like Philippians 4:13…” For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”(NLT), Romans 8:31… What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us?” or even Psalm 23:1…” The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” We repeat these scriptures silently – or aloud if necessary – until they take hold in our spirit and we feel calm and peaceful. And then we linger there in that spot. The more you do this… the more you trust God and truly hand Him your worries, cares, confusion and commotion…the more you will feel His peace.
There are two things to remember…
All we have to do is to reach out to God… to call on Him to give us peace – and to surrender our cares to Him in all circumstances. As the quote explains, the noise, trouble and hard work may still be there… but with complete peace in Jesus, we’ll hardly notice.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Timothy, you are like a dear child to me. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Christ Jesus will be kind and merciful to you and will bless you with peace!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a post on Facebook that said: “PEACE... it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” I couldn’t help but think that this is the kind of peace that the Apostle Paul was talking about… a peace so complete in Jesus Christ that we barely notice the “noise, trouble or hard work.” But there are a lot of us who do not enjoy such peace. It’s not that we can’t… or that complete peace in Jesus is not available to us. The problem is that too many of us either enjoy our worries and troubles a little too much… or we have just become numb to them. Either way, we have not surrendered them to God, so we find ourselves uncomfortable… unsettled… and frequently operating in anything but true serenity.
Don’t you want to change this? Don’t you want to be different… to conquer the devil’s power over you – and this IS the devil’s work, not God’s! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to look at whatever challenges you face and say, “Yes…I see this happening, but I’m not going to fall apart at the seams – or even stress out over it,” or “I am fully aware that things are chaotic right now, but I will not allow this to define or dishearten me.” Aren’t you ready to operate in a constant state of complete peace and the confidence that God has your back?
How do we make this shift? How do we go from being caught up in the chaos to operating in the complete peace of Jesus? We start by recognizing His power… by saying over and over that “God’s got this!” We recite scriptures like Philippians 4:13…” For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”(NLT), Romans 8:31… What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us?” or even Psalm 23:1…” The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” We repeat these scriptures silently – or aloud if necessary – until they take hold in our spirit and we feel calm and peaceful. And then we linger there in that spot. The more you do this… the more you trust God and truly hand Him your worries, cares, confusion and commotion…the more you will feel His peace.
There are two things to remember…
- God wants us to operate completely in His peace. This is His deep desire for each one of us.
- God’s complete peace is attainable… we can experience it and make it part of our everyday living.
All we have to do is to reach out to God… to call on Him to give us peace – and to surrender our cares to Him in all circumstances. As the quote explains, the noise, trouble and hard work may still be there… but with complete peace in Jesus, we’ll hardly notice.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 9, 2012
Matthew 10:32-39
“Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I’ll cover for you?
“Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.
“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.
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.
Someone was telling me recently about visiting the home of a friend, and there was a pillow in one room that said, “It’s all about ME!” Sadly, this is not a joke for some of us! Many people function in this world under the assumption that it truly is all about them. Their focus is on their own agenda… the next purchase…who is paying attention to them… what is happening in their own little circle… and how they appear to others – on every level.
Forget asking these people to change their plans or forego a “treat” for themselves to help someone else. Remember, it’s all about them! Never mind asking them to put the needs of another person ahead of their own… or to say, I had planned to give such-and-such to my parents or my child… but this person is in dire straits and needs it worse, so I will proceed in a different direction.
When it comes to our Christian Discipleship, even more of us have a problem in this area. Ask yourself… “Would I be willing to forego a daily/semi-weekly cup of specialty coffee or a large soft drink in order to sponsor a child in Compassion, International or help another worthwhile charity? Could I give up an hour or so a week of doing something I really enjoy in order to help someone who had a physical need I could meet… running errands, help with lawn maintenance, delivering Meals on Wheels, giving a shut-in a ride somewhere, etc.? What if I turned off my television each day for one hour and spent that time in quiet prayer and meditation for others?”
I don’t know what God is calling you to do. I don’t know where your path to Discipleship leads you. But I do know that a lot of us are far less obedient and selfless in these areas than we ought to be. When it comes to our Christian witness and Discipleship, more than a handful of us could sport a pillow that says “It’s all about ME.”
