October 4 ~ Ephesians 2:1-6
It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One day as I walked my students across the school campus, one of them spotted a Coke bottle on the sidewalk. He picked it up and smashed it to the ground, watching it splinter into a bazillion pieces. I asked him why he did this, and he said, “They (meaning his classmates) told me to.” In the mind of a child somewhere around the age of six, this was a good enough reason. The other children could not comprehend the magnitude of this action. They had no clue that the glass could ricochet and cut them… that someone could step on the debris on the sidewalk and get hurt… that this was an irresponsible thing to do. It was a teachable moment… and even though the student was only a young child, there were consequences for his actions. I am quite certain that I spoke sternly to him about how he was never to do this again!
Don’t you know that God wants to yank us out of line and give us a stern talking to… or worse… when we disobey Him? Can’t you imagine that He would like to “knock a knot on our head” as you may have heard a grown-up say at some point? None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. And on any given day, we’ve all “smashed the Coke bottle” because someone told us, “It won’t hurt anything!”
The most amazing part of this scripture passage to me is where it says, “It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us.” God didn’t pick us up by the collar and ask, “What do you think you’re doing?” He wrapped His arms around us and said, “Here you go… meet my Son who died for your poor choices and indiscretions. Because of Him, you are forgiven.” I have to tell you, this is deeply humbling for me. I know that I do not deserve such a gift… and quite frankly, neither do you. But that has not stopped God from swinging the doors wide open and inviting us to come directly to Him.
What happens next is totally up to us. We can continue to breathe in garbage and the lies of the devil and his posse, or we can cough up the sin, so to speak and clear our lungs once and for all. We can stop spinning our wheels and spiraling deeper into the mud of depravity… and we can reach for the extended hand of God Almighty, who waits to rescue us and give us a second chance.
Where do you see yourself? Are you drowning under the burdens of living to please others instead of the One who offers you hope and true redemption? Are you ready to accept His offer and make a fresh start, once and for all? Isn’t today the perfect time to give your burdens, misdeeds, lapses and disobedience to Jesus and allow Him to wipe them completely away… to fully restore you? Aren’t you ready to rest in the LORD… and to give Him thanks for such an amazing gift?
What are you waiting for? Let go… let God… and praise His grace and mercy forever.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hope. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for April 18, 2012
Romans 4:19-25
Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God.
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 1988, Reverend Jesse Jackson ended his speech at the Democratic National Convention with these words… “You must not surrender! You may or may not get there but just know that you're qualified! And you hold on, and hold out! We must never surrender!! America will get better and better. Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive! On tomorrow night and beyond, keep hope alive!”
This is Paul’s message to the Romans – and to us! Because of the blood of Jesus and the grace and mercy of Almighty God, we are “qualified.” We must hold on – and hold out – and never surrender. When the devil tries to tell you that you will never be healthy…thin and fit…financially secure…in a committed, loving relationship…living in a decent home… working at a good job so that you can afford to feed your family… passing your classes to graduate or stay in college… or whatever it is you feel you cannot accomplish…keep hope alive. When “the world” tells you that things are bleak and impossible, remind yourself that God has promised that all things are possible when He is in charge.
Remember, you must have the necessary tools to be able to speak and hear God’s language… and the primary tool you need is God’s word – which leads to hearing His voice. Read the scriptures. Pour out your heart to God and tell Him your needs and desires… hear His answers and promises as He leads you to specific verses and passages – and shows you His will for your life in all sorts of ways. Stay awake and alert, so that you don’t miss His messages… and never forget that the God who brought Jesus to life in what appeared to be impossible circumstances stands ready to set us upright, also.
Never underestimate the power of God to work in and through you. With God, all things are possible. Our job is to keep His hope alive!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God.
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 1988, Reverend Jesse Jackson ended his speech at the Democratic National Convention with these words… “You must not surrender! You may or may not get there but just know that you're qualified! And you hold on, and hold out! We must never surrender!! America will get better and better. Keep hope alive. Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive! On tomorrow night and beyond, keep hope alive!”
This is Paul’s message to the Romans – and to us! Because of the blood of Jesus and the grace and mercy of Almighty God, we are “qualified.” We must hold on – and hold out – and never surrender. When the devil tries to tell you that you will never be healthy…thin and fit…financially secure…in a committed, loving relationship…living in a decent home… working at a good job so that you can afford to feed your family… passing your classes to graduate or stay in college… or whatever it is you feel you cannot accomplish…keep hope alive. When “the world” tells you that things are bleak and impossible, remind yourself that God has promised that all things are possible when He is in charge.
Remember, you must have the necessary tools to be able to speak and hear God’s language… and the primary tool you need is God’s word – which leads to hearing His voice. Read the scriptures. Pour out your heart to God and tell Him your needs and desires… hear His answers and promises as He leads you to specific verses and passages – and shows you His will for your life in all sorts of ways. Stay awake and alert, so that you don’t miss His messages… and never forget that the God who brought Jesus to life in what appeared to be impossible circumstances stands ready to set us upright, also.
Never underestimate the power of God to work in and through you. With God, all things are possible. Our job is to keep His hope alive!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 8, 2012
Psalm 148:1-4
Shout praises to the LORD! Shout the LORD's praises in the highest heavens. All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise. Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year ago this day, my cousin J.D. and a woman named Angie were married. While all wedding anniversaries are milestones, what makes this one particularly worthy of mention lies in the story of how these two were brought together in the first place… and how God works in our lives each and every day. On his website at www.kingdomcallministries.org, J.D. tells his story… how he became consumed with both using and dealing drugs as a teenager… how he was in and out of rehabs and jails – and ultimately he was incarcerated in prison for more than three years. True to his nature and the pull of the devil on his heart, J.D. was rebellious and uncooperative, and he became a frequent visitor to “The Hole” – also known as solitary confinement.
J.D. writes that… “Being sent to prison relegates you to a low class. Being sent to a prison within in a prison places one in the top ranks of the biggest losers… that is where I was. Most, I’m sure, had given up on me ever becoming a productive human being. My life was a mess, my brain was shot, and my situation was hopeless.” J.D. got some of it right… a few people did give up on him. But others did not. We prayed, we encouraged… and God kept working. And one day while sitting alone in “The Hole,” J.D. had a visit from Jesus that totally transformed his life.
After his release from prison in 2007, J.D. returned home and found a job – and a church home. He grew in his faith and found that God was calling Him to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others… to be a living testament to His ability to make a way where none seems possible. It wasn’t easy… and Satan would not go away. In 2009, J.D. awoke in a hospital with virtually every bone in his face broken, and his jaws wired shut. He had been involved in a horrible logging accident where a pine tree fell directly onto his face. In his words…“Satan had tried to take me out with that pine tree and had come awfully close to succeeding.”
But J.D. recovered fully from his injuries, and he began to share the word of God wherever a church would invite him to speak. He spent his days immersed in prayer and studying God’s word. He trusted God to provide for his needs via “love offerings” and a small business he managed selling chainsaws and parts online. And one evening as he stopped to attend a tent revival near Romance, Arkansas, he greeted the evangelist and his assistant – a woman named Angie, who would soon become his wife.
In the past year, J.D. and Angie have begun their own ministry and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others in churches and via tent revivals from Arkansas to Indiana. The young man who was hopeless and helpless is now using his own story of rescue and redemption to offer the hope and promise of a life in Christ to others. And at every turn, he and Angie are praising God for His faithfulness… and encouraging others to do the same.
J.D. and I have laughed and agreed that the God who can fix him can fix anybody! But really, this is no laughing matter… it’s the plain and simple truth. I don’t know what you are facing. I don’t know your challenges… your concerns… your needs and fears. But I know that God can accomplish ANYTHING. So I am asking you to hang on… to keep the faith… to never give up… and to always… ALWAYS, give Him the praise He so richly deserves. To God be the glory for rescuing J.D. and uniting Him with Angie. To God be the glory for the miraculous and wonderful things He is doing – and will continue – in each of our lives. Won’t you come and offer Him YOUR praise today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! Shout the LORD's praises in the highest heavens. All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise. Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year ago this day, my cousin J.D. and a woman named Angie were married. While all wedding anniversaries are milestones, what makes this one particularly worthy of mention lies in the story of how these two were brought together in the first place… and how God works in our lives each and every day. On his website at www.kingdomcallministries.org, J.D. tells his story… how he became consumed with both using and dealing drugs as a teenager… how he was in and out of rehabs and jails – and ultimately he was incarcerated in prison for more than three years. True to his nature and the pull of the devil on his heart, J.D. was rebellious and uncooperative, and he became a frequent visitor to “The Hole” – also known as solitary confinement.
J.D. writes that… “Being sent to prison relegates you to a low class. Being sent to a prison within in a prison places one in the top ranks of the biggest losers… that is where I was. Most, I’m sure, had given up on me ever becoming a productive human being. My life was a mess, my brain was shot, and my situation was hopeless.” J.D. got some of it right… a few people did give up on him. But others did not. We prayed, we encouraged… and God kept working. And one day while sitting alone in “The Hole,” J.D. had a visit from Jesus that totally transformed his life.
After his release from prison in 2007, J.D. returned home and found a job – and a church home. He grew in his faith and found that God was calling Him to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others… to be a living testament to His ability to make a way where none seems possible. It wasn’t easy… and Satan would not go away. In 2009, J.D. awoke in a hospital with virtually every bone in his face broken, and his jaws wired shut. He had been involved in a horrible logging accident where a pine tree fell directly onto his face. In his words…“Satan had tried to take me out with that pine tree and had come awfully close to succeeding.”
But J.D. recovered fully from his injuries, and he began to share the word of God wherever a church would invite him to speak. He spent his days immersed in prayer and studying God’s word. He trusted God to provide for his needs via “love offerings” and a small business he managed selling chainsaws and parts online. And one evening as he stopped to attend a tent revival near Romance, Arkansas, he greeted the evangelist and his assistant – a woman named Angie, who would soon become his wife.
In the past year, J.D. and Angie have begun their own ministry and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others in churches and via tent revivals from Arkansas to Indiana. The young man who was hopeless and helpless is now using his own story of rescue and redemption to offer the hope and promise of a life in Christ to others. And at every turn, he and Angie are praising God for His faithfulness… and encouraging others to do the same.
J.D. and I have laughed and agreed that the God who can fix him can fix anybody! But really, this is no laughing matter… it’s the plain and simple truth. I don’t know what you are facing. I don’t know your challenges… your concerns… your needs and fears. But I know that God can accomplish ANYTHING. So I am asking you to hang on… to keep the faith… to never give up… and to always… ALWAYS, give Him the praise He so richly deserves. To God be the glory for rescuing J.D. and uniting Him with Angie. To God be the glory for the miraculous and wonderful things He is doing – and will continue – in each of our lives. Won’t you come and offer Him YOUR praise today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 12, 2011
John 19:31-37
The next day would be both a Sabbath and the Passover. It was a special day for the Jewish people, and they did not want the bodies to stay on the crosses during that day. So they asked Pilate to break the men's legs and take their bodies down. The soldiers first broke the legs of the other two men who were nailed there. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, and they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water came out. We know this is true, because it was told by someone who saw it happen. Now you can have faith too. All this happened so that the Scriptures would come true, which say, "No bone of his body will be broken" and, "They will see the one in whose side they stuck a spear."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the last week, I’ve been sitting with my grandmother, who is in the hospital. Thankfully, she is doing well and should go home soon. But down the hall in one direction, people line up to receive chemotherapy and other medical treatments. In the other direction, a family grieves as one of their loved ones spends her last days on Hospice. A friend posted on Facebook that he and his wife are taking turns sitting with his mother-in-law who is nearing the end of her life. I know people who can't find a job, and others who can't pay their bills or provide their family with "a big Christmas" this year. All around us, many people are anything but joyful this Christmas season.
The hospital is tastefully festive with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. On the lawn outside sits a large lighted Nativity scene, and a lighted wreath adorns the building’s exterior. Everywhere we look, there are signs of the season, and cheerful people. This is meant to be a happy time. But we can’t talk about the joy and excitement of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ without also remembering the ugliness of His death. While there is plenty to celebrate this season… and there are lessons of faith and hope galore in the story of Jesus’ birth… the true message comes in the crucifixion. If Jesus had come to earth and walked among us then died of old age, disease or even a tragic accident, He would have still been a great man… but His most ultimate purpose would not have been fulfilled. In order to receive the Good News, you have to get through “the bad and the ugly” first.
So as we celebrate Christmas, smile at our neighbors, sing jolly songs and shout “Ho! Ho! Ho!”, let’s also remember that this is not such a Merry Christmas for some. Their joy is diminished this season by illness…death and loss…lack of income – or food, clothing and shelter… abuse…loneliness, and more. But the HOPE of Christmas can belong to ALL of us… because our Hope lies in the cross of Calvary and the blood of Jesus’ shed there. You can’t have Christmas without the cross… but because of Jesus and everything He did for us, we have the promise of Eternal Life.
