Daily Devotional for October 16, 2016

Matthew 5:1-3
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”

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.
         
I don’t even have to ask if you’ve ever been “at the end of your rope.”  We all have “been there – done that”…sometimes more than once!  But how often have you considered this a blessing?  I can assure you, there have been times when I have been out of viable options…when things looked about as bleak as they could be and there was no way to “fix” this…when I had no choice but to concede that “the handwriting was on the wall” – and I could not change anything.

As I look back on these times, I see that God made the difference.  He filled in the gaps and gave me hope.  He equipped me for whatever I was facing…and yes, at times, He shielded me from the devastation and grief over what I was experiencing.  Often, when we are at the end of our rope, God doles out the impact in [relatively] more manageable doses so that we are not overwhelmed…and I am so grateful for this blessing.

I don’t know what your “rope” looks like today – or where your hands are positioned.  But I do know that God has you in HIS grip…and He will never let you go. God is ready, willing, and able to give you more of Him to compensate for less of you.  Your job is to surrender and trust Him to supply your every need – and then some!

My prayer today is that we would all come to the point where we are able to recognize God’s blessings - even in what seems like the worst of circumstances. I pray that when we reach the end of our rope (and we all will at one time or another)…we are able to trust God to tie a knot and sustain us as only He can.  With less of us, there is room for more of God. And that is always a good thing…and a blessing.  Are you ready to let Him bless you in every circumstance?  Will this be the day that you let God control the rope?  

©2016 Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for July 31, 2016

Acts 5:36-41
But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God’s Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time, then said, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds.

“So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!”

That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus’ name and sent them off.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
A friend shared a “Facebook memory” of a beautiful picture of his house, taken during one of our infrequent winter snowfalls back in 2010.  The caption read, “This weather is awful, I'll be so glad when it warms up!”  Our forecast for the coming week includes actual temperatures of 100 degrees and up…with heat indexes in the 100+-degree range!  I laughingly replied to my friend, “Be careful what we wish for…right?”

In the case of this passage from Acts 5, you have to know a little back story to fully grasp its importance.  I encourage you to go back and read the previous verses and see for yourself how the Apostles were jailed for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  And yet, an angel came and released them,  the Apostles returned to the temple to preach – and people listened.  The authorities were furious and wanted to punish the Apostles for this. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel suggested that these men think about all of this and not jump to a hasty conclusion.

Two things in particular resonate with me about this passage…1) Gamaliel’s suggestion that …“If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it—and you better not be found fighting against God!” and 2) the notation that the Apostles were whipped and sent packing.

There are a lot of times when we try to take matters into our own hands rather than wait for God to work.  As Gamaliel pointed out with a couple of examples, we sometimes make a royal mess of things!  We would be better served to stop, look, listen…and proceed prayerfully.  Often, it would be best if we did nothing and gave God the time and space to work.  I know this goes against the nature of many of us…but as this passage points out, “fighting against God is never a good idea.”

The other point has to do with the punishment of the Apostles.  If God could send an angel to bust them out of jail, He could certainly have spared them the whipping and exile.  But there are times when God allows our faith to be tested.  He may let us endure the displeasure – and unkind remarks and treatment – from others.  He may not make every single person our friend and ally.  God wants us to rely on HIM…not others…and He never wants us to become smug and arrogant.  So sometimes, God challenges our strength and resolve by allowing us to endure some discomfort.  But He NEVER deserts us!

This hit home with me today as I thought of some of the unkind – and downright hateful – things that are being said and posted in the heat of world events…particularly this presidential election season.  I reminded myself that I pray about these matters…but I don’t always hand them off to God like I should.  I also noted that not everyone will agree with me, like me – or treat me kindly…and that’s okay.  As long as I am making every effort to operate within the will of God…to listen for His voice - and follow His lead – He will bless my efforts in the end, and all will be well.

“Be careful what you wish for” is a good motto for all of us…with regard to everything from the weather to politics to how we treat others in the name of Jesus and represent His message. We must quit telling God how to handle things and allow Him to implement His plans.  And we must be willing to be His agent - however and wherever He places us.  I’m ready to go all in with this...what about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 18, 2016

Jeremiah 31:33-34
“This is the brand-new covenant that I will make with Israel when the time comes. I will put my law within them—write it on their hearts!—and be their God. And they will be my people. They will no longer go around setting up schools to teach each other about God. They’ll know me firsthand, the dull and the bright, the smart and the slow. I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!” God’s Decree.

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.

Yesterday, our Zola “graduated” from pre-K.  Kindergarten, here she comes!  I looked at the little girl who walked proudly across the stage to receive her “diploma,” and I thought about all that she has learned in two years…and what lies ahead of her.  The world is truly her oyster, as the saying goes.  I also thought about how the crowning achievement for my little niece – and her brothers – will be when they truly come to know Jesus firsthand…when God’s laws are written on their hearts forever and ever.

We can teach others about God.  We can share Bible stories and help them memorize the Ten Commandments.  We can evangelize the world and spread the Good News of Jesus.  But until each and every one of us internalize the message of Christ and “write it on our hearts”…we’ll keep stumbling around in the dark for the most part…and we will be vulnerable to sin.

I am not saying that once we truly develop a relationship with Jesus, we never sin again.  That is why the last lines of this passage are so important, where God says that “I’ll wipe the slate clean for each of them. I’ll forget they ever sinned!”  Without the blood of Jesus and His continual forgiveness, we’d all pretty well be sunk!  But once we “write God’s laws” on our heart and come into a full relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we have a fighting chance against the desire to succumb to sin.  When serving Jesus becomes our focus, the lure of sin is greatly diminished.

There is another component to this that must be addressed.  None of us is perfect.  But for God’s grace and Jesus’ blood over our sins, we would all be like the people of Israel and Judah who stumbled in the wilderness and lived in disrespect and disobedience.  We are so incredibly blessed by God’s forgiveness through Jesus.  And we must honor this great gift and humbly forgive others in return.  That means no judging…no bickering or name calling…no gossiping…and no hating of any kind!

