1 John 2:12-14
I remind you, my dear children: Your sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name. You veterans were in on the ground floor, and know the One who started all this; you newcomers have won a big victory over the Evil One.

And a second reminder, dear children: You know the Father from personal experience. You veterans know the One who started it all; and you newcomers—such vitality and strength! God’s word is so steady in you. Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the Evil One.

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’ve been talking with a few of friends who are in the throes of some difficult situations, including struggles with the issues of aging, terminal illness, and challenges at work.  I have tried to offer hope and encouragement to them as someone who - as one friend put it – “has been through the fire” on a few of these fronts. Indeed, like anyone who has lived nearly 60 years, I’ve experienced a few “life events.”  And I feel very much like a “veteran who knows the One who started it all.”

This morning, I woke and looked around our house (which is still fully “dressed” in Christmas decorations) and thought about all that has happened to me and my family in just one year.  Last winter, I didn’t get the Christmas decorations put away until nearly the end of January, so I am counting my blessings that I am somewhat ahead of the game today!  But for the moment, I look around the house and see decorations everywhere…and a part of me is asking, “How on earth will I ever get this all put away?”  The simple answer is, “one piece at a time.”  I can’t fully explain how this will happen, but I know that I will roll up my sleeves, get in there and get started…and soon it will all be done.

You probably know that 2016 was a year that tested – and strengthened - our faith.  I hope that we have demonstrated to others – especially our children – that even when we don’t know how we will “get it done,” God is making a way.  If I have learned anything, I’ve learned that even when we don’t know how we will manage a situation…how we will ever survive the  situations and circumstances that cause us to feel like the world is crumbling around us…God is busy working everything out and meeting our needs.

Yesterday, Nathan slipped out of a kitchen counter chair – and bumped his head.  I’m sure it really hurt, and he cried big ole “crocodile tears.”  I cuddled him in my lap with a cold “owie bag” and assured him that it would be okay soon.  He tearfully said, “No, it won’t!”  But it was…and soon, he was playing – and climbing back into that chair for another snack!

Yes, there are days when I want to curl up in a ball and say, “This is too much!”  That happens to all of us.  And I believe those are the days when God cradles us in His lap, much as I did Nathan, and says, “It’s going to be okay. I know you don’t see it…but I promise, I’m right here with you.” God is always fighting the Evil One behind the scenes.  When we sit in His lap and pour out our heart and soul, He is holding us with one arm…and swinging His sword at the devil with his other.

When I tell others that “this will be okay,” I do not say this smugly…but rather, as one who has faith and confidence that it truly will. I am quick to tell you – I have not lost a child or a spouse – or suffered a lengthy and debilitating illness…and I cannot fathom the anguish of these situations.  But I have observed many who have experienced these heartbreaks and difficulties, and I have seen how God carried them through – and healed their hearts to a point where they could continue to function and bless others.  I truly believe that God can bring us through anything…the really “big stuff” like death, illness and personal struggle…and the relatively small stuff of taking down our holiday decorations!

When you stop and think about it, there is no other who has the all-encompassing power – and compassion, grace and mercy – to accomplish all of this.  God is the be-all, end-all…the winner over the Evil One…and our incomparable LORD and Master.  Do you feel His power and presence in your life today?  Whether you are doing pretty well right now – or you need some “lap time,” God is ready, willing and able to meet your needs.  Will you claim Him and cling to His promises?  Don’t you think you should?

©2017 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 10, 2016

December 10 ~ Luke 6:30
Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don’t worry about getting them back.

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

When I was about eight or nine, I got a brand new bicycle.  A boy my age came into our yard one day and asked if he could try out the bike.  His dad worked with my dad sometimes, so I said, “Yes.”  The boy hopped on the bicycle and rode away…like several blocks, across the highway, and across town.  My dad happened to be home, and when I told him what had happened, he got in to his truck, chased the boy down, and retrieved my bicycle.  Daddy told me to never let someone outside of the family ride my bike again…and I didn’t!

I learned a valuable lesson that day about lending to others.  Of course, the “lesson” is different for children and bicycles - or other toys and personal belongings.  But as an adult, I’ve learned that any “loan” I make could very well be a “gift.”  And let’s be honest…if the need is great enough for someone to ask you for a loan, there is a good chance that person has eaten a big slice of “humble pie” to do so.  My pastor has wisely noted that the time to help someone is when he/she asks.

So if a person asks to borrow money, a tool, an item of clothing, or a book or other personal belonging – and I can afford to help him/her…I “lend” with the assumption that I will never see this article again. Of course, God wants us to be wise. Don’t lend someone your car with the same supposition.  Don’t lend money you need for your mortgage, utilities, food…or daily living. Don’t give away your “nest egg!”