This is the message we really should share this season. As we greet people with the cheerful salutations of the holiday season, we should also remind them of the HOPE this season represents. We should be sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around us and temper our holiday cheer with words of encouragement and the promise of God’s unfailing love for His children. One of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to cultivate disciples who would share His message… and WE are those disciples – or at least we should be!
So wish others a Merry Christmas… but never forget the cross. Offer more than a happy greeting to those you meet. Take time to offer hope to those who need it and to share the Good News of the cross, as well. Be a disciple for Christ in this season – and always. Celebrate Jesus’ birth… and thank Him for what He did for us at Calvary.
©2011 Debbie Robus
The next day would be both a Sabbath and the Passover. It was a special day for the Jewish people, and they did not want the bodies to stay on the crosses during that day. So they asked Pilate to break the men's legs and take their bodies down. The soldiers first broke the legs of the other two men who were nailed there. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, and they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water came out. We know this is true, because it was told by someone who saw it happen. Now you can have faith too. All this happened so that the Scriptures would come true, which say, "No bone of his body will be broken" and, "They will see the one in whose side they stuck a spear."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the last week, I’ve been sitting with my grandmother, who is in the hospital. Thankfully, she is doing well and should go home soon. But down the hall in one direction, people line up to receive chemotherapy and other medical treatments. In the other direction, a family grieves as one of their loved ones spends her last days on Hospice. A friend posted on Facebook that he and his wife are taking turns sitting with his mother-in-law who is nearing the end of her life. I know people who can't find a job, and others who can't pay their bills or provide their family with "a big Christmas" this year. All around us, many people are anything but joyful this Christmas season.
The hospital is tastefully festive with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. On the lawn outside sits a large lighted Nativity scene, and a lighted wreath adorns the building’s exterior. Everywhere we look, there are signs of the season, and cheerful people. This is meant to be a happy time. But we can’t talk about the joy and excitement of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ without also remembering the ugliness of His death. While there is plenty to celebrate this season… and there are lessons of faith and hope galore in the story of Jesus’ birth… the true message comes in the crucifixion. If Jesus had come to earth and walked among us then died of old age, disease or even a tragic accident, He would have still been a great man… but His most ultimate purpose would not have been fulfilled. In order to receive the Good News, you have to get through “the bad and the ugly” first.
So as we celebrate Christmas, smile at our neighbors, sing jolly songs and shout “Ho! Ho! Ho!”, let’s also remember that this is not such a Merry Christmas for some. Their joy is diminished this season by illness…death and loss…lack of income – or food, clothing and shelter… abuse…loneliness, and more. But the HOPE of Christmas can belong to ALL of us… because our Hope lies in the cross of Calvary and the blood of Jesus’ shed there. You can’t have Christmas without the cross… but because of Jesus and everything He did for us, we have the promise of Eternal Life.
This is the message we really should share this season. As we greet people with the cheerful salutations of the holiday season, we should also remind them of the HOPE this season represents. We should be sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around us and temper our holiday cheer with words of encouragement and the promise of God’s unfailing love for His children. One of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to cultivate disciples who would share His message… and WE are those disciples – or at least we should be!
So wish others a Merry Christmas… but never forget the cross. Offer more than a happy greeting to those you meet. Take time to offer hope to those who need it and to share the Good News of the cross, as well. Be a disciple for Christ in this season – and always. Celebrate Jesus’ birth… and thank Him for what He did for us at Calvary.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 18, 2011
Psalm 107:5-15
You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice.
You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On August 5th, 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander was swimming off the coast of Washington state, just north of Long Beach. Dale was with a church group, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, when a riptide current pulled him under and began to sweep him out to sea. A 12-year-old girl with a surfboard tried to rescue Dale, but the current was too swift. When she made it to shore, she clung to the sand and said, “He’s dead. What am I supposed to do?” More rescuers retrieved Dale’s body from the waters, where he had been pulled underwater for 20-25 minutes. He was unconscious and limp. Nobody gave Dale much hope for survival. Dale’s fellow church members fell to their knees on the beach and prayed for him
In a blog established to chronicle this story – www.prayersfordale.blogspot.com – a post dated August 14th describes how Dale’s father, Chad, spoke to the congregation at church several days later:
Some of us are in some pretty strong currents, too. We have our own “riptides” pulling us under, and we are drowning a little every day. Others among us have “circled the drain” from time to time…yet God rescued us. Did we stop to thank Him? Did we even recognize His powerful hands reaching down and saving us?
Do we understand that we are often suffering under the chains and riptides of our own making… and God stands ready to save us, if only we will ask? Truly, the rescue of this 12-year-old boy is a miracle… and not all horrific events like this come to such a happy end. But so often, we fail to recognize that a rescue from our troubles is only a prayer away. We fail to see that we can ask God for anything… and He will answer perfectly. And often if we do ask, we fail to believe that God really heard us… and that help truly is on the way.
Clearly this boy’s parents prayed faithfully… trusting God for a perfect outcome. They didn’t know if that would mean life for their son on this earth – or in heaven. But they prayed and believed anyway, as did the fellow church members who were with Dale Ostrander on August 5th. The question for us is… are we praying faithfully and believing God will deliver a perfect outcome? Are we thanking Him for all of the times He has rescued us already… and trusting Him to be our lifeline in the future? Isn’t it about time we stuck out our hand and let God pull us safely to shore, so to speak? Are you ready for a rescue?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice.
You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On August 5th, 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander was swimming off the coast of Washington state, just north of Long Beach. Dale was with a church group, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, when a riptide current pulled him under and began to sweep him out to sea. A 12-year-old girl with a surfboard tried to rescue Dale, but the current was too swift. When she made it to shore, she clung to the sand and said, “He’s dead. What am I supposed to do?” More rescuers retrieved Dale’s body from the waters, where he had been pulled underwater for 20-25 minutes. He was unconscious and limp. Nobody gave Dale much hope for survival. Dale’s fellow church members fell to their knees on the beach and prayed for him
In a blog established to chronicle this story – www.prayersfordale.blogspot.com – a post dated August 14th describes how Dale’s father, Chad, spoke to the congregation at church several days later:
- “Brother Ostrander said, ‘We didn't understand, we just accepted. I knelt by his bed and put Dale on the altar, like Abraham. I told God, “You offered your son, you know how it feels. Thank you for letting us say goodbye.” We tried to let the girls know that he wasn't coming back. That night, the doctor knelt down right by Dale's ear and said, “Dale, open your eyes!” and his eyes opened! We thought, “Wow, there's hope!”’
- Today Dale got up and walked down the hall with help from the physical therapist. In Chad Ostrander's words: ‘God has shown us a miracle.’"
Some of us are in some pretty strong currents, too. We have our own “riptides” pulling us under, and we are drowning a little every day. Others among us have “circled the drain” from time to time…yet God rescued us. Did we stop to thank Him? Did we even recognize His powerful hands reaching down and saving us?
Do we understand that we are often suffering under the chains and riptides of our own making… and God stands ready to save us, if only we will ask? Truly, the rescue of this 12-year-old boy is a miracle… and not all horrific events like this come to such a happy end. But so often, we fail to recognize that a rescue from our troubles is only a prayer away. We fail to see that we can ask God for anything… and He will answer perfectly. And often if we do ask, we fail to believe that God really heard us… and that help truly is on the way.
Clearly this boy’s parents prayed faithfully… trusting God for a perfect outcome. They didn’t know if that would mean life for their son on this earth – or in heaven. But they prayed and believed anyway, as did the fellow church members who were with Dale Ostrander on August 5th. The question for us is… are we praying faithfully and believing God will deliver a perfect outcome? Are we thanking Him for all of the times He has rescued us already… and trusting Him to be our lifeline in the future? Isn’t it about time we stuck out our hand and let God pull us safely to shore, so to speak? Are you ready for a rescue?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 23, 2011
March 23 ~ Psalm 59:16-17
But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble. I will sing your praises! You are my mighty fortress, and you love me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My sister discovered a book on my grandmother’s bookshelf titled Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy by Barbara Johnson. In the preface, the author says that she “wanted to reach out, one to one, heart to heart, to help that one freshly hurt mother who felt as though no one could possibly understand the depth of her despair.” She adds that, via her own personal experiences, she understands that mother’s hurts and wanted to “model a firm grip on God’s loving promises, and then to gently nudge us back to normalcy… a place we thought we’d never see again.”
For a title to Chapter 1 of this book, Johnson chose: “Pain Is Inevitable… Misery is Optional.” Earlier in the tenth verse of this Psalm, The Message translates the words like this… “God in dependable love shows up on time, shows me my enemies in ruin.” David writes in this Psalm of the enemies showing up “like snarling dogs” to hurt us… but God is always there to serve as our fortress and protection in times of trouble.
Because God “has our back,” we can praise Him night and day – in times both good and bad. We can “stick a geranium in our hat and be happy” no matter what is happening to us. We can count on God to show up on time and fight our battles for us. Does this mean trouble won’t come… that we won’t have worries, fears, heartaches, suffering, and sadness? Absolutely not! Does it mean that we will be given more than we can handle? Never! We will have pain in our life… but we choose whether or not to be miserable.
In recent days, I have observed several families who are dealing with extraordinary challenges… serious health issues that have ravaged the bodies of precious young children and Godly adults. I have marveled at the ability of family members to speak positively, even when watching their babies suffer or be hooked to machines and devices that bring healing and life sustaining nutrients and medication. I’ve watched families be given the news that “the end” of this earthly life is near for a loved one… and young mothers report on Facebook about their little ones’ afflictions… RSV, pneumonia, a brain shunt for one and kidney problems… a serious infection for another.
I have seen others learn that new, seemingly inconvenient or complicated therapies or treatments will be necessary, and they take it in stride… making the necessary arrangements for appointments, equipment, and more. Always, they ask, “Please pray,” but not once have they said, “God has deserted or disappointed us.” They sing of His strength… and when even slight improvements or healings… they quickly thank God for answering and protecting them.”
Surely we can do the same. With God’s help, we can handle whatever “life” hands us. We can sing His praises, stick a flower in our hat and be happy… because we are LOVED and protected by the Most High God! He’s “large and in charge” – and He is all we need! This is GOOD NEWS! This is reason to be happy and confident. We can handle ANYTHING with God… don’t you believe this? What will you choose today – a positive outlook… or misery? Will you live like God is in control? Will others see God’s strength operating in and through you? Just what sort of “hat” are you wearing today… and will it have a flower?
©2011 Debbie Robus
But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble. I will sing your praises! You are my mighty fortress, and you love me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My sister discovered a book on my grandmother’s bookshelf titled Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy by Barbara Johnson. In the preface, the author says that she “wanted to reach out, one to one, heart to heart, to help that one freshly hurt mother who felt as though no one could possibly understand the depth of her despair.” She adds that, via her own personal experiences, she understands that mother’s hurts and wanted to “model a firm grip on God’s loving promises, and then to gently nudge us back to normalcy… a place we thought we’d never see again.”
For a title to Chapter 1 of this book, Johnson chose: “Pain Is Inevitable… Misery is Optional.” Earlier in the tenth verse of this Psalm, The Message translates the words like this… “God in dependable love shows up on time, shows me my enemies in ruin.” David writes in this Psalm of the enemies showing up “like snarling dogs” to hurt us… but God is always there to serve as our fortress and protection in times of trouble.
Because God “has our back,” we can praise Him night and day – in times both good and bad. We can “stick a geranium in our hat and be happy” no matter what is happening to us. We can count on God to show up on time and fight our battles for us. Does this mean trouble won’t come… that we won’t have worries, fears, heartaches, suffering, and sadness? Absolutely not! Does it mean that we will be given more than we can handle? Never! We will have pain in our life… but we choose whether or not to be miserable.
In recent days, I have observed several families who are dealing with extraordinary challenges… serious health issues that have ravaged the bodies of precious young children and Godly adults. I have marveled at the ability of family members to speak positively, even when watching their babies suffer or be hooked to machines and devices that bring healing and life sustaining nutrients and medication. I’ve watched families be given the news that “the end” of this earthly life is near for a loved one… and young mothers report on Facebook about their little ones’ afflictions… RSV, pneumonia, a brain shunt for one and kidney problems… a serious infection for another.
I have seen others learn that new, seemingly inconvenient or complicated therapies or treatments will be necessary, and they take it in stride… making the necessary arrangements for appointments, equipment, and more. Always, they ask, “Please pray,” but not once have they said, “God has deserted or disappointed us.” They sing of His strength… and when even slight improvements or healings… they quickly thank God for answering and protecting them.”