We often so underestimate how great forgiveness has been in our own lives…what Jesus has taken from us – and what God has forgotten. We must not dishonor this great Salvation by treating others with anything less than grace and mercy.  We must offer a great example of unconditional love to the world and let others see Jesus in each of our words, thoughts, and actions.  This must be our gift to our children…and our demonstration of honor and gratitude to Jesus.

I know that God’s laws will be written on the hearts of our little ones someday.  My job…and yours…is to embrace Jesus and give the world a daily example of what it means to have firsthand knowledge of His amazing grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  We must live in a way that makes others want to say, “I’ll take a hefty dose of what he/she has!”  We must give them a reason to want to write God’s laws on their own hearts forever and ever. 

Humble yourself before God today…thank Him - for forgiving and forgetting your sins.  Ask Him to help you do the same toward others. Put your sinful past behind you…and help others to do this in their own lives.  Check the condition of your “heart”…and get busy being the new creature in Christ whom God has called you to be!  People are watching…what are you showing them?
   
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 29, 2016

John 6:28-29
“What exactly does God want us to do?” the people asked.

Jesus answered, “God wants you to have faith in the one he sent.”

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
The children and I have been going back and forth about swimming.  The oldest two have had formal swimming lessons, but Nathan has not.  In their defense, none of these three little ones can touch bottom in the pool at our community’s Aquatic Center…so they lack confidence to swim without their life jackets.  I have persuaded each child to remove his/her life jacket and let me help them swim a short distance to the wall.  But it’s not good.  Each child is fearful…and despite my best efforts to assure them that I will not let anything happen to them – that they will not drown – they protest, cry and pretty well refuse to try.

We are hoping that a summer of “swimming” at the lake, where they can wade in and control the depth of the water, will help alleviate this.  I am anticipating a day when I take them to the pool and say, “Let’s swim without your lifejacket,” and each child has faith in my promise to keep them safe - and readily agrees.

So many of us are just like these apprehensive children.  We let our fear of the unknown – of “being unable to touch bottom” – keep us from doing what God has called us to do.  Essentially, we fail to fully trust God to equip us to do the things that He has designed us to do…and we dishonor His incredible gifts and blessings.

Let’s be clear…God will not always call us to do things that are easy and fun.  Sometimes, He will steer us in the direction of someone who is difficult and tries our patience…a task that seems a little “lowly” or unpleasant…an opportunity that seems daunting and beyond our capabilities.  And when God sanctifies these things for us, He will fully enable us to accomplish them, just as He ordained.  All we have to do is trust Him and demonstrate faith and confidence in His ability to protect, undergird, and complete the mission.

How deep is your faith?  How much do you really trust God?  Are you ready to “swim without a lifejacket” and demonstrate confidence in the lessons He has taught you  - and the promises that He has made?  Will this be the day that you fully “let go and let God?”  Don’t you think it should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 18, 2016

John 14:1-4
Jesus said to his disciples, “Don’t be worried! Have faith in God and have faith in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I wouldn’t tell you this, unless it was true. I am going there to prepare a place for each of you. After I have done this, I will come back and take you with me. Then we will be together. You know the way to where I am going.”

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

Greg and I planned to take the children to the movie theater after church yesterday to see “The Jungle Book.”  So on the way home, I told the kids I would bake them a pizza.  Timothy wanted a cheese sandwich instead.  Zola declared that she wanted pizza…and scrambled eggs.  Nathan agreed that he wanted eggs with his pizza, too.  I made sandwiches for Greg and me…so we had a full-service diner in operation.  Two of the children wanted chocolate milk – the third wanted juice.  And all three of them wanted ALL of this instantaneously.  Nobody wanted to wait for the meal to be prepared.

Now here’s the thing…the kids KNOW that it takes time to bake a pizza – and even pour milk and juice.  They KNOW that we are not about to let them starve – or be deprived in any way.  Still, they tried to act like the world was falling apart because the food and drink did not magically appear at that exact moment!  They demonstrated a total lack of faith in us to feed and care for them.

Now this was not our first rodeo.  We both knew that a lot of this “drama” was an attempt to manipulate us…to see just how tightly they could wind us up.  So we tried to ignore many of their comments and just “git-r-done.”  But here’s where this applies to you and me…we all know that God has promised to meet our every need.  We all have been told repeatedly – and read in scripture numerous times – that Jesus left His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us. 

We have been given the assurance that we who have confessed our sins to Jesus Christ and surrendered our hearts to Him will be called to Heaven to live with Him when we die…or He will return for us someday and take us home at that time.  Either way, we will be with Jesus for all Eternity!  Yet many of us live such lives of worry and despair.  We operate in hopelessness – and helplessness – at every turn.  We act as if the world is falling apart around us and everyone is doomed.  We need visible, tangible results of Jesus in our lives…and we need them NOW! In behaving this way, we deny our Christian faith…and people are taking notice!

We know better.  And yes, some of us are simply being “drama queens” to some degree.  But a lot of us are just plain weak in the trust department.  We have not fully accepted Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith.  We do not fully operate in confidence that Jesus is the Son of God – and He is not only preparing a room in His Heavenly mansion for us…He is also meeting our needs every minute of the day here on this earth.

When we make this mind shift and fully begin to operate in Christian faith, everything about our life – and our attitudes – will be different…and people will notice.  When we “let go and let God” have control…and trust Him to meet our every need…we are filled with peace and confidence that defies explanation.  The “food” is coming…Jesus is preparing everything…and He totally has our back.  We can relax and spend our time doing the things that serve His Kingdom rather than worry about what will happen next. 

