Psalms 25:1-5
I offer you my heart, Lord God,
and I trust you.
Don’t make me ashamed
or let enemies defeat me.
Don’t disappoint any
of your worshipers,
but disappoint all
deceitful liars.
Show me your paths
and teach me to follow;
guide me by your truth
and instruct me.
You keep me safe,
and I always trust you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our great-niece Erin, a high school junior, plays varsity softball. We attended a game that would probably
decide the conference championship. The opponents were very good…and
the game was a tight one. With a 3-3 tie in the last inning, the game
went into extra innings. The opposing coach vehemently protested a
called out at first base. The home plate umpire told the coach to take
it up with the outfield umpire (who made the call)…and he did. For
several minutes, they argued…but ultimately, the call stood.
There
was a runner on third base, and next batter hit a ball directly to the
pitcher - who threw the hitter out at first base. The first “baseman”
threw the ball back to home plate, and from all indications, the runner
from third base was tagged “out” at the plate. But the umpire declared
her “safe”…and the runner scored for this team to take the lead.
Our
girls were able to get the third out without any more scoring by the
opponents, and it was our team’s turn to bat in the bottom of the 8th
inning. We managed to score a run to tie the score once again…and to
make successive hits that moved Erin to third base. With the next hit,
Erin was able to sprint over home plate – and secure the win for our
team! I don’t have to tell you that we were all excited about this…and
so happy for our girl and her teammates!
Here’s what this has
to do with us as Christians. The coach did what coaches do…he
complained about one call in hopes of getting the next call to go his
way…and it appeared to have worked! But in the end, this tactic did not
win him the game. I’m not in any way saying that this coach or the
opposing team did anything wrong. In fact, it was a really good, fun
game in which both teams played very hard.
I also do not mean to
imply that God impacted the victory in our team’s favor…or that God
cares all that much about high school girls’ softball in the first
place! But God does care about our efforts. He cares that we do our
very best in every endeavor…that we keep our heads down and persevere,
just as our team did yesterday. It would have been so easy to fold
after the opponents took the lead on that controversial call. And in
life, there are plenty of times when we could give up, based on what
others have said about us or done toward us. Honestly, in many
instances, no one would blame us.
But God doesn’t operate like
the world. He calls us to “keep on keepin’ on”…to live with integrity,
faith - and confidence that He will guide us in truth and keep us safe.
How we handle adversity – even on a varsity softball field – says a lot
about us as Christian disciples. Our actions – and reactions –
matter. They can make a point – or make a difference. We can decide
whether we want to be champions with God…or give up when things get
tough and muddle through with an attitude of defeat. God will love us
either way. But what will this say about our heart – and our level of
faith?
I wish you could have seen our Erin after she scored.
She jumped up and down behind home plate with exuberance – then ran into
the arms of a volunteer coach who spun her around with sheer
exhilaration. And this is how I picture God welcoming us when we offer
Him our heart and our very best.
What about you…how are you
operating these days? Are you offering God your best and trusting Him
to do amazing things? Are you “sprinting across home plate” in victory
and enjoying the thrill of His delight? Don’t you think it’s time you
were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label giving our heart to God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giving our heart to God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 23, 2014
1 Peter 1:3
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Marla was telling me how frazzled her daughter Molly is these days. Molly is the working, single mother of three children…and they are all going in different directions. She has been driving her oldest son to a night-time “band camp” this week to prepare for his entry into high school band next fall. The two younger children are involved in gymnastics classes. Marla said that when she visited recently, Molly’s kitchen table was littered with applications for a number of summer camps. She said, “It’s all about to drive Molly crazy!” And many of you can relate.
Even if you don’t have three children and a job, you may have a “to-do” list that seems insurmountable. I can remember days when I worked full-time and was so frazzled and exhausted by all that I had to accomplish that I woke up thinking, “If I can get through this day, in 10-12 hours, I can go back to bed!” Does this sound familiar?
What if our spiritual life was like this? In the Old Testament, we read about making blood sacrifices for our sins. If you think people in Biblical times had it easier, think again! They didn’t have cars, microwaves, smart phones, computers, or even running water (at least your average Joe didn’t!). So in addition to toting water…hunting and killing – or growing – their food…gathering fire wood…protecting their property and their physical body from the elements, predators and enemies… and even the logistics of getting from Point A to Point B…they had to select the purest lambs, carry them to the high priest, confess their sins, then kill the lamb with a knife and spill its blood in atonement! Whew! Makes me tired just to type all of this!
I’m thankful for all of our modern conveniences. But I am even more thankful for the blood of Jesus that bought and paid for my sins - once and for all. Now understand, this is not a “given”…we cannot just assume that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and go on with our merry lives. We must humbly confess before God that we are sinners. We must ask for His forgiveness. We must request the gift of eternal life by the blood of Jesus. THEN He will bestow it! And we’re not done…we still have obligations. We must be good stewards of our gift of Salvation in Jesus.