I’m asking you to examine your heart… and your lifestyle… and see where you are acting selfishly and with a self-centered heart. Then ask God to help you turn things around. Start operating from a place of incredible generosity… the old “give until it hurts – and then some” mentality. I’m not talking about money, per se… unless that is what God asks you to give. I’m talking time, talents, energy - whatever He requests. Be willing to give…and then give some more. Stand up for God, and He will stand up for you! Life may not always be cozy,but you will be blessed. You will know that you can someday stand before God with honor and the confidence that you went all the way with Him. You gave everything you had to give… and then some.
If it’s all about GOD, He will see that your needs are met in the bargain. And when God meets your needs, nothing is lacking…and He is truly enough. Aren’t you ready for this? Won’t you ask God to help you change your focus?
©2012 Debbie Robus
“Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I’ll cover for you?
“Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.
“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.
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.
Someone was telling me recently about visiting the home of a friend, and there was a pillow in one room that said, “It’s all about ME!” Sadly, this is not a joke for some of us! Many people function in this world under the assumption that it truly is all about them. Their focus is on their own agenda… the next purchase…who is paying attention to them… what is happening in their own little circle… and how they appear to others – on every level.
Forget asking these people to change their plans or forego a “treat” for themselves to help someone else. Remember, it’s all about them! Never mind asking them to put the needs of another person ahead of their own… or to say, I had planned to give such-and-such to my parents or my child… but this person is in dire straits and needs it worse, so I will proceed in a different direction.
When it comes to our Christian Discipleship, even more of us have a problem in this area. Ask yourself… “Would I be willing to forego a daily/semi-weekly cup of specialty coffee or a large soft drink in order to sponsor a child in Compassion, International or help another worthwhile charity? Could I give up an hour or so a week of doing something I really enjoy in order to help someone who had a physical need I could meet… running errands, help with lawn maintenance, delivering Meals on Wheels, giving a shut-in a ride somewhere, etc.? What if I turned off my television each day for one hour and spent that time in quiet prayer and meditation for others?”
I don’t know what God is calling you to do. I don’t know where your path to Discipleship leads you. But I do know that a lot of us are far less obedient and selfless in these areas than we ought to be. When it comes to our Christian witness and Discipleship, more than a handful of us could sport a pillow that says “It’s all about ME.”
I’m asking you to examine your heart… and your lifestyle… and see where you are acting selfishly and with a self-centered heart. Then ask God to help you turn things around. Start operating from a place of incredible generosity… the old “give until it hurts – and then some” mentality. I’m not talking about money, per se… unless that is what God asks you to give. I’m talking time, talents, energy - whatever He requests. Be willing to give…and then give some more. Stand up for God, and He will stand up for you! Life may not always be cozy,but you will be blessed. You will know that you can someday stand before God with honor and the confidence that you went all the way with Him. You gave everything you had to give… and then some.
If it’s all about GOD, He will see that your needs are met in the bargain. And when God meets your needs, nothing is lacking…and He is truly enough. Aren’t you ready for this? Won’t you ask God to help you change your focus?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 1, 2012
Ezekiel 37:1-6
Some time later, I felt the Lord’s power take control of me, and his Spirit carried me to a valley full of bones. The Lord showed me all around, and everywhere I looked I saw bones that were dried out. He said, “Ezekiel, son of man, can these bones come back to life?”
I replied, “Lord God, only you can answer that.”
He then told me to say: Dry bones, listen to what the Lord is saying to you, “I, the Lord God, will put breath in you, and once again you will live. I will wrap you with muscles and skin and breathe life into you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever taken a walk in the woods or an open field and come upon a dry animal skeleton? Maybe you stopped and poked at it with a stick to try and figure out what kind of animal it was… or maybe it was evident right away. Either way, it’s a sure bet that animal was not coming back to life… there was nothing you could do to change this!
Life is like “dry bones” a lot of the time. There are situations and circumstances that we simply cannot change. Oh… a lot of us try… but we’re really wasting time and energy! We can’t seem to get it through our heads that there are more than a few things in this world that we cannot fix on our own. We need the power of God!