I am convinced that this is a better way to operate…and I’m doing everything I can to grow in faith and kick the Enemy and his little “worry game” to the curb.  My “Heavenly reservation” is made…I’m just waiting on Jesus to get the room ready. I don’t want to spend the time I have left wringing my hands and being frustrated and upset.  Jesus has better things for me to be doing…and I need to be busy accomplishing them.  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 23, 2016

Proverbs 3:7-12
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this.

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.

Today would be the 67th birthday of Greg’s brother, Bruce, who died on December 31st, 2015.  This cold, sunny morning, we visited his grave site for the first time…along with Greg’s mother.  We also went to the cemetery where my mother was buried 11 days later. If you had told me even a month ago that we would bury these two loved ones so soon, I would have said you were crazy.  And yet…here we are.

One of these days, I will stop talking about grief and our recent losses…I promise.  But several of you are “in the trenches” along with us right now, and I hope that my insights are helpful – for all of us.  Our emotions are still extremely raw…our grief is still profound.  And try as I might to squelch these feelings, I cannot.

When I turn to scripture, I see that there is every reason to experience grief – and no reason to try to suppress it.  To do so suggests that we have this all figured out on our own…that we don’t need the guidance and comfort of God…that we know it all!  And nothing could be further from the truth.

Psalm 94:19 says, “And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.”(CEV)  Psalm 142:1-3 says “I cry out loudly to God, loudly I plead with God for mercy. I spill out all my complaints before him, and spell out my troubles in detail: “As I sink in despair, my spirit ebbing away, you know how I’m feeling, know the danger I’m in, the traps hidden in my path.”(MSG)  And later in that same Psalm, verse 7 ends with this…“Your people will form a circle around me and you’ll bring me showers of blessing!”

God is showing us things, even in our grief and sadness. He is not punishing us. He is ushering us into more of a dependency on Him…demonstrating His strength and ability to comfort and make sense of our confusion. As we find ourselves wandering aimlessly through the day, God keeps us on track. Several times in the last couple of weeks, I’ve looked back and wondered how on earth I accomplished what I did in the state in which I have been. I know instantly that I did not do these things – God did!

So I am learning not to run from these feelings, weird and uncomfortable though they may be.  I am trusting God to sort it all out – and in HIS timing!  I am believing that He will give me a sense of direction and purpose again…heal my heart and soul – and even make me stronger because of all of this.  I pray that you are allowing God to do the same work in your life.  Whether you are grieving the loss of loved ones or working through something else, God wants to determine your course – and keep you on it.  Will you allow Him to do this?  Shouldn’t you?
   
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 19, 2016

Proverbs 19:23
Showing respect to the Lord
    brings true life—
    if you do it, you can relax
    without fear of danger.

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

One week ago this morning, the angels came for my mother and ushered her into Heaven.  We all knew my mother was battling cancer…a diagnosis she received in late September.  None of us wanted to believe that she would have such a short time left with us. On December 19th, we had no clue that one month later, Greg’s brother and sister-in-law would have been involved in a car crash that left the other driver dead and led to multiple surgeries for Greg’s brother – and his subsequent death ten days afterward.

In both instances, I distinctly felt a sense of fear and dread…not that these precious souls would die and leave us.  I knew that both of them were headed for Heaven – and a glorious Eternity in the presence of Jesus.  What stressed me was what might happen to them in the meantime…here…on earth.

From the day my mother was first diagnosed with cancer, my prayer and profound desire was that she not suffer…that she not become debilitated and emaciated…that she not endure tremendous pain and indignities that often come with this horrendous beast of a disease. I found myself asking God over and again to spare her these things…to protect her at every turn.

When my brother-in-law was scheduled to transfer to a rehab - where he would hopefully strengthen his body and fully recover so that he could go home and resume his daily living – I was concerned for his well-being.  How would he manage the rigid routine in his weakened condition?  How would he cope with the isolation from family members as he spent most hours of each day in exercise and therapy?

In both cases, I literally called out to God and said, “YOU have to fix this!  I cannot!  I surrender these situations completely to YOU, because they are far beyond my control – and I know that you love both of these people and want what is best for them.”  I had prayed a similar prayer when my dad suffered a paralyzing stroke after surgery that left him in danger of having both feet amputated. In his case, I knew that the only “solution” that made sense to me was for God to call him to heaven…and He did.  I don’t know that I truly considered this an “option” with my husband’s brother and my own mother.  But that is exactly what happened for them, as well.

My mother used to say that “Healing sometimes comes in death.” And she was right! While this is a hard pill for those of us left on this earth to swallow, there is a comfort in knowing that this “solution” was the perfect one for these three dear souls who truly loved the LORD. They are safe…they are whole…they are HOME…and they haven’t a care or a worry whatsoever.  As much as is humanly possible, our challenge is to operate in the same manner.  We may not be healthy and whole on this earth, but we can certainly feel safe, fearless, and confident in the care and protection of God Almighty.

I will not lie…our hearts are broken. I miss my brother-in-law and his quick wit.  I will miss his laugh.  Ever the typical “big brother,” I know that there were times that I exasperated him…but he was always in my corner.  And I miss my mother…especially her daily e-mails and our telephone talks.  I didn’t see her that often in the last several years. She traveled a lot and maintained a BUSY daily schedule.  But she would tell me, “I’m only a phone call away.”  Now, that “phone call” is a little beyond the realm of human possibility. I don’t know if/when I will ever adjust to that one!

Still, I find that for large chunks of the day, I am relaxed.  Nothing about these situations gives me fear or suggests danger or unrest.  For most of the time that my mother was ill and Greg’s brother was injured, I was what I described as “eerily calm.”  I knew this was God’s shield, protecting me from a wave of emotions that I could not handle.  When my brother-in-law died…and my mother entered the hospital - and then Hospice care - the “dam” broke.  Tears poured…often at the most inopportune times. But they have been healing and liberating…and God has comforted me even in those times of profound release.