Be wise…pray about such loans before you commit to them…and make good choices.  But don’t be stingy.  Don’t expect people to jump through hoops to repay a few dollars – or to return a coat you never wore in the first place.  Be realistic and understand that even people with the best intentions sometimes don’t follow through on their promises. Give accordingly…with God’s guidance and blessing.

In short…don’t get hung up on your possessions or accrued wealth.  If someone else is truly in need and asks to borrow, be ready to prayerfully give what is needed.  If the loan is repaid, consider it a bonus.  If not, trust God for the “compensation.” And never, ever let someone outside of your trusted “family” take a spin on your new bicycle!

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 9, 2016

Matthew 8:5-10
When Jesus arrived in Capernaum, a Roman army captain came and pled with him to come to his home and heal his servant boy who was in bed paralyzed and racked with pain.

“Yes,” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

Then the officer said, “Sir, I am not worthy to have you in my home; and it isn’t necessary for you to come. If you will only stand here and say, ‘Be healed,’ my servant will get well! I know, because I am under the authority of my superior officers and I have authority over my soldiers, and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave boy, ‘Do this or that,’ and he does it. And I know you have authority to tell his sickness to go—and it will go!”

Jesus stood there amazed! Turning to the crowd he said, “I haven’t seen faith like this in all the land of Israel!

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
    
I was so anxious – almost excited – to see what God would have to say to me today in His Holy Word.  I knew it would be profound…comforting…encouraging…healing.  And I am not disappointed.  Clearly, God is using this passage to show me that He is still in control…still ready, willing, and able to meet our needs.  All we have to do is trust Him.

Wherever I am, I can simply whisper, “LORD, I need You…” and He will be there.  Whatever is on my heart…I can share…and Jesus hears me.  Whenever I am defeated, He lifts me up…and when I am joyful and victorious, He celebrates with me.  I know with all my heart that when I ask Jesus to come to me – or heal me – He is already one step ahead of me.

So today…in ALL things…I am whispering, “LORD…I need You.”  And I know that He hears me…and will answer.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 7, 2016

Matthew 6:27-34
“Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

​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.

For most of my life, I’ve kept “to-do” lists.  These range from lists of things I hope to accomplish each day to long-term goals…like “scan and organize all of our photos,” and maybe “write another book.”  I have “mental lists” of things I need to get done…people I owe a visit…books I would like to read, and more.  I used to really beat myself up when things did not get marked off the “short list” as planned.  I would get so frustrated and upset with myself when I got behind and projects stacked up undone. And I will admit, sometimes I still get a little bent out of shape when I see things that need to be accomplished…and I am not getting to them in a timely fashion.

But then I look at what IS getting done…a family who is nurtured…friends and loved ones who are encouraged…little things that fill my days and don’t seem to amount to much – but add up to a whole lot of “something!”  I see that God is giving me opportunities every day to live – not just muddle through the day.  I bought “vampire teeth” for the kids for Halloween with every intention of making this cute donut “face” that I saw on Pinterest.  But I got busy with helping in the classroom and attending the kids’ parties at school.  So they got a set of the teeth and no donut - and they could not have cared less!

I won’t say that I am “settling”…because I think as I become less uptight about whether the house is spotless and things are “just so,” I experience more of God’s abundance in many ways.  I know that life is short, and our chances to spend time with one another and truly live in the moment – and bask in God’s goodness – are fleeting.  We will blink, and our babies will be grown…we will be “over the hill!”…and a whole other generation will have left for heaven!  What will we have to show for our lives?  Will we have spent them worrying about tomorrow and all of the things on our lists?  Or will we have steeped ourselves in the things of God…His desires for how we fill our days…and the blessings that He has poured out on each of us?  You know what the right answers to these questions are…so what will you do about them?

Ask God to help you revamp your priorities.  Give HIM first place on your “to-do” list and let Him order the rest of the items.  Recognize God’s presence in even the little things of the day…and learn to truly appreciate all of His blessings.  Stop worrying so much…and start living a whole lot more!  I know I’m working on all of these things…what about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 27, 2016

Matthew 5:38-42    
“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

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 a few months ago, Nathan yelled at me when I told him “No!” and I sent him to “time out.”  He refused to go…I calmly, but firmly insisted!  This four-year-old boy turned and looked at me and said, “You don’t wuv me anymore.  I am not your fwiend ANY MORE!”  He went to sit in the “time out” chair anyway!

On some level, those words hurt.  I realize that he didn’t mean them…but when Nathan is 15 and mad at me over something, they might be offered with more sincerity.  And it will crush my heart to hear someone I love so dearly speak so harshly.  But I hope and pray that I will “turn the other cheek.”  I will probably have plenty of “ammo” that I could lob right back at him by then.  But it would not serve any purpose other than to deepen the divide and possibly damage our relationship forever.  And…it would disobey and disrespect Jesus.

