Psalm 142:1-3
I pray to you, LORD. I beg for mercy. I tell you all of my worries and my troubles, and whenever I feel low, you are there to guide me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If someone tells you they have no worries and troubles, they are probably lying! “But faith-filled Christians give their troubles to God, don’t they?” you may be saying. In fact, this passage tells us to give all of our worries and troubles to God, and He will guide us. Yes, we are supposed to do this… and yes, God answers. But that won’t stop the devil from trying to give us more challenges! In fact, the more we depend on God, the more Satan is probably going to pester us and test our faith.
The Good News is that God will never tire of hearing our cries for help. He will never be too busy or too overwhelmed to answer us… to guide us and lift our burdens. I was talking with someone who is going through some major family crises, and he said, “This is the worst possible time… right here before Christmas.” I reminded him that the devil doesn’t take a vacation! People get sick and/or die during the holidays. Final exams stress us out in the early weeks of December. The chaos of shopping/decorating/partying till we drop exhausts us and makes many of us broke and cranky. And this is a horribly lonely and sad month for many folks… for a variety of reasons. Still, God is busy working away… hearing our prayers, steering us in the right direction, and offering His comfort and peace.
Today I want you to stop and recognize that you can never outdo God. You can never offer Him more than He can handle on your behalf. You have the best defense in the world against the wickedness of the devil at your disposal - a close communication and relationship with your Heavenly Father.
Take some time to share your worries and troubles with God, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Allow Him to help you with each and every challenge. When your life is going well, thank God for His blessings. And thank Him for being with you to confront whatever challenges may lie ahead. Operate in full confidence that God never takes a vacation, either… and the devil is no match for His love, grace and mercy over each of us.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label guidance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guidance. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 24, 2011
Proverbs 20:24
The very steps we take come from GOD; otherwise how would we know where we're going?
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.
A few weeks ago, Timothy and his family moved to Texas, so we didn’t see our little guy for seven weeks. Now, you may be saying that this is not such a long time, but for us, it seemed like seven years. I was reminded to cherish every moment with him. Now that he is here for an extended stay, I’m doing just that! If he doesn’t take a nap when I want, I try to enjoy watching him wind down – even if he’s fussy. When he wakes me at 4:45 a.m. and says “Jack!” as in “Jack’s Big Music Show,” I try to realize that 2-year-olds have no clock, and he has no clue that grownups are still trying to sleep at this hour!
All too soon, this little guy will be too old for his Aunt DebDeb and Uncle Greg, and our chances to nurture and dote on him will be greatly diminished. We will never get back the cute giggles… the day he first started stringing sentences together… or all of those wonderful, sticky hugs and kisses he has for us now. And it’s not just little ones… last week my grandmother tearfully said to me, “Things are changing.” At nearly 99, she sees her time slipping away, and so do we. Before you know it, she will be off to heaven, and we will no longer have the opportunity to benefit from her presence – and her wisdom and wit.
My point is that God has numbered our steps. If it weren’t for God showing us the way and guiding us, we wouldn’t have a clue how to act or what to do… and for most of us, the results would be disastrous! I believe that God is calling us to slow down, to quit dreaming that hot summer days would give way to fall. I believe He is saying, “Don’t wish it were winter… or next week or next year! Enjoy the day I have given you… this day… this hour. Do what I am calling you to do in this time frame - whether it’s playing with a toddler, spending time with an elderly loved one, or standing in line at the grocery store.”
I believe God wants us to be more present in the moment… to be awake and alert for His blessings and opportunities to serve in His name at all times… not just when it’s convenient, we’re rested, and all of the stars align in the universe!
How are you living these days? Are you aware Who numbers your steps? Are you wishing your life away and rushing through things, or are you truly present in the moment… serving God and praising Him for each second of the day? How do you know where you are going?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The very steps we take come from GOD; otherwise how would we know where we're going?
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.