What have I learned from this?  More powerfully than ever, I have learned to “let go and let God.”  There is NOTHING that He cannot handle…and He certainly does not need any input from me!  He is capable of executing all things.  MY JOB is to trust Him to do so…to respect His methods, His timing, and His impeccable attention to every detail.  As Mother’s pastor pointed out, we see a picture of how things are…but God’s picture is so much larger and broader – and far more grand.

Whatever is stressing you today…whatever challenges you face…whatever questions, worries, fears and frustrations you have – give them to God.  Trust that He has a bigger, better plan…that He can do what you cannot – and with complete perfection. “Let go and let God”…serve Him in all things and respect His sovereignty. Bask in the safety of His love and care and banish fear and dread from your life. God wants us to truly LIVE in Him…and we can’t do this if we are fearful and anxious.  How are YOU living these days?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 15, 2016

Philippians 4:6-7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

I have not written a devotional in a few days now. On Tuesday morning, January 12th, just before noon, my mother left this earthly home to be with Jesus.  My “sisters” - Suzanne, Janet, and Suzanne - and I, our beloved cousin, Janette, and Mom’s husband, Lee, were all with her. Even though she had been leaving us for several days…when the appointed time came, she soared away rather abruptly - with little warning, and no fanfare.  I noticed her breathing change and said to my stepsister, Suzanne, who is a nurse, “I think she is leaving”…and she nodded in agreement.  Less than two minutes later, the gates of Heaven opened, and the angels ushered my mother into the presence of Jesus Christ – and my dad, brother, and all of her loved ones who were surely there to greet her.

It must have been one heckuva party…and I’m more than a little jealous!  My mother’s words echoed in my head as Timothy told me later, “I wish we could go to heaven, too.”  Mother would say, “You will…when it’s time.  But you still have work to do here!”  Ever the pragmatist, Mother was realistic and practical – almost to a fault.

But in her last days, my mother left me with some parting pearls of wisdom.  As I tearfully held her on the couch one evening, she asked about my mother-in-law, who just buried her middle son 12 days ago.  I told her she was doing well, and Mother said, “She is a strong woman.”  “You are a strong woman, too,” I reminded her…and she replied, “There’s no other way to be.”  Mother also told me that Greg and I have a lot to process…and we do…but she insisted that she knew we would be okay – that we would get through all of this. And thankfully, her last lucid statement to me was…”I love you so much.”  I told her, “I love you, too, Mommy.”  After that, she smiled at me a few times, but she drifted into a semi-conscious state and waited for her ticket to heaven to be punched.

The second my mother left us, her face took on a peaceful appearance.  It was unlike any I have ever encountered in my previous experiences with a death.  She was Home…she was whole…and all was well.  The peace that came over me was inexplicable…that “peace that passes understanding.”  But I knew that all truly was well…that God had once again answered our prayers and fixed the things that we could not…and that He had given my mother the greatest gift of all…a seat at Jesus’ feet for all Eternity.

Countless people have commented to me in recent days about what they perceive as my amazing strength.  I would say to you that none of this is me…and I have had plenty of “moments” where you would not see one ounce of poise and confidence in my demeanor.  But as much as this passage from Philippians was one of my mother’s favorites…it is mine, as well.  In a profound way, I have learned to “let go and let God”…to quit worrying…to fear nothing…to BELIEVE what God has promised, and to let Him meet my needs and comfort me.  And He has…He IS!  As my mother said a few days ago, “There’s no other way to be.”

I also watched my mother comfort and encourage others in her last days.  She smiled at nurses and aides and thanked them genuinely for their care.  She prayed with relatives who came to say “Good-bye” and charged them to accomplish certain goals in their lives moving forward.  Mother ministered to us as a family and brought us closer together in many instances. She served God faithfully until the very last minute. 

My question for all of us today is this…”Will we be able to say the same thing when our ‘ticket’ is punched?”  Is God’s peace keeping your heart and thoughts quiet as you make your way through the day?  When the angels come for you, will you have accomplished all that God set out for you to complete?

Make this the day that you figure out what is really important…and what is just filling your day.  Determine what you need to let go of…and what God is calling you to do with the time you have left - whether it is one day or decades. Release your worries and fears…and operate in His peace.  There truly is “no other way to be.”

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 10, 2016

Isaiah 43:1-7
But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says: Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up—the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel. I gave Egypt and Ethiopia and Seba to Cyrus in exchange for your freedom, as your ransom. Others died that you might live; I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me and honored, and I love you.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you from east and west, from north and south. I will bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the farthest corners of the earth. All who claim me as their God will come, for I have made them for my glory; I created them.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

My mother is mostly sleeping now, and several family members have gathered to sit with us and help as needed…including my niece, Jasmine.  This is her Granny…the woman who has nurtured and loved her unendingly for all of her 25+ years.  I found Jasmine in her Granny’s office, sitting at Mother’s desk and reading a book.  She said, “I knew this had to be here, and it was right on top of a stack of books.”  If you know my mother, you know that her desk is stacked and laden with books, papers, notes and all sorts of important “stuff!” (I should talk!  I am my mother’s daughter!)

The “book” that Jasmine found was her journal…or rather, a hand-written journal that my mother has kept for my niece since 1992.  She didn’t write in it EVERY day, but on a regular basis, Mother wrote her thoughts to Jasmine – about anything and everything – but especially about her Christian faith. And the entries are as recent as the end of October 2015. There is an entry for the day Mother learned that she had cancer…and another as she prepared for chemotherapy. 

There was also an entry for one day in October in which Mother stated that “you are not to worry.”  She cited these beginning verses in Isaiah 43. Through this journal, my mother is still comforting us…even today, as she slips away from us and can no longer speak directly to us.  And these words are comforting!

If I substitute my mother’s name – or my own – for the word “you,” the image is profound. “Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed Arline; I have called Arline by name; she is mine. When Arline goes through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with her. When Debbie goes through rivers of difficulty, she will not drown! When Debbie walks through the fire of oppression, she will not be burned up—the flames will not consume her.”  Take these verses and insert your own name.  Let the comfort and assurance of God’s love and care penetrate the depths of your heart.  Listen to the words of my mother, and remind yourself that “you are not to worry.”