Surely we can do the same. With God’s help, we can handle whatever “life” hands us. We can sing His praises, stick a flower in our hat and be happy… because we are LOVED and protected by the Most High God! He’s “large and in charge” – and He is all we need! This is GOOD NEWS! This is reason to be happy and confident. We can handle ANYTHING with God… don’t you believe this? What will you choose today – a positive outlook… or misery? Will you live like God is in control? Will others see God’s strength operating in and through you? Just what sort of “hat” are you wearing today… and will it have a flower?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 2, 2011
Mark 8:11-13
The Pharisees came out and started an argument with Jesus. They wanted to test him by asking for a sign from heaven. Jesus groaned and said, "Why are you always looking for a sign? I can promise you that you will not be given one!" Then he left them. He again got into a boat and crossed over to the other side of the lake.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us have probably heard of “Bill Engvall” – a comedian who gained popularity as part of Jeff Foxworthy’s Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Bill’s claim to fame is the phrase, “Here’s your sign!” His point is that people often say and do stupid things – or ask stupid questions that have obvious answers – and he says to them, “Here’s your sign.” For instance, he said he and his wife had all of their belongings packed in boxes on the driveway and were loading them into a U-haul, and a neighbor came over and asked, “Hey, you moving?” Engvall said he replied, “Nope! We just pack up all our stuff every few weeks to see how many boxes it takes! Here’s your sign!” (The sign says, “I’m stupid!”)
Now, let’s face it, we do need signs to tell us when to stop at an intersection… the speed limit… where to exit the highway, and more. But we don’t often need a sign to tell us when someone is being ridiculous. We do need a sign to tell us when stormy weather is headed our way… but we don’t need a sign to tell us the weather will be nice when the sun is shining.
We may need a sign to tell us when we are headed in the right direction as we choose a career, a mate, a residence, or even a new car. We may look for signs that our health is improving or declining… and make decisions accordingly. But when it comes to our faith in God, so many of us are wasting a lot of time and energy looking for a “sign” where none is needed. “Lord, just give me a sign! Lord, if this is right, make such-and-such happen, and I’ll know.”
I’m not saying that things won’t ever happen that you can take as a sign from God you are on the right track. But if you sit around waiting for Him to rain down smoke, fire and magic tricks to bolster your confidence, you need to re-examine your relationship and get reacquainted with the Heavenly Father and how He operates! The Pharisees tried to trick Jesus. They made fun of Him and wanted Him to prove Himself at every turn.
We are so often modern-day Pharisees. But we have an opportunity to do better. We can change and operate completely in faith and the promises of our Heavenly Father. We can accept any “signs” that might come our way… but only as an afterthought or affirmation of what we already know… that God is powerful and mighty to save. He is in the daily business of performing miracles, rescues, and doling out blessings to His children.
We don’t want a sign that says “I’m stupid.” We don’t need a sign from our Heavenly Father that says “I’m God and I can do anything.” We already have our “sign” … the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ told us everything we ever need to know. Now it’s time for us to act like we believe this – to walk daily in the confidence of God’s promises. I’m in – are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The Pharisees came out and started an argument with Jesus. They wanted to test him by asking for a sign from heaven. Jesus groaned and said, "Why are you always looking for a sign? I can promise you that you will not be given one!" Then he left them. He again got into a boat and crossed over to the other side of the lake.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Most of us have probably heard of “Bill Engvall” – a comedian who gained popularity as part of Jeff Foxworthy’s Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Bill’s claim to fame is the phrase, “Here’s your sign!” His point is that people often say and do stupid things – or ask stupid questions that have obvious answers – and he says to them, “Here’s your sign.” For instance, he said he and his wife had all of their belongings packed in boxes on the driveway and were loading them into a U-haul, and a neighbor came over and asked, “Hey, you moving?” Engvall said he replied, “Nope! We just pack up all our stuff every few weeks to see how many boxes it takes! Here’s your sign!” (The sign says, “I’m stupid!”)
Now, let’s face it, we do need signs to tell us when to stop at an intersection… the speed limit… where to exit the highway, and more. But we don’t often need a sign to tell us when someone is being ridiculous. We do need a sign to tell us when stormy weather is headed our way… but we don’t need a sign to tell us the weather will be nice when the sun is shining.
We may need a sign to tell us when we are headed in the right direction as we choose a career, a mate, a residence, or even a new car. We may look for signs that our health is improving or declining… and make decisions accordingly. But when it comes to our faith in God, so many of us are wasting a lot of time and energy looking for a “sign” where none is needed. “Lord, just give me a sign! Lord, if this is right, make such-and-such happen, and I’ll know.”
I’m not saying that things won’t ever happen that you can take as a sign from God you are on the right track. But if you sit around waiting for Him to rain down smoke, fire and magic tricks to bolster your confidence, you need to re-examine your relationship and get reacquainted with the Heavenly Father and how He operates! The Pharisees tried to trick Jesus. They made fun of Him and wanted Him to prove Himself at every turn.
We are so often modern-day Pharisees. But we have an opportunity to do better. We can change and operate completely in faith and the promises of our Heavenly Father. We can accept any “signs” that might come our way… but only as an afterthought or affirmation of what we already know… that God is powerful and mighty to save. He is in the daily business of performing miracles, rescues, and doling out blessings to His children.
We don’t want a sign that says “I’m stupid.” We don’t need a sign from our Heavenly Father that says “I’m God and I can do anything.” We already have our “sign” … the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ told us everything we ever need to know. Now it’s time for us to act like we believe this – to walk daily in the confidence of God’s promises. I’m in – are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 10, 2010
Isaiah 61:1-4God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"
planted by God to display his glory.
They'll rebuild the old ruins,
raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They'll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Every holiday season, we hear news reports about a house fire during the holidays. Just this past week, a home burned in our county, and area churches rallied to provide for the family – clothing, cleaning supplies, physical labor, and more. On the morning of December 20, 1981, my grandmother was frying sausage on her stove, preparing breakfast for herself and my grandfather before they dressed for church. My grandfather had been outside checking on his cattle. Mam-ma thought she heard sleet on their tin roof, but a glimpse out her kitchen window revealed sunshine.
My grandfather came through the door and told my Mam-ma that their house was on fire. Ironically, she turned off the burner under her sausage, then she began grabbing clothing from dresser drawers, as my grandfather hurried to move their car and truck from the carport and away from the house. A passerby stopped and helped remove items from the house as it burned… a small living room chair, the mantel clock, the family Bible and a few photos, and most of my grandparents’ clothing. They didn’t think to get wallets, eye glasses, the quilt rack in the front bedroom that held probably a half dozen of my grandmother’s hand-made creations, or even the Christmas presents sitting under the tree just inside the front door.
At the end of the day, the home my grandparents had occupied for 47 years was reduced to smoldering cinders. The fire was so hot that even the cast-iron skillets and claw-footed bath tub were reduced to ashes. This fire was determined to be due to some old faulty wiring… not a truly Christmas-related disaster. And I have shared this story before… how the churches and our community rallied to help my grandparents rebuild… how my dad called on his construction contacts to get a new house built as quickly as possible and people “pounded” my grandparents with necessary household staples and more.
I’ve talked about the yard full of petunias that rose the following spring where the old farmhouse once sat… a true “beauty for ashes” trade. But what I have not really talked about directly is the impact that the fire had on my entire family. Whether we realize it or not, that day was a huge turning point for us. It signaled the end of an era… the only home for my grandparents that I, my sister and brother had ever known. The fire resulted in the loss of countless treasures… mere things… and a greater realization of what really mattered, as we counted our blessings that my grandmother and grandfather both escaped safely.
Even though the new house and many of the replacement items were far nicer than what my grandparents had previously owned, it wasn’t the same… ever. And in thinking about this day again… as I do every December 20th… I was struck by how this correlates for us spiritually. See, we all have “fires” in our lives… moments or events or seasons that define us… change us… move us in a new direction. And these are often hard, devastating, gut-wrenching changes that grieve us and truly break our hearts – and sometimes our emotional spirit.
But God stands ready to give us “bouquets of roses for ashes”… to restore us, repair our hearts, rebuild our spirit. Sometimes, He even gives us something better to replace what was taken from us… or at least something equally wonderful. I told you that my grandparents were not ones to question “Why me?” but rather to look ahead and ask “What next?” – and as I look at my now-98-year-old grandmother and think of all of the things she has endured and how she persevered, I see another “lesson.”
God is not in the business of punishing us… or making us suffer to “teach us a lesson.” When we are in pain, He is in pain. When we grieve, He grieves. When our heart breaks, His heart breaks for us. But God can do something about all of this. He truly is the only One who can really fix things… and He wants to do this for us. But we have to trust Him. We have to let Him work. We have to ask Him, “What next?” and mean it. We have to open our eyes and see His beauty in the ashes…and we have to be grateful to Him for doing this for us.
Where is God trying to give you a bouquet of roses for ashes? Where are you blocking His efforts? In what ways do you need to move aside and let Him work? Examine your heart and your life today… find your “fires” and sift through the “ashes.” See what God has in store for you, and give Him room to do His work.
©2010 Debbie Robus
a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"
planted by God to display his glory.
They'll rebuild the old ruins,
raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They'll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Every holiday season, we hear news reports about a house fire during the holidays. Just this past week, a home burned in our county, and area churches rallied to provide for the family – clothing, cleaning supplies, physical labor, and more. On the morning of December 20, 1981, my grandmother was frying sausage on her stove, preparing breakfast for herself and my grandfather before they dressed for church. My grandfather had been outside checking on his cattle. Mam-ma thought she heard sleet on their tin roof, but a glimpse out her kitchen window revealed sunshine.
My grandfather came through the door and told my Mam-ma that their house was on fire. Ironically, she turned off the burner under her sausage, then she began grabbing clothing from dresser drawers, as my grandfather hurried to move their car and truck from the carport and away from the house. A passerby stopped and helped remove items from the house as it burned… a small living room chair, the mantel clock, the family Bible and a few photos, and most of my grandparents’ clothing. They didn’t think to get wallets, eye glasses, the quilt rack in the front bedroom that held probably a half dozen of my grandmother’s hand-made creations, or even the Christmas presents sitting under the tree just inside the front door.
At the end of the day, the home my grandparents had occupied for 47 years was reduced to smoldering cinders. The fire was so hot that even the cast-iron skillets and claw-footed bath tub were reduced to ashes. This fire was determined to be due to some old faulty wiring… not a truly Christmas-related disaster. And I have shared this story before… how the churches and our community rallied to help my grandparents rebuild… how my dad called on his construction contacts to get a new house built as quickly as possible and people “pounded” my grandparents with necessary household staples and more.
I’ve talked about the yard full of petunias that rose the following spring where the old farmhouse once sat… a true “beauty for ashes” trade. But what I have not really talked about directly is the impact that the fire had on my entire family. Whether we realize it or not, that day was a huge turning point for us. It signaled the end of an era… the only home for my grandparents that I, my sister and brother had ever known. The fire resulted in the loss of countless treasures… mere things… and a greater realization of what really mattered, as we counted our blessings that my grandmother and grandfather both escaped safely.
Even though the new house and many of the replacement items were far nicer than what my grandparents had previously owned, it wasn’t the same… ever. And in thinking about this day again… as I do every December 20th… I was struck by how this correlates for us spiritually. See, we all have “fires” in our lives… moments or events or seasons that define us… change us… move us in a new direction. And these are often hard, devastating, gut-wrenching changes that grieve us and truly break our hearts – and sometimes our emotional spirit.
But God stands ready to give us “bouquets of roses for ashes”… to restore us, repair our hearts, rebuild our spirit. Sometimes, He even gives us something better to replace what was taken from us… or at least something equally wonderful. I told you that my grandparents were not ones to question “Why me?” but rather to look ahead and ask “What next?” – and as I look at my now-98-year-old grandmother and think of all of the things she has endured and how she persevered, I see another “lesson.”
God is not in the business of punishing us… or making us suffer to “teach us a lesson.” When we are in pain, He is in pain. When we grieve, He grieves. When our heart breaks, His heart breaks for us. But God can do something about all of this. He truly is the only One who can really fix things… and He wants to do this for us. But we have to trust Him. We have to let Him work. We have to ask Him, “What next?” and mean it. We have to open our eyes and see His beauty in the ashes…and we have to be grateful to Him for doing this for us.
Where is God trying to give you a bouquet of roses for ashes? Where are you blocking His efforts? In what ways do you need to move aside and let Him work? Examine your heart and your life today… find your “fires” and sift through the “ashes.” See what God has in store for you, and give Him room to do His work.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 26, 2010
Psalm 138:8
You, LORD, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don't give up on us now!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When it comes to imitating Jesus, this scripture passage represents a tall order. If we are truly Christ’s disciples – if we truly imitate Him in our everyday lives, then we have to treat others with kindness. Our love must never fail. That also means we can’t give up on others.
Have you ever wanted to “wash your hands and walk away” from someone? “That’s it! I’ve had it! I’m done with So-and-So!” Oh, how all of us have wanted to utter that phrase … and many do exactly that. And I’m not saying we have to take repeated abuse from someone. We don’t have to be their best buddy, or even maintain continual contact with those who are unkind toward us or ungrateful, disrespectful, a constant mooch, or just plain unlovely. But we still have to love them.
We still have to pray for those who are hard to love. We still have to pray for the alcoholic or drug addict who can’t seem to get it together. We still have to pray for the bully in our class and the deadbeat dad. We still have to pray for those who are abusive or negative, and those who appear to simply be “losers” in life. Because at the end of the day, every single one of these people is as much a child of the LORD as you and I … and precious to Him. And what He has done for us, He can do for them … and He wants to do that and more!