We’re a stubborn lot! But I can tell you from personal experience that once we move over and get out of God’s way, He can do amazing things. God can even turn dry bones into living creatures! I’m fairly certain you have some “dry bones’ in your life that you need help restoring. I’d be willing to bet there is at least one situation where you could use the power of God… if only you would step aside and let Him work.
Is today a “turning point” day for you? Will this be the moment when you acknowledge your own weakness… and God’s power? Surrender to Him… release whatever is troubling you, and allow God some room to work. Get ready to be amazed and blessed by how well He can resolve and restore all kinds of messes! Give God your “dry bones” today… let Him show you what He can do!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Some time later, I felt the Lord’s power take control of me, and his Spirit carried me to a valley full of bones. The Lord showed me all around, and everywhere I looked I saw bones that were dried out. He said, “Ezekiel, son of man, can these bones come back to life?”
I replied, “Lord God, only you can answer that.”
He then told me to say: Dry bones, listen to what the Lord is saying to you, “I, the Lord God, will put breath in you, and once again you will live. I will wrap you with muscles and skin and breathe life into you. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever taken a walk in the woods or an open field and come upon a dry animal skeleton? Maybe you stopped and poked at it with a stick to try and figure out what kind of animal it was… or maybe it was evident right away. Either way, it’s a sure bet that animal was not coming back to life… there was nothing you could do to change this!
Life is like “dry bones” a lot of the time. There are situations and circumstances that we simply cannot change. Oh… a lot of us try… but we’re really wasting time and energy! We can’t seem to get it through our heads that there are more than a few things in this world that we cannot fix on our own. We need the power of God!
We’re a stubborn lot! But I can tell you from personal experience that once we move over and get out of God’s way, He can do amazing things. God can even turn dry bones into living creatures! I’m fairly certain you have some “dry bones’ in your life that you need help restoring. I’d be willing to bet there is at least one situation where you could use the power of God… if only you would step aside and let Him work.
Is today a “turning point” day for you? Will this be the moment when you acknowledge your own weakness… and God’s power? Surrender to Him… release whatever is troubling you, and allow God some room to work. Get ready to be amazed and blessed by how well He can resolve and restore all kinds of messes! Give God your “dry bones” today… let Him show you what He can do!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 13, 2012
Mark 10:29
Jesus said, "Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land—whatever—because of me and the Message will lose out. They'll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land—but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Each one of us will face daunting decisions in our lives… hard choices that alter the course of our journey forever. Some that stand out for me… leaving high school after my junior year for college and marriage; quitting my job as an elementary school teacher to begin a new business with my husband – and moving back to our home town in the bargain;, and leaving my grandparents’ farm and the “dream home” we built there to move back into town to better “grow” our business. Each time, I knew in my heart the decision was right… but nagging doubts and questions abounded. Many would call this “the devil’s advocate” – and indeed, the devil did have fun messing with my mind!
Each decision was a good one… a time of growth and blessings that I know God orchestrated and sanctioned. Each time I could have buckled and listened to the misgivings and reservations voiced by others (and running through my own head). But I prayerfully considered all options and followed what I felt God was showing me. As “doors and windows” opened, I stepped through them… and my fears were dissolved as blessings multiplied.
Having said this, there were areas I still held “in reserve” for a number of years… things I didn’t fully surrender to God, for one reason or another. The biggest decision we can ever make in life is to allow God complete control over every aspect of our lives. You would think that this is automatic when one gives his/her heart to Jesus, but actually, these can be separate decisions.
I am sure that there are those who invite Jesus into their heart and surrender completely to His will from that day forward – in every single thing. But there are others among us who have an “everything but” salvation experience. “I have given my heart to Jesus and will serve Him to the best of my ability. But when my parents don’t think I should give to a charity that God has spoken to me about, I have to listen. When my boyfriend/girlfriend wants me to go to the beach for spring break instead of going on a mission trip with the church youth group, I will probably go to the beach.”