A few weeks ago, Timothy and his family moved to Texas, so we didn’t see our little guy for seven weeks. Now, you may be saying that this is not such a long time, but for us, it seemed like seven years. I was reminded to cherish every moment with him. Now that he is here for an extended stay, I’m doing just that! If he doesn’t take a nap when I want, I try to enjoy watching him wind down – even if he’s fussy. When he wakes me at 4:45 a.m. and says “Jack!” as in “Jack’s Big Music Show,” I try to realize that 2-year-olds have no clock, and he has no clue that grownups are still trying to sleep at this hour!
All too soon, this little guy will be too old for his Aunt DebDeb and Uncle Greg, and our chances to nurture and dote on him will be greatly diminished. We will never get back the cute giggles… the day he first started stringing sentences together… or all of those wonderful, sticky hugs and kisses he has for us now. And it’s not just little ones… last week my grandmother tearfully said to me, “Things are changing.” At nearly 99, she sees her time slipping away, and so do we. Before you know it, she will be off to heaven, and we will no longer have the opportunity to benefit from her presence – and her wisdom and wit.
My point is that God has numbered our steps. If it weren’t for God showing us the way and guiding us, we wouldn’t have a clue how to act or what to do… and for most of us, the results would be disastrous! I believe that God is calling us to slow down, to quit dreaming that hot summer days would give way to fall. I believe He is saying, “Don’t wish it were winter… or next week or next year! Enjoy the day I have given you… this day… this hour. Do what I am calling you to do in this time frame - whether it’s playing with a toddler, spending time with an elderly loved one, or standing in line at the grocery store.”
I believe God wants us to be more present in the moment… to be awake and alert for His blessings and opportunities to serve in His name at all times… not just when it’s convenient, we’re rested, and all of the stars align in the universe!
How are you living these days? Are you aware Who numbers your steps? Are you wishing your life away and rushing through things, or are you truly present in the moment… serving God and praising Him for each second of the day? How do you know where you are going?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 15, 2010
Psalm 31:3
You, LORD God, are my mighty rock and my fortress. Lead me and guide me, so that your name will be honored.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you want to read an inspirational story, go to http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4226688 and read about Arkansas Razorbacks tight end DJ Williams and his mother, Vicky. Clearly, Vicky Williams is her son’s earthly rock and fortress... and with God’s help, she has led him down a positive path toward becoming a man who will bring honor to both her and his Heavenly Father. And part of their story focuses on a map.
Fleeing an abusive, drug-addicted father in 1999, DJ’s mother put her children in the car and started driving. She told DJ to pick a spot on a map. DJ’s finger landed on Little Rock, Arkansas, and that’s where they headed… leaving their Texas home in the tail lights. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the Williamses ended up in Little Rock… or at Immanuel Baptist Church in the office of a woman who helped them and became a dear family friend to this very day. And before you start to think this story is all sweet and rosy, you need to know that DJ’s father is in prison for attempted murder and aggravated assault. The family has lived in shelters with absolutely nothing but a suitcase full of clothing, and DJ’s mother has been hospitalized for life-threatening injuries his father inflicted.
DJ struggles with the fact that he has no relationship at this point with his earthly father… and he wonders if he ever can. But he knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that his relationship with his Heavenly Father is rock solid. And he makes every effort to ensure that this continues!
You may not be facing the adversity and challenges that befell DJ Williams and his family. You may never have known physical abuse or the sorrows and heartaches that can come from a loved one’s involvement with drug abuse. But we can all have a relationship with God that is every bit as deep as the one DJ and his mother enjoy. We can call God our rock… our strength… and He will gladly shelter us and serve as our fortress. Our life’s road map can lead us to the same God who delivered DJ’s family to safety. All we have to do is pick the right spot… all we have to do is say, “Lord, I need you. Please be my Rock.”
Where are you pointing on the “map” these days? Are you headed in the wrong direction… straight toward harm’s way? Or are you searching for “The Rock” – the strength and refuge of God Almighty? Don’t end up in the ditch or a “shelter for those who are battered.” Let God lead you and guide you – and then give Him all the glory and praise He so richly deserves.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You, LORD God, are my mighty rock and my fortress. Lead me and guide me, so that your name will be honored.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you want to read an inspirational story, go to http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4226688 and read about Arkansas Razorbacks tight end DJ Williams and his mother, Vicky. Clearly, Vicky Williams is her son’s earthly rock and fortress... and with God’s help, she has led him down a positive path toward becoming a man who will bring honor to both her and his Heavenly Father. And part of their story focuses on a map.