We have to live in a way that honors this gift and truly demonstrates our desire and efforts to enjoy a life free of sin. But “resting in the LORD” is so much more peaceful and soothing than constantly worrying and examining your life and rushing to a priest with a living sacrifice. Even more importantly, once we confess our sins and vow to follow Jesus, we are free of the “after-burden” of our sins. We don’t have to carry the added weight of picturing a precious lamb suffering, quite literally, under the knife of our transgressions…and the knowledge that we will have to repeat this act over and over and over throughout our lives.
Acceptance of Jesus’ gift of salvation allows us to rest in His love and to concentrate our time and energy on other things…like serving Him and loving others – and enjoying the new life that He has given us! Our new life in Christ won’t take all of the tasks off of our “to-do” list. We will still have jobs, spouses, kids, family obligations, civic duties, and ministries to tend. But we will not have the heavy burden of sin looming over our heads. I don’t know about you, but for me, this is HUGE!
Summer is a time when we often think of a slower, more relaxed pace…afternoons lounging in a porch swing or hammock…sunny days spent playing in the water…the fun and camaraderie of a baseball game…camps and vacations…and so much more. Let this summer be the one that you leave behind the burden of sin. Truly humble yourself and ask Jesus to forgive you…to wash you in the blood of His sacrifice…and be done with it, once and for all! Rest in His hope; relax in His peace. See if this doesn’t make your crazy “to-do” list just a little more tolerable. Aren’t you ready to “rest in the LORD”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend Marla was telling me how frazzled her daughter Molly is these days. Molly is the working, single mother of three children…and they are all going in different directions. She has been driving her oldest son to a night-time “band camp” this week to prepare for his entry into high school band next fall. The two younger children are involved in gymnastics classes. Marla said that when she visited recently, Molly’s kitchen table was littered with applications for a number of summer camps. She said, “It’s all about to drive Molly crazy!” And many of you can relate.
Even if you don’t have three children and a job, you may have a “to-do” list that seems insurmountable. I can remember days when I worked full-time and was so frazzled and exhausted by all that I had to accomplish that I woke up thinking, “If I can get through this day, in 10-12 hours, I can go back to bed!” Does this sound familiar?
What if our spiritual life was like this? In the Old Testament, we read about making blood sacrifices for our sins. If you think people in Biblical times had it easier, think again! They didn’t have cars, microwaves, smart phones, computers, or even running water (at least your average Joe didn’t!). So in addition to toting water…hunting and killing – or growing – their food…gathering fire wood…protecting their property and their physical body from the elements, predators and enemies… and even the logistics of getting from Point A to Point B…they had to select the purest lambs, carry them to the high priest, confess their sins, then kill the lamb with a knife and spill its blood in atonement! Whew! Makes me tired just to type all of this!
I’m thankful for all of our modern conveniences. But I am even more thankful for the blood of Jesus that bought and paid for my sins - once and for all. Now understand, this is not a “given”…we cannot just assume that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and go on with our merry lives. We must humbly confess before God that we are sinners. We must ask for His forgiveness. We must request the gift of eternal life by the blood of Jesus. THEN He will bestow it! And we’re not done…we still have obligations. We must be good stewards of our gift of Salvation in Jesus.
We have to live in a way that honors this gift and truly demonstrates our desire and efforts to enjoy a life free of sin. But “resting in the LORD” is so much more peaceful and soothing than constantly worrying and examining your life and rushing to a priest with a living sacrifice. Even more importantly, once we confess our sins and vow to follow Jesus, we are free of the “after-burden” of our sins. We don’t have to carry the added weight of picturing a precious lamb suffering, quite literally, under the knife of our transgressions…and the knowledge that we will have to repeat this act over and over and over throughout our lives.
Acceptance of Jesus’ gift of salvation allows us to rest in His love and to concentrate our time and energy on other things…like serving Him and loving others – and enjoying the new life that He has given us! Our new life in Christ won’t take all of the tasks off of our “to-do” list. We will still have jobs, spouses, kids, family obligations, civic duties, and ministries to tend. But we will not have the heavy burden of sin looming over our heads. I don’t know about you, but for me, this is HUGE!
Summer is a time when we often think of a slower, more relaxed pace…afternoons lounging in a porch swing or hammock…sunny days spent playing in the water…the fun and camaraderie of a baseball game…camps and vacations…and so much more. Let this summer be the one that you leave behind the burden of sin. Truly humble yourself and ask Jesus to forgive you…to wash you in the blood of His sacrifice…and be done with it, once and for all! Rest in His hope; relax in His peace. See if this doesn’t make your crazy “to-do” list just a little more tolerable. Aren’t you ready to “rest in the LORD”?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 19, 2012
Proverbs 20:27
Our inner thoughts are a lamp from the LORD, and they search our hearts.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You’ve probably known someone who got dressed in the dark and came to school or work wearing a black shoe and a brown one – or two different colored socks or something else mismatched. Without appropriate light to guide us, we often make mistakes. And while some are minor in the scheme of things – like getting dressed in the dark - some are more serious. Reaching into a poorly lit knife drawer could result in a bad cut. We probably wouldn’t put our hand into black, murky water without know what was in there. We’re not inclined to drive a car into a shadowy, deserted area without knowing what lies ahead… or to enter a pitch black room in an unfamiliar building.
