2 Corinthians 5:1
Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last July, my friend Mary McCurry, passed away. Mary lived 60 years in a crippled body… the victim of cerebral palsy since birth. She was smart, sharp-witted, and a strong Christian who could not communicate verbally as you and I do. Mary spoke mostly with her eyes and facial expressions, and those closest to her had little trouble understanding her. Some of those who did not truly get to know Mary were critical - and even cruel. They did not believe she was intelligent, nor did they “get” how devoted she was to family, friends – and to Jesus.
When Mary left this earth, the crippled “tent” of a body that she inhabited here was exchanged for a beautifully whole and complete one in heaven. I am convinced that she and her dear mother (who died less than 36 hours later) are having continual, animated conversations… and all of heaven is smiling. Mary’s “tent” is now a beautiful “home.”
We all live in an earthly “tent” of sorts. Some of us have “pup tents” like those we created as kids out of an old blanket that we draped over a chair or other furniture. We are trapped in a body that is mangled, crippled or disfigured… or weighted down with the physical, mental and emotional challenges of our daily lives. Others have a multi-roomed, fancy rig… complete with zippered windows and doorways, and maybe even divided rooms! For them, life at least appears to be a breeze… and truly, they are blessed beyond measure – even here in this life. But when we get to heaven, we will all have homes… mansions… perfect and complete – beautiful in every way.
Sixty years in a crippled “tent” seems like a terribly long time. And it can be… if we allow Satan to control our attitude and our thinking. If we choose to live as Mary did… with the attitude that this earthly “tent” is merely a temporary inconvenience at best – and for most of us, really not all that bad! – we truly glorify who we are in Christ and testify to His promise of better days ahead!
I don’t know what sort of “tent” you live in today. Maybe you are due for an “earthly upgrade” – a change in your thinking and faith to remind you that God has bigger and better things in store for you, even on this earth. Surely we could all use at least a little bit of an attitude adjustment. Isn’t it time we all focused more on our heavenly home and less on the earthly “tent?” When we shift our thinking and begin to live for Jesus and the promise of heaven, we are better equipped to serve Him here and now… in whatever dwelling He provides. Our life becomes more of a statement about our heart-felt relationship to Jesus, and less about the visible exterior. When others look at you, who – and what – do they see? Are you known by your heart… or your “tent?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label living in faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living in faith. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 4, 2012
Romans 5:3-5
There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In a regional “lifestyles” section of our newspaper, I read an article today about Lorrie Thiel of Jacksonville, Arkansas, who was injured in a serious car wreck nearly 10 years ago. As a result, Lorrie suffers frequent seizures. She obtained a service dog named Schultzy to alert her when a seizure is about to occur. She and Schultzy later adopted Galahad from the local animal shelter and trained him to become Lorrie’s service companion.
Galahad can not only alert Lorrie when a seizure is forthcoming, he also wears a special backpack which contains her medications on one side, and her purse (hidden) on the other. When a seizure is eminent, Galahad lets Lorrie know so that she can find a safe, comfortable chair and sit down – and she can take medication to lessen the seizure’s effects. If Lorrie is unable to take her medications, and other people are present, Galahad will rub against someone’s leg with the side of the pack that contains the medication. If they don’t respond, he stops and starts this process until they look in his pack. He is also trained not to let anyone look in the side of his pack containing Lorrie’s purse unless they are wearing a police or paramedic uniform.
Lorrie now trains service dogs for others in need. She still suffers two to three seizures a week, but she has used the troubles that once hemmed her in to develop a passion for helping others who may be in a similar situation. She was alert for what God was going to do next in her life, and as a result, her blessings are abundant and have poured over into the lives of many others.
So often, we are so busy living in fear of what might or might not happen in our lives that we fail to recognize the opportunities God is presenting us with at this very moment. We impatiently anticipate big things from God at the expense of what He may be showing us… if only we would sit still and pay attention. When we are hemmed in by troubles on all sides, we panic. How could this happen to us? Where is God? What will become of us… how will we ever get past this?