In this season of such discourse, every fiber of our being wants to scream insults and offer retaliations to someone nearly every day.  We are hurt, angry, bewildered, and ready to “make them pay.”  But we must not do this.  We must stand quietly and be still…and trust God.  We must demonstrate that He is in charge…and we will not be dragged into the mud.

Stop and think about it.  You can name plenty of people with short fuses who are quick to get angry and eager to retaliate.  But think about the person you know who remains steadfast and calm…the one who rises above the fray.  In the words of First Lady, Michelle Obama, think of the person who “goes high when the other guy goes low.”  THIS person has heard Jesus’ words – and taken them to heart.  And so must we!

This is the day that the Lord has made.  We must rejoice in it, and live generously.  We must stand up straight and “go high.”  God can – and will – fight our battles. Trust Him to always have our back. Let GOD be in charge of sending others to “time out”…and discover how He blesses your restraint.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 29, 2016

Mark 3:5-8
Jesus was angry as he looked around at the people. Yet he felt sorry for them because they were so stubborn. Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did, and his bad hand was healed.

The Pharisees left. And right away they started making plans with Herod’s followers to kill Jesus.

Jesus led his disciples down to the shore of the lake. Large crowds followed him from Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. People came from Idumea, as well as other places east of the Jordan River. They also came from the region around the cities of Tyre and Sidon. All of these crowds came because they had heard what Jesus was doing.

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

When I was growing up, my daddy and my Mam-ma Polly had a saying, “Tend to your own rat killin’!”  What they meant was, “Mind your own business, do what you know is right, and don’t worry about what the other guy thinks.”  My mother also had a favorite saying in her last years…”You can’t fix stupid.”  I know these may not be the nicest things to say…but at face value, they do hold a lot of truth.

I could not help but think of both of these phrases as I read today’s scripture passage.  On the one hand, Jesus had demonstrated His power in both word and deed…and there were still some who simply refused to believe Him. The Book of Mark tells us that this angered Jesus…but it also saddened Him. On the other hand, people were rumbling and grumbling about Jesus’ miracles…doubting His authenticity - and even making plans to kill Him.  And Jesus just “went on with His rat killin’!”  He continued to minister to those who came to Him…to heal those who trusted and believed in His power and sovereignty.

What does this mean for you and me?  Every day, we encounter people who, at best, do not agree with us on some level…and some who do not believe in Jesus or the faith in Him that we demonstrate. We are questioned, doubted, challenged…and sometimes mocked or ridiculed.  We can get angry…and even stoop to the level of those who would argue with us.  Or we can rely on God’s strength, stay in communication with the Holy Spirit…and “tend to our rat killin’!”  We can go about our day doing what God has told us to do…sharing the love, grace power and mercy of Jesus Christ with others…and let God handle the rest.

Thankfully, the chances that you or I might be killed for our faith are slim to none.  But there may be some lonely, hurtful, frustrating days/weeks/months/years.  Do not be discouraged.  Remember this passage from Mark 3.  Take heart that you can’t fix everyone – and you’re not supposed to.  You are simply to tend to the business and ministries of Jesus – and give Him room to do the heavy lifting.  Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 14, 2016

James 1:2-4
Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

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

Today, two “memes” showed up in consecutive order on my Facebook wall.  The first one said, “Sometimes the strongest among us are the ones who smile through silent pain, cry behind closed doors, and fight battles nobody knows about."  The next one said, “Dear ‘Whatever doesn't kill me’... I'm strong enough now!  Thanks!”  I was unable to positively determine the authors of these quotes, but I felt they were worth sharing.

None of us likes to be uncomfortable.  We do not relish difficulties and temptations…much less a “rough row to hoe!”  Ask anyone if he/she enjoys tests of patience...or problems...and you’ll probably get a resounding “NO!”  The old adage that "What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger" may have some truth to it...but most of us would rather not test that theory!

Still, we read in James 1 that difficulties and temptations should bring us joy! We read that patience will grow out of challenges…that our character will be strengthened, and our faith in Jesus Christ will be fully developed.  And those of us who have lived through some “stuff” can attest to this.  As I think about my own life and the times when I was truly tested…I see how God used these times to develop my faith muscle - and keep it strong.

Timothy mentioned to me again this morning that "your home is always joyful and happy” (his words).  He knows that Greg and I have challenges…that we have experienced grief, health concerns, and other life events that have tried our patience.  And yet, he sees that we are (generally) able to manage them with confidence…and a positive outlook.  I pray that our children will take this example to heart…that in the years to come, we can encourage them to internalize the words of James in this passage... and trust God to care for them and develop their faith – even in difficult times.

There was one more “meme” that I noticed as I was preparing this message.  It said, “People who wonder if the glass is half empty or half full miss the point...the glass is refillable.” God can fill our “glass”…and He will do so over and again, if only we will trust Him. I cannot prevent challenges, heartaches and disappointments in my own life, the lives of our children – or you!  But GOD can help us all to grow in and through these experiences…and share an ever stronger faith in Him with others.