“When I’m encouraged to cover for my boss at work about something, and everyone else is in on it, I have to go along, so I don’t lose my job. When I’m with a group of people who are making bigoted, off-color references to a particular group of people, I have to snicker and agree… or else they won’t like me. When my child asks me to help him/her get out of some trouble – or to make excuses for his/her behavior – I have to do it… he/she is my kid!”
We have a ready-made Guide for making all decisions… no matter how seemingly small or insignificant. It’s not our conscience or our little “inner voice”… it’s the all-knowing, all-powerful voice of God. If we will stop and say, “LORD, no matter what you decide, I will follow. Please show me how YOU want me to handle this.” A lot of His answers won’t be popular… much less easy. But when we come to a point in our faith where we can say, “no matter what” to God and mean it, everything starts to come into focus.
When you can say to God, “If I lose everything – family, friends, job, home, freedom, EVERYTHING – but still have YOU, it won’t matter”… you have arrived as His disciple. When you can truly surrender to God in all matters – and mean it – you will be astounded at how He shows up in your life. Don’t hold back. Don’t reserve any areas for doing what YOU want to do. Give EVERYTHING to God and watch what happens in return!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Jesus said, "Mark my words, no one who sacrifices house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, land—whatever—because of me and the Message will lose out. They'll get it all back, but multiplied many times in homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land—but also in troubles. And then the bonus of eternal life! This is once again the Great Reversal: Many who are first will end up last, and the last first."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Each one of us will face daunting decisions in our lives… hard choices that alter the course of our journey forever. Some that stand out for me… leaving high school after my junior year for college and marriage; quitting my job as an elementary school teacher to begin a new business with my husband – and moving back to our home town in the bargain;, and leaving my grandparents’ farm and the “dream home” we built there to move back into town to better “grow” our business. Each time, I knew in my heart the decision was right… but nagging doubts and questions abounded. Many would call this “the devil’s advocate” – and indeed, the devil did have fun messing with my mind!
Each decision was a good one… a time of growth and blessings that I know God orchestrated and sanctioned. Each time I could have buckled and listened to the misgivings and reservations voiced by others (and running through my own head). But I prayerfully considered all options and followed what I felt God was showing me. As “doors and windows” opened, I stepped through them… and my fears were dissolved as blessings multiplied.
Having said this, there were areas I still held “in reserve” for a number of years… things I didn’t fully surrender to God, for one reason or another. The biggest decision we can ever make in life is to allow God complete control over every aspect of our lives. You would think that this is automatic when one gives his/her heart to Jesus, but actually, these can be separate decisions.
I am sure that there are those who invite Jesus into their heart and surrender completely to His will from that day forward – in every single thing. But there are others among us who have an “everything but” salvation experience. “I have given my heart to Jesus and will serve Him to the best of my ability. But when my parents don’t think I should give to a charity that God has spoken to me about, I have to listen. When my boyfriend/girlfriend wants me to go to the beach for spring break instead of going on a mission trip with the church youth group, I will probably go to the beach.”
“When I’m encouraged to cover for my boss at work about something, and everyone else is in on it, I have to go along, so I don’t lose my job. When I’m with a group of people who are making bigoted, off-color references to a particular group of people, I have to snicker and agree… or else they won’t like me. When my child asks me to help him/her get out of some trouble – or to make excuses for his/her behavior – I have to do it… he/she is my kid!”
We have a ready-made Guide for making all decisions… no matter how seemingly small or insignificant. It’s not our conscience or our little “inner voice”… it’s the all-knowing, all-powerful voice of God. If we will stop and say, “LORD, no matter what you decide, I will follow. Please show me how YOU want me to handle this.” A lot of His answers won’t be popular… much less easy. But when we come to a point in our faith where we can say, “no matter what” to God and mean it, everything starts to come into focus.
When you can say to God, “If I lose everything – family, friends, job, home, freedom, EVERYTHING – but still have YOU, it won’t matter”… you have arrived as His disciple. When you can truly surrender to God in all matters – and mean it – you will be astounded at how He shows up in your life. Don’t hold back. Don’t reserve any areas for doing what YOU want to do. Give EVERYTHING to God and watch what happens in return!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)