So the LORD, whom we are asking to continue to treat us with kindness… the same LORD we are asking not to give up on us, is the very LORD who loves those we find difficult. We must love them and pray for them and offer reasonable encouragement and support. That doesn’t mean we have to be involved in their lives or their drama … that we have to give them money, or bail them out of troubles, or even necessarily give them our time and attention. But we have to give them our love and prayers … our kindness and the hope of better days and better ways through Jesus Christ.
It’s not always easy. I’ve literally had the door slammed in my face as I tried to help. I’ve been told my encouragement and witness was not welcome. I’ve felt the slings and arrows of others, and I’ve found it very hard to be kind and loving and to sincerely pray for those people. But I’ve seen the results of my efforts and how God can use us. I’ve seen the outcome make a positive turnaround – more than once. And I can assure you, I will never, ever give up on other people. As long as we are alive … and more importantly - JESUS is alive … there is hope and a chance for change.
Who do you need to offer prayers for today? Who do you need to encourage? Where could your kindness make a difference? Who have you felt like giving up on lately? This is the day to change your mind. This is the day to trust Jesus to make a difference … then get busy doing for others what He is doing for you. Sit back and watch Him work, and be amazed at the power of His love and kindness.
©2010 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don't give up on us now!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When it comes to imitating Jesus, this scripture passage represents a tall order. If we are truly Christ’s disciples – if we truly imitate Him in our everyday lives, then we have to treat others with kindness. Our love must never fail. That also means we can’t give up on others.
Have you ever wanted to “wash your hands and walk away” from someone? “That’s it! I’ve had it! I’m done with So-and-So!” Oh, how all of us have wanted to utter that phrase … and many do exactly that. And I’m not saying we have to take repeated abuse from someone. We don’t have to be their best buddy, or even maintain continual contact with those who are unkind toward us or ungrateful, disrespectful, a constant mooch, or just plain unlovely. But we still have to love them.
We still have to pray for those who are hard to love. We still have to pray for the alcoholic or drug addict who can’t seem to get it together. We still have to pray for the bully in our class and the deadbeat dad. We still have to pray for those who are abusive or negative, and those who appear to simply be “losers” in life. Because at the end of the day, every single one of these people is as much a child of the LORD as you and I … and precious to Him. And what He has done for us, He can do for them … and He wants to do that and more!
So the LORD, whom we are asking to continue to treat us with kindness… the same LORD we are asking not to give up on us, is the very LORD who loves those we find difficult. We must love them and pray for them and offer reasonable encouragement and support. That doesn’t mean we have to be involved in their lives or their drama … that we have to give them money, or bail them out of troubles, or even necessarily give them our time and attention. But we have to give them our love and prayers … our kindness and the hope of better days and better ways through Jesus Christ.
It’s not always easy. I’ve literally had the door slammed in my face as I tried to help. I’ve been told my encouragement and witness was not welcome. I’ve felt the slings and arrows of others, and I’ve found it very hard to be kind and loving and to sincerely pray for those people. But I’ve seen the results of my efforts and how God can use us. I’ve seen the outcome make a positive turnaround – more than once. And I can assure you, I will never, ever give up on other people. As long as we are alive … and more importantly - JESUS is alive … there is hope and a chance for change.
Who do you need to offer prayers for today? Who do you need to encourage? Where could your kindness make a difference? Who have you felt like giving up on lately? This is the day to change your mind. This is the day to trust Jesus to make a difference … then get busy doing for others what He is doing for you. Sit back and watch Him work, and be amazed at the power of His love and kindness.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 22, 2010
Colossians 3:15
Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It seems like everywhere I go these days, people are grumbling. As I bought groceries early one morning, I was greeted with a loud conversation between two stockers who were complaining about our government leaders and how bad they feel things are going in this country. Not once did they acknowledge how blessed they are to have a job. The “peace” of my early morning shopping trip was blasted by their agitated tirade … and they didn’t appear to be living peacefully themselves.
I hear others complain about everything from poor health to their lousy jobs or how much they hate school to how “foreigners” are overtaking our country, and more. Sadly, I don’t notice nearly as many people who are eager to share how blessed they are … how much God has done for them … how fortunate they feel to be able to get out of bed every morning and breathe fresh air. I don’t notice many people who answer the question, “How is work?” or “How is school?” with a response that indicates that they are grateful for the opportunity to have a job or the chance to obtain an education.
Back to the stockers at the grocery store – they peppered their conversation with references to a televangelist and other church “leaders” who are warning us about how bad things are. Frankly, their reference to this particular evangelist – who I consider to be a grumbler who operates in spreading fear – spoke volumes to me. They never once mentioned prayer for our nation, trusting God to help us through our struggles, or anything that was remotely related to experiencing the peace of Christ. And I had to ask myself … what does this say to others who hear them? Do people recognize them as part of the body of Christ, allowing Him to control their thoughts and give them peace? Do others see any sign that these people are grateful or walking in faith?
Or does our grumbling, complaining and negative body language give others the impression that we are fearful and pessimistic? Does our apparent lack of peace and confidence actually turn off others … especially those who are riding the fence about whether or not to trust Jesus for themselves?
What is wrong with us? Why have we allowed the devil to have such victory in this area of our lives? Why have we let him steal our peace? Why aren’t we talking with God and asking Him to show us how to get through the challenges of our day, then moving forward in the peace and comfort of feeling confident that He will do exactly this? Why aren’t we more grateful for how blessed we are?
I believe the devil makes it too easy and too “fun” to grumble and gripe. For many of us it has become our favorite pastime and hobby. But we need to take a good hard look at our behavior and kick this negativity to the curb. It’s time to start operating in positives. I’m not talking about being phony. If we truly are trusting God to control our thoughts and give us peace, behaving as if we are peaceful and grateful is authentic … and reflects our commitment to being an honorable member of the body of Christ.
I pray that we will each set aside some time this next week to examine our lives … our thoughts, speech, and actions. Let’s see where we need to make some changes. Let’s see where we need to trust God more … and operate in blessings and gratitude. Let’s kick Satan - and his negativity and dissention - to the curb and represent the body of Christ as we were chosen to do. Are you with me on this?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It seems like everywhere I go these days, people are grumbling. As I bought groceries early one morning, I was greeted with a loud conversation between two stockers who were complaining about our government leaders and how bad they feel things are going in this country. Not once did they acknowledge how blessed they are to have a job. The “peace” of my early morning shopping trip was blasted by their agitated tirade … and they didn’t appear to be living peacefully themselves.
I hear others complain about everything from poor health to their lousy jobs or how much they hate school to how “foreigners” are overtaking our country, and more. Sadly, I don’t notice nearly as many people who are eager to share how blessed they are … how much God has done for them … how fortunate they feel to be able to get out of bed every morning and breathe fresh air. I don’t notice many people who answer the question, “How is work?” or “How is school?” with a response that indicates that they are grateful for the opportunity to have a job or the chance to obtain an education.
Back to the stockers at the grocery store – they peppered their conversation with references to a televangelist and other church “leaders” who are warning us about how bad things are. Frankly, their reference to this particular evangelist – who I consider to be a grumbler who operates in spreading fear – spoke volumes to me. They never once mentioned prayer for our nation, trusting God to help us through our struggles, or anything that was remotely related to experiencing the peace of Christ. And I had to ask myself … what does this say to others who hear them? Do people recognize them as part of the body of Christ, allowing Him to control their thoughts and give them peace? Do others see any sign that these people are grateful or walking in faith?
Or does our grumbling, complaining and negative body language give others the impression that we are fearful and pessimistic? Does our apparent lack of peace and confidence actually turn off others … especially those who are riding the fence about whether or not to trust Jesus for themselves?
What is wrong with us? Why have we allowed the devil to have such victory in this area of our lives? Why have we let him steal our peace? Why aren’t we talking with God and asking Him to show us how to get through the challenges of our day, then moving forward in the peace and comfort of feeling confident that He will do exactly this? Why aren’t we more grateful for how blessed we are?
I believe the devil makes it too easy and too “fun” to grumble and gripe. For many of us it has become our favorite pastime and hobby. But we need to take a good hard look at our behavior and kick this negativity to the curb. It’s time to start operating in positives. I’m not talking about being phony. If we truly are trusting God to control our thoughts and give us peace, behaving as if we are peaceful and grateful is authentic … and reflects our commitment to being an honorable member of the body of Christ.
I pray that we will each set aside some time this next week to examine our lives … our thoughts, speech, and actions. Let’s see where we need to make some changes. Let’s see where we need to trust God more … and operate in blessings and gratitude. Let’s kick Satan - and his negativity and dissention - to the curb and represent the body of Christ as we were chosen to do. Are you with me on this?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 7, 2010
Acts 1:8
But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I really enjoy listening to the teachings of evangelist Joyce Meyer. She truly tells it like it is, and she has a great knack for putting things in ordinary terms for ordinary people. The other day I heard her say that we can hardly pray without using the word “just” in a sentence. “Lord, if you will just heal me.” “Father, if you will just help me pay my bills.” “God if you will just get me out of this mess.”
Joyce said she looked up the word “just” in the dictionary, and it said “only or merely … by a narrow margin … barely.” Now I ask you what she asked … “Do you really want God to ‘barely, by a narrow margin’ meet your needs?” Do you see how we limit God in our prayers?
Acts 1:8 tells us that we have been filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. By that power, we can do amazing, incredible, seemingly impossible things. We can boldly go out and share the love of Christ with others. We don’t have to have a “just” mentality … “I am just one person,” or “I am just this or that,” or “I can just get by myself, so how can I minister to anyone else?” We are more than this by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have so many resources right at our fingertips for sharing God’s love and the Good News of Jesus with others, starting with a smile on our faces and a cheerful attitude. We have great social networking tools like Facebook, where we can post positive encouraging messages for others. It’s one thing to share our need for prayer and a concern for our health or the well-being of someone else, but some of us have made these outlets our daily sounding board for everything to how poorly we slept to our pounding headache to how much we hate our job and can’t wait for the weekend! Do these comments and the attitudes behind them reflect the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
We need to be aware of the Holy Spirit within us. More than that, we need to be recognizing His power and living and speaking in a way that says to others… “He/she has something special … something extra that is above and beyond ordinary.” We need to live this way because it is the truth! We are not “just” Christians … we are driven by the power of the Holy Spirit, and for many of us, it’s time we acted like it! How much power are you operating under today? Are you fully filled with Holy Spirit power … or are you operating in “just” enough?
©2010 Debbie Robus
But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I really enjoy listening to the teachings of evangelist Joyce Meyer. She truly tells it like it is, and she has a great knack for putting things in ordinary terms for ordinary people. The other day I heard her say that we can hardly pray without using the word “just” in a sentence. “Lord, if you will just heal me.” “Father, if you will just help me pay my bills.” “God if you will just get me out of this mess.”
Joyce said she looked up the word “just” in the dictionary, and it said “only or merely … by a narrow margin … barely.” Now I ask you what she asked … “Do you really want God to ‘barely, by a narrow margin’ meet your needs?” Do you see how we limit God in our prayers?
Acts 1:8 tells us that we have been filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. By that power, we can do amazing, incredible, seemingly impossible things. We can boldly go out and share the love of Christ with others. We don’t have to have a “just” mentality … “I am just one person,” or “I am just this or that,” or “I can just get by myself, so how can I minister to anyone else?” We are more than this by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We have so many resources right at our fingertips for sharing God’s love and the Good News of Jesus with others, starting with a smile on our faces and a cheerful attitude. We have great social networking tools like Facebook, where we can post positive encouraging messages for others. It’s one thing to share our need for prayer and a concern for our health or the well-being of someone else, but some of us have made these outlets our daily sounding board for everything to how poorly we slept to our pounding headache to how much we hate our job and can’t wait for the weekend! Do these comments and the attitudes behind them reflect the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
We need to be aware of the Holy Spirit within us. More than that, we need to be recognizing His power and living and speaking in a way that says to others… “He/she has something special … something extra that is above and beyond ordinary.” We need to live this way because it is the truth! We are not “just” Christians … we are driven by the power of the Holy Spirit, and for many of us, it’s time we acted like it! How much power are you operating under today? Are you fully filled with Holy Spirit power … or are you operating in “just” enough?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 2, 2010
Romans 15:13
I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve talked before about how much I love Oxi-clean. This is one amazing cleaning agent. Recently, I purchased two vintage coffee pots at an estate sale. They were really nice coffee pots … still fairly shiny on the outside, but completely darkened with stains on the inside. I sat them in my laundry sink and poured in a hefty scoop of powdered Oxi-clean, and then I filled the pot about half full of very hot water. Soon, all of that dirty black-brown stain came bubbling out of the spout of the pot! After thirty minutes or so, I was able to rinse out the insides of those coffee pots, and they sparkled like new!
I like to think that this is similar to how the Holy Spirit acts in our heart. When we give our heart to Jesus, God sends the Holy Spirit to fill us and clean out all of the dirt and grime on the inside, making us sparkling clean. All of the junk is rinsed away to make room for the Holy Spirit to fill us with hope, happiness, and peace. Just like the coffee pots can live to bubble with hot coffee again, we are filled with the warmth of the Holy Spirit.