This morning, my cousin said “Good-bye” to my mother and traveled to his home, some four hours away. As he left, I hugged him closely and told him that we are going to be okay…that Jesus has us securely in His hands. “Remember this!” I told him.  His response was, “You, too!”  I assured him that I will…that my hope in Jesus is all that keeps me going.

I’m so glad that Jasmine found the journal.  I know that my mother has written from her heart…and that her thoughts and words were guided by the Holy Spirit.  They will have profound meaning for Jasmine and her children…just as my cousin’s visit with my mother will impact him from this day forward.

I pray that you will take these verses to heart and make them part of your hope…that you will trust in Jesus to see you through deep waters and great trouble.  Remember that “you are not to worry,” and trust God to hold you securely in His hands – this day…and always.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 2, 2016

Psalm 41:10
Lord, don’t you desert me! Be gracious, Lord, and make me well again so I can pay them back! I know you are pleased with me because you haven’t let my enemies triumph over me. You have preserved me because I was honest; you have admitted me forever to your presence.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
   
My sister-in-law offered me these words as I headed to the hospital early this morning.  My mother was admitted last night for possible infection and low blood sugar…a count so low that she could have died.  The doctor said she should not have even been able to walk and talk, yet she managed to somewhat do both - and never lost consciousness.

I am sitting in a hospital room, praying a paraphrased version of this scripture…”Lord, don’t you desert me!  Be gracious and ‘fix’ what I cannot. Heal my mother according to YOUR will – not mine – and keep her comfortable. Please do not let her suffer. You HAVE preserved me, and I am learning to never question You.”

I pray that you will take time to study this Psalm, and to make a version of these words your own prayer.  Trust God in all things. Call on Him to do what He does best…and to handle what we cannot – and are not supposed to even attempt.

Yesterday morning, I shared a story with my mother that Timothy’s mother shared with me just lately.  It seems that she noticed that Timothy had stopped including his Granny in his night-time prayers.  She asked him, “Why don’t you pray for Granny anymore?”  He replied…”I don’t need to…the LORD will take care of her!”

My mother commented that truly, God never forgets a prayer…and once we have spoken it, we should consider it answered.  I laughed and said that I like to remind Him and keep the “din” going to heaven at a high decibel level.  But she is right…God IS faithful.  He does answer “on the first ring,” and once we have given a burden or concern to Him, He is truly “on it!”

So I am giving God my mother…and all of my “situations.”  I can’t promise that I won’t mention them to Him again – and again – and again!  I’m pesky like that!  But I am trusting Him to handle things.  I know that He will never desert me…or my Mom...or you!  I feel His grace, mercy, and healing peace…and I pray that whatever your day brings – you feel it, too.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 28, 2015

Matthew 11:28    
If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I got a phone message today at 1:47 a.m. - alerting me with another flood warning for our area.  I had forgotten to mute my phone’s volume before I went to bed.  So after getting this “alert,” I had a little trouble going back to sleep for a bit.  I wasn’t worried about a flood in our neighborhood, since we live on a bluff!  But I started thinking about all of the people who needed a special touch from God…and I probably spent a good half hour or more praying and asking God to take their burdens. And then I was able to sleep soundly for several more hours.

This is a favorite scripture passage…and as I read it today, I thought of how I handed my burdens to God in prayer this morning - and trusted Him to manage them.  A few close friends and I have exchanged more than one message lately where we noted that the prayer lists and “burdens” seem especially lengthy in recent days. I can tell you firsthand that it has been so comforting to be able to say to God, “Only YOU can fix these things…and I’m going to let You!”

There have been nights when I should have tossed and turned with frustration and worry – and plenty of times in the past that I did exactly that!  But of late, I’ve found that I’m sleeping very well, and I know it is because I am letting God carry the heavy stuff!

When Jesus gave us these words of assurance, He did so with complete authority.  There is no reason for us to doubt Him…or to try to handle things on our own. I don’t know about you, but I discovered that trying to carry heavy burdens was exhausting – and fruitless.  This way seems to be working so much better, and I plan on sticking with it.  What about you?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 27, 2015

Luke 12:4-5
My friends, don’t be afraid of people. They can kill you, but after that, there is nothing else they can do. God is the one you must fear. Not only can he take your life, but he can throw you into hell. God is certainly the one you should fear!

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

A friend texted me a photo this morning of a newspaper headline…”Swedes charge toward becoming cashless culture.”  Her comment was, “Yikes! Armageddon!”  I replied…”If Armageddon comes, we won’t be here!”  I didn’t mean to be flip…but honestly, I give little concern to “end times” news, because if/when it happens, I don’t plan to stick around!  My prayer is that no one I know and love will be left, either!

There are a plenty of mortal things for us to fear, if we want to go that route.  Greg’s brother continues to struggle after the car wreck in which he was involved six days ago.  Each day brings new wrinkles/challenges…and he is still quite critical.  Yet I refuse to be fearful.  God is in complete control…my brother-in-law is securely His child and guaranteed a “seat at the Table” in heaven…and all will be well.

My mother is not improving as I had hoped - from pneumonia or the late-stage cancer that is taking its toll on her physical health.  But again, I know that she is one of God’s precious children…that He is meeting her every need according to His plans and timetable…and I am not the least bit fearful.

I am still battling a “cold bug”…and now Greg has it!  But I know that this, too, shall pass.  God is allowing us to rest and regroup today…and I know that He is numbering our steps and will restore our health in due season. So I am taking it easy and trusting the Great Physician to handle everything for me.

It is quite freeing to “let go and let God” handle these situations. When we surrender our fears to God and rest in His perfect care, we quickly realize that a lot of the situations that made us so stressed and “crazy” really have no power over us.  If we give God complete control and trust Him, we have nothing to fear whatsoever – not even Him - because we know that we are operating in His will and trusting His sovereignty.

