Jeremiah 33:2-3
“This is God’s Message, the God who
made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call
to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things
that you could never figure out on your own.’”
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.
People
often tell me, “I don’t know how you come up with these daily
devotionals.” I’ll be honest…I don’t know either. Well, okay…that’s
not exactly true. Several years ago, I switched from trying to
write several devotionals – like as much as a few weeks’ worth – in one
sitting…and I started writing them each day. The first step is to ask
God to show me what topic is timely (and you would be amazed at how well
this works!)…and then I search online for scripture references that
match this theme.
I continue to be amazed each day at how the
scripture passage coincides so well with what is happening – in my life,
and in the world at large. I consider this a “marvelous and wondrous
thing” that I could never figure out on my own. God cares so much about
me and those who read these “daily devos” that He meticulously
orchestrates the themes and the scripture passages. He points me in the
direction of appropriate analogies to drive home the point and make it
relevant. There are days when I read something online or hear a story
on the news and think, “Why on earth am I giving this my time and
attention?” When I open my devotional outline and begin to study the
scripture passage for that day, the answer often becomes abundantly
clear!
If you haven’t figured it out by now, my “theme” for the
most recent devotionals has been “finding God”. This was brought to my
attention by the Facebook post of a friend who said he had known about
God all of his life…but on Easter Sunday while attending a service at a
church in our community, he truly “found God” – maybe for the first time
ever. And some of us are still searching for God. We’ve known who He
is and what He is about for a long, long time…but we still haven’t quite
found Him. We don’t see His hand in everyday, trivial circumstances -
much less the unpleasant events of our lives. We don’t think to ask,
“LORD, what do you want me to do with this information…or that
instance?” We don’t understand that all we have to do is call to
God…and He will answer.
Today, I read a story online about a
woman whose son was killed in the April 27th tornado in Vilonia. Only
22 years old, Jeffrey Turner, a senior at the University of Central
Arkansas, knew that he was in the direct path of the tornado when he
texted his mother, “Mama, I’m so scared.” Jeffrey lived with his father
and stepmother, who were both injured. Jeffrey died as a result of his
injuries in the category EF-4 twister. His last text messages to his
mother read, “Good-bye, mama…It’s heading right for me.”
I
grappled with this…I still do. What if that were one of my beloved
“children”…one of my nieces or nephews, cousins or precious friends who
are like my own? How would I stand it? Jeffrey’s mother, Regina Wood,
was helplessly texting from 20 miles away in Beebe, Arkansas, “Are you
okay?” Today, she says she is comforted that in his last moments,
Jeffrey thought to tell her “Good-bye” – and that he loved her.
So
why did people die and suffer so much damage? How did one person
survive while another right next door did not? Why were people, animals
and belongings hurled as much as 2 miles from their initial location?
We’re wasting our breath, time and energy asking most of these things,
because we will never know the answer. The only question that makes any
sense is the this one…”Where was God on April 27th?” And the answer?
He was there…in Vilonia, Mayflower, Center Hill, El Paso, Paron, and
other Arkansas cities that were devastated by this killer storm. He is
there now…in every hug, every prayer, every pair of hands that help to
clean up the debris and rebuild, every dollar and supply that is
donated. God is there…and countless people are calling out to Him - and
finding Him. They are realizing that there are marvelous and wonderful
things happening all around them, even as their hearts break - things
they will never fully understand or comprehend.
God is there.
God is with you…and me. He is with those who are celebrating and filled
with great joy today…and those who are hurting so badly they think they
cannot bear the pain for one more second. He understands every single
emotion that we experience…and He has a plan. I don’t know how…when…or
where God will reveal Himself to you – or to me. But I plan call on
Him…and to be watching and waiting. Will you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label having all the answers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label having all the answers. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 20, 2013
July 20 ~ Jeremiah 33:6
Then someday, I will heal this place and my people as well, and let them enjoy unending peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
About this time three years ago, my grandmother received an invitation to the 101st birthday party for one of her lifelong friends, Mrs. Lois Taylor. She asked me to take her to the party. I’ll be honest… that was about the LAST thing I wanted to do with my Sunday, but I knew this was important to Mam-ma, so I agreed to go. When we arrived, I got Mam-ma settled next to Mrs. Lois and began to snap pictures of them. Soon, the buffet line formed, and I filled a plate for Mam-ma… then got back in line to fill my own plate. A man approached me and said something to the effect of, “So… what’s your story?” He gestured in wide circles to indicate he was referring to my presence with my grandmother, the picture taking… and basically asked, “Why are you here?”