I don’t think there are very many Christians who totally grasp the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I think we all fail to recognize the power of the Holy Spirit to fill us with hope, peace, joy, and much more. Or maybe we just like being miserable, fearful, and discouraged from time to time. We all seem to enjoy an occasional pity party.
Because of the Holy Spirit, we really don’t need to have this pity party to begin with, but most certainly, it doesn’t have to last long when it happens. Maybe our heart is somewhat like those old coffee pots … still in need of some scrubbing. Ask God to restore you today. Invite the Holy Spirit to return to your heart, if needed. At the very least, recognize the hope we have because Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit to be forever in our hearts – and be thankful for this incredible gift. This is truly a cause for great happiness and peace in all circumstances. The power of the Holy Spirit is more amazing than any cleaning agent. Have you experienced Holy Spirit power today? How clean is your heart?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve talked before about how much I love Oxi-clean. This is one amazing cleaning agent. Recently, I purchased two vintage coffee pots at an estate sale. They were really nice coffee pots … still fairly shiny on the outside, but completely darkened with stains on the inside. I sat them in my laundry sink and poured in a hefty scoop of powdered Oxi-clean, and then I filled the pot about half full of very hot water. Soon, all of that dirty black-brown stain came bubbling out of the spout of the pot! After thirty minutes or so, I was able to rinse out the insides of those coffee pots, and they sparkled like new!
I like to think that this is similar to how the Holy Spirit acts in our heart. When we give our heart to Jesus, God sends the Holy Spirit to fill us and clean out all of the dirt and grime on the inside, making us sparkling clean. All of the junk is rinsed away to make room for the Holy Spirit to fill us with hope, happiness, and peace. Just like the coffee pots can live to bubble with hot coffee again, we are filled with the warmth of the Holy Spirit.
I don’t think there are very many Christians who totally grasp the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I think we all fail to recognize the power of the Holy Spirit to fill us with hope, peace, joy, and much more. Or maybe we just like being miserable, fearful, and discouraged from time to time. We all seem to enjoy an occasional pity party.
Because of the Holy Spirit, we really don’t need to have this pity party to begin with, but most certainly, it doesn’t have to last long when it happens. Maybe our heart is somewhat like those old coffee pots … still in need of some scrubbing. Ask God to restore you today. Invite the Holy Spirit to return to your heart, if needed. At the very least, recognize the hope we have because Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit to be forever in our hearts – and be thankful for this incredible gift. This is truly a cause for great happiness and peace in all circumstances. The power of the Holy Spirit is more amazing than any cleaning agent. Have you experienced Holy Spirit power today? How clean is your heart?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 23, 2010
Leviticus 26:13
I am the LORD your God, and I rescued you from Egypt, so that you would never again be slaves. I have set you free; now walk with your heads held high.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I still remember January 20, 1981… when fifty-two hostages were released following 444 days of captivity in Iran. I can see them stepping off the plane… thin, shaken, but still holding their heads high. The hostages were captured at the American Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, by a group of Islamic students who were supporting the Iranian Revolution. You can Google more information about this, or go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis.
Thankfully, most of us will never know the devastation, agony and horror of being held captive. We will never be enslaved and forced to do anything against our will. But many of us are slaves to sin. We are driven by the forces of such things as gluttony, greed, drugs, alcohol, money, and much more. We are slaves to social pressure. And far too many Christians walk around with their heads slung low, encumbered by burdens they shouldn’t be carrying but can’t seem to release.
If this describes you in any way, I encourage you to reflect on this passage from Leviticus. God has rescued us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. We do not have to be held hostage… we do not have to live in slavery. We are free to live as Christ’s chosen people… and if we stay on course with Him and in His will, we don’t have to worry or wonder about pleasing others or conforming to any confines of society. It’s time for us to walk off the plane, so to speak… holding our heads high… and say, “I am a child of God. He loves me as I am, and I am free in Him. I have been rescued from sin… and it feels great! I’ll never be a slave again because of Jesus!”
Where are you in this equation? Are you still a hostage… or have you been rescued? How proudly are you walking today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I am the LORD your God, and I rescued you from Egypt, so that you would never again be slaves. I have set you free; now walk with your heads held high.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I still remember January 20, 1981… when fifty-two hostages were released following 444 days of captivity in Iran. I can see them stepping off the plane… thin, shaken, but still holding their heads high. The hostages were captured at the American Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, by a group of Islamic students who were supporting the Iranian Revolution. You can Google more information about this, or go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis.
Thankfully, most of us will never know the devastation, agony and horror of being held captive. We will never be enslaved and forced to do anything against our will. But many of us are slaves to sin. We are driven by the forces of such things as gluttony, greed, drugs, alcohol, money, and much more. We are slaves to social pressure. And far too many Christians walk around with their heads slung low, encumbered by burdens they shouldn’t be carrying but can’t seem to release.
If this describes you in any way, I encourage you to reflect on this passage from Leviticus. God has rescued us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. We do not have to be held hostage… we do not have to live in slavery. We are free to live as Christ’s chosen people… and if we stay on course with Him and in His will, we don’t have to worry or wonder about pleasing others or conforming to any confines of society. It’s time for us to walk off the plane, so to speak… holding our heads high… and say, “I am a child of God. He loves me as I am, and I am free in Him. I have been rescued from sin… and it feels great! I’ll never be a slave again because of Jesus!”
Where are you in this equation? Are you still a hostage… or have you been rescued? How proudly are you walking today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
June 30 ~ Luke 15:31-32
His father replied, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is the ending verses of one of Jesus’ parables, known to us as the story of “The Prodigal Son.” If you start reading in Luke 15 at Verse 11, you will see that a man had two sons, and he divided his wealth between them. One worked hard and honored his father, while the other ran off and partied and spent everything he had inherited on food, wine, and women. When he was penniless and working as a slave for others, he realized that his father’s pigs ate better than he did, so he decided to return to his father on his hands and knees and ask for a job – feeding the livestock or serving in some other way.
The father was so glad to have his son back that he welcomed him and planned a party to celebrate his return. This made the hard-working son mad and jealous… as it would a lot of us. But here’s the deal… think about how hard it was for that “prodigal son” to come home. He must have been scared to death of his father and what he might say and do. And aren’t we the same way? Aren’t we afraid, sometimes, to go to someone with whom we have disagreed or wronged in some way and say to them, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I’m asking you to forgive me.”
More than this, aren’t we often afraid to go to our Heavenly Father and admit that we have sinned against Him? Aren’t we embarrassed by our behavior and lack of respect and honor for God? Does this fear and embarrassment keep us from humbling ourselves before God and asking for His forgiveness? It shouldn’t. Take a good hard look at this passage… and at the father’s answer to the angry, jealous brother. In essence, he said, “You should be glad your brother is back. I have enough love and wealth for both of you. You’ll never lack for anything just because I took your brother back. You still have my love… but your brother needs it, too.”
I’m willing to bet that most of the people you are afraid to approach and apologize to…or mend a relationship with…would be glad to hear from you – if you came with a humble, sincere attitude. And I know that God would be glad to have you back. It’s time to stop being so afraid. It’s time to trust God to protect us and guide our steps… and to take a leap of faith and repair a relationship, mend a fence, apologize to someone we have wronged… and admit our sins and shortcomings to our Heavenly Father. We have operated in fear long enough… and given Satan far too much pleasure and satisfaction in the bargain. Be glad for those who have taken this step – those who were once lost and are now found. And if you need to be next in line… now is the time to start.
©2010 Debbie Robus
His father replied, "My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is the ending verses of one of Jesus’ parables, known to us as the story of “The Prodigal Son.” If you start reading in Luke 15 at Verse 11, you will see that a man had two sons, and he divided his wealth between them. One worked hard and honored his father, while the other ran off and partied and spent everything he had inherited on food, wine, and women. When he was penniless and working as a slave for others, he realized that his father’s pigs ate better than he did, so he decided to return to his father on his hands and knees and ask for a job – feeding the livestock or serving in some other way.
The father was so glad to have his son back that he welcomed him and planned a party to celebrate his return. This made the hard-working son mad and jealous… as it would a lot of us. But here’s the deal… think about how hard it was for that “prodigal son” to come home. He must have been scared to death of his father and what he might say and do. And aren’t we the same way? Aren’t we afraid, sometimes, to go to someone with whom we have disagreed or wronged in some way and say to them, “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I’m asking you to forgive me.”
More than this, aren’t we often afraid to go to our Heavenly Father and admit that we have sinned against Him? Aren’t we embarrassed by our behavior and lack of respect and honor for God? Does this fear and embarrassment keep us from humbling ourselves before God and asking for His forgiveness? It shouldn’t. Take a good hard look at this passage… and at the father’s answer to the angry, jealous brother. In essence, he said, “You should be glad your brother is back. I have enough love and wealth for both of you. You’ll never lack for anything just because I took your brother back. You still have my love… but your brother needs it, too.”
I’m willing to bet that most of the people you are afraid to approach and apologize to…or mend a relationship with…would be glad to hear from you – if you came with a humble, sincere attitude. And I know that God would be glad to have you back. It’s time to stop being so afraid. It’s time to trust God to protect us and guide our steps… and to take a leap of faith and repair a relationship, mend a fence, apologize to someone we have wronged… and admit our sins and shortcomings to our Heavenly Father. We have operated in fear long enough… and given Satan far too much pleasure and satisfaction in the bargain. Be glad for those who have taken this step – those who were once lost and are now found. And if you need to be next in line… now is the time to start.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 13, 2010
June 13 ~ Isaiah 43:5
Don't be afraid! I am with you. From both east and west I will bring you together.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In case you have been under a rock for the last few days, this has not been the happiest week for Arkansans at large. A massive flash flood swept away campers in southwest Arkansas, killing dozens and leaving others injured and incredibly frightened. Many lost not only family members and friends, but also pets, belongings, and more. Some literally lost the clothing off their backs from the force of the water. The devastation and destruction is truly incredible.
In northeastern Arkansas, Lillian Wilson, an 80-year-old woman known locally as “Miss Lill,” was beaten to death in the sanctuary of her church with a 2-foot brass cross from the Holy Communion table. She had returned on Sunday afternoon to leave a bucket to finish out a “disaster kit” filled with cleaning supplies that, ironically, would aid in the cleanup of places just like the Albert Pike Campground area in southwestern Arkansas.
As we watched these stories unfold in the media, we couldn’t help but ask, “Why, God? Why did a two-year-old toddler have to die before her mother’s eyes? Why was a faithful Christian servant murdered in her church sanctuary… and by the very symbol of Your protection?” As I read over this scripture passage, God very clearly reminded me that He was with the people at Albert Pike Campground… and He was with Miss Lill. God is always with us, even in the most horrific circumstances. I know… you are thinking this doesn’t make sense… why doesn’t He rescue us? I believe He does… just not in the ways we envision.
I believe that there is so much about God we cannot ever understand… His power and how He really operates. If we did, we wouldn’t need Him. I believe that even in the most terrifying situations, such as being swept away by flood waters or being beaten with a brass cross, God is there, saying, “Hold My hand… I’m right here with you. You’ll see… I will make this okay.” And just as God orchestrates everything perfectly, we will see His power at work in these two tragedies. He will use the lady who made disaster relief buckets and the people who needed them to change lives. Satan may have meant these two events for evil… his plan was surely to cause us to say, “What kind of God would allow this?” But God is saying… “Don’t turn away from me in fear… turn TO me and realize that I was there all along… and I am still with you.”
This is a hard lesson. We humans want someone to blame… and more often than not we blame God instead of the real culprit – Satan. We see the negative more than the positive, and we lose our way – and our faith. Let’s renew our faith and trust in God. Let’s recognize today that He is still in control… and He is still right beside us. Let’s acknowledge that God can take the most horrific events and bring blessings out of them… and let’s take comfort in realizing how powerful He is. This is an amazing thing… we serve an awesome God. Don’t be afraid. God is bringing east, west, north and south together… and He is always… ALWAYS with us.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Don't be afraid! I am with you. From both east and west I will bring you together.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In case you have been under a rock for the last few days, this has not been the happiest week for Arkansans at large. A massive flash flood swept away campers in southwest Arkansas, killing dozens and leaving others injured and incredibly frightened. Many lost not only family members and friends, but also pets, belongings, and more. Some literally lost the clothing off their backs from the force of the water. The devastation and destruction is truly incredible.
In northeastern Arkansas, Lillian Wilson, an 80-year-old woman known locally as “Miss Lill,” was beaten to death in the sanctuary of her church with a 2-foot brass cross from the Holy Communion table. She had returned on Sunday afternoon to leave a bucket to finish out a “disaster kit” filled with cleaning supplies that, ironically, would aid in the cleanup of places just like the Albert Pike Campground area in southwestern Arkansas.
As we watched these stories unfold in the media, we couldn’t help but ask, “Why, God? Why did a two-year-old toddler have to die before her mother’s eyes? Why was a faithful Christian servant murdered in her church sanctuary… and by the very symbol of Your protection?” As I read over this scripture passage, God very clearly reminded me that He was with the people at Albert Pike Campground… and He was with Miss Lill. God is always with us, even in the most horrific circumstances. I know… you are thinking this doesn’t make sense… why doesn’t He rescue us? I believe He does… just not in the ways we envision.