Now, if you happen to see me having a meltdown at some point over one of these situations or something else…do not rush to judge me!  We are, after all, human beings.  So perfection is a noble goal…but none of us will ever be completely accomplished in this area!  Still, we can keep working…and praying…and believing.  And we can let God do the heavy lifting. 

In his first inaugural address in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt offered wisdom and encouragement to the people of our nation.  These words are just as powerful for us today and sum up much of what I believe.  Please take time to read them and ponder how graciously – and perfectly – God is handling our fears – even when we fail to fully give them to Him. 

“...let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.

...our distress comes from no failure of substance. We are stricken by no plague of locusts. Compared with the perils which our forefathers conquered because they believed and were not afraid, we have still much to be thankful for. Nature still offers her bounty and human efforts have multiplied it.

...we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.”

Make this the day that you completely surrender your fears to God – once and for all – and discover how well He cares for your every need.

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 22, 2015

Job 37:24
And so we humans fear God,
    because he shows no respect
for those who are proud
    and think they know so much.

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

There is often a fine line between asking God to answer our prayers…and telling Him HOW to answer them.  One represents “fear and respect”…humility and confidence that God knows what He is doing.  The other shows our “know-it-all” side…as if we know better than God how things ought to turn out in any given situation.  Like I said, this is tricky – and in many circumstances it’s nothing short of a slippery slope on our part!

How DO we ask God to answer our prayers without trying to sway Him in a particular direction?  One way is to pray, “LORD…may YOUR will be done – not mine.” Of course, we have to mean this when we say it – and this is often easier said than done.  But we also must recognize that some of the things we ask for…healing, protection, a “good outcome”…are open for interpretation – and God may not deliver as we expected.

When my dad and brother were ill, I prayed for healing for both of them.  And God did heal them and give them restored bodies – in heaven.  I see that clearly now.  Was this what I really asked God to do?  Probably not.  But I have come to understand how He orchestrated things even when I was thinking I knew a little too much.  By the time my grandmother was in her last months on earth and expressing a desire to go Home to Jesus, my prayers were more humble…”Lord, when You are ready for her, we are ready for you to take her.”  There were days when I asked, “Can’t Mam-ma please come home?”  But even as I asked, I knew better than to try in the least way to tell God what to do.

I am a slow learner…but I am discovering that when I ask God for His will in situations and circumstances - and trust Him to deliver - things go so much better.  I don’t mean to imply that the outcomes are always to my liking…and most certainly, God does not always answer on my timetable!  But God has been so steadfast and faithful to me. He has blessed me and answered me. He has rescued me and restored me over and again.  And I have grown in my reverence and respect for Him as a result.

I still have moments when I say, “Lord, we need a miracle.”  But more often when I ask for this, I trust that God will deliver.  I know that this may not come in the form or time that I expected – but He will deliver!  There is a peace and comfort in this attitude.  It can be very liberating not to be a “know-it-all”…to let go and let God have control. 

Are you still trying to tell God what to do?  Will this be the day that you fully surrender to His will and give Him your complete reverence and respect? Aren’t you ready to at least give it a shot and see what happens? 

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 21, 2015

Luke 2:6-7
...and while they were there, she gave birth to her first-born son. She dressed him in baby clothes and laid him on a bed of hay, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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

There is an old adage that “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” Mary knew that her “due date” was eminent.  But like many expectant mothers, the exact hour that the newborn was to arrive was a mystery. Once in a while, there is no time to adequately prepare for childbirth.  It happens more often than we realize.  Even though everyone knows that a baby is on the way, you hear about infants being born in cabs, on the bathroom floor at home, and in other less-than-ideal locations.

So what do we learn from situations that stop us dead in our tracks and instantly change our course?  It seems to me that these are opportunities for us to recognize the supremacy of God.  I can often see how God orchestrated dozens of things perfectly amidst the unsettling nature of events that have unfolded in my own life.  I can see how beautifully God prepared for the birth of His Son – our Savior – in the lowliest of places.  How else could He have shown us the purity of humility than to deliver the Prince of Peace in a bed of hay?

Instead of telling God how we intend for things to go, why don’t we ask Him to show us what to do with each day?  Rather than question His motives and the unexpected “deliveries,” shouldn’t we ask God to direct our steps and guide us as we navigate the detours?  What do you suppose would happen if we started trusting God in everything…even when it didn’t appear that things were going to turn out as we had hoped?  Are we ready to deliver a baby in a bed of hay…to surrender our plans and ideas of how things should go in favor of God’s?

We’ve been given the perfect demonstration of complete trust in God - and His plans -  over our own mortal ideas.  Isn’t it time we took this to heart and incorporated this attitude in our own life?  Are we really ready to “let go and let God?”  Isn’t this the right time to do so?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 20, 2015

Job 28:28
And this is what he says to all mankind: ‘Look, to fear the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
   
I was watching a show about people who weigh more than 600 pounds and desperately want gastric bypass surgery to help them lose weight.  On one particular episode, the doctor asked his patient, “What do you eat?”  The young man explained that “I only eat twice a day…but I snack a lot, and I can’t seem to get by without potatoes – especially potato chips.”  The doctor asked this patient what he thought would happen to him if he stopped eating the chips.  “I would probably lose weight,” he replied.

The young man really didn’t want to do this.  He told the doctor that he was an emotional eater…that he didn’t eat because he was hungry, but because he was trying to feed inner conflicts.  This is a common behavior…and the doctor pointed out that if the young man continued to feed his feelings after surgery, he still would not lose weight.