Fleeing an abusive, drug-addicted father in 1999, DJ’s mother put her children in the car and started driving. She told DJ to pick a spot on a map. DJ’s finger landed on Little Rock, Arkansas, and that’s where they headed… leaving their Texas home in the tail lights. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the Williamses ended up in Little Rock… or at Immanuel Baptist Church in the office of a woman who helped them and became a dear family friend to this very day. And before you start to think this story is all sweet and rosy, you need to know that DJ’s father is in prison for attempted murder and aggravated assault. The family has lived in shelters with absolutely nothing but a suitcase full of clothing, and DJ’s mother has been hospitalized for life-threatening injuries his father inflicted.
DJ struggles with the fact that he has no relationship at this point with his earthly father… and he wonders if he ever can. But he knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that his relationship with his Heavenly Father is rock solid. And he makes every effort to ensure that this continues!
You may not be facing the adversity and challenges that befell DJ Williams and his family. You may never have known physical abuse or the sorrows and heartaches that can come from a loved one’s involvement with drug abuse. But we can all have a relationship with God that is every bit as deep as the one DJ and his mother enjoy. We can call God our rock… our strength… and He will gladly shelter us and serve as our fortress. Our life’s road map can lead us to the same God who delivered DJ’s family to safety. All we have to do is pick the right spot… all we have to do is say, “Lord, I need you. Please be my Rock.”
Where are you pointing on the “map” these days? Are you headed in the wrong direction… straight toward harm’s way? Or are you searching for “The Rock” – the strength and refuge of God Almighty? Don’t end up in the ditch or a “shelter for those who are battered.” Let God lead you and guide you – and then give Him all the glory and praise He so richly deserves.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 8, 2010
Proverbs 1:10-11
Don't be tempted by sinners or listen when they say, "Come on! Let's gang up and kill somebody, just for the fun of it!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Everybody’s doing it!” How many times have we heard… or uttered… this phrase? We say this about everything from gossip to “fudging” on our tests and taxes to going places and doing things we know we shouldn’t. And yes, gang members probably say this about killing somebody for the fun of it!
But this passage is really a reference to much more than killing for sport. In fact, the “killing” refers to many things that we all do on a daily basis that “kill” the heart and soul of many, including ourselves. We are going to be tempted every single day to say and do things that are dishonorable to God, disrespectful to ourselves and others… and downright sinful. And quite often, our “excuse” will be… “Everybody’s doing it.”
We need to take a long hard look at the company we are keeping. Who is really influencing our thoughts and behavior? If we are putting ourselves in a position to be influenced – or even pressured – to behave poorly, we need to make a move in a different direction. If we are hanging out with people who are negative, biased toward one group of people or another, dishonest, disrespectful, or engaged in illegal and illicit behavior, we need to distance ourselves from them immediately. Even more subtle associations… like the person who continually drags you down emotionally or enables you to live an unhealthy lifestyle filled with junk food and inactivity… may be hurting your relationship with God and your Christian witness to others.
It really is true that quite often, we are known by the company we keep! But we can’t always determine if this company is appropriate for us on our own. We need the guidance of our Heavenly Father to show us how to choose wisely. We need to stay closely aligned with God, so that we are certain we are where we are supposed to be – with the people who help us be the best disciple for Christ – at all times. Anything less leaves us vulnerable to Satan’s attack… and sets the stage for us to “gang up and kill somebody” – if only figuratively.
We don’t think about this often enough, but being a Christian is a huge responsibility. We are the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth, and sometimes, I think He would like to perform a “Spiritual amputation!” Choose your company carefully. Ask God to show you where to be – and with whom you should be associated. Live in a way that honors the body of Christ and lifts up those whom you encounter. Whose company are you keeping these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Don't be tempted by sinners or listen when they say, "Come on! Let's gang up and kill somebody, just for the fun of it!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Everybody’s doing it!” How many times have we heard… or uttered… this phrase? We say this about everything from gossip to “fudging” on our tests and taxes to going places and doing things we know we shouldn’t. And yes, gang members probably say this about killing somebody for the fun of it!