I believe that there is so much about God we cannot ever understand… His power and how He really operates. If we did, we wouldn’t need Him. I believe that even in the most terrifying situations, such as being swept away by flood waters or being beaten with a brass cross, God is there, saying, “Hold My hand… I’m right here with you. You’ll see… I will make this okay.” And just as God orchestrates everything perfectly, we will see His power at work in these two tragedies. He will use the lady who made disaster relief buckets and the people who needed them to change lives. Satan may have meant these two events for evil… his plan was surely to cause us to say, “What kind of God would allow this?” But God is saying… “Don’t turn away from me in fear… turn TO me and realize that I was there all along… and I am still with you.”
This is a hard lesson. We humans want someone to blame… and more often than not we blame God instead of the real culprit – Satan. We see the negative more than the positive, and we lose our way – and our faith. Let’s renew our faith and trust in God. Let’s recognize today that He is still in control… and He is still right beside us. Let’s acknowledge that God can take the most horrific events and bring blessings out of them… and let’s take comfort in realizing how powerful He is. This is an amazing thing… we serve an awesome God. Don’t be afraid. God is bringing east, west, north and south together… and He is always… ALWAYS with us.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 20, 2010
May 20 ~ Genesis 50:19
But Joseph told them, "Don't be afraid! I have no right to change what God has decided.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In the spring of 2006, two students at Taylor University, an evangelical college in Indiana, traveled with fellow students and staff members to the school’s Ft. Wayne campus to set up a banquet. That night around 8:00, the group headed back to the main campus on I-69. A truck driver lost control of his semi and crashed into the van, killing five of the nine people instantly. Susie Van Ryn was telephoned in Michigan and told that her daughter, Laura, was badly injured and had been taken to a hospital in Ft. Wayne. Colleen Cerak and her family were notified that their daughter, Whitney, was dead. In weeks to come, the amazing, and bittersweet discovery would be made that, in fact, Whitney was alive and had been mistaken for Laura. Now a once-grieving family was filled with joy, while another was left to mourn the loss of their daughter.
In an interview with Matt Lauer of NBC’s Today show, posted at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23849928/page/11/, Lauer asked Susie Van Ryn about the experience and the tragic loss of her daughter.
Matt Lauer: Do you ever question, Susie, how God could have let this happen?
Susie Van Ryn: Sure. You want to say that. And yet I don't have to look very far to see that it happens all the time. It happens everywhere to anyone. And why should I be any different?
Whitney Cerak, the girl who was mistakenly thought to be dead had this to say…
Whitney Cerak: Well, I would just, like, cry out to God a lot. And just be, like, "Why? Why me?" Because everyone else in the accident -- they were just amazing people. And so I never really understood why I was, in a way, left behind. And I was just talking to my dad about it one day and I was, like, "Dad, I don't get this. Why me?" And he's, like, "Whitney, why not you?"
This is a drastic and dramatic example of a circumstance where it would seem that anyone in this position would question God. WHY would something like this happen? And yet, God brought so many good things out of this set of circumstances. Countless people have been touched by the story of the Van Ryns and the Ceraks. In a recent follow-up interview, Matt Lauer learned that God has used these families in mighty ways since this life-changing event in 2006. And he was visibly moved by their faith and courage. Susie Van Ryn commented that she, too, could ask “Why me?” - but she could also ask, “Why not me?”
There may be circumstances in your life that are causing you to ask, “Why are you allowing this, God?” There may be situations that cause you to ask, “Wasn’t there a better way?” And asking this is not wrong. In the Garden of Gethsemane, even Jesus asked God, “Is there another way to do this?” Asking is one thing… and becoming bitter or failing to accept God’s answer is another. In the end, God does have a perfect plan. So often we can’t see it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. We cannot operate in fear of what God will choose for us. We must boldly, faithfully trust that whatever He takes us to… He will take us through… because this is the truth. Communicate with God… question His choices, if you must… but don’t try to change them on your own. If you will trust God to see you through every trial and scary situation, He will do just that – and so much more.
We don’t get to choose so much of what happens to us in life… but when we stop and look at WHO is in charge of the choices, we really wouldn’t want to, anyway. Whatever you fear… whatever challenges you this day… trust GOD to handle this circumstance for you. It’s time we started believing that our Heavenly Father truly does know best – and acting like it!
©2010 Debbie Robus
But Joseph told them, "Don't be afraid! I have no right to change what God has decided.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In the spring of 2006, two students at Taylor University, an evangelical college in Indiana, traveled with fellow students and staff members to the school’s Ft. Wayne campus to set up a banquet. That night around 8:00, the group headed back to the main campus on I-69. A truck driver lost control of his semi and crashed into the van, killing five of the nine people instantly. Susie Van Ryn was telephoned in Michigan and told that her daughter, Laura, was badly injured and had been taken to a hospital in Ft. Wayne. Colleen Cerak and her family were notified that their daughter, Whitney, was dead. In weeks to come, the amazing, and bittersweet discovery would be made that, in fact, Whitney was alive and had been mistaken for Laura. Now a once-grieving family was filled with joy, while another was left to mourn the loss of their daughter.
In an interview with Matt Lauer of NBC’s Today show, posted at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23849928/page/11/, Lauer asked Susie Van Ryn about the experience and the tragic loss of her daughter.
Matt Lauer: Do you ever question, Susie, how God could have let this happen?
Susie Van Ryn: Sure. You want to say that. And yet I don't have to look very far to see that it happens all the time. It happens everywhere to anyone. And why should I be any different?
Whitney Cerak, the girl who was mistakenly thought to be dead had this to say…
Whitney Cerak: Well, I would just, like, cry out to God a lot. And just be, like, "Why? Why me?" Because everyone else in the accident -- they were just amazing people. And so I never really understood why I was, in a way, left behind. And I was just talking to my dad about it one day and I was, like, "Dad, I don't get this. Why me?" And he's, like, "Whitney, why not you?"
This is a drastic and dramatic example of a circumstance where it would seem that anyone in this position would question God. WHY would something like this happen? And yet, God brought so many good things out of this set of circumstances. Countless people have been touched by the story of the Van Ryns and the Ceraks. In a recent follow-up interview, Matt Lauer learned that God has used these families in mighty ways since this life-changing event in 2006. And he was visibly moved by their faith and courage. Susie Van Ryn commented that she, too, could ask “Why me?” - but she could also ask, “Why not me?”
There may be circumstances in your life that are causing you to ask, “Why are you allowing this, God?” There may be situations that cause you to ask, “Wasn’t there a better way?” And asking this is not wrong. In the Garden of Gethsemane, even Jesus asked God, “Is there another way to do this?” Asking is one thing… and becoming bitter or failing to accept God’s answer is another. In the end, God does have a perfect plan. So often we can’t see it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. We cannot operate in fear of what God will choose for us. We must boldly, faithfully trust that whatever He takes us to… He will take us through… because this is the truth. Communicate with God… question His choices, if you must… but don’t try to change them on your own. If you will trust God to see you through every trial and scary situation, He will do just that – and so much more.
We don’t get to choose so much of what happens to us in life… but when we stop and look at WHO is in charge of the choices, we really wouldn’t want to, anyway. Whatever you fear… whatever challenges you this day… trust GOD to handle this circumstance for you. It’s time we started believing that our Heavenly Father truly does know best – and acting like it!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 19, 2010
February 19 ~ Matthew 26:36-39
Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. When they got there, he told them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."
Jesus took along Peter and the two brothers, James and John. He was very sad and troubled, and he said to them, "I am so sad that I feel as if I am dying. Stay here and keep awake with me." Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you ever feel discouraged? Do you ever feel a little bit ashamed to admit this? Given all that God has done in your life – how blessed we are to live in America – all of the freedom and blessings we possess – doesn’t it seem like we are whining when we ask God to lift our burdens? And yet, we have an example of the only perfect person – Jesus Christ – asking God to prevent horrific events in His life. Even Jesus asked God for help.
There are two points to glean from this passage today. Even though we know that God will manage things for us, we all get discouraged from time to time and begin to lose a little faith. This is human nature – and in large part it is because we are allowing Satan to creep into some corner of our life. But there is a quick way out… ask God to help. Pour out your feelings to Him and admit that you are discouraged and your faith has weakened a bit, and allow Him to work in and through you to improve things.
The other point is that, while Jesus asked God to remove this “cup” – the torture and crucifixion that was coming – He prayed, “if it is possible” – or in some translations, He says (paraphrasing) “Your will, not Mine.” And we all know that God’s will (painful though it was for Him) was for Jesus to suffer… so that all of US could be saved and live for Eternity with Him. So, we must ask God for everything “if it is possible.” We must ask for God’s help, according to HIS will, not ours. And we must trust that God never answers poorly… He always gives us exactly what we need and what is best for His purposes and the bigger plan.
There is NOTHING we can’t share with God. There is NOTHING we can’t tell Him – NOTHING we can’t ask. Pour out your heart to Him today and receive His answers. Remember to say, “if it is possible,” and to trust His response.
©2009 Debbie Robus
Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane. When they got there, he told them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."
Jesus took along Peter and the two brothers, James and John. He was very sad and troubled, and he said to them, "I am so sad that I feel as if I am dying. Stay here and keep awake with me." Jesus walked on a little way. Then he knelt with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, don't make me suffer by having me drink from this cup. But do what you want, and not what I want."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you ever feel discouraged? Do you ever feel a little bit ashamed to admit this? Given all that God has done in your life – how blessed we are to live in America – all of the freedom and blessings we possess – doesn’t it seem like we are whining when we ask God to lift our burdens? And yet, we have an example of the only perfect person – Jesus Christ – asking God to prevent horrific events in His life. Even Jesus asked God for help.
There are two points to glean from this passage today. Even though we know that God will manage things for us, we all get discouraged from time to time and begin to lose a little faith. This is human nature – and in large part it is because we are allowing Satan to creep into some corner of our life. But there is a quick way out… ask God to help. Pour out your feelings to Him and admit that you are discouraged and your faith has weakened a bit, and allow Him to work in and through you to improve things.
The other point is that, while Jesus asked God to remove this “cup” – the torture and crucifixion that was coming – He prayed, “if it is possible” – or in some translations, He says (paraphrasing) “Your will, not Mine.” And we all know that God’s will (painful though it was for Him) was for Jesus to suffer… so that all of US could be saved and live for Eternity with Him. So, we must ask God for everything “if it is possible.” We must ask for God’s help, according to HIS will, not ours. And we must trust that God never answers poorly… He always gives us exactly what we need and what is best for His purposes and the bigger plan.
There is NOTHING we can’t share with God. There is NOTHING we can’t tell Him – NOTHING we can’t ask. Pour out your heart to Him today and receive His answers. Remember to say, “if it is possible,” and to trust His response.
©2009 Debbie Robus
January 2010 Devotionals - Week 3
January 21 ~ Ephesians 1:3-10
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children. God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding,and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways. Then when the time is right, God will do all that he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year for my birthday, my husband said, “Pack a bag… we’re going somewhere for the weekend.” He would not tell me where we were going… just that I needed casual clothes, one nice outfit, and a swimsuit. I later learned that he had told ONE person our plans, in case of emergency, but otherwise, he kept our destination a secret… and a surprise. I didn’t know where we were going until we exited the Interstate at a certain point, and then I knew in reason we were headed to Hot Springs. Careful planner that he was, my husband had reserved a room for us in the hotel where we spent our honeymoon some twenty years earlier. Knowing if he did this near our actual anniversary, I might figure out the surprise, he arranged this weekend a month earlier around my birthday. And that did throw me off track for quite some time! He had also carefully planned the weekend and the events we would enjoy while returning to Hot Springs… and we really had a good time there. We even watched a Fourth of July fireworks display from our hotel balcony… although my husband had to admit that was a surprise even to him!
My husband carefully planned this weekend for us because he loves me. He is always thinking up ways to surprise me and make me smile… he blesses me each and every day. But I know that my husband is only human. As much as I love him and as well as he cares for me, God blesses and cares for me in ways I can’t even begin to express. He plans for my daily needs. He knows how He will help me overcome challenges. He numbers my steps and guides my plans… and after all of that, He has more surprises planned.
As amazing as my surprise weekend in Hot Springs was, I’m pretty sure God’s surprises are going to be far more impressive. Like most people, I have questions I want Him to answer – and He will someday. I have mysteries I want Him to unlock – and I know He can. I dream about what Heaven will be like, but I know it will be so much more than I could ever begin to imagine. God has surprises on the horizon… and plans that will astound us… and love for us we cannot begin to measure. We must praise Him every day for this! We must thank Him over and over for sending Jesus… and for the plans yet to be realized… the surprises yet to come for His children. When we serve such a loving and generous God, how can we not be grateful? Anything less than our very best for Him is an insult to One who is so giving and merciful. I am surprised by God every day… and I praise Him for it. Do you?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 20 ~ Acts 5:35-39
Then he said to the council: People of Israel, be careful what you do with these men. Not long ago Theudas claimed to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed. All his followers were scattered, and that was the end of that.