I would be willing to bet that Lorrie Thiel didn’t dream that her life would take this turn. I feel pretty sure that this mother of two teenagers never saw herself experiencing such a life-changing event… or allowing God to use her to bless so many other people out of her own troubles. I don’t know what God has planned today, tomorrow, next week or next year – for any of us. But I know that through the Holy Spirit, He wants to generously pour into our lives an abundance of love, grace, mercy and blessings that we can’t possibly gather enough containers to hold!
We have two choices… 1) we can operate in fear and impatience, worrying continually about what will happen each day to us and those we love… we can allow Satan to fill us with dread and dissatisfaction and stay stagnant in our faith walk, or 2) we can take the daily experiences of life and steel ourselves with patience and passion as God pours into us. We can anticipate what amazing, incredible things He has in store for us… believe for them, watch and listen for them to arrive… and act on them to pay forward what He stands ready to deliver. The choice is 100% ours. I don’t know about you, but I’ve already started looking for bigger containers!
©2012 Debbie Robus
There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In a regional “lifestyles” section of our newspaper, I read an article today about Lorrie Thiel of Jacksonville, Arkansas, who was injured in a serious car wreck nearly 10 years ago. As a result, Lorrie suffers frequent seizures. She obtained a service dog named Schultzy to alert her when a seizure is about to occur. She and Schultzy later adopted Galahad from the local animal shelter and trained him to become Lorrie’s service companion.
Galahad can not only alert Lorrie when a seizure is forthcoming, he also wears a special backpack which contains her medications on one side, and her purse (hidden) on the other. When a seizure is eminent, Galahad lets Lorrie know so that she can find a safe, comfortable chair and sit down – and she can take medication to lessen the seizure’s effects. If Lorrie is unable to take her medications, and other people are present, Galahad will rub against someone’s leg with the side of the pack that contains the medication. If they don’t respond, he stops and starts this process until they look in his pack. He is also trained not to let anyone look in the side of his pack containing Lorrie’s purse unless they are wearing a police or paramedic uniform.
Lorrie now trains service dogs for others in need. She still suffers two to three seizures a week, but she has used the troubles that once hemmed her in to develop a passion for helping others who may be in a similar situation. She was alert for what God was going to do next in her life, and as a result, her blessings are abundant and have poured over into the lives of many others.
So often, we are so busy living in fear of what might or might not happen in our lives that we fail to recognize the opportunities God is presenting us with at this very moment. We impatiently anticipate big things from God at the expense of what He may be showing us… if only we would sit still and pay attention. When we are hemmed in by troubles on all sides, we panic. How could this happen to us? Where is God? What will become of us… how will we ever get past this?
I would be willing to bet that Lorrie Thiel didn’t dream that her life would take this turn. I feel pretty sure that this mother of two teenagers never saw herself experiencing such a life-changing event… or allowing God to use her to bless so many other people out of her own troubles. I don’t know what God has planned today, tomorrow, next week or next year – for any of us. But I know that through the Holy Spirit, He wants to generously pour into our lives an abundance of love, grace, mercy and blessings that we can’t possibly gather enough containers to hold!
We have two choices… 1) we can operate in fear and impatience, worrying continually about what will happen each day to us and those we love… we can allow Satan to fill us with dread and dissatisfaction and stay stagnant in our faith walk, or 2) we can take the daily experiences of life and steel ourselves with patience and passion as God pours into us. We can anticipate what amazing, incredible things He has in store for us… believe for them, watch and listen for them to arrive… and act on them to pay forward what He stands ready to deliver. The choice is 100% ours. I don’t know about you, but I’ve already started looking for bigger containers!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 14, 2012
Acts 2:22-26
Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this. God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross. But God set him free from death and raised him to life. Death could not hold him in its power. What David said are really the words of Jesus…
"I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The other day, someone said to me, “Timothy must have gone home… you haven’t mentioned him as much lately in your devotionals.” Indeed, Timothy did go back to live with his mother in early December. But not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. A flip through the TV guide reminds me of NickJr. and the shows he loves on that channel. The pre-game warm-up music at the high school basketball game reminds me of how much he loves to dance. His toys, books, crib and stuffed animals make me think of how much he loves to play.
