Daily Devotional for October 13, 2016

Matthew 4:17
Then Jesus started preaching, “Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here.”

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

Today I accompanied Timothy’s second grade class (and the other second grade classes) to Little Rock to visit the Museum of Discovery.  The children had a wonderful time exploring such things as weather, earth science, the human body, mechanics and physical science, chemistry, and more.  Virtually every exhibit is interactive.  The children can punch buttons, pull knobs, crank handles and more to make things happen and learn in the process.

Timothy’s teacher asked me to keep up with him and three of his classmates.  One of the activities the boys tried was a demonstration of water flow.  They tilted a board to try to get a metal ball to roll down a “waterway” without falling into a hole.  The boys had to jostle the board and maneuver this metal ball along a maze that included several holes and pitfalls. We saw another group manage to navigate this “waterway” successfully. Our metal ball somehow always fell in the hole!

The boys had fun, but they never could get a handle on which way to turn in order to get the ball to go down a path with no holes or pitfalls.  And this is a good example of how you and I operate a lot of the time. We have the best intentions.  We try really hard…and still, we move in the wrong direction and encounter a few “holes.”  OR…like the 4 seven-year-old boys in my group, we get in a hurry or decide to do things our way…and the outcome is less than stellar.

But you and I know Someone who can steer us in the right direction each and every time.  Jesus can show us the way and help us avoid every hazard and obstacle.  If only we will turn back to God and trust HIM to guide our steps, He will show us how to navigate the “waters” of life and get on a course that ultimately leads us to Heaven.  This is the ultimate prize…one that we can all receive.

Will you turn to God and get on His path?  Or are you “hell-bent” on having things your way?  It really is that simple…which course are you on today?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 2, 2016

October 2 ~ Mark 7:31-37
Jesus left the region around Tyre and went by way of Sidon toward Lake Galilee. He went through the land near the ten cities known as Decapolis. Some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk. They begged Jesus just to touch him.

After Jesus had taken him aside from the crowd, he stuck his fingers in the man’s ears. Then he spit and put it on the man’s tongue. Jesus looked up toward heaven, and with a groan he said, “Effatha!”which means “Open up!” At once the man could hear, and he had no more trouble talking clearly.

Jesus told the people not to say anything about what he had done. But the more he told them, the more they talked about it. They were completely amazed and said, “Everything he does is good! He even heals people who cannot hear or talk.”

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

When my mother was admitted to the hospital about a week before she died, she was adamant that there were to be “no visitors” outside of immediate family. She made an exception or two, but we did our best to screen those who entered the room – and subsequently, those who came to Mother’s home while she was on Hospice Care.  For the most part, her wishes were honored…but still, there were times that I am sure she felt there were too many people around her.

It’s not that my mother was asocial…far from it!  It’s not even that she did not want people to see her in a failing condition in her last days…although that was part of it.  More than anything, Mother had things she knew she needed to attend to while she could…and she didn’t want distractions from anyone or anything that wasn’t germane to her agenda. Even at that, there were a couple of times when she told me, “We need to talk” – and then someone entered the room, and the conversation never took place.

I don’t dwell on this…but I do wonder sometimes what my mother wanted to talk about with me…what might have gone unsaid.  And yet, I do know that many significant conversations did occur…that even in Mother’s last days of consciousness, she made important personal wishes known to some…and shared Jesus’ plan of salvation with others.  I make no apologies for guarding the door and doing my best to honor her desire for “no visitors,” because I know there were valid reasons for this request.

When we read that Jesus healed a deaf man and told those in the crowd not to talk of it, I can see that He was not necessarily saying to hide His miracles from others.  Jesus knew that word of these healings would leak out…but He also knew that His miracles would draw crowds and a lot of attention – and possibly create an unnecessary distraction. I believe that this story in Mark 7 reminds us to keep the main thing the main thing!

Too often, we are so busy judging others and condemning their sins that we squander our opportunities to share how Jesus has blessed and redeemed us…how He has worked in our lives.  When we waste time and energy criticizing others, we totally negate the value and sincerity of our own testimony.

So many “causes” that we support in the name of Jesus are nothing more than distractions that draw a crowd of people and divert their focus from what Jesus is really trying to share with them. We attend this rally or that one…sign petitions…or post memes on social media…all to show that we are supporting XYZ for Jesus.  And instead, Jesus would have been better served if we had been His hands and feet in physical service to those in need.
  