Whatever you are experiencing today, trust God to get you through it.  Allow Him room to work, and watch as He develops your faith and strengthens your ability to operate in patience, courage, and empathy.  God will fill your “glass”…and keep it filled.  Are you ready to let Him?

©2016 Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for August 13, 2016

Isaiah 1:16-20
Oh, wash yourselves! Be clean! Let me no longer see you doing all these wicked things; quit your evil ways. Learn to do good, to be fair, and to help the poor, the fatherless, and widows.

Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool! If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich! But if you keep on turning your backs and refusing to listen to me, you will be killed by your enemies; I, the Lord, have spoken.

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

When we spill something on our clothing…the carpet…or the couch, our first instinct is to grab a cloth or sponge and start rubbing!  Often, the result is that we push the stain further into the fibers and make permanent removal more difficult – if not a near impossibility.  Today, there are all sorts of cleaners and sprays that can be applied to essentially “fizz” the stain out and dissolve it. You have to be careful…some of the “oxi” treatments can actually bleach the material(s). But much of the time, these “treatments” work beautifully and can save a lot of trouble and disappointment.

The kids are always saying, “Aww…I spilled XYZ on my shirt.” I find that I am often telling them, “That’s okay…I can get that out…” or “I’ll wash it, and everything will be fine.” (And sometimes, I find myself scrubbing and “fizzing” a stain that proved more difficult to remove than I imagined!)

Do you see where I am headed?  We are the “children” – God is the parent.  We stain our lives…He removes the blemishes.  Sometimes, the “stains” have been rubbed in…we’ve worked them over pretty well!  Other times, the sin is just so big that it takes more “elbow grease” to get it out, once and for all.  But God is able to do all of this…if only we will humbly admit our errors and ask Him to forgive us and wash us clean!

OUR JOB is to do all that we can to “get clean” - and stay that way…to be careful with our words and actions.  We must care for others and serve God according to His directions…and never, ever “rub the stain of sin” further into our lives.  Some of us are so stubborn.  We want to have things our way…to turn our backs on the word and wisdom of God and do as we please. This is our choice…but we must understand that we are also choosing to risk the consequences of God’s displeasure.

Just because we give our hearts to Jesus doesn’t mean that we can “stain our shirts” and assume that He will clean up the mess.  With redemption comes responsibility…and we should be so grateful to Jesus for His salvation that we would be willing to do anything and everything to honor Him.

So I ask you today…what’s on your shirt?  Have you rubbed in the stain or tried to cover it up?  Or have you made every effort to allow God to clean you, once and for all…and worked hard to keep things neat and tidy as you move forward? Will this be the day that He washes you “whiter than snow”…and you make every effort to stay that way?  Don’t you think it should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 10, 2016

Exodus 21:23-25
But if any harm comes to the woman and she dies, he shall be executed.

“If her eye is injured, injure his; if her tooth is knocked out, knock out his; and so on—hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, lash for lash.

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

Children are notorious for “hitting back”…and ours are no different.  We will hear, “He/she hit me first!”  Timothy will sometimes say of his younger siblings, “I needed to teach him/her a lesson!”  We are definitely a work in progress!

The sad fact is that adults do this very same thing.  The retaliation may not be physical…but words and actions can have a damaging effect, as well.  Someone will ask, “What about me?  Don’t MY feelings matter?  What he/she said or did hurt me!  Don’t I have rights, too?”  The short answer is “Yes…and NO.”

The first thing we have to look at is the location of this scripture passage…in the Old Testament.  Laws were very different before the time of Jesus.  His birth, death and resurrection changed EVERYTHING…and thankfully so!  We don’t have to sacrifice baby animals or present burnt offerings to atone for our sins…and we don’t have to handle offenses on our own!  We have a Savior who does all of this for us!  Lashing out at others and retaliation tactics are not only childish…they are sinful!  They suggest that we do not trust Jesus to handle these situations and circumstances for us…that we do not fully understand and believe that He can – and will - meet our every need.

There will be times in our lives when we would love to exchange an eye for an eye…when we would like nothing more than to teach someone a lesson – to make him/her suffer just a little and feel our pain.  But we have to stop and ask ourselves, “What if Jesus had done this?”  He is our Savior…our Ultimate Example of how to treat others and share God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness with them.

The “lesson” we need to be teaching is tolerance and understanding…not revenge.  We need to be paying it forward…not doling out paybacks.  Yes, the Bible does say “an eye for an eye”…but it also notes that Jesus said, “Father, forgive them.”  The former serves as a reminder that we have been freed from the shackles of operating under a system of oppressive parameters, punishments and penance.