When we talk on the telephone, and I hear his happy little voice, I am filled with joy at how he is the same carefree child - whether he is at our house or his own some six-plus hours away… and my heart is glad. I know that I will see him again, and I truly do carry him in my heart in the meantime.
More importantly, I carry Jesus in my heart. He fills me with joy and gives me hope in all situations. And the more I learn to recognize His presence at my right side, the more I operate in joy and faith… and less in fear and negativity. I like to think that, because of Jesus and His power and presence, there is plenty of room in my heart for Timothy and so many others I love dearly. Because I acknowledge Jesus’ supreme existence and authority in my life, He has filled me with a sense of gratitude and joy for all of His gifts… including family and friends who help give my life a purpose. Because of Jesus, I can find joy even in the challenges of life, like missing a loved one who has gone to heaven – or a precious two-year-old little boy who has moved several hours away.
How important is your relationship with Jesus? Is He your daily Companion… always at your right side? Does He make your heart glad… your words joyful? Do you live in His hope? I will tell you that this is not an instantaneous thing. You can’t just magically snap your fingers and feel completely at peace and fulfilled in Jesus. It takes time… and work. You have to get to know Him… to study His word… to read about the promises and miracles of Jesus… and to trust them. You have to spend time in His presence and truly get comfortable and familiar with Him… and to build your faith. But the end result is so worth the effort.
I pray that today you will begin taking steps to grow closer to Jesus… to know Him in a way that brings hope and encouragement to everything about your life. I pray that you would know Him in such a profound way that your heart is glad, no matter what… your words are joyful… and He truly does expand your heart to encompass all that He wants to bring your way. Who stands at your right side these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this. God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross. But God set him free from death and raised him to life. Death could not hold him in its power. What David said are really the words of Jesus…
"I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The other day, someone said to me, “Timothy must have gone home… you haven’t mentioned him as much lately in your devotionals.” Indeed, Timothy did go back to live with his mother in early December. But not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. A flip through the TV guide reminds me of NickJr. and the shows he loves on that channel. The pre-game warm-up music at the high school basketball game reminds me of how much he loves to dance. His toys, books, crib and stuffed animals make me think of how much he loves to play.
When we talk on the telephone, and I hear his happy little voice, I am filled with joy at how he is the same carefree child - whether he is at our house or his own some six-plus hours away… and my heart is glad. I know that I will see him again, and I truly do carry him in my heart in the meantime.
More importantly, I carry Jesus in my heart. He fills me with joy and gives me hope in all situations. And the more I learn to recognize His presence at my right side, the more I operate in joy and faith… and less in fear and negativity. I like to think that, because of Jesus and His power and presence, there is plenty of room in my heart for Timothy and so many others I love dearly. Because I acknowledge Jesus’ supreme existence and authority in my life, He has filled me with a sense of gratitude and joy for all of His gifts… including family and friends who help give my life a purpose. Because of Jesus, I can find joy even in the challenges of life, like missing a loved one who has gone to heaven – or a precious two-year-old little boy who has moved several hours away.
How important is your relationship with Jesus? Is He your daily Companion… always at your right side? Does He make your heart glad… your words joyful? Do you live in His hope? I will tell you that this is not an instantaneous thing. You can’t just magically snap your fingers and feel completely at peace and fulfilled in Jesus. It takes time… and work. You have to get to know Him… to study His word… to read about the promises and miracles of Jesus… and to trust them. You have to spend time in His presence and truly get comfortable and familiar with Him… and to build your faith. But the end result is so worth the effort.
I pray that today you will begin taking steps to grow closer to Jesus… to know Him in a way that brings hope and encouragement to everything about your life. I pray that you would know Him in such a profound way that your heart is glad, no matter what… your words are joyful… and He truly does expand your heart to encompass all that He wants to bring your way. Who stands at your right side these days?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 17, 2011
Luke 17:5-6
The apostles said to the Lord, "Make our faith stronger!"