I explained that I had brought my grandmother… and told of her connection to Mrs. Lois. This guy explained that he had brought his dad from Oklahoma… Mrs. Lois’ brother, Grimm. We stood and talked… and talked… and talked pretty much through lunch. He asked questions and told me about himself. His name was Mich Magness… he was Mrs. Lois’ nephew. He said he was a gerontologist for the Oklahoma Department of Health, and he asked questions about my caregiving for Mam-ma… and (at that time) Timothy. He provided valuable insights about eldercare, and I could see that he was someone who understood my situation – and empathized. Mich is one of those guys you just instantly like.
So the following summer, I didn’t mind when Mam-ma asked me to take her to Mrs. Lois’ 102nd birthday party. I visited with Mich again, and I gave him a card with the link to my blog about the Sandwich Generation and my experiences caring for my grandmother and helping to care for Timothy and his siblings. Mich quickly became one of my biggest supporters, and he responded often to my posts on Facebook about my blog. He shared my blog with HIS contacts. He gave me great advice – and comfort at times – and he offered me tremendous encouragement and empathy when Mam-ma died last spring.
Mich always had something to say… until sometime in early June. And suddenly, his posts on Facebook stopped. There were no messages… no comments… nothing. I soon learned that Mich had suffered some sort of “episode” while lecturing in Oklahoma City, and tests had revealed a malignant brain tumor. I exchanged private messages on Facebook with Mich on June 24th. I wanted him to know that I knew what was happening… and that I was praying. His last message said, “I’m ok. Thanks for caring.” Mich’s cousin has been updating me, and when she saw him last week, he could barely make conversation. He has glioblastoma… a brain cancer with almost a 100% mortality rate… and his is apparently progressing quickly.
A year ago, I had never even heard of glioblastoma… or GBM for short. Then the newlywed husband of a young woman I know was diagnosed with GBM… and after that, my childhood neighbor, Donnie was diagnosed. The young husband is doing well and responding to treatments for now… Donnie died in June. This is supposed to be an extremely rare form of cancer… yet I know three men who have “battled the beast”, as the wife of the young man calls it. And I find myself asking why three vibrant, productive men have been stricken with such a horrible affliction.
I’ve particularly thought about Mich lately… about all of the people he has helped… about how he supports his church and the school in his hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma… about his wife, sons and grandchildren – and his 93-year-old dad. I’ve reminded myself about all of the great advice Mich has given me… much of which I have shared with others on my blog. I have marveled at the lives he has touched… and wondered why his efforts are being squelched by GBM.
I’ll admit… I don’t have answers. But I do have some insights. I’ve seen the posts on Facebook for Mich. Even though he probably cannot read them, people are reaching out and sharing how much he has helped them. I know his wise instruction via seminars, one-on-one counseling, great advice, and championing of causes great and small will be his legacy. I know that Mich is a Christian who loves Jesus and has shared His Good News with countless others. I know that none of us is promised tomorrow, so we better make the most of today. I know that healing sometimes comes in death… and Mich will be healed. And I know that God will give Mich – and those of us who have grown to love him – unending peace.