Because of Jesus, we can now live in the freedom of His deliverance.  Our liberation from sin and the old laws provides us with the opportunity to serve in hope, faith, and forgiveness…to take the high road and let Jesus handle any discipline and retribution.

Philippians 4:13 tells us that…”I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”  Are you demonstrating this in your daily living?  Or do you still have the mistaken idea that it is your job to help God show others a thing or two?  When others look at you, do they see an Old Testament believer…or a disciple of Christ’s Good News?  There IS a difference!  Have you chosen Salvation and freedom in the power of Jesus Christ?  Will this be the day that you do?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 25, 2016

Matthew 18:18-20    
“Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”

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 have grown so weary of what people are saying to one another these days – particularly on social media – that I’ve almost quit reading.  So if I miss an important post from one of you, please understand that it was not my intention to ignore you.  I really do care about the ups and downs in my friends’ lives.  But when they resort to name-calling and vicious criticisms of others, I am just not able to support this.

Let’s focus primarily on one particular line of this scripture passage today… “What you say to one another is eternal.” Jesus could not have been more clear, could He?  I’ve seen some pretty nasty comments lately from people I know and love…and perhaps they were just engaging in some banter that they felt teetered close to the edge of ugliness while remaining harmless.  I am here to say that it is not innocuous…because not everyone knows you.  Not everyone who reads what is posted or hears what is said will have the “back story” and know that this is a teasing exchange between two acquaintances or old friends.

In the same manner, when we share off-color comments – or make them - we are demonstrating a level of acceptance of this kind of behavior…and showing our immaturity in the bargain.  We have to be very careful as Christians to monitor our words and actions.  What we say matters!  What we do is important!  Jesus has told us…these things have eternal consequences!

I think we would all pretty well concede that when we pray for someone – or when two of us agree before God about something, we trust that God will hear our answer and respond according to His will.  When we gather with a friend or two and speak of God or share in His word – or even discuss how God has worked in an area of our lives – God is with us, and He blesses the discussion.  What we don’t seem to recognize is that when we say and do ugly or unkind things…when we “misbehave,” God sees this, too.  And He hangs His head in shame and disgust.  Nothing gets by God!

Maybe you don’t care.  Maybe you think that you will say and do what you please…that Jesus has forgiven your sins, and your seat at His table in heaven is secure – so the rest doesn’t matter.  But I am here to tell you that it does.  Maybe you believe that this person or the other truly is a jerk or an idiot, and telling the world is your job!  It isn’t!  God will handle this situation – and countless others like it – if only you will give the problem to HIM…then back off and allow Him room to work!

Let’s pay closer attention to our words and actions.  Let’s be very careful about labels and criticisms and offering our opinion as “gospel”…because Jesus made it very clear that what we say and do has eternal consequences. In light of this consideration, don’t you want to be more careful?  Will this be the day that you get started?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 22, 2016

Luke 6:37-38
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

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 is a “local” morning show on television that I like to watch, and each Wednesday, a psychologist is interviewed for a segment on personal relationships.  This morning, she was talking about people who try to do too much and have it all – particularly women.  She said that often, we look at other people and think that they have it all together…and we try to be just like them.  She also pointed out that when we see people in public – or on social media – we are often seeing their best.  Their life may not be all that rosy or carefree behind closed doors.

So what does this have to do with today’s scripture passage?  Every person has a story.  The psychologist pointed out that each one of us has “issues”…struggles, concerns, things that are not perfect in our lives.  And just after this segment aired, I saw a “promo” for a story that will air later about Miami Heat basketball star Dwyane Wade, who says as a child, he had body image issues and would not swim without wearing a shirt.  The promo featured a photo of the incredibly fit and muscular Wade with the tag line that even HE has body issues.  See…we all have our challenges and idiosyncracies!

You’re probably still wondering how this relates to a scripture on judgment and criticism.  So here goes…everybody has issues.  Nobody is perfect. As well as you think you know someone, you really have no clue what is going on in their heart and mind…or maybe in the privacy of their own home.  And they don’t know you, either.  So when you criticize someone or pick on their faults, you are setting yourself up for the same scrutiny.  And others might just end up judging you unfairly.  At the very least, it doesn’t feel good to be criticized or disparaged – about anything!

Before you call someone a “jerk”…or a “screw-up”...or cluck your tongue about this or that thing that he/she said or did…stop and look at your own life.  Remember that time when you acted so foolishly?  Do you recall the incident where your judgment was seriously clouded?  What about the horrible or thoughtless thing you said or did in the heat of the moment?  These misbehaviors do not excuse those of someone else…one person’s sins do not justify another.  But we are not the judge and jury…we are not God!