Satan operates within the darkness of our hearts. He fills the inner recesses with unkind thoughts, temptations, self-serving desires, and much more. He cannot operate in the light. So when we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts, it’s as if we have “lit” our hearts with the Word of God and banished the devil. Just as the light of a candle can guide us into a dark room, God can illuminate our heart and show us where the wiles of Satan are lurking – and help us to get rid of him. We can then receive all that we need to operate skillfully in the realm of God and His purposes.
We need to learn to believe God with our heart… how to operate in His light… and then give Him room to do exactly this! Don’t miss out on all God wants to give you. Turn on the “Light!” There is no limit to what God can use to get His word to you… to light the darkest recesses of your heart and fill you with His Holy Spirit. The only limitations are those we place on Him to do this, through lack of knowledge, an openness and willingness of our heart, and continual communication with Him.
We need to humanly, consciously open our heart to all that God wants to give us. We must allow Him to “turn on the Light,” and guide our natural thoughts and transform them into holy ones. Just as we would never reach into a dark drawer or step into a pitch black room, we must never operate from a place of darkness. Make room for God in your heart. Allow Him to illuminate you from the inside out… to drive Satan completely away. Let God fill you with His Light - and all of the blessings that follow.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Our inner thoughts are a lamp from the LORD, and they search our hearts.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You’ve probably known someone who got dressed in the dark and came to school or work wearing a black shoe and a brown one – or two different colored socks or something else mismatched. Without appropriate light to guide us, we often make mistakes. And while some are minor in the scheme of things – like getting dressed in the dark - some are more serious. Reaching into a poorly lit knife drawer could result in a bad cut. We probably wouldn’t put our hand into black, murky water without know what was in there. We’re not inclined to drive a car into a shadowy, deserted area without knowing what lies ahead… or to enter a pitch black room in an unfamiliar building.
Satan operates within the darkness of our hearts. He fills the inner recesses with unkind thoughts, temptations, self-serving desires, and much more. He cannot operate in the light. So when we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts, it’s as if we have “lit” our hearts with the Word of God and banished the devil. Just as the light of a candle can guide us into a dark room, God can illuminate our heart and show us where the wiles of Satan are lurking – and help us to get rid of him. We can then receive all that we need to operate skillfully in the realm of God and His purposes.
We need to learn to believe God with our heart… how to operate in His light… and then give Him room to do exactly this! Don’t miss out on all God wants to give you. Turn on the “Light!” There is no limit to what God can use to get His word to you… to light the darkest recesses of your heart and fill you with His Holy Spirit. The only limitations are those we place on Him to do this, through lack of knowledge, an openness and willingness of our heart, and continual communication with Him.
We need to humanly, consciously open our heart to all that God wants to give us. We must allow Him to “turn on the Light,” and guide our natural thoughts and transform them into holy ones. Just as we would never reach into a dark drawer or step into a pitch black room, we must never operate from a place of darkness. Make room for God in your heart. Allow Him to illuminate you from the inside out… to drive Satan completely away. Let God fill you with His Light - and all of the blessings that follow.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 23, 2012
2 Chronicles 6:28-31
When disasters strike, famine or catastrophe, crop failure or disease, locust or beetle, or when an enemy attacks their defenses—calamity of any sort—any prayer that's prayed from anyone at all among your people Israel, their hearts penetrated by disaster, hands and arms thrown out for help to this Temple, listen from your home in heaven, forgive and reward us: reward each life and circumstance, for you know each life from the inside, (you're the only one with such inside knowledge!), so they'll live before you in lifelong reverence and believing obedience on this land you gave our ancestors.
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 maternal grandmother’s uncle, Sam Dial, operated the local livery, where he stabled horses, rented cars and wagons, and served as something of the “cab driver” of the day. When a devastating tornado ravaged our town on Thanksgiving Day 1926, my Uncle Sam and his wife, Lucy, took a truck to the western part of town to collect the dead and dying. In the book Time and the River by Evalena Berry, Aunt Lucy is quoted as saying, “I helped Sam, and we loaded them in those trucks. I carried their feet and he carried their head and we loaded them in there like cord wood. We took them to the Court House and laid them out. When I got home you couldn’t tell what my dress was but mud and blood. That was the ’26 tornado.”
In all, 19 people lost their lives that day. My grandmother was 17 years old when this tornado tore through Heber Springs. She stood on the street and watched her aunt and uncle pass with the truckload of bodies, and she never forgot the gruesome image. This partly explains why we spent much of our childhood hiding in a storm cellar at the first hint of a dark cloud on the horizon. My grandmother was forever changed by this horrific event.