Later, when the people of our nation were being counted, Judas from Galilee showed up. A lot of people followed him, but he was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
So I advise you to stay away from these men. Leave them alone. If what they are planning is something of their own doing, it will fail. But if God is behind it, you cannot stop it anyway, unless you want to fight against God.
The council members agreed with what he said...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you noticed that from time to time, people rise to a place of prominence in the Christian faith – either as an evangelist, a worship leader, or maybe a new sound/face in Christian music – and people jump on the bandwagon and start to support this person’s ministry. We hear a lot about this new “wave” in Christianity… for a season… and then the noise dies down and people seem to drift away or worship elsewhere and in a different fashion. I can think of several movements by “televangelists” that exploded for a while but now seem to be withering on the vine. And when reports start to surface in the news about these people and their wealthy lifestyles and opulence – and the generous “gifts” they receive from their church members and “partners” - you have to wonder whether their true plan was to serve Jesus or to get rich and famous!
But it’s not just televangelists and the money hungry… some are in it to feed their ego… and that’s just as bad. We can probably all think of someone who feels that their thoughts and ideas are bigger and better than ours, and we know how much we dislike this. So why is it that Christians are so ready to fall in line with the teachings and Scripture interpretation of just one person and believe exactly as he/she does about everything from morality to politics? My humble opinion is that we do this because something is lacking in us. We have drifted away from communication with God through prayer and Bible study, and we are seeking someone or something to fill us and restore us.
In this passage, Peter is telling the church – and us – that God gave us a brain! He gave us His word – and the ability to read it for ourselves and discern what He has to say to us. God has ordained countless people to guide us as we grow in our faith. But He also gives us wisdom – and the tools of prayer and Bible study – to figure out who is serving Him as a leader… and who is in it for themselves. And this applies to ALL areas of life, not just our church leaders. If we pay close attention, we will be able to see who is serving in God’s will… and who is not. And if you find yourself hanging with people who have an agenda (or plans) that do not line up with God’s plans and His word… the Bible tells us to run like the wind in the opposite direction.
God has blessed us with faithful, loyal disciples to lead us as we grow and develop in our own Christian faith… and you may even be one of them! But there are a lot of “wannabes” who are planning for their own prosperity and growth… not the Lord’s. With God’s help, we can tell the difference! Ask God to show you how to worship and serve Him effectively… follow Him and those who humbly serve, and He will always bless your plans.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 19 ~ Acts 2:22-28
Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this. God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross.
Death could not hold him in its power. What David said are really the words of Jesus, "I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. The Lord won't leave me in the grave. I am his holy one, and he won't let my body decay. He has shown me the path to life, and he makes me glad by being near me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You probably have heard of Bill Engvall, the “Blue Collar Comedy” guy who says, “Here’s your sign.” This passage could be labeled the “Here’s Your Sign” passage… because in it we see that God has clearly given us a “sign” – hope for our future, even when “bad things happen to good people.” We will never suffer anything remotely close to what happened to Jesus… but trials and challenges will come our way. And some of them may seem pretty horrific at the time. We may wonder how we will ever survive them.
But clearly, David has given us the road map for survival. He has told us that death could not hold Jesus. He saw His Father near him at all times. And we must do that, too… because He truly IS always with us. God will not leave us in the pits… that is not His plan for us. He may allow us to wallow there a while until we really figure out that He is still in charge and guiding our every step. But He will always be there with us… and He does have a plan for us that is positive and filled with hope – and blessings.
So, “Here’s your sign!” God sent Jesus to walk among men and then die on the cross – but also to rise from the grave – as a sign to us that He will never leave us. Even in our darkest hour, He has a plan in place to restore us. This is great news! This is a plan that should thrill each and every one of us. This is the ultimate “sign.” Are you paying attention?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 18 ~ Luke 14:25-33
Large crowds were walking along with Jesus, when he turned and said: You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life.
You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me.
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. What is the first thing you will do? Won't you sit down and figure out how much it will cost and if you have enough money to pay for it? Otherwise, you will start building the tower, but not be able to finish. Then everyone who sees what is happening will laugh at you. They will say, "You started building, but could not finish the job."
What will a king do if he has only ten thousand soldiers to defend himself against a king who is about to attack him with twenty thousand soldiers? Before he goes out to battle, won't he first sit down and decide if he can win? If he thinks he won't be able to defend himself, he will send messengers and ask for peace while the other king is still a long way off. So then, you cannot be my disciple unless you give away everything you own.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The Food Network has this show called “Chopped” in which four chefs compete to create tasty dishes using “mystery ingredients” contained in a black wicker basket. The four chefs are given three to four ingredients and told to create an appetizer. The ingredients are always a little odd and not things you would normally combine for a food dish. But the chefs are given twenty minutes to use other foods and ingredients in the pantry to create their most tasty – and beautiful dish. After the presentation, the judges “chop” one of the chefs whose dish is deemed least tasty and attractive. The other three continue to create an entrée in thirty minutes, then another chef is “chopped,” and the final two chefs face off to create a dessert.
In a recent episode, the “dessert basket” contained ripe plantains (which resemble bananas), bacon, a white wine, and candied ginger. Both chefs worked frenetically for twenty minutes to create their most incredible dessert. One of the chefs decided to bake some sort of little cakes and use the requisite four ingredients to create sauces to top the cake. In the allotted twenty minutes, the cakes didn’t get done. The chef panicked and tried to turn the cake batter out onto a skillet and make pancakes, but even that failed. He ended up serving the judges his sauces without any cake. He admitted… “I did not plan well.” The other chef took what he was given and used it to create dishes considered delicious and beautiful.
Failure to plan well and work with what was provided in this competition cost three of the four chefs a $10,000 prize. Failure to plan or walk with Jesus has more far-reaching effects. This passage is not about literally giving up your relationship with your parents and other family members… or your belongings… to follow Jesus. Think of them as your “Food Network pantry” – resources that might possibly be available – and helpful – to you, but not always present… or necessary. Often all you will have is what is “in the black wicker basket.” Sometimes God will open the door for you to minister in a certain situation in which you may feel you have very little to offer – or with which to work. But HE will fill the gaps. You have to be willing to trust God… and to follow His plans. You have to plan to succeed with Him… and pay attention to all of the details. Otherwise, when the day is done, you will end up with “sauces and no cake.”
What are you creating? How well have you planned? What baggage to you need to unload? Can you work with what is in God’s “basket” and use it to create an atmosphere in which He can work? Our discipleship often falls short, because we either don’t plan well, or we rely too much on external resources and distractions, such as family, friends, and stuff, instead of asking God, “What are your plans, and where do You want me to serve? What do you want me to make of this?” While our walk with Christ is not a competition, we are God’s “chefs” – creating opportunities for others to hear the Good News – showing them His beauty and all that a life in Jesus has to offer. How well are you serving the Lord these days?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 17 ~ Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought to trial in the Jewish meeting places or before rulers or officials, don't worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say. At that time the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine you are on a beach and you see a young child bobbing in the water, obviously in distress, or possibly drowning. You would jump in and try to save the child, right? Would you stop to think, “Oh, wait! I’m not wearing a swimsuit,” or “I’m wearing my good shoes and my watch isn’t waterproof!” No, you would dash into the water and make every effort to save the child.
So often, we have a chance to speak to someone else about our faith… to offer hope and encouragement… and we clam up and say nothing. It’s as if we stand “frozen on the beach.” Why? Because we often feel we don’t know what to say – that we might say the wrong thing. We feel inadequate to try to tell someone else about God’s love, grace and mercy. Or maybe we feel that the person will ask questions we can’t answer… that they will attack us for our faith and make us feel like we really don’t know what we are talking about!
The truth is, God gives us “beachside opportunities” every day. We may never be literally called upon to rescue a drowning child on a beach, but people are “drowning” to know more about God every day… and we are the rescue squad. He will use us to reach these people and bring them to shore – to Him, so that He can save them. And the best part of all is that God will equip us for this mission! We don’t have to plan what we will say to others… God will give us the words. We don’t have to schedule time to share our faith… we can be spontaneous, knowing that God will give us everything we need, through His Holy Spirit, to say and do exactly what He wishes.
It’s time to “get off the beach and into the water.” It is time to start being bold in your faith, confident that God has planned and prepared for your witness. It is time to trust that the Holy Spirit is alive in you and will guide you through uncertain situations. Look around and see where God is leading you. Don’t stop to worry about how your witness will be received… just do it, and trust God to handle the details.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 16 ~ Matthew 6:25-34
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth more than birds? Can worry make you live longer? Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don't work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn't as well clothed as one of them.
God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. He will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith? Don't worry and ask yourselves, "Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?" Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine having an arm or leg trapped in something and being unable to free yourself. What if the only option was to amputate the arm or leg, and that could possibly cause you to bleed to death? Do you think you would be thinking about what you were going to wear to school or work tomorrow? Would you really care if your friend called you back or you got your tax refund check in the mail? Would it matter if you were having a bad hair day?
We waste a lot of time and energy worrying needlessly. It may seem important that we look nice and have a full stomach, plenty of friends, and money in our pocket. But a lot of us (myself included) wait until our arm or leg is trapped and we can’t get free (so to speak) before we turn to God and ask for His help. We would rather wring our hands and worry about what we have and don’t have instead of trusting that God already knows our needs and how to meet them.
If we would trust God more, if we would focus on serving Him and less on ourselves, then when real worries come our way, we would know where to turn and have hope for a solution from the One who can give it to us. God has wonderful plans for us… and they include meeting our needs according to His will. Are you willing to trust Him to deliver?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 15 ~ Jeremiah 29:11
I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The January 12th earthquake in Haiti has ravaged this Caribbean country. People have lost their homes, their belongings, and their very lives. This event of nature was no respecter of persons… rich, poor, young, and old alike are suffering. And some have tried to claim, in the name of Christianity, that all of this happened to Haiti as punishment from God because the Haitians “made a deal with the devil” decades ago. It does seem that the Haitians have had more than their share of misfortune in recent years, but I don’t believe for a minute that God is punishing them, much less that this entire nation “made a deal with the devil” or any other such nonsense.
There was other sad news this week. Candice, the young Kansas mother of two little girls that I talked about a few days ago, lost her battle with cancer and ran into the arms of Jesus.
So why does God allow bad things to happen? If this scripture in Jeremiah says that God has plans to bless us and give us hope and success, not suffering, why are there so many who suffer? Here’s what I think… God sees the tragedy in Haiti, and He sees millions of opportunities for people to minister in His name. He sees opportunities for orphans to be rescued, and for people to be fed, clothed, housed, and treated medically. He sees countless chances for those who have much to give to those who have nothing. God sees two little girls and a grandmother in Kansas who need everything from comfort and a hug to school lunch money and a ride to Girl Scouts… and He already knows who will step up to meet those needs!
God sees hope where we see none. He sees opportunities to bless where all we can see is tragedy and despair. He sees countless options, and immeasurable blessings. It can start with something as small as a donation to the The Friends of the World Food Program (http://www.wfp.org/), the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/), or Compassion International (http://www.compassion.com/) – or some other charitable relief organization. Or, it could be that you are ready to do more… to organize a local food or clothing drive… volunteer at a local service organization like Cleburne County Care, or deliver Meals on Wheels. Maybe you are ready to become a foster parent to a needy child… or even to adopt an orphan from a country such as Haiti. God knows the needs… and He knows how you can fill them. He brings hope in hopeless situations… not destruction. He has plans for us… plans for our own hope and success – and plans for us to help those less fortunate.
I pray that today you will ask God to reveal to you His plans for your own life… how – and where - He wants you to serve others. Ask God to show you where you can offer hope and success to someone else… and find your own in the bargain. It may be that God moves you out of your comfort zone a bit. It may be that His plans are for you to give up some of your time, energy, and/or money in order to do what needs to be done. But I promise, you will never regret it… nor will you miss anything you “sacrifice.” God has plans for His children – plans to give us hope and success beyond anything we could ever imagine… are you ready to get on board?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children. God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding,and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways. Then when the time is right, God will do all that he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year for my birthday, my husband said, “Pack a bag… we’re going somewhere for the weekend.” He would not tell me where we were going… just that I needed casual clothes, one nice outfit, and a swimsuit. I later learned that he had told ONE person our plans, in case of emergency, but otherwise, he kept our destination a secret… and a surprise. I didn’t know where we were going until we exited the Interstate at a certain point, and then I knew in reason we were headed to Hot Springs. Careful planner that he was, my husband had reserved a room for us in the hotel where we spent our honeymoon some twenty years earlier. Knowing if he did this near our actual anniversary, I might figure out the surprise, he arranged this weekend a month earlier around my birthday. And that did throw me off track for quite some time! He had also carefully planned the weekend and the events we would enjoy while returning to Hot Springs… and we really had a good time there. We even watched a Fourth of July fireworks display from our hotel balcony… although my husband had to admit that was a surprise even to him!