We cannot have it both ways…although I sometimes wish we could – don’t you?  I’m human…and an imperfect sinner, so yes, there are days when I wish I could rant and rave and rail against the world as if I know what is best!  But I have to stop and remind myself that the person who is getting on my last nerve – or behaving in a manner that is unacceptable to me – has just as much right to a relationship with Jesus and the privilege of being called His precious child as I do.  The same forgiveness that I am afforded is offered to him/her, also.  And judging others is simply “not my circus, not my monkeys.”

I don’t have a handle on this yet…but I am surely working on it. I am asking God each day to give me a heart like His…to allow me to see others as He sees them – and treat them as Jesus demonstrated.  I’m not where I want or need to be yet…but will prayerfully keep trying to do better.  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 16, 2016

Isaiah 1:18
Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!

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

Photo courtesy of Laverne/Steve James

My sister Suzanne had a birthday last week, and a childhood friend shared a photo with us of one of HIS birthday parties, which she and I attended.  We must have been about 6 and 7 in the picture, and I had on a red checked dress (that I am positive my mother made) with white ruffles down the bodice.  I had an almost instant recollection of a red checked dress that very well may have been this same one.  I was playing in our yard one spring/summer day, and I picked up the neighbor’s kitten.  It promptly pooped all down the front of my dress.  My mother was VERY upset…and we were forbidden to ever play with kittens again!

No doubt, Mother had a cleaning challenge on her hands…and I cannot recall if there was a permanent stain on the dress.  Today, we have all sorts of Pinterest “sure-fire” stain removers… Tide® pens…OxiClean™…Shout®…and more. Still, there are some stains that cannot be removed.  But today’s children will never quite know the angst that WE experienced as youngsters when we got a stain on our clothing.  I can remember being quite worried about the trouble I would get in for getting my clothes dirty…can’t you?

This is such a comforting scripture verse.  As I read it, I was instantly transported back to childhood…but this time, I heard the Master saying, “It’s okay…come on over here and snuggle with Me, and I’ll take care of that stain.  I know it looks bad right now…but it will be as good as new soon!”  What comfort lies in these words!  How blessed we are to know that Jesus can fix ANYTHING…and that He is ready and willing to do so!

Several times, I have told Timothy, Zola and Nathan a version of this…”Don’t worry…I’ll fix that”…or “I can get that pizza/strawberry/chocolate stain out!”  But there will be plenty of things in life - including a few “marks” - that I cannot remove.  Isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus can…and will?  I am so comforted to know that we ALL have a refuge in Jesus…and He truly does wash us as white as snow.

You may have the perfect solutions to soils and stains in your laundry cabinet.  But I can guarantee you that the ultimate “Stain Remover” is only a prayer away.  If you have not surrendered to Jesus, please stop and invite Him into your heart today.  Run to His open arms…snuggle against His chest…and let Him remove every single stain, once and for all.  Know that His “Tide® pen” is always handy when we stumble and get into something we shouldn’t. 

All we have to do is call on Jesus, and He will restore us to pristine condition!  I will never forget that red checked dress – or the day I upset my mother – but I know that she got over it.  Better yet, I know that Jesus does not hold a grudge…or keep a list of my past transgressions.  They have truly been washed “as clean as fresh fallen snow”- and “white as wool” – and it doesn’t get any better.  Isn’t it time you asked Jesus to handle your stains, once and for all?  Will this be the day that He makes you forever clean?
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 13, 2016

James 4:4-6
You people aren’t faithful to God! Don’t you know that if you love the world, you are God’s enemies? And if you decide to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. Do you doubt the Scriptures that say, “God truly cares about the Spirit he has put in us”? In fact, God treats us with even greater kindness, just as the Scriptures say,

“God opposes everyone
    who is proud,
but he is kind to everyone
    who is humble.”

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

In my Jesus Calling®* passage for April 11, the author (speaking as Jesus) says, “The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them.”  I was reminded of more than one recent report of an injustice that transpired that seemed incredibly unfair to some of the parties involved…especially children.  How can we thank God when a child is being used as a pawn in adult disagreements?  How can we thank God when our loan has been refused…we are slapped with exorbitant medical bills that require, at best, a huge co-pay…or the business where we’ve been employed for decades suddenly closes its doors?  How can we thank God when He has just called our loved one to Heaven and left us brokenhearted?

We have a hard time being faithful in such moments.  We want a “Burger King®” kind of faith, where we are allowed to “have it our way” any time of the day.  How can we thank God when He doesn’t give us the desires of our heart?

The bigger question is…”How can we NOT thank God?”  Don’t we get that we are telling God how to run things when we make demands of Him?  When we tell God, “You need to fix ABC or deal with Sam or Sue,” we are acting as His enemy.  We have decided that we know better than God what needs to happen.

Instead, we should look at “unwanted situations” and ask, “What are You trying to show me?”  We should humbly ask God to help us handle these events – and to show us how He can be glorified by our actions and reactions to them.  Jesus Calling® explains that when we demonstrate such faith, we are freed from resentment – and God is freed to work His ways into the situation and produce a good outcome.