Jesus replied: If you had faith no bigger than a tiny mustard seed, you could tell this mulberry tree to pull itself up, roots and all, and to plant itself in the ocean. And it would!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, someone in my church gave me a necklace that had a little mustard seed encased in glass. I didn’t understand the importance of that gift at the time… all I knew was that the mustard seed was very tiny. And honestly, I’ve read this scripture all my life and totally missed the point. Have you?
See, we are always saying, “I wish my faith were stronger,” or “I wish I had more faith.” The point is… we need faith - period! Jesus is saying in these verses that faith the size of a tiny mustard seed could uproot a tree or move a mountain… the least amount of faith could accomplish huge results. Our problem is not how much faith we have, but rather whether we truly have faith in the first place!
We all say we have faith. We all say, “I believe God will do this or that.” But do we really? Aren’t we often just giving lip service to our faith and failing to back it with the real deal? Isn’t it time we stopped merely “talking the talk” and really got in the game and walked in genuine faith? This is a daunting shift in our thinking and behavior, and it probably won’t happen overnight… but we simply must realize that our “faith problem” lies with quality, not quantity.
What have you been talking about trusting God for lately? Are you ready to stop simply talking and start truly believing? What is your “mustard seed faith” able to accomplish?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The apostles said to the Lord, "Make our faith stronger!"
Jesus replied: If you had faith no bigger than a tiny mustard seed, you could tell this mulberry tree to pull itself up, roots and all, and to plant itself in the ocean. And it would!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, someone in my church gave me a necklace that had a little mustard seed encased in glass. I didn’t understand the importance of that gift at the time… all I knew was that the mustard seed was very tiny. And honestly, I’ve read this scripture all my life and totally missed the point. Have you?
See, we are always saying, “I wish my faith were stronger,” or “I wish I had more faith.” The point is… we need faith - period! Jesus is saying in these verses that faith the size of a tiny mustard seed could uproot a tree or move a mountain… the least amount of faith could accomplish huge results. Our problem is not how much faith we have, but rather whether we truly have faith in the first place!
We all say we have faith. We all say, “I believe God will do this or that.” But do we really? Aren’t we often just giving lip service to our faith and failing to back it with the real deal? Isn’t it time we stopped merely “talking the talk” and really got in the game and walked in genuine faith? This is a daunting shift in our thinking and behavior, and it probably won’t happen overnight… but we simply must realize that our “faith problem” lies with quality, not quantity.
What have you been talking about trusting God for lately? Are you ready to stop simply talking and start truly believing? What is your “mustard seed faith” able to accomplish?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 28, 2011
Luke 21:34-36
"But be on your guard. Don't let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it's going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don't go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that's coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man."
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.
“Live for today!” “Seize the moment!” “Life is not a dress rehearsal!” “You only get one chance, so go for it!” “Just do it!” We’ve all heard these clichés and others. And there is some truth in each of them. A lot of people waste time procrastinating or waiting for someone to sweep them off their feet or their “ship to come in” – and they totally miss out on some of life’s best moments!
But there are also those who have a bad day, so they go shopping and pay with plastic for things they cannot afford and really don’t need, because it makes them feel better temporarily. Others party and go crazy and plan to settle down later. They even call it “sowing wild oats.” Still others figure, “My life is down the tubes anyway, so why bother?!” And all of these philosophies are simply “stinkin’ thinkin’!”
Do you remember a few weeks ago when air traffic controllers went to sleep on the job, and the result was some very scary near-misses by a few planes in the air… and a couple that were trying to land? Jesus is telling us “Don’t go to sleep at the switch.” We cannot get caught up in living for the moment and our own interests so much that we lose focus on Him and what He desires from us – and for us. We must put God first… then ask Him to show us how to prioritize everything – and everyone else – on our list.