My husband carefully planned this weekend for us because he loves me. He is always thinking up ways to surprise me and make me smile… he blesses me each and every day. But I know that my husband is only human. As much as I love him and as well as he cares for me, God blesses and cares for me in ways I can’t even begin to express. He plans for my daily needs. He knows how He will help me overcome challenges. He numbers my steps and guides my plans… and after all of that, He has more surprises planned.
As amazing as my surprise weekend in Hot Springs was, I’m pretty sure God’s surprises are going to be far more impressive. Like most people, I have questions I want Him to answer – and He will someday. I have mysteries I want Him to unlock – and I know He can. I dream about what Heaven will be like, but I know it will be so much more than I could ever begin to imagine. God has surprises on the horizon… and plans that will astound us… and love for us we cannot begin to measure. We must praise Him every day for this! We must thank Him over and over for sending Jesus… and for the plans yet to be realized… the surprises yet to come for His children. When we serve such a loving and generous God, how can we not be grateful? Anything less than our very best for Him is an insult to One who is so giving and merciful. I am surprised by God every day… and I praise Him for it. Do you?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 20 ~ Acts 5:35-39
Then he said to the council: People of Israel, be careful what you do with these men. Not long ago Theudas claimed to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed. All his followers were scattered, and that was the end of that.
Later, when the people of our nation were being counted, Judas from Galilee showed up. A lot of people followed him, but he was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
So I advise you to stay away from these men. Leave them alone. If what they are planning is something of their own doing, it will fail. But if God is behind it, you cannot stop it anyway, unless you want to fight against God.
The council members agreed with what he said...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you noticed that from time to time, people rise to a place of prominence in the Christian faith – either as an evangelist, a worship leader, or maybe a new sound/face in Christian music – and people jump on the bandwagon and start to support this person’s ministry. We hear a lot about this new “wave” in Christianity… for a season… and then the noise dies down and people seem to drift away or worship elsewhere and in a different fashion. I can think of several movements by “televangelists” that exploded for a while but now seem to be withering on the vine. And when reports start to surface in the news about these people and their wealthy lifestyles and opulence – and the generous “gifts” they receive from their church members and “partners” - you have to wonder whether their true plan was to serve Jesus or to get rich and famous!
But it’s not just televangelists and the money hungry… some are in it to feed their ego… and that’s just as bad. We can probably all think of someone who feels that their thoughts and ideas are bigger and better than ours, and we know how much we dislike this. So why is it that Christians are so ready to fall in line with the teachings and Scripture interpretation of just one person and believe exactly as he/she does about everything from morality to politics? My humble opinion is that we do this because something is lacking in us. We have drifted away from communication with God through prayer and Bible study, and we are seeking someone or something to fill us and restore us.
In this passage, Peter is telling the church – and us – that God gave us a brain! He gave us His word – and the ability to read it for ourselves and discern what He has to say to us. God has ordained countless people to guide us as we grow in our faith. But He also gives us wisdom – and the tools of prayer and Bible study – to figure out who is serving Him as a leader… and who is in it for themselves. And this applies to ALL areas of life, not just our church leaders. If we pay close attention, we will be able to see who is serving in God’s will… and who is not. And if you find yourself hanging with people who have an agenda (or plans) that do not line up with God’s plans and His word… the Bible tells us to run like the wind in the opposite direction.
God has blessed us with faithful, loyal disciples to lead us as we grow and develop in our own Christian faith… and you may even be one of them! But there are a lot of “wannabes” who are planning for their own prosperity and growth… not the Lord’s. With God’s help, we can tell the difference! Ask God to show you how to worship and serve Him effectively… follow Him and those who humbly serve, and He will always bless your plans.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 19 ~ Acts 2:22-28
Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this. God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross.
Death could not hold him in its power. What David said are really the words of Jesus, "I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. The Lord won't leave me in the grave. I am his holy one, and he won't let my body decay. He has shown me the path to life, and he makes me glad by being near me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You probably have heard of Bill Engvall, the “Blue Collar Comedy” guy who says, “Here’s your sign.” This passage could be labeled the “Here’s Your Sign” passage… because in it we see that God has clearly given us a “sign” – hope for our future, even when “bad things happen to good people.” We will never suffer anything remotely close to what happened to Jesus… but trials and challenges will come our way. And some of them may seem pretty horrific at the time. We may wonder how we will ever survive them.
But clearly, David has given us the road map for survival. He has told us that death could not hold Jesus. He saw His Father near him at all times. And we must do that, too… because He truly IS always with us. God will not leave us in the pits… that is not His plan for us. He may allow us to wallow there a while until we really figure out that He is still in charge and guiding our every step. But He will always be there with us… and He does have a plan for us that is positive and filled with hope – and blessings.
So, “Here’s your sign!” God sent Jesus to walk among men and then die on the cross – but also to rise from the grave – as a sign to us that He will never leave us. Even in our darkest hour, He has a plan in place to restore us. This is great news! This is a plan that should thrill each and every one of us. This is the ultimate “sign.” Are you paying attention?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 18 ~ Luke 14:25-33
Large crowds were walking along with Jesus, when he turned and said: You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life.
You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me.
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. What is the first thing you will do? Won't you sit down and figure out how much it will cost and if you have enough money to pay for it? Otherwise, you will start building the tower, but not be able to finish. Then everyone who sees what is happening will laugh at you. They will say, "You started building, but could not finish the job."
What will a king do if he has only ten thousand soldiers to defend himself against a king who is about to attack him with twenty thousand soldiers? Before he goes out to battle, won't he first sit down and decide if he can win? If he thinks he won't be able to defend himself, he will send messengers and ask for peace while the other king is still a long way off. So then, you cannot be my disciple unless you give away everything you own.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The Food Network has this show called “Chopped” in which four chefs compete to create tasty dishes using “mystery ingredients” contained in a black wicker basket. The four chefs are given three to four ingredients and told to create an appetizer. The ingredients are always a little odd and not things you would normally combine for a food dish. But the chefs are given twenty minutes to use other foods and ingredients in the pantry to create their most tasty – and beautiful dish. After the presentation, the judges “chop” one of the chefs whose dish is deemed least tasty and attractive. The other three continue to create an entrée in thirty minutes, then another chef is “chopped,” and the final two chefs face off to create a dessert.
In a recent episode, the “dessert basket” contained ripe plantains (which resemble bananas), bacon, a white wine, and candied ginger. Both chefs worked frenetically for twenty minutes to create their most incredible dessert. One of the chefs decided to bake some sort of little cakes and use the requisite four ingredients to create sauces to top the cake. In the allotted twenty minutes, the cakes didn’t get done. The chef panicked and tried to turn the cake batter out onto a skillet and make pancakes, but even that failed. He ended up serving the judges his sauces without any cake. He admitted… “I did not plan well.” The other chef took what he was given and used it to create dishes considered delicious and beautiful.
Failure to plan well and work with what was provided in this competition cost three of the four chefs a $10,000 prize. Failure to plan or walk with Jesus has more far-reaching effects. This passage is not about literally giving up your relationship with your parents and other family members… or your belongings… to follow Jesus. Think of them as your “Food Network pantry” – resources that might possibly be available – and helpful – to you, but not always present… or necessary. Often all you will have is what is “in the black wicker basket.” Sometimes God will open the door for you to minister in a certain situation in which you may feel you have very little to offer – or with which to work. But HE will fill the gaps. You have to be willing to trust God… and to follow His plans. You have to plan to succeed with Him… and pay attention to all of the details. Otherwise, when the day is done, you will end up with “sauces and no cake.”
What are you creating? How well have you planned? What baggage to you need to unload? Can you work with what is in God’s “basket” and use it to create an atmosphere in which He can work? Our discipleship often falls short, because we either don’t plan well, or we rely too much on external resources and distractions, such as family, friends, and stuff, instead of asking God, “What are your plans, and where do You want me to serve? What do you want me to make of this?” While our walk with Christ is not a competition, we are God’s “chefs” – creating opportunities for others to hear the Good News – showing them His beauty and all that a life in Jesus has to offer. How well are you serving the Lord these days?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 17 ~ Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought to trial in the Jewish meeting places or before rulers or officials, don't worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say. At that time the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine you are on a beach and you see a young child bobbing in the water, obviously in distress, or possibly drowning. You would jump in and try to save the child, right? Would you stop to think, “Oh, wait! I’m not wearing a swimsuit,” or “I’m wearing my good shoes and my watch isn’t waterproof!” No, you would dash into the water and make every effort to save the child.
So often, we have a chance to speak to someone else about our faith… to offer hope and encouragement… and we clam up and say nothing. It’s as if we stand “frozen on the beach.” Why? Because we often feel we don’t know what to say – that we might say the wrong thing. We feel inadequate to try to tell someone else about God’s love, grace and mercy. Or maybe we feel that the person will ask questions we can’t answer… that they will attack us for our faith and make us feel like we really don’t know what we are talking about!
The truth is, God gives us “beachside opportunities” every day. We may never be literally called upon to rescue a drowning child on a beach, but people are “drowning” to know more about God every day… and we are the rescue squad. He will use us to reach these people and bring them to shore – to Him, so that He can save them. And the best part of all is that God will equip us for this mission! We don’t have to plan what we will say to others… God will give us the words. We don’t have to schedule time to share our faith… we can be spontaneous, knowing that God will give us everything we need, through His Holy Spirit, to say and do exactly what He wishes.
It’s time to “get off the beach and into the water.” It is time to start being bold in your faith, confident that God has planned and prepared for your witness. It is time to trust that the Holy Spirit is alive in you and will guide you through uncertain situations. Look around and see where God is leading you. Don’t stop to worry about how your witness will be received… just do it, and trust God to handle the details.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 16 ~ Matthew 6:25-34
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth more than birds? Can worry make you live longer? Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don't work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn't as well clothed as one of them.
God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. He will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith? Don't worry and ask yourselves, "Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?" Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine having an arm or leg trapped in something and being unable to free yourself. What if the only option was to amputate the arm or leg, and that could possibly cause you to bleed to death? Do you think you would be thinking about what you were going to wear to school or work tomorrow? Would you really care if your friend called you back or you got your tax refund check in the mail? Would it matter if you were having a bad hair day?
We waste a lot of time and energy worrying needlessly. It may seem important that we look nice and have a full stomach, plenty of friends, and money in our pocket. But a lot of us (myself included) wait until our arm or leg is trapped and we can’t get free (so to speak) before we turn to God and ask for His help. We would rather wring our hands and worry about what we have and don’t have instead of trusting that God already knows our needs and how to meet them.
If we would trust God more, if we would focus on serving Him and less on ourselves, then when real worries come our way, we would know where to turn and have hope for a solution from the One who can give it to us. God has wonderful plans for us… and they include meeting our needs according to His will. Are you willing to trust Him to deliver?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 15 ~ Jeremiah 29:11
I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The January 12th earthquake in Haiti has ravaged this Caribbean country. People have lost their homes, their belongings, and their very lives. This event of nature was no respecter of persons… rich, poor, young, and old alike are suffering. And some have tried to claim, in the name of Christianity, that all of this happened to Haiti as punishment from God because the Haitians “made a deal with the devil” decades ago. It does seem that the Haitians have had more than their share of misfortune in recent years, but I don’t believe for a minute that God is punishing them, much less that this entire nation “made a deal with the devil” or any other such nonsense.
There was other sad news this week. Candice, the young Kansas mother of two little girls that I talked about a few days ago, lost her battle with cancer and ran into the arms of Jesus.
So why does God allow bad things to happen? If this scripture in Jeremiah says that God has plans to bless us and give us hope and success, not suffering, why are there so many who suffer? Here’s what I think… God sees the tragedy in Haiti, and He sees millions of opportunities for people to minister in His name. He sees opportunities for orphans to be rescued, and for people to be fed, clothed, housed, and treated medically. He sees countless chances for those who have much to give to those who have nothing. God sees two little girls and a grandmother in Kansas who need everything from comfort and a hug to school lunch money and a ride to Girl Scouts… and He already knows who will step up to meet those needs!
God sees hope where we see none. He sees opportunities to bless where all we can see is tragedy and despair. He sees countless options, and immeasurable blessings. It can start with something as small as a donation to the The Friends of the World Food Program (http://www.wfp.org/), the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/), or Compassion International (http://www.compassion.com/) – or some other charitable relief organization. Or, it could be that you are ready to do more… to organize a local food or clothing drive… volunteer at a local service organization like Cleburne County Care, or deliver Meals on Wheels. Maybe you are ready to become a foster parent to a needy child… or even to adopt an orphan from a country such as Haiti. God knows the needs… and He knows how you can fill them. He brings hope in hopeless situations… not destruction. He has plans for us… plans for our own hope and success – and plans for us to help those less fortunate.
I pray that today you will ask God to reveal to you His plans for your own life… how – and where - He wants you to serve others. Ask God to show you where you can offer hope and success to someone else… and find your own in the bargain. It may be that God moves you out of your comfort zone a bit. It may be that His plans are for you to give up some of your time, energy, and/or money in order to do what needs to be done. But I promise, you will never regret it… nor will you miss anything you “sacrifice.” God has plans for His children – plans to give us hope and success beyond anything we could ever imagine… are you ready to get on board?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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