Others have been transformed by involvement with a drunk driver, a catastrophic illness, the loss of a loved one, and more – calamities of any sort. And many have reached out to God with a heart penetrated by disaster. Some are only temporarily transformed, while others are changed for good. But only God can truly know the person’s heart. When we reach out to Him in a genuine spirit of humility and yearning for His help… comfort… rescue… restoration… He answers. God knows when we are sincere in our desire for His help – and for change - and He stands ready to deliver us.
I don’t know your heart. Some people experience disaster and devastation at a young age… some not at all… and some have a lifetime that seems to be filled with such events. Whatever your situation… regardless of your “stage” in life… God stands ready to hear your prayers and meet your needs. If your heart is pure… if you truly desire His answers, He will give them, according to His will for your life.
Psalm 56:8 says “You have kept record of my days of wandering. You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them.”* Give your tears to God today… ask Him to forgive your sins and repair your heart. Humbly and reverently seek Him, and He will reward your life and its circumstances. Give God your devotion and trust, and walk in confidence that He is guiding your steps and rewarding your obedience.
©2012 Debbie Robus
* Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When disasters strike, famine or catastrophe, crop failure or disease, locust or beetle, or when an enemy attacks their defenses—calamity of any sort—any prayer that's prayed from anyone at all among your people Israel, their hearts penetrated by disaster, hands and arms thrown out for help to this Temple, listen from your home in heaven, forgive and reward us: reward each life and circumstance, for you know each life from the inside, (you're the only one with such inside knowledge!), so they'll live before you in lifelong reverence and believing obedience on this land you gave our ancestors.
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 maternal grandmother’s uncle, Sam Dial, operated the local livery, where he stabled horses, rented cars and wagons, and served as something of the “cab driver” of the day. When a devastating tornado ravaged our town on Thanksgiving Day 1926, my Uncle Sam and his wife, Lucy, took a truck to the western part of town to collect the dead and dying. In the book Time and the River by Evalena Berry, Aunt Lucy is quoted as saying, “I helped Sam, and we loaded them in those trucks. I carried their feet and he carried their head and we loaded them in there like cord wood. We took them to the Court House and laid them out. When I got home you couldn’t tell what my dress was but mud and blood. That was the ’26 tornado.”
In all, 19 people lost their lives that day. My grandmother was 17 years old when this tornado tore through Heber Springs. She stood on the street and watched her aunt and uncle pass with the truckload of bodies, and she never forgot the gruesome image. This partly explains why we spent much of our childhood hiding in a storm cellar at the first hint of a dark cloud on the horizon. My grandmother was forever changed by this horrific event.
Others have been transformed by involvement with a drunk driver, a catastrophic illness, the loss of a loved one, and more – calamities of any sort. And many have reached out to God with a heart penetrated by disaster. Some are only temporarily transformed, while others are changed for good. But only God can truly know the person’s heart. When we reach out to Him in a genuine spirit of humility and yearning for His help… comfort… rescue… restoration… He answers. God knows when we are sincere in our desire for His help – and for change - and He stands ready to deliver us.
I don’t know your heart. Some people experience disaster and devastation at a young age… some not at all… and some have a lifetime that seems to be filled with such events. Whatever your situation… regardless of your “stage” in life… God stands ready to hear your prayers and meet your needs. If your heart is pure… if you truly desire His answers, He will give them, according to His will for your life.
Psalm 56:8 says “You have kept record of my days of wandering. You have stored my tears in your bottle and counted each of them.”* Give your tears to God today… ask Him to forgive your sins and repair your heart. Humbly and reverently seek Him, and He will reward your life and its circumstances. Give God your devotion and trust, and walk in confidence that He is guiding your steps and rewarding your obedience.
©2012 Debbie Robus
* Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Daily Devotional for January 11, 2012
Acts 2:1-13
On the day of Pentecost all the Lord's followers were together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there.
The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak. Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem. And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages. They were excited and amazed, and said: Don't all these who are speaking come from Galilee? Then why do we hear them speaking our very own languages?
Some of us are from Parthia, Media, and Elam. Others are from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya near Cyrene, Rome, Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were bornJews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done.
Everyone was excited and confused. Some of them even kept asking each other, "What does all this mean?" Others made fun of the Lord's followers and said, "They are drunk.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone made a sarcastic or playful comment to you about swimming in a pool with sharks, and you didn’t understand. Your response was, “You have a pool?” That would be ridiculous, wouldn’t it?! But so often, we misinterpret what is said or done – not merely out of our own ignorance, but also because of a lack of proper communication or the inflection of someone else’s humor, sarcasm, or personal opinion. And sometimes, we jump to conclusions and make snap judgments. And we do this a lot when it comes to our faith.
So when I read this passage, I was not so focused on the fact that people were speaking in tongues as I was their reaction… and the rapid conclusion by some that the people were drunk. We are no different. We often judge quickly. We assume that someone is a fanatic because of how they speak about certain issues. We decide that others are either weak in their faith – or a lost cause altogether. We write people off because of how they dress, what they drive, and which political camp they favor. We categorize people according to who they select as friends, their personal lifestyle choices, and their economic status.