As we go about our daily living and discipleship, where are we attracting a crowd rather than focusing on the mission at hand?  Where are we setting the scene for distractions that detract from what God wants us to accomplish?  Will this be the day that you shift your focus and pare down your activities to those that are truly relevant to Christ’s mission for you as His disciple?  Don’t you think it should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 21, 2016

2 Peter 3:11-13
Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.

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.

Given all that has happened in our family in the last three months, Greg and I felt it was urgent that we “get our house in order.”  We updated our important documents, cleaned out files and closets…and we even pre-planned our funerals.  Several people thought this was rather morbid - and even “rushing things.”  But after the sudden deaths of Greg’s brother and my mother – both relatively young by our standards – we saw once again how quickly things can change.  As this scripture puts it, everything here might very well be gone tomorrow.

The “upside” of doing all of this preparation is that we can now move forward with confidence that things are in some semblance of order…that we are not leaving a mess for our friends and relatives – or burdening them unnecessarily with questions and decisions about how we would wish for things to be handled.

We can also focus on other things that are more enjoyable.  We can spend our days serving God and loving others…expectantly waiting for Him to show up and show out!  There will still be bumps in the road…and details to “tweak” from time to time…but now we are free to focus on our earthly mission – and our heavenly destination.  And both look pretty promising right at the moment.

I am reminded of the 4th grader who told me yesterday that he would not trade places with anyone, because, “My life is not perfect…there are problems…but it’s what I’ve been given, and it’s pretty great. I am happy with who I am and what I’ve got.”  I’m with him 100%.  I wish I had been that content when I was ten!  Yes, this is an amazing kid.  He has everything pretty well figured out...and I pray that this level of contentment and purpose continues in his life. 

The thing is…we can be just like him!  We can find our purpose, “get our ducks in a row,” and serve God with determination, dedication – and great hope for our future in heaven!  What is required is often just a shift in attitude…and a determination to draw nearer to God and pay closer attention to His will for our lives.  There is no better time than this Holy Week to make such a commitment.  Won’t you join me in pledging to focus more on heaven and God’s plan for us until it is time for us to join Him there?  Will you redouble your efforts to keep your eyes and ears open…to worry less and serve God more…and to share the joy of this Eternal hope with others each and every day?  I’m ready to get started…what about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 20, 2013

Hebrews 12:1-3
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
 
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 of my favorite hymns is “Be Still My Soul”… published by Katharina A. von Schlegel, in 1752.  These words were set to the tune Finlandia, composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899.  This hymn was became popular during World War II, as the words offered hope and encouragement to countless soldiers and citizens who were enduring horrific tragedies and hardships.  They desperately needed to hear, “Don’t give up!” – and this hymn offered this message and more.
 
The words of this hymn are just as significant for us today.  I don’t know what challenges you face.  I don’t know what has caused you to feel discouraged, ashamed, tired and worn down.  But I do know that we have a hope in Jesus Christ, Who never gave up!  I know that a lot of us need to strip down and “trim the spiritual fat”… to remove the parasitic sins that trouble us day in and out.  We need to focus on where we are headed… and Who is with us along the way.  We must “keep our eye on the prize”… eternity in Heaven at the feet of Jesus… and a place of honor at the King’s table.  We would do well to study the words of this hymn and take them to heart… to internalize them and make them a part of our daily living.
 
Here are the lyrics to “Be Still My Soul”...may they encourage you today and energize you for your Spiritual journey. May you take heart and truly “be still” as you realize that the LORD is on your side… that we can “bear patiently the cross of grief or pain” because of Jesus and all that He endured on our behalf.  My prayer for you today is that you would thoughtfully read these verses and take a few moments to still your soul.  In the words of this scripture passage, “we’d better get on with it!”  I believe this is a great place to begin… don’t you?

 

Be Still My Soul

 

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake

To guide the future, as He has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

 

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,

And all is darkened in the vale of tears,

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

 

Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on

When we shall be forever with the Lord.

When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

 

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise

On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;

Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,

So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.

Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 23, 2013

March 23 – Proverbs 2:20-22
So—join the company of good men and women, keep your feet on the tried-and-true paths. It’s the men who walk straight who will settle this land, the women with integrity who will last here. The corrupt will lose their lives; the dishonest will be gone for good.
 