Please understand… God wants us to fully enjoy our lives. He wants us to “seize the moment” and live every minute like it was our last. But He wants to show us how we can best accomplish this… how to live with no regrets, so that when He returns or calls us home, we can stand proudly before Him and hear, “You lived and served well.” All it takes is a shift in attitude on our part… moving a step closer to Him and away from our own selfish interests. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal… are you making the most of your shot at it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
"But be on your guard. Don't let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it's going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don't go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that's coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man."
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.
“Live for today!” “Seize the moment!” “Life is not a dress rehearsal!” “You only get one chance, so go for it!” “Just do it!” We’ve all heard these clichés and others. And there is some truth in each of them. A lot of people waste time procrastinating or waiting for someone to sweep them off their feet or their “ship to come in” – and they totally miss out on some of life’s best moments!
But there are also those who have a bad day, so they go shopping and pay with plastic for things they cannot afford and really don’t need, because it makes them feel better temporarily. Others party and go crazy and plan to settle down later. They even call it “sowing wild oats.” Still others figure, “My life is down the tubes anyway, so why bother?!” And all of these philosophies are simply “stinkin’ thinkin’!”
Do you remember a few weeks ago when air traffic controllers went to sleep on the job, and the result was some very scary near-misses by a few planes in the air… and a couple that were trying to land? Jesus is telling us “Don’t go to sleep at the switch.” We cannot get caught up in living for the moment and our own interests so much that we lose focus on Him and what He desires from us – and for us. We must put God first… then ask Him to show us how to prioritize everything – and everyone else – on our list.
Please understand… God wants us to fully enjoy our lives. He wants us to “seize the moment” and live every minute like it was our last. But He wants to show us how we can best accomplish this… how to live with no regrets, so that when He returns or calls us home, we can stand proudly before Him and hear, “You lived and served well.” All it takes is a shift in attitude on our part… moving a step closer to Him and away from our own selfish interests. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal… are you making the most of your shot at it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 26, 2011
Luke 12:6-10
What's the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
"Stand up for me among the people you meet and the Son of Man will stand up for you before all God's angels. But if you pretend you don't know me, do you think I'll defend you before God's angels?
"If you bad-mouth the Son of Man out of misunderstanding or ignorance, that can be overlooked. But if you're knowingly attacking God himself, taking aim at the Holy Spirit, that won't be overlooked.
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.
Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Imagine it… God knows exactly how many hairs are on your head… and mine… and his… and hers… and theirs. Incredible, isn’t it?! “So what?” you may say… “Why would God even care about my hair?” Because God cares about everything about you! You are the apple of His eye. He knows every single detail of your life… and He loves you anyway!
So often – and for a number of reasons – people start to feel like nobody cares. Nobody is paying attention…nobody notices. I’m talking about more than self-pity… I’m talking about a feeling that we are incredibly insignificant in the scheme of things. If we died tomorrow, would it matter? The truth is that God created each of us for a purpose… and if we are not around to fulfill that purpose, it matters greatly!
God is always ready to meet you where you are… to stand with you – and to stand up for you! If someone tries to tell you that you don’t matter… or if the devil tries to plant those thoughts in your head, do not listen! Stand up, square your shoulders and say, “I’m worth more than a million canaries!” Because honestly, if God cares about every feather of a tiny canary, He surely cares about each of us even more.
There’s one other thing… because God is so loving, gracious, and merciful, and always willing to stand up for us… we must be willing to do the same. If we turn our back on God and try to make a go of things on our own terms, we can’t expect Him to bail us out of the mess we make! God is not Burger King… we can’t have it our way… and we can’t pick and choose when to serve Him and when we want to try something different! We really don’t want to do that anyway… because we’ve all seen how badly things go when we try to do them without God in control.
So thank God today for valuing you so highly – for caring about every intricate detail of your life. Ask Him to show you how to serve Him better… and take a stab at caring about the details of HIS life in return. Stand proudly knowing you are so important to Almighty God… and always remember who has your back!