Is this easy to do?  Absolutely not!  But that’s what makes it an act of faith!  The more we let God have control in our lives, the less hold the enemy has on us – and the closer we draw to Him.  When we humble ourselves before God and submit to His plans and His will, we are free to bask in His glory and care…and to fully experience His profound kindness.  Don’t you want this in your life?  I know I do!  Are you willing to fully surrender in order to get it?  Don’t you think you should be?
   
©2016 Debbie Robus
   
*www.JesusCalling.com

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.
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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 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 December 11, 2015

Ecclesiastes 3:14
I’ve also concluded that whatever God does, that’s the way it’s going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God’s done it and that’s it. That’s so we’ll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.

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

This morning, our three-year-old Nathan was trying to put some “bristle blocks” together.  These are toothed plastic blocks that forge together to form objects and shapes.  We had attached a rectangle to four wheels, and Nathan wanted to add another rectangle atop the first one.  But instead of snapping this block into place where it belonged, he kept trying to put it over a wheel.  He got really upset because this wouldn’t work – and even more upset because I couldn’t make it happen!  I kept trying to tell him, “This is not the way it goes together. It won’t work this way.”  But Nathan was having none of it.

When I read this scripture, I pictured us – God’s children – standing before Him with our own ideas of how things should be.  We show him the “blocks” of our lives and tell Him, “This is how I want to do this.” God says, “That’s not how it’s going to work.”  And the argument commences.  Often, we are as stubborn as a three-year-old boy.  We kick and stomp and demand that God do things our way…that He add this or subtract that and make everything fit our desires.  And God just shakes His head in disappointment over our foolishness.

It’s time to grow up!  We need to get a grip on God’s power and autonomy over our lives.  We need to learn to operate in “holy fear” (respect) for God and His indisputably perfect ways.  We need to worship Him…because He deserves our praise and adoration.  And we need to trust Him to meet our every need…because He is the only One who can!

The time has come to stop trying to “put the blocks together” like we want…and trust that God has our best interests at heart – always and in all ways.  When we recognize that He truly does know what is best for us, we are free to stop questioning and start really believing.  Then we can begin to truly live in God’s amazing love and grace – and He can work in and through us. Isn’t this our goal as Christian disciples? Don’t you think it should be?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 7, 2015

Deuteronomy 5:28-29
The Lord heard you and said:

Moses, I heard what the people said to you, and I approve. I wish they would always worship me with fear and trembling and be this willing to obey me! Then they and their children would always enjoy a successful life.

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

“He’s making a list…and checking it twice…gonna find out who’s naughty or nice…Santa Claus is coming to town!”* Many of us use these words as “leverage” at this time of year to elicit good behavior from our kids.  And for the most part, it works.  I am sure that more than one child is praying and promising God that he/she will be really good all year long, if only He will let Santa visit them this Christmas!  And while we adults may not be promising to be good for Santa, we make a lot of promises to God that we don’t end up keeping.

If you go back to Deuteronomy 5 and read the verses before this one, the people have told Moses that they believe in God…and frankly, they are afraid of what will happen to them if they don’t follow Him.  So they asked Moses to go and listen to everything that God said – and report back to them…and they promised to do it all.  Of course, God knew already that this wouldn’t happen…and this is pretty much what He addressed with Moses in verses 28-29. 

To do what God asks of us will result in a successful life.  But few of us are willing to do the work to draw close to God and listen for His directives.  We are so interested in doing what we want and having things our own way that we really don’t have time or inclination to seek God’s will – and act on it.  So we fumble and bumble around.  And when the chips are down, we act like a kid in early December who is afraid that Santa Claus will not visit.  And we start fervently praying and begging God to take care of us!

Isn’t it time to get off of this merry-go-round?  Don’t you want to just rest and relax in God’s peace, forever and ever?  Will this be the day that you say, “Have it YOUR way, LORD” – and let Him guide your every thought, word and step?  Are you ready to enjoy a truly successful life?  Will this be the day that you get started?

©2015 Debbie Robus
      
*Santa Claus is Coming to Town ~ ©1934 John Frederick Coots & Haven Gillespie

Daily Devotional for November 26, 2015

1 John 4:4, 7-8
Dear young friends, you belong to God and have already won your fight with those who are against Christ because there is someone in your hearts who is stronger than any evil teacher in this wicked world.

Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know him better. But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love.

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

Happy Thanksgiving!  This truly is a day to share God’s love with one another.  More importantly, this is the perfect day to thank GOD for all that He has given us. 

• God meets our every need.
• God gives us hope and courage.
• God calms our fears.
• God heals us.
• God gives us peace
• God answers our prayers.
• God plans for our future.
• God keeps His promises.
• God showers us with amazing and abundant love.
• God prepares us for Eternity in His presence.