I don’t know what your situation is today… what may be troubling you or causing you to feel unsettled – or even unsure. But I do know that God is in the business of making a way where we see none… healing people and circumstances…bringing peace where all we see is turmoil and chaos. In the words of the last message I received from my friend Mich, “I’m okay. Thanks for caring.” I do care about my friends and the families of all three of these men. I care about you, as well. And I am telling you… “God’s got this!” He cherishes you far more any mere mortal ever could… and He stands ready to meet your every need, to heal you, and to give you unending peace. All we have to do is trust Him. Is that too much to ask?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Then someday, I will heal this place and my people as well, and let them enjoy unending peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
About this time three years ago, my grandmother received an invitation to the 101st birthday party for one of her lifelong friends, Mrs. Lois Taylor. She asked me to take her to the party. I’ll be honest… that was about the LAST thing I wanted to do with my Sunday, but I knew this was important to Mam-ma, so I agreed to go. When we arrived, I got Mam-ma settled next to Mrs. Lois and began to snap pictures of them. Soon, the buffet line formed, and I filled a plate for Mam-ma… then got back in line to fill my own plate. A man approached me and said something to the effect of, “So… what’s your story?” He gestured in wide circles to indicate he was referring to my presence with my grandmother, the picture taking… and basically asked, “Why are you here?”
I explained that I had brought my grandmother… and told of her connection to Mrs. Lois. This guy explained that he had brought his dad from Oklahoma… Mrs. Lois’ brother, Grimm. We stood and talked… and talked… and talked pretty much through lunch. He asked questions and told me about himself. His name was Mich Magness… he was Mrs. Lois’ nephew. He said he was a gerontologist for the Oklahoma Department of Health, and he asked questions about my caregiving for Mam-ma… and (at that time) Timothy. He provided valuable insights about eldercare, and I could see that he was someone who understood my situation – and empathized. Mich is one of those guys you just instantly like.
So the following summer, I didn’t mind when Mam-ma asked me to take her to Mrs. Lois’ 102nd birthday party. I visited with Mich again, and I gave him a card with the link to my blog about the Sandwich Generation and my experiences caring for my grandmother and helping to care for Timothy and his siblings. Mich quickly became one of my biggest supporters, and he responded often to my posts on Facebook about my blog. He shared my blog with HIS contacts. He gave me great advice – and comfort at times – and he offered me tremendous encouragement and empathy when Mam-ma died last spring.
Mich always had something to say… until sometime in early June. And suddenly, his posts on Facebook stopped. There were no messages… no comments… nothing. I soon learned that Mich had suffered some sort of “episode” while lecturing in Oklahoma City, and tests had revealed a malignant brain tumor. I exchanged private messages on Facebook with Mich on June 24th. I wanted him to know that I knew what was happening… and that I was praying. His last message said, “I’m ok. Thanks for caring.” Mich’s cousin has been updating me, and when she saw him last week, he could barely make conversation. He has glioblastoma… a brain cancer with almost a 100% mortality rate… and his is apparently progressing quickly.
A year ago, I had never even heard of glioblastoma… or GBM for short. Then the newlywed husband of a young woman I know was diagnosed with GBM… and after that, my childhood neighbor, Donnie was diagnosed. The young husband is doing well and responding to treatments for now… Donnie died in June. This is supposed to be an extremely rare form of cancer… yet I know three men who have “battled the beast”, as the wife of the young man calls it. And I find myself asking why three vibrant, productive men have been stricken with such a horrible affliction.
I’ve particularly thought about Mich lately… about all of the people he has helped… about how he supports his church and the school in his hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma… about his wife, sons and grandchildren – and his 93-year-old dad. I’ve reminded myself about all of the great advice Mich has given me… much of which I have shared with others on my blog. I have marveled at the lives he has touched… and wondered why his efforts are being squelched by GBM.
I’ll admit… I don’t have answers. But I do have some insights. I’ve seen the posts on Facebook for Mich. Even though he probably cannot read them, people are reaching out and sharing how much he has helped them. I know his wise instruction via seminars, one-on-one counseling, great advice, and championing of causes great and small will be his legacy. I know that Mich is a Christian who loves Jesus and has shared His Good News with countless others. I know that none of us is promised tomorrow, so we better make the most of today. I know that healing sometimes comes in death… and Mich will be healed. And I know that God will give Mich – and those of us who have grown to love him – unending peace.