This doctor has a reputation for helping morbidly obese people get their lives back on track…and this young man had a healthy “fear” (respect) for the doctor’s opinion.  He was able to receive psychological counseling in tandem with the bypass surgery – and he lost almost 400 pounds.  But for every “success story” on this program, there are probably two or three stories of people who simply cannot stop eating poorly and don’t keep the weight off long-term.  In fact, there is a “five-year mark” that is deemed the true measure of success.  If the patient can lose weight and maintain it for five years, there is a decent chance that this weight loss will be permanent.

In so many ways, we are the obese person who looks to God to help us lose our “weight”…but we don’t want to give up the “chips.”  We know that God can fix us…that He can heal our bodies, minds and souls…that He can resolve conflicts and set us on the right course in every area of our lives.  But we want Him to do this while we continue right on with our old habits.  We want to wring our hands over people and problems.  We want to eat whatever we choose and sit on our backsides.  We want to gripe and complain, gossip and disparage, and do as we please…and we want God to fix it all.

The truth is…we can’t have it both ways.  A lot of us are wise enough to trust and “fear” God…but fewer of us have figured out that the real victory comes in an understanding of how He works.  And this means that we must do our part and forsake evil in all of its forms.

So our assignment for today is to take a good hard look at our lives and see where we are allowing “evil” of some sort to control us.  Where have we not fully surrendered to God?  Where have we given up on something or someone instead of humbly trusting God to work in this situation?  Where have we thrown up our hands and said, “It’s no use!” – and “opened the bag of chips and begun to eat?” 

Look at the circumstances of your life today, and make the necessary changes.  Fear (respect) God and walk in His wisdom – and grow in understanding of how He cares for you and meets your every need.  Surrender your will to God’s…and see how far He will take you.  Make this the day that you shed the weight of a life not fully offered to God and discover the new “spring in your step” that comes from letting Him have your burdens.  This is the day to “lighten our load!”  I’m all in…are you?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 13, 2015

Genesis 22:12
“Don’t hurt the boy or harm him in any way!” the angel said. “Now I know that you truly obey God, because you were willing to offer him your only son.”

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

Friends of mine are sitting with their 31-year-old daughter as she nears the end of her battle with breast cancer.  The mother wrote a heart-wrenching note on Facebook today, describing the time she is sharing with her child before she enters the gates of Heaven…the conversations they are having…and how grateful this mother is for the years she was given with her daughter and the medical staff who extended her earthly stay.  She closed by saying, “From our family to you and yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS and A BLESSED and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.”  Because I know this family and their level of faith, I know that this mother means every word of her last sentence.

I have sat with more than one person who was nearing the end of their life and the beginning of an eternity in the presence of Jesus.  I have shared conversations and “prayed them on” in their journey…I have “let go.”  But thankfully, I have never done this as a parent.  I am told it is the deepest heartbreak imaginable.  And yet, countless mothers and fathers have had to let go of their children and say, “They belong to You now, LORD”…and find a way to move on with their lives.  In a way, these people are modern-day Abrahams.

Okay, so they didn’t physically sacrifice their own children…or make preparations to take their lives as a demonstration of faith in God.  And no, they really had no “say” about whether their children lived or died.  But still, they had to make the mental choice to offer their sons and daughters to God and say, “Go ahead and take them…I will trust You to take care of me without them.”  And that is a huge leap of faith for anyone.

This is the kind of faith that I am cultivating.  I want to be so confident in God’s love and care that I can boldly say, “Take everything and everyone, if You must…and I will still honor You and glorify Your name.  I will still serve You with every fiber of my being and do my best to serve you with obedience and grace.”  This is fearless living…and I want to embrace it!

Will it be easy?  Not at all…but then, being a faith-filled Christian often is anything but comfortable and trouble-free.  That’s why they call it “faith!”  I know that the rewards are so worth it…of this I am very sure.  So I am going all in and asking God to equip me to live this life to which He has called me.  What about you?  Are you ready to live fearlessly, too?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 20, 2015

Psalm 94:19
Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Earlier this week, I shared a video on Facebook by Francine Christophe, a then-8-year-old French Jewish girl who was held as a prisoner of war in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in northern Germany during WWII.  The main theme of Christophe’s story centered around two pieces of chocolate that her mother had carried with her to share on a day “when I see you have completely collapsed and really need help.”  I urge you to use the link I have provided and watch this video for yourself.  See how God orchestrated so many events – even decades after the war ended!

I share this story with you to say this…we all have doubts.  At times, our hearts are all in turmoil…we falter in the “Hope and Cheer Department.”  But when I read stories like this one – or hear accounts on the nightly news of people who have experienced incredible, horrific atrocities or those who have suffered unimaginable torture and grief,  I think of the thousands of refugees and orphans who wonder where they will lay their head at night and if/when they will eat again.  And I am humbled to think that the God who can quiet them and renew their hope and cheer can – and will – do the same thing for me.

My “troubles” pale in comparison to those of so many – yet I know that God cares just as deeply for me as He does for anyone else.  And He feels the same way about YOU!  Whatever your doubts today, ask God to reassure you.  Whatever turmoil has stirred your heart, call on Him to quiet you and renew your hope and cheer.  When you have “completely collapsed and really need help,” let our Heavenly Father be like the “piece of chocolate” that soothes you.

I know it’s hard to “let go and let God” sometimes…but He so wants to meet us where we are and handle our every need.  Isn’t it time that we let Him?

©2015 Debbie Robus     

https://www.facebook.com/robert.eshbach/videos/1051135241572083/?pnref=story

Daily Devotional for November 3, 2015

Matthew 11:28-30
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

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.
       
There was a story on CBS This Morning about how couples are leaving traditional religion, particularly with regard to weddings.  Instead of marrying in the church, they are asking friends and acquaintances to officiate at their nuptials.  Many of those who are presiding at such weddings are getting their “ordination papers” online.  Yes, YOU can become an ordained minister and perform your friends’ ceremonies.

But that’s not the part of the story that resonated with me.  The reporter noted that Millenials (those who reached young adulthood around the year 2000) are leaving the organized church in record numbers…and “seeking a different path.  She noted that Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) seem to be growing in their faith – and that many claim to “pray every day.”