We don’t truly get to know other people… and often, we don’t truly get to know God. Why would it be out of the realm of possibilities for God to allow a room full of people from different countries to speak in their own language, while we hear them in English or whatever happens to be our native language? We’re talking about the God of the Universe! He can do anything… right? Why must everything be so cut and dried in our faith? Can’t the God who loves each of us as His own precious child love those who think, speak and act differently? Is our faith so “cookie-cutter” that there is no “wiggle room?” And if this is the case, have we removed God’s ability to work in and through each of us by being so rigid?
My challenge for each of us is to stop limiting God. Let’s stop setting up boundaries and jumping to conclusions about other people and situations, just because we may not clearly understand them. When we open our hearts and minds to the possibilities with God… when we allow Him room to work and an open invitation… amazing things can happen, just as they did at Pentecost.
Where have you made snap judgments lately? Where have you limited God? Isn’t it time you let go and let Him have control? Isn’t today a good day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
On the day of Pentecost all the Lord's followers were together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from heaven like the sound of a mighty wind! It filled the house where they were meeting. Then they saw what looked like fiery tongues moving in all directions, and a tongue came and settled on each person there.
The Holy Spirit took control of everyone, and they began speaking whatever languages the Spirit let them speak. Many religious Jews from every country in the world were living in Jerusalem. And when they heard this noise, a crowd gathered. But they were surprised, because they were hearing everything in their own languages. They were excited and amazed, and said: Don't all these who are speaking come from Galilee? Then why do we hear them speaking our very own languages?
Some of us are from Parthia, Media, and Elam. Others are from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, parts of Libya near Cyrene, Rome, Crete, and Arabia. Some of us were bornJews, and others of us have chosen to be Jews. Yet we all hear them using our own languages to tell the wonderful things God has done.
Everyone was excited and confused. Some of them even kept asking each other, "What does all this mean?" Others made fun of the Lord's followers and said, "They are drunk.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone made a sarcastic or playful comment to you about swimming in a pool with sharks, and you didn’t understand. Your response was, “You have a pool?” That would be ridiculous, wouldn’t it?! But so often, we misinterpret what is said or done – not merely out of our own ignorance, but also because of a lack of proper communication or the inflection of someone else’s humor, sarcasm, or personal opinion. And sometimes, we jump to conclusions and make snap judgments. And we do this a lot when it comes to our faith.
So when I read this passage, I was not so focused on the fact that people were speaking in tongues as I was their reaction… and the rapid conclusion by some that the people were drunk. We are no different. We often judge quickly. We assume that someone is a fanatic because of how they speak about certain issues. We decide that others are either weak in their faith – or a lost cause altogether. We write people off because of how they dress, what they drive, and which political camp they favor. We categorize people according to who they select as friends, their personal lifestyle choices, and their economic status.
We don’t truly get to know other people… and often, we don’t truly get to know God. Why would it be out of the realm of possibilities for God to allow a room full of people from different countries to speak in their own language, while we hear them in English or whatever happens to be our native language? We’re talking about the God of the Universe! He can do anything… right? Why must everything be so cut and dried in our faith? Can’t the God who loves each of us as His own precious child love those who think, speak and act differently? Is our faith so “cookie-cutter” that there is no “wiggle room?” And if this is the case, have we removed God’s ability to work in and through each of us by being so rigid?
My challenge for each of us is to stop limiting God. Let’s stop setting up boundaries and jumping to conclusions about other people and situations, just because we may not clearly understand them. When we open our hearts and minds to the possibilities with God… when we allow Him room to work and an open invitation… amazing things can happen, just as they did at Pentecost.
Where have you made snap judgments lately? Where have you limited God? Isn’t it time you let go and let Him have control? Isn’t today a good day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 1, 2011
Psalm 140:1-2
Rescue me from cruel and violent enemies, LORD! They think up evil plans and always cause trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In William P. Young’s book, The Shack, he tells the story of a four-year-old girl named Missy who was abducted by a serial killer who preyed on young girls. He abused them physically and sexually, then killed them… always leaving behind a painted ladybug as his “signature.” The father of the little girl in the story is given a chance to visit with three characters who represent God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Like any normal human being, he cannot wrap his brain around how horrific this experience must have been for his precious child. And he cannot fathom how God could allow such cruelty and violence – especially toward such an innocent little girl.
What the man discovers is that God was always with the little girl. He never left her, even in the depths of the brutality committed against her. God shielded her from much of the evil and pain. He shifted her focus onto Him, and He lifted her to heaven and wiped away every memory of the indignities committed against her.
There are several important messages presented in The Shack. One is that God can rescue us from the most insipid cruelty and violence. He may not accomplish this in the way we envision, but He will do it just the same. In other words, He did not stop what happened to this little girl from taking place… but He rescued her from it by holding her hand and leading her to the eternal safety of Paradise. As my grandmother would say, “There are worse things than dying.” Sometimes our healing and rescue comes in the form of death and a home with Jesus.