But this passage is really a reference to much more than killing for sport. In fact, the “killing” refers to many things that we all do on a daily basis that “kill” the heart and soul of many, including ourselves. We are going to be tempted every single day to say and do things that are dishonorable to God, disrespectful to ourselves and others… and downright sinful. And quite often, our “excuse” will be… “Everybody’s doing it.”
We need to take a long hard look at the company we are keeping. Who is really influencing our thoughts and behavior? If we are putting ourselves in a position to be influenced – or even pressured – to behave poorly, we need to make a move in a different direction. If we are hanging out with people who are negative, biased toward one group of people or another, dishonest, disrespectful, or engaged in illegal and illicit behavior, we need to distance ourselves from them immediately. Even more subtle associations… like the person who continually drags you down emotionally or enables you to live an unhealthy lifestyle filled with junk food and inactivity… may be hurting your relationship with God and your Christian witness to others.
It really is true that quite often, we are known by the company we keep! But we can’t always determine if this company is appropriate for us on our own. We need the guidance of our Heavenly Father to show us how to choose wisely. We need to stay closely aligned with God, so that we are certain we are where we are supposed to be – with the people who help us be the best disciple for Christ – at all times. Anything less leaves us vulnerable to Satan’s attack… and sets the stage for us to “gang up and kill somebody” – if only figuratively.
We don’t think about this often enough, but being a Christian is a huge responsibility. We are the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth, and sometimes, I think He would like to perform a “Spiritual amputation!” Choose your company carefully. Ask God to show you where to be – and with whom you should be associated. Live in a way that honors the body of Christ and lifts up those whom you encounter. Whose company are you keeping these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 5, 2010
Jeremiah 10:23
I know, LORD, that we humans are not in control of our own lives.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today is my Mam-ma Polly’s 98th birthday. She is in excellent health and still lives alone in her own home… with a lot of help and daily assistance - everything from bathing to housekeeping and Meals on Wheels, to phone calls three times a day to remind her to take her medicine, and more. A few years ago, she gave up driving and sold her car. As her “guardian” and one of her caregivers, I have had to be the “bad guy” in recent weeks and tell her she can no longer cook anything on her gas range and oven… and she most definitely cannot make any more peanut brittle! We cleaned out her freezer and removed several “temptations” from her home, like corn syrup and peanuts to make the candy. Several family members and people from her church take her places and check on her regularly.
It’s been a hard adjustment for my grandmother… and I have no doubt that when I am not around, she does many of the things we have asked her not to do any more. In many ways, she is not in control of her life… and as a strong, assertive woman, this has been an especially hard pill for her to swallow. When her 91-year-old friend told her recently that her son would no longer allow her to drive with passengers in the car, my Mam-ma said, “My life is over. I’ll never get to go anywhere now.” This is totally not true, but again, she feels she has lost control over her life. Deep down, she knows that we are doing these things to keep her safe and to allow her to continue living alone in her own home for as long as possible. But it’s still tough.
In the spiritual sense, we are so much like my Mam-ma. We know that God has our back… that His plans are far better than ours, and the things He asks of us are really for our own good as much as they are to bring honor and glory to His name. But when we “think” no one is looking, we are sometimes like Mam-ma Polly. When I asked her to stop making peanut brittle last year, she asked others to buy her the ingredients, and then she got them to help her deliver the candy to friends and family members. She never said a word about peanut brittle to me until almost Christmas, when she handed me a bag to give to my husband. One day as I got out of my car, the delectable smell of cooked sugar wafted through her garage. It smelled like a candy factory! When I asked about it, she tried to ignore me and changed the subject.