I have to tell you…while I do not discount such reports, they do dishearten me.  Yes, I am a “Baby Boomer” – and yes, I pray every day.  I have grown to know the power and strength of a life lived under the yoke of Jesus rather than the burden of my own worries and fears.

What I want to say to people of any age is this...don’t “throw the baby out with the bath water.”  If you have not found a corporate worship setting (or church family) that is right for you, don’t stop looking!  Most certainly, do not give up on Jesus…because I can assure you that He has not given up on YOU!  There will be plenty of situations and circumstances in life that have us all scratching our heads at best – and often wringing our hands in desperation.  And Jesus can help us handle all of them.  None of our burdens  or concerns are too insignificant – or too heavy – for Jesus to bear.

Trade your “yoke” for that of Jesus.  Let Him do the heavy lifting and carry the big stuff…and let Him help you with the smaller issues, also.  Even if “church” has left you burned out, discouraged and/or disillusioned, don’t walk away from Jesus!  Get away with Him and really get to know Him.  Rest in His gentle rhythms of grace – and surrender to His strength. 

Jesus is calling, “Come to me, and I will give you rest.”  Aren’t you ready to take Him up on His offer?  Wouldn’t this be a good day to get started?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 30, 2015

Luke 1:18-20
Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know this is going to happen? My wife and I are both very old.”

The angel answered, “I am Gabriel, God’s servant, and I was sent to tell you this good news. You have not believed what I have said. So you will not be able to say a thing until all this happens. But everything will take place when it is supposed to.”

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

The children and I went swimming yesterday at our Aquatic Center. Timothy asked if he could be on the local swim team someday.  I told him maybe…IF he learned to swim!  I asked Timothy if he would like to remove his life jacket and practice what he learned in swim lessons this summer.  He shook his head “no” and said, “I will drown!”  I assured him that he would not drown – that I would never let that happen to him.  I will always do my best to keep him safe.  So he agreed to try, and with the first “lap”, he sunk a little – and panicked a LOT! 

We put the life jacket back on...but before long, Timothy said that he would like to try again to “swim” – but not so far this time.  So we started with very short distances of only a couple or three feet from me to the wall and back.  And soon, he was going farther…and even practicing his breathing skills by pushing himself down to the pool floor and holding his breath for several seconds.  He was so proud of his progress and asked me to please text his swim lesson teacher, Miss Amy, and let her know that he can almost swim!

At one point, I said to Timothy, “You really don’t trust me very much, do you?!”  I reminded him that I would never let anything bad happen to him if I could help it – in the water or otherwise.  And I reminded him that in order to learn to swim, he had to try – and to trust me to help him stay afloat.

As Gabriel talked with Zechariah, I have to imagine that God was thinking…”You really don’t trust me very much, do you?!”  I can tell you, it gets a little exasperating at times when we are trying to persuade one of the children to trust us and try something – a new food or activity that we know they will enjoy or do well at…and they cannot “cut loose” and see what happens.  It must be that way – and then some – for God when we fail to trust Him…when we continue to “worry” our worries…when we won’t step out and try what He is calling us to do because we are scared stiff of failure! 

In these verses from Luke 1, we are reminded that God blesses those who trust Him.  I pointed out to Timothy that “You cannot be on the swim team if you don’t know how to swim!”  And in life, there are many things that we cannot enjoy – at least not as fully as God would like – because we refuse to trust Him in all circumstances.

What are you holding back from God these days?  Where are you failing to be totally obedient…to give Him your troubles and concerns…to trust Him to do what He has promised?  Are you ready to join His “swim team” and receive all of the blessings that come along with it…or are you content to paddle around like a toddler in a “puddle jumper” and live in the land of “good enough?”  The choice is totally yours…what will you decide to do?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 29, 2015

Joshua 1:9
I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
Last Christmas, I found a recipe for Cashew Brittle…a salty/sweet concoction of caramelized sugar and cashews.  I made several batches and shared with friends and family…but I have to say, I ate my fair share!  I wasn’t even a fan of cashews…until they were combined with this crunchy sweetness.  Then I could NOT stay away from the candy jar.  I knew that I should pace myself…that I needed to exercise will power and resolve and stay away from that delicious concoction. Hey, I knew better than to make it in the first place!  But I simply could not control myself…or maybe I allowed myself to be controlled by the thought – and taste – of that delicious treat.  If you have ever said to yourself or someone else, “I won’t rest until I’ve eaten the whole thing!”…you know exactly what I mean.

We do this very thing with our worries and fears.  We say we are going to give them to God.  And sometimes, we do let God handle these things – for a little while.  But in the back of our mind, the devil is saying, “You better pick those back up and fiddle with them for a while longer.  What if this?  What about that?  You should be concerned!”  Essentially, we are encouraged to return to the “Worry Candy Jar” - and keep going back as the “weight” of our troubles mounts.

This scripture from Joshua is incredibly powerful and profound. In these words, we pretty well have a sum total of what it means to live and breathe in Christian faith.  We have the perfect recipe for how to walk in peace and confidence with God.  “…be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” 

Today, let’s make a concerted effort to “let go and let God” – in every situation.  Let God handle your worries and fears.  Let God heal you and give you peace.  Let God comfort you in grief and encourage you in challenges and stressful situations.  Let God be God and do the heavy lifting.  Be strong and brave – and confident that He is in complete and perfect control.  And stay away from that “candy jar” of worries and lies from the devil. 

I cannot promise that I won’t make Cashew Brittle this year…or something equally delectable and tempting.  But I am trusting God to give me strength and will power to manage even this enticement in my life.  With God, ALL things are possible…even the ability to “just say no!” during the holidays!  Are you ready to let Him have complete control of your worries, fears and temptations?  Don’t you think it’s time you were?

©2015 Debbie Robus