Daily Devotional for November 2, 2016

Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”

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.

Since this election cycle is almost over (thank goodness!), I had better use all of the “election analogies” I can in the next few days!  So here goes…when a candidate makes promises about what he/she will do in office, this person calls upon voters to mark their ballots accordingly to give him/her a majority.  “Put me in office,” he/she says…”and I will do XYZ.”  Let’s be honest…whether this claim is true or not, there will be zero opportunity to find out if that person isn’t elected!”

Our “part” is important. EVERY vote counts!  And whether or not every campaign promise affects us directly, the only way to experience any impact from the results is to vote…to have a say…to make a choice!

I know this is a bit of a stretch…but stick with me. God is ready, willing, and able to forgive us – when we do two things: 1) confess and repent of our sins; and 2) forgive any grudges and/or ill will toward others.  We cannot ask God to do something for us that we are not willing to do for the rest of His children.  So essentially, when we ask God to forgive us but refuse to forgive others, it’s a lot like saying, “I support Candidate XYZ”…and then failing to go to the polls and cast a vote!  We have to do our part.

Does this mean that God only loves us when we comply with Him…when He has things “His way?”  Not at all!  God will always love us. But He wants us to demonstrate OUR love for HIM by treating others with love, kindness, grace, mercy, compassion – and yes, forgiveness.  This makes us true disciples…NOT “doormats.”  In this manner, we convey to God – and to the world – that “because Jesus died for my sins – and You forgave them – I am willing to offer the same grace and mercy to others in Your name.”

If you feel a disconnect between your prayers and God’s answers, examine whether or not you are truly doing your part.  Where are you harboring any semblance of unforgiveness?  Where are you carrying a grudge, judging someone harshly, or operating in any manner of unkindness?  Check your thoughts, words and actions and make sure you are serving God with humble obedience, faithfulness, and forgiveness of others. Reconnect with God…and make every prayer count to the fullest!

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 20, 2016

May 20 ~ Matthew 6:7-13
“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
    as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.

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.

This morning, I gave our 3½-year-old nephew, Nathan, a can of Play-doh®, some cookie cutters, a plastic knife left over from a take-out food order, a rolling pin and cutting mat, and some toothpicks.  While I worked in the kitchen, he spent about 45 minutes making all sorts of characters, including a birthday cake with “toothpick candles,” countless snakes…and other interesting characters and shapes.

We have many things at our house for the children to play with…but they are all pretty simple and basic – blocks, art supplies, puzzles, dolls, “dress-up” clothes, and lots of books.  We feel that this fosters creativity and helps the children learn to “use what you already have.”  And in many ways, this is what Jesus is telling us in this Matthew 6:7-13 (often referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer”).  You have everything you need to effectively communicate with God.  You don’t need the latest “formula” from a leading Bible scholar…the lessons of a popular author/speaker who creates Bible studies and simulcasts…the newest releases from Christian musicians…or even a prayer partner or intercessor.  You just need to stop and talk to God – and use the simple outline found in these verses.

I am a big fan of the KISS method of doing things – Keep It Simple, Silly!  (Okay, the last “S” stands for another word, but I’m trying to be nice here!)  Whenever you get stymied about how to talk to God – or wonder what to say or where to begin – simply start here, with these words…“Our Father in heaven…reveal who you are”…or even “Come, Lord Jesus.” 

Too often, we are more concerned with making a point than making a difference…especially when it comes to our relationship with God.  Let’s make a concerted effort to dial it down…to simplify and strip bare before Him.  Let’s stand before God as a lone can of Play-doh® with a handful of basic “tools” in our arsenal…and prepare to be amazed at what He can create.  Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 1, 2015

Romans 14:1
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

My mother posted this Facebook update today…

My first visit today to oncologist… He is still in discovery concerning my status, but I begin chemo next Thursday. I will have it every three weeks—for ?   In the meantime, a PET scan and a port are both scheduled. It's a gorgeous fall day here; I feel good; I feel strong - and today is all we have. God metes out our time moment by moment - and I intend to enjoy it that way.