There is another message that I got from this book… there comes a point when you have done all you can do – and now it’s time to let go and let God. We spend an awful lot of time trying to fix things ourselves… to fight God’s battles for Him…and this never works. I told someone recently that I am really bad about giving my burdens and problems to God… but then I pick them back up again. It’s as if I want to say, “Yeah, but did You think of this? Did You remember that? And what about such-and such?” And this is not truly letting go and letting God have control.
We will never understand why bad things happen… why people have to suffer… why our plans don’t always work out like we hoped, even when we think we’ve done everything right. This passage speaks the truth… there are evil, cruel people who are busy 24/7 thinking up plans to cause trouble. The devil never sleeps! But God doesn’t either! He will rescue us.
When we have done all we can do and we finally turn to God and say, “I need your help,” He will say, “I’ve been here all along.” Truly, God is often just waiting for us to ask Him to take over. He is waiting for us to realize that we are out of our league. Are you recognizing God’s presence in your life today? Have you asked Him to rescue you from violent and cruel enemies? Isn’t this a good time to do “let go and let God?"
©2011 Debbie Robus
Rescue me from cruel and violent enemies, LORD! They think up evil plans and always cause trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In William P. Young’s book, The Shack, he tells the story of a four-year-old girl named Missy who was abducted by a serial killer who preyed on young girls. He abused them physically and sexually, then killed them… always leaving behind a painted ladybug as his “signature.” The father of the little girl in the story is given a chance to visit with three characters who represent God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Like any normal human being, he cannot wrap his brain around how horrific this experience must have been for his precious child. And he cannot fathom how God could allow such cruelty and violence – especially toward such an innocent little girl.
What the man discovers is that God was always with the little girl. He never left her, even in the depths of the brutality committed against her. God shielded her from much of the evil and pain. He shifted her focus onto Him, and He lifted her to heaven and wiped away every memory of the indignities committed against her.
There are several important messages presented in The Shack. One is that God can rescue us from the most insipid cruelty and violence. He may not accomplish this in the way we envision, but He will do it just the same. In other words, He did not stop what happened to this little girl from taking place… but He rescued her from it by holding her hand and leading her to the eternal safety of Paradise. As my grandmother would say, “There are worse things than dying.” Sometimes our healing and rescue comes in the form of death and a home with Jesus.
There is another message that I got from this book… there comes a point when you have done all you can do – and now it’s time to let go and let God. We spend an awful lot of time trying to fix things ourselves… to fight God’s battles for Him…and this never works. I told someone recently that I am really bad about giving my burdens and problems to God… but then I pick them back up again. It’s as if I want to say, “Yeah, but did You think of this? Did You remember that? And what about such-and such?” And this is not truly letting go and letting God have control.
We will never understand why bad things happen… why people have to suffer… why our plans don’t always work out like we hoped, even when we think we’ve done everything right. This passage speaks the truth… there are evil, cruel people who are busy 24/7 thinking up plans to cause trouble. The devil never sleeps! But God doesn’t either! He will rescue us.
When we have done all we can do and we finally turn to God and say, “I need your help,” He will say, “I’ve been here all along.” Truly, God is often just waiting for us to ask Him to take over. He is waiting for us to realize that we are out of our league. Are you recognizing God’s presence in your life today? Have you asked Him to rescue you from violent and cruel enemies? Isn’t this a good time to do “let go and let God?"
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 13, 2011
1 Kings 3:6-14
Solomon said, "You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—and this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.
"And now here I am: GOD, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I'm too young for this, a mere child! I don't know the ropes, hardly know the 'ins' and 'outs' of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you've chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.
"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”
God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I'll give you what you've asked for—I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for—there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life."
Scripture quotations from The Message. ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We were sitting at the dinner table recently, and Timothy began to ask for something… but nobody understood what he was saying. He grew increasingly frustrated. We offered several options, and he would shake his little head, “No!” We could not give him what he desired, because we didn’t understand what he was saying.
So often, it’s not that God doesn’t understand what we are asking of Him… it’s more that we are asking for the wrong things! A news reporter posted the question on Facebook, “Would you give up billions of dollars so that you could marry the person you love? One woman gave up billions!” Sadly, I think many people would choose the billions over marrying the person they loved… and certainly over seeking a “God-listening heart.”
Go back and read in Genesis about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and you will see that self-centered, self-serving behavior is nothing new. But if you continue reading your Bible, you will find great examples of people who served God unconditionally… with a genuine heart for God… like David and his son, Solomon.
David and Solomon were not perfect… but God saw their hearts were pure and totally committed to Him. Do you desire a “God-listening heart” that hears His voice? Does God’s voice discern good and evil for you and help you make wise decisions? Is your eye on the life-map and God-signs? Do you listen for His leadership as you witness to others? Are you more like Solomon and David… or Adam and Eve? What – and Who – are you worshipping? Will God grant you a wise and mature heart… and more… for your faithfulness? Where is your heart these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Solomon said, "You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—and this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.