And that’s what we do with God. I know it’s foolish… and so do you… but we actually think we can pull one over on our Heavenly Father sometimes! We are not fully in control of our own lives, and we don’t like it one bit! And I have observed enough senior citizens to know that, as we age, we are going to lose more and more “control” of our situation. Whether it’s a physical change, like arthritis or reduced vision and hearing that keep us from doing what we once did without even a thought… or something more profound, like not being able to cook our own meals, drive a car or live alone in our own home… we will face challenges to our own independence.
When it comes to our relationship with God, we never really had “control” in the first place. Oh, sure… we have free will… and you know how well we’ve done with that one! But think about it… God knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb. He knows every minute of your every day – for all of your life and beyond. He is always with us… and if we will let Him, we will discover that He is protecting us, guiding our every step, and keeping us safe and as independent as possible. Actually, the more we let go and let God take care of us, the more in control we will feel!
I have no clue whether my Mam-ma Polly will be with us for a 99th birthday. I feel certain that she will require more and more assistance as the weeks and months go by… and she will no doubt feel even less like she is in control than she does now. But I also know that she relies tremendously on her Heavenly Father to control what she cannot… and to give her a sense of peace and calm in these situations.
Can we say the same? Are we looking toward Heaven for our guidance and our peace? Don’t you think we should be taking a page from this 98-year-old’s book and doing just that?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I know, LORD, that we humans are not in control of our own lives.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Today is my Mam-ma Polly’s 98th birthday. She is in excellent health and still lives alone in her own home… with a lot of help and daily assistance - everything from bathing to housekeeping and Meals on Wheels, to phone calls three times a day to remind her to take her medicine, and more. A few years ago, she gave up driving and sold her car. As her “guardian” and one of her caregivers, I have had to be the “bad guy” in recent weeks and tell her she can no longer cook anything on her gas range and oven… and she most definitely cannot make any more peanut brittle! We cleaned out her freezer and removed several “temptations” from her home, like corn syrup and peanuts to make the candy. Several family members and people from her church take her places and check on her regularly.
It’s been a hard adjustment for my grandmother… and I have no doubt that when I am not around, she does many of the things we have asked her not to do any more. In many ways, she is not in control of her life… and as a strong, assertive woman, this has been an especially hard pill for her to swallow. When her 91-year-old friend told her recently that her son would no longer allow her to drive with passengers in the car, my Mam-ma said, “My life is over. I’ll never get to go anywhere now.” This is totally not true, but again, she feels she has lost control over her life. Deep down, she knows that we are doing these things to keep her safe and to allow her to continue living alone in her own home for as long as possible. But it’s still tough.
In the spiritual sense, we are so much like my Mam-ma. We know that God has our back… that His plans are far better than ours, and the things He asks of us are really for our own good as much as they are to bring honor and glory to His name. But when we “think” no one is looking, we are sometimes like Mam-ma Polly. When I asked her to stop making peanut brittle last year, she asked others to buy her the ingredients, and then she got them to help her deliver the candy to friends and family members. She never said a word about peanut brittle to me until almost Christmas, when she handed me a bag to give to my husband. One day as I got out of my car, the delectable smell of cooked sugar wafted through her garage. It smelled like a candy factory! When I asked about it, she tried to ignore me and changed the subject.
And that’s what we do with God. I know it’s foolish… and so do you… but we actually think we can pull one over on our Heavenly Father sometimes! We are not fully in control of our own lives, and we don’t like it one bit! And I have observed enough senior citizens to know that, as we age, we are going to lose more and more “control” of our situation. Whether it’s a physical change, like arthritis or reduced vision and hearing that keep us from doing what we once did without even a thought… or something more profound, like not being able to cook our own meals, drive a car or live alone in our own home… we will face challenges to our own independence.
When it comes to our relationship with God, we never really had “control” in the first place. Oh, sure… we have free will… and you know how well we’ve done with that one! But think about it… God knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb. He knows every minute of your every day – for all of your life and beyond. He is always with us… and if we will let Him, we will discover that He is protecting us, guiding our every step, and keeping us safe and as independent as possible. Actually, the more we let go and let God take care of us, the more in control we will feel!