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
This morning, I read “The Three Little Bears” to my almost-two-year-old niece, Zola.  You know the story… Momma Bear makes porridge for herself, Poppa Bear and Baby Bear, and while it cools, they take a walk.  A little girl named Goldilocks comes along while out for a walk in the woods.  She knocks on the door, and when no one answers… she goes right in and helps herself to food, seating, and a bed for a nap!  She even breaks Baby Bear’s chair when she sits in it.
 
When the bears return, they discover the intruder.  Goldilocks wakes up, sees the bears, lets out a yell and runs out of the house… and the story says she was gone for good, because she never went for a walk in the woods again.
 
Clearly, nobody explained integrity to Goldilocks!  She thought nothing of entering someone else’s home, eating their food, sitting in their chairs, or sleeping in their beds.  And a lot of us are very much like her!  We do what we please… when we please… and take whatever we want as if we are entitled.  We say things we shouldn’t.  We step off the “straight-and-narrow path” and dance to the beat of our own drummer… or that of the devil himself.  And ultimately, our dishonesty and brazenness catch up with us, and we are “gone for good.”  Nobody wants anything to do with us… and who could blame them?!
 
Too many of us have our sights fixed on instant gratification… a “what’s-in-it-for-me-now” mentality.  We need to focus on the things of God… His will for our lives and what He wants us to accomplish in His name for the long haul.  We need to think more about eternity and how we get there than on a temporary gratification… a warm bowl of porridge, a chair and a comfortable bed, so to speak!
 
What about you?  Are you sticking to a path that leads to lasting rewards and eternity with Jesus… or are you living as if you are on a walk through the woods – hoping to find momentary pleasure in the things of this world?  Are you treating others with respect and dignity… do you value their property and their feelings?  Have you asked God to show you the path you should take in order to fulfill His purpose for your life?  Have you prayed for moral character and integrity… have you asked God to reveal His plan for your life?  Isn’t today a great day to do all of this?
 
Even if you started down another path, there is still time to turn back and regroup.  You don’t have to be like Goldilocks and never take a walk in the woods again.  You just have to stay on the right trail and let God lead the way.  Who is guiding your steps these days?  Whose path are you following… and where are you ultimately headed?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 24, 2013

Ephesians 4:1-3
In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.

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 The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren talks about how knowing your purpose simplifies your life. He says there is no way we can do all everyone wants us to do. We have a big enough challenge finding time to do God’s will! Pastor Warren says that if you can’t seem to get it all done, you’re probably trying to do too much! This sounds like a direct contradiction to the scripture passage you just read… right? Maybe not!

See, a lot of us aren’t necessarily sitting on our hands… but quite a few of us are strolling off down paths that go nowhere. We fill our lives with people who don’t encourage us or help us to grow in our faith. We spend too much time on meaningless activities. We start way too many projects that we never finish.

God wants us to figure out where to best spend our time… then get busy doing what He has called us to do. So rather than sign up for every activity at school, pick and choose those you feel God wants you to pursue… and really work hard to do your best. Instead of volunteering for every ministry at your church and not being able to serve well in any of them, ask God to show you where you can make the biggest impact for Him. Then pour your heart and soul into that ministry. Give 110% and be someone who is reliable, dependable, and accountable.

Too many people bite off more than they can chew. I know… I’ve spread myself too thinly and tried to do too much. It’s not that I chose to participate in more than was physically possible… but I wasn’t very effective in many of the activities. When you are trying to do too much – even if it is God’s work – you can’t possibly be fully helpful in every ministry. Think of the phrase “jack-of-all-trades… master of none.” God wants us to pour ourselves out for each other in acts of love as He directs… but He wants us to be able to physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually have the stamina to give our very best.

Won’t God equip us for such things? Yes. But God also gave us a brain… and He expects us to use it. He wants us to operate faithfully… to do His will. He also wants us to use the common sense that He gave us to know when to say “when.” We all know people who seem to have their finger in every pie… who seem to sign up for every committee, church and community project, hold down a fulltime class schedule or job (or both)… and maybe run a household, as well. But just how effective are they? Are they cutting corners and letting certain obligations or aspects of their ministries slide?