This was not the news we hoped for…the doctor says that Mom must start treatments right away.  My mother, who is a ROCK, appears to be handling this news very well, given its seriousness. Others – some of whom I thought were also “rocks” – have fallen apart already. Even more are numb and cannot wrap their brains around these facts, while a few are either carrying on as if nothing has changed – or they have had a total “meltdown” and cannot seem to function.

I don’t know what all of this means.  I have no clue what lies ahead for my mother – or for any of us.  She is right…today IS all we have. So why are we spending it worrying about how this one or that one reacts to devastating news?  More importantly, why do we all waste precious time and energy fussing over how people worship…pray…study…witness?  Because I’m here to tell you, when my mother gets in that “chemo room” next week and they hook her up to a “cocktail” of drugs designed to kill the beast, she will sit alongside many other people who are facing a similar challenge.  And there is a very good chance that they will all be trusting God to see them through each and every minute.  How they get there…how they talk to Him and the rituals and practices they go through to communicate with Him and put their trust in Him will not matter one whit.  All that will matter is that God metes out their time moment by moment…and they trust Him to do so.

Can we all agree to be kind and gentle with those who fall apart at the first hint of devastating news?  Can we refrain from judging those who appear stoic and seem to just move right on with life as if nothing has happened?  Can we open our hearts and minds to the possibility that God speaks to each of us differently…that He understands our reactions, considers our “history,” and loves each and every one of us fervently?

Can we understand that not everyone is at the same point in their faith walk…but that doesn’t mean that they are not on the right road?  I can almost guarantee you that my “path” looks nothing like yours.  Some of my “prayer times” each week occur while I work out in the community swimming pool!  I sometimes sit at my piano and “communicate” with God. I frequently write out prayers in a journal.  Others keep copious notes, read daily devotional books every day, light candles, and talk to God in a totally different way.  And God hears all of us!

As my family begins this journey, I respectfully ask that you pray for my mother – and for all of us – using whatever method and manner with which you are comfortable.  I am committed to accepting the reactions of all people to this news…and doing my dead-level best not to judge any of them.  Likewise, I plan to renew my determination not to judge others – for anything - but especially for how they worship God or where they are in their journey to know Christ better.  Would you care to join me?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 30, 2015

Romans 13:9
In the Law there are many commands, such as, “Be faithful in marriage. Do not murder. Do not steal. Do not want what belongs to others.” But all of these are summed up in the command that says, “Love others as much as you love yourself.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

One of the best – and possibly the worst – inventions to come into my life in a while is the smart phone.  This device is all in one…telephone, computer, camera, e-reader, and more.  I can shop online with it, get my weather forecast and check local radar, receive alerts about everything from flash floods to the latest sale at my favorite clothing store, read dozens of newspapers and magazines, and map my next trip. If both parties have FaceTime, it is even possible to “see” who I am talking with while we converse. This little device that almost fits into the palm of my hand has simplified and enhanced my life in countless ways…and it is rarely far from my reach.

At the same time, the phone has been a handicap, because I also spend a lot of time looking at it…checking e-mail and social media or the local weather information.  So I will admit that we can use the phone for our benefit…or sometimes for our detriment.  Sometimes, it’s good to pick up a book or a newspaper and read the printed word.  We need to engage in one-on-one conversations with others…and go outside and check the weather for ourselves.  The smart phone is not intended to completely replace these things…but rather to tie them all together neatly to our advantage.

In the same way, the command to “Love others as much as you love yourself” is all encompassing.  This doesn’t mean that we no longer care about the Ten Commandments…or any of Jesus’ teachings in scripture.  This doesn’t replace the charge to “honor your mother and father” or to “remember the Sabbath.”  Rather, this commandment ties everything together in one directive that serves as a checkpoint for all thoughts, words and actions. 

All we have to do is stop and ask ourselves…”Does this demonstrate love for others?  Is my thought kind and productive?  Does what I am about to say or reflect how I would want to be treated?  Would I feel loved if someone said these things to me…or acted in this manner toward me?  Am I about to honor God in XYZ?  Will it bring glory to His name and show my respect and obedience?”  If we answer in the negative to any of these questions (and a host of others), then we have OUR answer - and a change in our attitude and action(s) is in order.