©2011 Debbie Robus
What's the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
"Stand up for me among the people you meet and the Son of Man will stand up for you before all God's angels. But if you pretend you don't know me, do you think I'll defend you before God's angels?
"If you bad-mouth the Son of Man out of misunderstanding or ignorance, that can be overlooked. But if you're knowingly attacking God himself, taking aim at the Holy Spirit, that won't be overlooked.
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.
Take a look at yourself in the mirror. Imagine it… God knows exactly how many hairs are on your head… and mine… and his… and hers… and theirs. Incredible, isn’t it?! “So what?” you may say… “Why would God even care about my hair?” Because God cares about everything about you! You are the apple of His eye. He knows every single detail of your life… and He loves you anyway!
So often – and for a number of reasons – people start to feel like nobody cares. Nobody is paying attention…nobody notices. I’m talking about more than self-pity… I’m talking about a feeling that we are incredibly insignificant in the scheme of things. If we died tomorrow, would it matter? The truth is that God created each of us for a purpose… and if we are not around to fulfill that purpose, it matters greatly!
God is always ready to meet you where you are… to stand with you – and to stand up for you! If someone tries to tell you that you don’t matter… or if the devil tries to plant those thoughts in your head, do not listen! Stand up, square your shoulders and say, “I’m worth more than a million canaries!” Because honestly, if God cares about every feather of a tiny canary, He surely cares about each of us even more.
There’s one other thing… because God is so loving, gracious, and merciful, and always willing to stand up for us… we must be willing to do the same. If we turn our back on God and try to make a go of things on our own terms, we can’t expect Him to bail us out of the mess we make! God is not Burger King… we can’t have it our way… and we can’t pick and choose when to serve Him and when we want to try something different! We really don’t want to do that anyway… because we’ve all seen how badly things go when we try to do them without God in control.
So thank God today for valuing you so highly – for caring about every intricate detail of your life. Ask Him to show you how to serve Him better… and take a stab at caring about the details of HIS life in return. Stand proudly knowing you are so important to Almighty God… and always remember who has your back!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 30, 2011
Deuteronomy 4:39-40
Know this well, then. Take it to heart right now: GOD is in Heaven above; GOD is on Earth below. He's the only God there is. Obediently live by his rules and commands which I'm giving you today so that you'll live well and your children after you—oh, you'll live a long time in the land that GOD, your God, is giving you.
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 really isn’t a whole lot to add to this. Wherever we go… God is there. Isn’t this a comforting thought? Begin today to rest in this promise. Whatever comes your way – whatever challenges you face – remember that God is with you. When you encounter a difficult person or situation, remind yourself… “God is in Heaven above, and here on earth with me, in the land He gave me.”
We know the commandments… we’ve read them and heard them over and over again. We know what God expects of us… and what He has promised us in return. Now it’s time to start living like we believe this! It’s time to start standing in God’s promises, and recognizing His presence. It’s time to be confident, cool and collected… and take heart in knowing that our God… the only God… is everywhere.
Know this well… remind yourself of it often… and make this a great day in the name of the LORD!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Know this well, then. Take it to heart right now: GOD is in Heaven above; GOD is on Earth below. He's the only God there is. Obediently live by his rules and commands which I'm giving you today so that you'll live well and your children after you—oh, you'll live a long time in the land that GOD, your God, is giving you.
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 really isn’t a whole lot to add to this. Wherever we go… God is there. Isn’t this a comforting thought? Begin today to rest in this promise. Whatever comes your way – whatever challenges you face – remember that God is with you. When you encounter a difficult person or situation, remind yourself… “God is in Heaven above, and here on earth with me, in the land He gave me.”
We know the commandments… we’ve read them and heard them over and over again. We know what God expects of us… and what He has promised us in return. Now it’s time to start living like we believe this! It’s time to start standing in God’s promises, and recognizing His presence. It’s time to be confident, cool and collected… and take heart in knowing that our God… the only God… is everywhere.
Know this well… remind yourself of it often… and make this a great day in the name of the LORD!
©2011 Debbie Robus
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