I have no clue whether my Mam-ma Polly will be with us for a 99th birthday. I feel certain that she will require more and more assistance as the weeks and months go by… and she will no doubt feel even less like she is in control than she does now. But I also know that she relies tremendously on her Heavenly Father to control what she cannot… and to give her a sense of peace and calm in these situations.
Can we say the same? Are we looking toward Heaven for our guidance and our peace? Don’t you think we should be taking a page from this 98-year-old’s book and doing just that?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 19, 2010
Proverbs 4:13
Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If I have learned one thing in recent months, it’s that God is continually teaching us… and we’d better be paying attention! And most recently, Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to my mind more than once as I struggled with some really tough decisions. In the King James Version, it reads, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
The teaching of these two verses alone can make all the difference in the world in our lives. These words truly can mean life for us. And there are many other examples of scriptural teaching that can give us life skills and wisdom that can make a huge difference.
At the end of a recent sermon, our pastor commented that “there’s a heartache on every pew this morning.” And he’s right. Each of us has struggles and challenges every single day. And while some are bigger than others, if they are ours, they seem pretty large, don’t they?!
This leads me back to our passage for today – a message that we are to hold firmly to the teaching of the Lord and never let it go. As I have faced some challenges the last few weeks, I have found that God has impressed the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 on my heart and into my mind more than once. I am not often good at recalling scripture verses, but these were given to me with such clarity. I “remembered” every word… and I meditated on them and clung to their promise. And you know what? God has led me over many hurdles and through several decisions… and He has granted me peace and joy, even when some of the choices I had to make were difficult and/or unpleasant.
During a worship service, we sang, “Jesus conquered the grave.” I distinctly felt the Holy Spirit saying to me, “If I can conquer the grave, surely I can manage your needs. If I can conquer the grave, I can heal bodies, broken hearts, and downtrodden spirits. If I can conquer the grave, I can bring nations together and resolve conflicts.”
This is my teaching for the moment. My God is mighty to save, and He will meet all of my needs according to His will. This is the life-giving instruction I am clinging to for now. Maybe it is yours… or maybe God is showing you another set of scriptures - or speaking to you through prayer, an experience, a fellow believer, or some other format. Whatever teaching you are receiving, hold firmly to it and never let go. Recognize the life-giving essence of God’s instruction, and trust in His power to guide your steps perfectly.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If I have learned one thing in recent months, it’s that God is continually teaching us… and we’d better be paying attention! And most recently, Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to my mind more than once as I struggled with some really tough decisions. In the King James Version, it reads, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
The teaching of these two verses alone can make all the difference in the world in our lives. These words truly can mean life for us. And there are many other examples of scriptural teaching that can give us life skills and wisdom that can make a huge difference.
At the end of a recent sermon, our pastor commented that “there’s a heartache on every pew this morning.” And he’s right. Each of us has struggles and challenges every single day. And while some are bigger than others, if they are ours, they seem pretty large, don’t they?!
This leads me back to our passage for today – a message that we are to hold firmly to the teaching of the Lord and never let it go. As I have faced some challenges the last few weeks, I have found that God has impressed the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 on my heart and into my mind more than once. I am not often good at recalling scripture verses, but these were given to me with such clarity. I “remembered” every word… and I meditated on them and clung to their promise. And you know what? God has led me over many hurdles and through several decisions… and He has granted me peace and joy, even when some of the choices I had to make were difficult and/or unpleasant.
During a worship service, we sang, “Jesus conquered the grave.” I distinctly felt the Holy Spirit saying to me, “If I can conquer the grave, surely I can manage your needs. If I can conquer the grave, I can heal bodies, broken hearts, and downtrodden spirits. If I can conquer the grave, I can bring nations together and resolve conflicts.”
This is my teaching for the moment. My God is mighty to save, and He will meet all of my needs according to His will. This is the life-giving instruction I am clinging to for now. Maybe it is yours… or maybe God is showing you another set of scriptures - or speaking to you through prayer, an experience, a fellow believer, or some other format. Whatever teaching you are receiving, hold firmly to it and never let go. Recognize the life-giving essence of God’s instruction, and trust in His power to guide your steps perfectly.
©2010 Debbie Robus
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