I encourage you to spend some time talking to God. Ask Him, “LORD, what is my purpose? Where do you want me to serve? What activities and ministries do I need to let go in order to be more successful at serving in your name? Where should I be focusing my efforts… and where have I strolled off down a path that goes nowhere?” Allow God to work in and through you. There is no shame in limiting your ministries, if you are giving your very best to those you keep and operating within the will of God. Where do you need to “trim the fat” or alter your course? Are you ready to run on the road God called you to travel?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 15, 2013

Colossians 3:12-13
God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.

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

For the last few years, I’ve studied The Purpose Driven Life, by Pastor Rick Warren, during the forty days of Lent. As I read the lesson for today, I found this quote… “When life has meaning, you can bear almost anything; without it, nothing is bearable.” I thought about my own life and how things have changed. A few years ago, I would never have dreamed that I would “put up with” toys scattered all over my house, crumbs on the floor, and a bedroom décor that included a crib, playpen, diapers, children’s toiletries, and stuffed animals. And then our nephews and great-niece came along and changed everything.

We had welcomed nieces and nephews to our family before. I kept a small box of children’s toys tucked away in the closet for when they occasionally visited. Ours was a “grown-up” world where we watched documentaries and paid close attention to world news, took hikes into nearby parks, bought vintage treasures at auctions, and slept late. Now, toys are stored along one wall of our living room, we watch almost as much NickJr. and PBS Kids as national news, “play” in local parks, and shop for second-hand toys, clothes and books. Sleep late? Probably not if there is a toddler in the house!

Our lives were perfectly complete before these children came along. We found meaning and purpose in the projects we pursued, time spent with our family and friends, and serving others through church and community projects. But as I pick raisins and cereal from the living room rug or scrub a dirty high chair tray coated with spaghetti and carrots, I think about these precious children. Any momentary irritation or frustration with their messy behaviors dissipates. I watched a screaming toddler at Wal-Mart one afternoon. I recognized his “melt-down” as I heard his mother say that it was naptime. He had “hit the wall” and totally run out of gas… and he had no clue how to handle this except to scream and cry.

There was a time when I would have been frustrated and aggravated by this noise and interruption to my shopping experience. I would have probably wondered to myself, “Why doesn’t this mother do something with her child?!” Now I get it… I’ve experienced some of these sudden-onset meltdowns, and I know how embarrassing they can be for the mom – and how frustrating they are for the child. I recognize the opportunity that my husband and I have been granted to participate in the early growth and nurture of our own little ones’ lives. My heart has softened with love and compassion for them… and acceptance of this new “life purpose!” I pray that God will help me to always operate in kindness, gentleness and patience!

When I thought about the scripture passage for today in this context, I considered what God must think about us. We are His children… and He “puts up with” each one. Yes, many of our actions and behaviors are juvenile… irritating and frustrating to Him. Still, God forgives us… He sees the potential that lies within each of His children. He may at times be firm or mete out consequences when we need them. But God is also gentle, kind, and patient with us. As Pastor Warren points out, “God specializes in giving people a fresh start.”

So as we encounter people who irritate us… as life changes and we are thrust into unfamiliar, uncomfortable – or even seemingly unbearable – situations… we must remember that God has given us a purpose. He has chosen us as His own special people, and it is up to us to find meaning in each setting and circumstance. Sometimes you may have to dig pretty deeply! There may be people who totally rub you the wrong way… those whose presence drives you bonkers and truly seems intrusive or unbearable. Remember… others may also feel the same way about you!

God sees something in each of us that others may not see. If He is willing to “put up with” us and grant us a fresh start, how can we do any less for others? Isn’t today a good day to examine your heart - and your life’s meaning and purpose… to discover where you need to treat others with a little patience, kindness, compassion and forgiveness? Maybe you need a fresh start… or maybe you need to offer one to someone else (at least in your heart). Wouldn’t this be a great day for both?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 24, 2012

Galatians 2:19-21
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that.

Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God’s grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.

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

It’s Christmas Eve, and like many people, we are scurrying to do last-minute things before the family arrives for dinner and holiday festivities. There was a time, not so many years ago, when I would have thrown myself into a tizzy…cooking, cleaning, decorating and getting everything “just so” for the arrival of my family and friends. I did clean our house and decorate - and there will be a delicious potluck meal… although traditional turkey and ham are not on the menu this year! But my focus has definitely shifted from concentrating on everything being “Christmas-card perfect” to spending time with those who visit and truly enjoying the hours we will share together.