I don’t know what your situation is today… what may be troubling you or causing you to feel unsettled – or even unsure. But I do know that God is in the business of making a way where we see none… healing people and circumstances…bringing peace where all we see is turmoil and chaos. In the words of the last message I received from my friend Mich, “I’m okay. Thanks for caring.” I do care about my friends and the families of all three of these men. I care about you, as well. And I am telling you… “God’s got this!” He cherishes you far more any mere mortal ever could… and He stands ready to meet your every need, to heal you, and to give you unending peace. All we have to do is trust Him. Is that too much to ask?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 12, 2012
1 Corinthians 13:4-10
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In the movie Jerry McGuire, Jerry (played by Tom Cruise) tells Dorothy (portrayed by Renee Zellweger)… “You complete me.” The truth is… no matter how much we love someone, we can never complete them. The only One who can complete us is God Almighty! When Jesus returns for us and all mysteries and wonders are revealed… when we finally have all the answers… we will be complete in Him.
Meanwhile, we must work toward the moment when we are reunited with Christ by striving to operate in His love each and every day. And the first seven verses of this passage tell us exactly how to do this. Read over them several times – carefully. Examine how you are doing in your quest to operate in the love of Jesus.
The verse that really gets me is – “put up with anything!” Does this truly describe your behavior? The King James Version translates this verse as “endureth all things.” The Apostle Paul is not telling us to tolerate injustice, cruelty, immorality or anything illegal. What he is saying is that we must trust God to get help us cope with these things… and we must continue operate in His love toward the offender – even as we seek justice or mete out consequences. This is hard. We are wired to seek revenge… and the devil works diligently to remind us of how good this would feel… and how “entitled” we are to do so!
In truth, the love of Christ is all we need. When we operate in His love, Jesus handles the rest. His blood was poured out on the cross for us and covers our sins… and His blood can also cover “the other guy.” We must pray for this… we must love others so that they will desire redemption through the unending love of Jesus. We must not fly off the handle, strut our stuff, or keep score. We must trust God, always look for the best, and never give up!
I am excited about the day when I become truly complete. But I know that I have a lot to do beforehand… and so do you. We are works in progress! I learn more about operating in the love of Christ each and every day… and I pray that the same is happening in your life. Where are you lacking today? What characteristics of operating in Christ’s love elude you? Will this be the day you start to work on them?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In the movie Jerry McGuire, Jerry (played by Tom Cruise) tells Dorothy (portrayed by Renee Zellweger)… “You complete me.” The truth is… no matter how much we love someone, we can never complete them. The only One who can complete us is God Almighty! When Jesus returns for us and all mysteries and wonders are revealed… when we finally have all the answers… we will be complete in Him.
Meanwhile, we must work toward the moment when we are reunited with Christ by striving to operate in His love each and every day. And the first seven verses of this passage tell us exactly how to do this. Read over them several times – carefully. Examine how you are doing in your quest to operate in the love of Jesus.
The verse that really gets me is – “put up with anything!” Does this truly describe your behavior? The King James Version translates this verse as “endureth all things.” The Apostle Paul is not telling us to tolerate injustice, cruelty, immorality or anything illegal. What he is saying is that we must trust God to get help us cope with these things… and we must continue operate in His love toward the offender – even as we seek justice or mete out consequences. This is hard. We are wired to seek revenge… and the devil works diligently to remind us of how good this would feel… and how “entitled” we are to do so!
In truth, the love of Christ is all we need. When we operate in His love, Jesus handles the rest. His blood was poured out on the cross for us and covers our sins… and His blood can also cover “the other guy.” We must pray for this… we must love others so that they will desire redemption through the unending love of Jesus. We must not fly off the handle, strut our stuff, or keep score. We must trust God, always look for the best, and never give up!
I am excited about the day when I become truly complete. But I know that I have a lot to do beforehand… and so do you. We are works in progress! I learn more about operating in the love of Christ each and every day… and I pray that the same is happening in your life. Where are you lacking today? What characteristics of operating in Christ’s love elude you? Will this be the day you start to work on them?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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