"And now here I am: GOD, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I'm too young for this, a mere child! I don't know the ropes, hardly know the 'ins' and 'outs' of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you've chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.
"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”
God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I'll give you what you've asked for—I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for—there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life."
Scripture quotations from The Message. ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We were sitting at the dinner table recently, and Timothy began to ask for something… but nobody understood what he was saying. He grew increasingly frustrated. We offered several options, and he would shake his little head, “No!” We could not give him what he desired, because we didn’t understand what he was saying.
So often, it’s not that God doesn’t understand what we are asking of Him… it’s more that we are asking for the wrong things! A news reporter posted the question on Facebook, “Would you give up billions of dollars so that you could marry the person you love? One woman gave up billions!” Sadly, I think many people would choose the billions over marrying the person they loved… and certainly over seeking a “God-listening heart.”
Go back and read in Genesis about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and you will see that self-centered, self-serving behavior is nothing new. But if you continue reading your Bible, you will find great examples of people who served God unconditionally… with a genuine heart for God… like David and his son, Solomon.
David and Solomon were not perfect… but God saw their hearts were pure and totally committed to Him. Do you desire a “God-listening heart” that hears His voice? Does God’s voice discern good and evil for you and help you make wise decisions? Is your eye on the life-map and God-signs? Do you listen for His leadership as you witness to others? Are you more like Solomon and David… or Adam and Eve? What – and Who – are you worshipping? Will God grant you a wise and mature heart… and more… for your faithfulness? Where is your heart these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 6, 2011
Psalm 103:12-16
How far has the LORD taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! Just as parents are kind to their children, the LORD is kind to all who worship him, because he knows we are made of dust. We humans are like grass or wild flowers that quickly bloom. But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite songs is “East to West,” performed by Casting Crowns. Based on this passage from Psalm 103, the chorus says, “Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west…'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again. In the arms of Your mercy I find rest… 'cause You know just how far the east is from the west - from one scarred hand to the other”. I think of outstretched arms of Jesus… and an area more vast than the arms can encompass… and that still isn’t big enough to cover how far God has scattered my sin! Amazing, isn’t it?!
To think that our all-knowing, all-powerful, Almighty God loves us enough to scatter these sins like a burned up flower that has turned to dust not only amazes me… it humbles me, as well. We’ve all picked up a dandelion and blown the spores and watched them scatter. We’ve all put two dirty, dusty hands together and swiped them back and forth as the sandy particles disappeared. But to think that God does that with our sins and mercifully, graciously sets us upright to live another day is something I have a hard time understanding... but I’ll take it!
Where are your sins today? Are you holding onto them, carrying them like a heavy burden? Or have you handed them to God and let him blow them from east to west like the spores of a dandelion? Has He taken your transgressions and dusted them from His hands and set you back on the path to righteousness? Have you left your failures and shortcomings at the foot of the cross and let Jesus wash them away with His very blood? How long are you going to resist? How long are you going to wallow in sin and sorrow?
“East to west” is one of the most joyful phrases I know. It reminds me that God loves me more than I can ever begin to understand. And the good news is that our understanding of the depth of His love is not necessary. All we have to do is give God our burdens and sins, and ask Him to forgive us. He will handle the dusting and scattering… "from one scarred hand to the other."
©2011 Debbie Robus
“East to West” – Casting Crowns – The Altar and the Door - ©2007
How far has the LORD taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! Just as parents are kind to their children, the LORD is kind to all who worship him, because he knows we are made of dust. We humans are like grass or wild flowers that quickly bloom. But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite songs is “East to West,” performed by Casting Crowns. Based on this passage from Psalm 103, the chorus says, “Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west…'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again. In the arms of Your mercy I find rest… 'cause You know just how far the east is from the west - from one scarred hand to the other”. I think of outstretched arms of Jesus… and an area more vast than the arms can encompass… and that still isn’t big enough to cover how far God has scattered my sin! Amazing, isn’t it?!
To think that our all-knowing, all-powerful, Almighty God loves us enough to scatter these sins like a burned up flower that has turned to dust not only amazes me… it humbles me, as well. We’ve all picked up a dandelion and blown the spores and watched them scatter. We’ve all put two dirty, dusty hands together and swiped them back and forth as the sandy particles disappeared. But to think that God does that with our sins and mercifully, graciously sets us upright to live another day is something I have a hard time understanding... but I’ll take it!
Where are your sins today? Are you holding onto them, carrying them like a heavy burden? Or have you handed them to God and let him blow them from east to west like the spores of a dandelion? Has He taken your transgressions and dusted them from His hands and set you back on the path to righteousness? Have you left your failures and shortcomings at the foot of the cross and let Jesus wash them away with His very blood? How long are you going to resist? How long are you going to wallow in sin and sorrow?
“East to west” is one of the most joyful phrases I know. It reminds me that God loves me more than I can ever begin to understand. And the good news is that our understanding of the depth of His love is not necessary. All we have to do is give God our burdens and sins, and ask Him to forgive us. He will handle the dusting and scattering… "from one scarred hand to the other."