For the first time in at least 15 years, I did not write a “Christmas newsletter” to enclose in holiday cards… and I scaled back my Christmas card list significantly. I still care deeply about every person on the list… but I’m finding other ways throughout the year to let them know this, so I don’t feel that a card during the Christmas season is as necessary as I once did. Instead, I spent the two-plus days it would have taken me to address these cards to play with Timothy and Zola and introduce them to the wonder and excitement of Christmas.

Last Christmas Eve, we got everything ready for a big holiday dinner… decorated the house…filled the stockings… sent the cards and prepared for an evening of fun and festivities. Then my grandmother fell on our driveway as she stepped from the car and suffered a bloody puncture wound and concussion. We ate in shifts… and my grandmother spent two nights in the hospital. She never made it inside our house. That was when the “Christmas rules” totally flew out the door for me.

Sitting in a hospital room late on Christmas Eve, looking at my frail little grandmother with her head wrapped in a turban of gauze, I watched nurses and aides scurry in and out to check on her. They were not home enjoying a family dinner… they were ministering to others in God’s name. The next morning, a very cheerful aide came in to straighten the room. She was bubbling with “Merry Christmas!” greetings. She could have been grumpy and full of complaints about missing Christmas morning with her children and extended family. Instead, she did everything possible to make my grandmother comfortable and to bring her cheer.

THIS is what God asks of us. He wants us to toss the “rules” of the world to the curb and focus on being the hands and feet of Jesus. The true celebration of Christ’s birth is to bring joy, grace, mercy, peace and comfort to others. It won’t matter if there is dust on our furniture or we don’t have turkey and ham this year. What will matter is that we gather and share this holiday… that we revel in the surprise and amazement of the little ones as they open their packages and stare at the lights… that we hug each other and thank God that we are together, with plenty to eat, warm beds in which to sleep, and all of our basic needs more than met.

Each one of us celebrates Christmas for a few of the 365 days in each year. But what we really need to do is to celebrate Christmas every day… to surrender our ego and focus on serving Jesus and sharing His love with others. If we don’t do this, the Apostle Paul is right… Jesus came to earth, suffered, bled and died for nothing. I don’t believe for one minute that this is the case - do you? What will you do to demonstrate this today… and in the year ahead?

I pray that your Christmas Eve is blessed… that you share love, peace and joy with at least one other person. If you are spending the holidays alone, pick up the phone and call someone to say, “I love you.” Attend a worship service and celebrate Christ’s birth with others. Visit a shut-in or someone in the nursing home… or spend some quiet time talking to God and thanking Him for all of His blessings in your life. But let this be the year that you toss “rules” to the curb and really start to live in Christ Jesus. Make this the Christmas that you truly begin to celebrate Him! Merry Christmas Eve!

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 16, 2012

Matthew 25:1-13
“God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.

“In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’

“The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’

“They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’

“They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked.

“Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.’

“He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’

“So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive."

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 of the greatest inventions to come along for me is the DVR. So often, I sit down to watch a program, only to wake a few minutes to an hour later and realize I missed much of it. I have to admit that I’ve backed up and tried to watch the same several-minute stretch several times before, because each time I would fall asleep again! If you are laughing, it’s either because you have “been there, done that,” or you think this is nuts. If you fall into the latter category, you’ll understand all too soon!

With the DVR, I can back up and replay what I missed. In life, we don’t get “do-overs” like this. So we miss a lot of important moments. We are not awake and alert, so we miss the opportunity to offer to lend a hand to a friend. We don’t catch that someone is smiling on the outside but hurting deeply internally. We don’t feel that gentle nudge from God to take action that could have profound and lasting impact in our life and the lives of others.

Some of us get a “wake-up call” that jolts us into paying closer attention. More than a few of us need this sort of reminder. I know several people who have been bounced into a more acute sense of awareness by the death of a loved one. And often, someone will speak at the funeral of a friend or family member and urge others who are in attendance to turn to Jesus or change their way of living in some fashion. It shouldn’t have to take a death to awaken us to listening more closely for God’s voice. But God will use whatever He can to get our attention.

On some level, it would be great to have a DVR in our daily living… and especially in our life as a Christian. But then, we wouldn’t have to lean on God nearly as much – or listen carefully for His voice. God wants us to pay attention… to stay tuned in to His message and directives… and to be awake and alert for Him at all times. Have you been caught napping?

©2012 Debbie Robus