Our complete well-being – mental, physical and spiritual – is God’s number one objective.  No one will ever love us like God does…and because of this, “no weapon formed against us can prosper” (Isaiah 54:17 paraphrased).  This is the perfect day to not only give thanks to God, but to share His love with others…to be loving and kind - and to demonstrate that we are getting to know Him better every single day. 

Let’s make this the day that we truly show our gratitude to God - and to each other - for love, care, friendship, and abundance.  Make a commitment to get to know God better and grow daily in knowledge and appreciation of His love and care.  There is no better day to “Give Thanks” than this one…ready…set…GO!

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 19, 2015

Psalm 56:3-4
But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?

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’ve thought a lot over the last few days about how I would feel if I were one of those people lined up on the stage at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris and shot – or one of the people in the crowd who had to stand by and watch this unfold.  I’ve thought of the journalists who were forced to kneel and await their beheadings as terrorists created a video to share with the world…those who were in the schools, theaters and other public venues where mass shootings took place in recent years…and those who have heard a doctor say, “Medically, we’ve done all we can do for you.”

Would I be afraid?  Would I panic?  Would I want to scream and cry out, “NO!”…or would I even be able to speak?  Would my “life flash before my eyes” as some say?  Or would I slump my shoulders and raise my hands and say, “Here I am LORD…usher me Home.” 

I cannot say for sure how I would react – none of us can.  And this passage seems to indicate that momentary fear is a normal, human reaction.  But what follows makes all the difference…”when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You.”  I love the question the Psalmist asks as a trusting believer – “What can mere man do to me?”…because it speaks directly to our Christian faith.  If we believe God when He promises to take care of us and meet all of our needs…how can we fear the words and actions of man – or even the devil?  If the outstretched arms of Jesus wait to enfold us in Heaven, how can we fear going there?  If we have been called to be Disciples and share the love of Christ with ALL people, how can we fear loving and nurturing people of all races, creeds, colors, ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs?

This is not about being naïve or throwing caution to the wind.  It’s about refusing to let the devil win by filling us with fear and worry.  My goodness…all I have to do is look at all that God has carried me through to see how crucial it is that I trust Him in all things!  His ways have ALWAYS been better than mine…His love and protection have ALWAYS been stronger and more powerful than any human’s.  And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is not dropping His guard now!

Every single one of us has opportunities to be fearful and worrisome…but we also have a God who says, “I’ve got this!”  Isn’t it time we started believing Him?  Isn’t it time we started to do all we can to honor God’s commitment to us by committing to trust Him in return?  Will this be the day that you raise your hands toward Heaven and say, “I will put my confidence in You”…then live like you mean it?

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 14, 2015

Psalm 37:23-25
The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall, it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand.

I have been young and now I am old. And in all my years I have never seen the Lord forsake a man who loves him; nor have I seen the children of the godly go hungry.

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

It’s happened again…a demonstration of hatred and senseless violence against decent, innocent people – this time in Paris, France.  And this time, it’s personal for me, because the childhood friend of my mother – my best friend/neighbor’s older sister – is a resident of this European city, where she has resided for almost 40 years. When the attacks occurred, she was returning home via subway after going to a movie. She was doing what thousands were doing on a regular Friday night in a major city…enjoying herself and minding her own business.  Yet dozens just like her didn’t return home – and more than 100 of them never will.

So what are we to do?  Our church’s Bishop, Gary Mueller, wrote a poignant note today  for Facebook and suggested that the one thing we can do is to refuse operate in fear.  He said we must do this…”not because of our own strength - but because of God.” 

I look at these words of the psalmist David in Psalm 37…surely he had seen his share of violence, death, and betrayal.  And yet, he said that he had never seen the Lord forsake a man who loves Him…nor had he seen the children of the godly go hungry.  David noted that God “holds them with His hand.” 

Even today, as we see innocent blood spilled…lives turned upside down by this horrific tragedy and senseless act of hatred…we must grab hold of these words from the Psalms and cling to God’s promises. Even physical death cannot defeat those of us who truly love and trust God for everything.  I hope and pray that every single one of the victims of yesterday’s violence were immediately transported to Heaven and now sit in the presence of God Almighty. Yet I know that this may not be the case. I cannot control this…but I can do all that I am able to ensure that I meet Him there someday…and that I share the message of Christ’s love and care to every person I encounter in the meantime.

I am saddened for the families of these victims…and for my friend and all residents of Paris who are so heartsick today over what has happened in their city.  I understand that they are surely frightened for their own safety – and worried for their future.  But I am confident that God is still in control…that He is orchestrating order in this chaos…redemption in the rubble…and peace where we see pandemonium. 

I am picturing God holding each of us by His powerful-yet-gentle hand.  And I am trusting Him to handle ALL of my worries and cares – today, and always.  What about you?

©2015 Debbie Robus