©2011 Debbie Robus
“East to West” – Casting Crowns – The Altar and the Door - ©2007
Daily Devotional for May 9, 2011
Psalm 84:1-5
LORD God All-Powerful, your temple is so lovely! Deep in my heart I long for your temple, and with all that I am I sing joyful songs to you.
LORD God All-Powerful, my King and my God, sparrows find a home near your altars; swallows build nests there to raise their young. You bless everyone who lives in your house, and they sing your praises. You bless all who depend on you for their strength and all who deeply desire to visit your temple.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When my husband and I lived on what had been my grandparents’ farm, we had a beautiful old barn. That barn had been on the property all of my life. I stored my horse’s saddle in one of the old corn cribs. My grandfather fed his cattle in the feed chute along one side. The old stalls held interesting tools, hardware and hints of days gone by… and the loft was a treasure trove of things to discover… including the muddy nests of barn swallows that built there.
In later years, the barn became termite infested and had to be torn down. And once the barn was gone, the swallows had to look for a new home. Their solution was to try and build those muddy nests in an inset along the ceiling of our upstairs porch! We fought quite a battle with the swallows, and while we felt badly that their familiar nesting spot had been displaced, their messy abodes were not welcome in our house!
Have you ever felt displaced? Have you ever felt like the rug was pulled out from under you… and suddenly you didn’t know where to turn or what to do next? Did you fumble and stumble and try a few new options, hoping to hit on the right solution? It’s not a very fun feeling to be fumbling in the dark or feeling lost, is it?! And feeling like you are not wanted or don’t have a “home” where you belong is truly an unsettling experience, at best.
The Good News is that God’s door is always open. We are never displaced with Him… there is always room for us in His house – muddy, messy nests and all! Any time we start to feel like we don’t know what to do or where to turn, the answer is right in front of us… the LORD God All-Powerful! Our King and our God can help us figure out where to go next. He can find us the perfect “home”… the best solution… the right path.
When we give our heart to God and put our trust in Him to work on our behalf, we can rest in His presence… safe and secure. We can know that He will give us strength, courage, wisdom and peace. We always have a home with God… and that is cause for celebration and praise! Deep in our hearts, we can long for His temple… and He will find a spot for us there. We can sing songs of joy and praise His power, grace and mercy over us.
“Life” may temporarily displace us… but God will give us refuge and provide us a new place to roost. Are you trusting God to always provide you with a room in His house? Are you allowing Him to meet your needs… and giving Him praise for doing so? Isn’t it about time to start?
©2011 Debbie Robus
LORD God All-Powerful, your temple is so lovely! Deep in my heart I long for your temple, and with all that I am I sing joyful songs to you.
LORD God All-Powerful, my King and my God, sparrows find a home near your altars; swallows build nests there to raise their young. You bless everyone who lives in your house, and they sing your praises. You bless all who depend on you for their strength and all who deeply desire to visit your temple.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When my husband and I lived on what had been my grandparents’ farm, we had a beautiful old barn. That barn had been on the property all of my life. I stored my horse’s saddle in one of the old corn cribs. My grandfather fed his cattle in the feed chute along one side. The old stalls held interesting tools, hardware and hints of days gone by… and the loft was a treasure trove of things to discover… including the muddy nests of barn swallows that built there.
In later years, the barn became termite infested and had to be torn down. And once the barn was gone, the swallows had to look for a new home. Their solution was to try and build those muddy nests in an inset along the ceiling of our upstairs porch! We fought quite a battle with the swallows, and while we felt badly that their familiar nesting spot had been displaced, their messy abodes were not welcome in our house!
Have you ever felt displaced? Have you ever felt like the rug was pulled out from under you… and suddenly you didn’t know where to turn or what to do next? Did you fumble and stumble and try a few new options, hoping to hit on the right solution? It’s not a very fun feeling to be fumbling in the dark or feeling lost, is it?! And feeling like you are not wanted or don’t have a “home” where you belong is truly an unsettling experience, at best.
The Good News is that God’s door is always open. We are never displaced with Him… there is always room for us in His house – muddy, messy nests and all! Any time we start to feel like we don’t know what to do or where to turn, the answer is right in front of us… the LORD God All-Powerful! Our King and our God can help us figure out where to go next. He can find us the perfect “home”… the best solution… the right path.
When we give our heart to God and put our trust in Him to work on our behalf, we can rest in His presence… safe and secure. We can know that He will give us strength, courage, wisdom and peace. We always have a home with God… and that is cause for celebration and praise! Deep in our hearts, we can long for His temple… and He will find a spot for us there. We can sing songs of joy and praise His power, grace and mercy over us.
“Life” may temporarily displace us… but God will give us refuge and provide us a new place to roost. Are you trusting God to always provide you with a room in His house? Are you allowing Him to meet your needs… and giving Him praise for doing so? Isn’t it about time to start?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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