This command to “Love others as much as you love yourself” is something like our “Heavenly smart phone.”  If we spend even a fraction of the time focused on it as we do our physical electronic device, we will be far better for it.  Have you checked yours today?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 19, 2014

Matthew 7:7-11
"Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

It's almost that time of year again...Halloween! Our little "goblins" are already busy working on their costumes. One wants to be Minnie Mouse...another a Power Ranger...Timothy wants to be a vampire - and Zola says she is going to be a "dhost" or a ladybug! They will ring the doorbell and shout "Trick or treat!" But there will be few tricks, if any...and plenty of candy and other goodies.

I doubt many children fully understand the meaning behind the phrase "Trick or treat!" If a homeowner replied, "Trick!"... they would probably look perplexed. And while a few adults may actually try this, we all know that in the end, the kids get what they were after...candy - and lots of it!

Imagine if we asked God for help, and He gave us something ridiculous instead. What if we beseeched God to heal our bodies, and He presented us with even more diseases...or we asked for help with a struggle at school, work, or church, and instead, He said, "Here's a pet alligator!" This wouldn't make a lick of sense...would it?!

I am so grateful that God does not play "Trick or treat!" I am blessed by the knowledge that anything I ask for with humility and sincerity, God will consider. That doesn't mean I will receive it exactly. But God will take my prayers and requests and consider what is best for me and my situation...and He will answer - and meet all of my needs and more!

This leads me to one more thing...we don't often pray specifically enough. Yes, God already knows that you are having a problem with your girlfriend or that your back is killing you. But He wants you to express this. He doesn't want to hear a broad-spectrum request for "complete peace and healing in all areas". This doesn't mean that God won't answer anyway...but He really, really wants us to be specific, transparent, and fully communicative with Him. And aren't we glad?!

We don't seem to grasp what an honor, blessing and privilege it is to be able to speak directly to God...about anything and everything...and to expect Him to answer! Let's not take this for granted. Let's get busy talking to God and letting Him know what we need and how we feel. Let's trust Him to answer in the best way possible for every situation. With God, there are no tricks. But "treats" abound at every turn. You just have to know how to ask.

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 9, 2012

1 John 2:27
Christ gave you the Holy Spirit and He lives in you. You do not need anyone to teach you. The Holy Spirit is able to teach you all things. What He teaches you is truth and not a lie. Live by the help of Christ as the Holy Spirit has taught you.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

My mother recently donated her encyclopedias to the used book store. The staff there said that people do buy them. When I was growing up, we depended on encyclopedias for all sorts of answers. I remember spending hours in the college library doing research and getting information and wisdom from the books that covered the shelves there. Today, with the Internet, we have up-to-the-minute info… literally at our fingertips! And with the advent of smart phones, tablets, and more, this information goes with us wherever we go!

Does this mean we never need school and teachers… college, specialized training and continuing education courses? Should we just “drop out” of life and depend on these technological innovations for all of our knowledge? Absolutely not! And this passage is not telling you to never take a Bible study course or to drop out of your Sunday school class.

But here’s what it is saying…you have the Holy Spirit within you, and He will guide you to the answers. They may come through prayer and Bible study. They may come in an organized class… from a Godly friend… or even that still small Voice you hear in your head. But the Holy Spirit will be your starting point.

A couple of years ago, I was so exasperated one day by a situation with my grandmother. I left her house feeling incredibly helpless, and I wracked my brain to think of someone I could talk to about this. I pulled into the parking lot at Wal-Mart, and before I went inside to shop, I sat in the car and said, “LORD… I don’t know what to do.” Very clearly, I heard Him ask, “If someone came to YOU with these questions, what would you tell them?”

I sat and thought about what my own advice would be in this very same situation… and I realized that the Holy Spirit had just revealed my answer to me. In that very instance, I didn’t need to talk to anyone else… I just needed to listen to The One who was in my heart already. And often, this is the case. If we will only sit still long enough to hear His voice, He will give us the wisdom and truth that we need… and we can take it to the bank!

Whatever you need today… whatever answers you seek… start with the Holy Spirit. Spend some time in His presence and ask Him, “Where do I go from here?” Feel the Holy Spirit surrounding you with wisdom and truth… and trust His answers. You may ultimately have to consult another person – or even a book! But the perfect starting point is always in your heart. Have you heard from the Holy Spirit today?

©2012 Debbie Robus