Proverbs 19:27
If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.
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.
We have been trying to teach Timothy to ride a tricycle. We’ve shown him how to put his feet on the pedals. We’ve put him on the trike and pushed him around… we’ve even shown him YouTube videos of children riding tricycles. But he still wants to do it his way… which doesn’t involve keeping his feet on the pedals and pushing!
On some of the videos, I’ve heard parents commenting, “Maybe we should tape his/her feet to the pedals!” We have opted to let Timmy flounder a while longer. After all, he is only two years old, and he has a lot of “discovering” to do.
There is nothing wrong with letting someone figure things out for themselves, especially when there is no danger of being harmed by wrong turns along the way. Certainly, if we saw Timothy trying to do something that could be harmful or cause a serious problem, we would intervene. But as we grow, people with more knowledge and/or life experiences often try to tell us things, and we quit listening. This is when real troubles can begin.
It’s hard to believe, but the summer break is ending for many, and a new school year is upon us. For some, college lies ahead… a time when many are on their own or becoming relatively independent – possibly for the first time. You are encouraged to think for yourself… explore new philosophies… broaden your horizons. And while “self-discovery” and expressing your own ideas and opinions is important - and a natural part of growth and maturation - you must remain awake and alert.
None of us ever outgrows God. We never get too old for Bible study, and certainly, none of us ever stops needing to communicate with God in prayer. Notice I said “communicate with God”… because we need to do more than merely talk to Him. We need to listen! This is where a lot of us fall down… we do all the talking, and we don’t hear what God is telling us. And before we know it, we’ve struck off on our own and gotten out of our depth.
As a former teacher, this time of year seems more like the “New Year” to me than January 1st. This is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the potential for exciting experiences and growth. In large part, the key to having a successful year will lie in how you listen. If you filter all you are told and taught through communication with God, you will do well. If you decide to “wing it” without God at the helm, you are setting yourself up for potential disaster and disappointment.
My prayer is that we would all commit to making the next year a time when we put God at the forefront… a time when we don’t make a move without consulting Him first… a time when we embrace new discoveries and adventures, because we know that He is leading the way. Whether you are the mom of a child headed off to kindergarten… a college freshman… a retiree… or somewhere in between these stages… ask God to guide your steps. Listen for His wise counsel. Proceed with confidence… knowing He is leading the way. Keep God close as you “strike off on your own,” and have a great, safe, blessed year!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label new discoveries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new discoveries. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 1, 2010
June 1 ~ Deuteronomy 3:21-22
Then I told Joshua, " You saw how the LORD our God helped us destroy King Sihon and King Og. So don't be afraid! Wherever you go, the LORD will fight on your side and help you destroy your enemies."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s just about summertime! We will be scattering in a zillion directions… vacations, summer camps, Boys State and Girls State, football practice, baseball and softball tournaments, swimming lessons, and much more. Some of you will be getting ready to head to college… or possibly Basic Training for the military. Some may be retiring or changing jobs… or getting married…having a baby, or moving to another city - or just to another apartment!
At every turn, our lives are filled with changes and new situations… and often, fears of the unknown. But if we stop and look around, we see that people have been going through these same things for years and doing just fine – with God’s help! Sometimes when I face something new or different and think it seems daunting, I remind myself of two things: 1) God is with me and will help me; and 2) plenty of other people have done this with His help - and so can I!
The message for today, this first day of a new month is… “You can do it… whatever ‘it’ is, because God will fight on your side and help you destroy any and all enemies.” God will see you through your challenges and obstacles - and even the new and exciting adventures that seem a little scary. Nothing is too big for God! Have a wonderful summer, and keep always Him close!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Then I told Joshua, " You saw how the LORD our God helped us destroy King Sihon and King Og. So don't be afraid! Wherever you go, the LORD will fight on your side and help you destroy your enemies."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s just about summertime! We will be scattering in a zillion directions… vacations, summer camps, Boys State and Girls State, football practice, baseball and softball tournaments, swimming lessons, and much more. Some of you will be getting ready to head to college… or possibly Basic Training for the military. Some may be retiring or changing jobs… or getting married…having a baby, or moving to another city - or just to another apartment!
At every turn, our lives are filled with changes and new situations… and often, fears of the unknown. But if we stop and look around, we see that people have been going through these same things for years and doing just fine – with God’s help! Sometimes when I face something new or different and think it seems daunting, I remind myself of two things: 1) God is with me and will help me; and 2) plenty of other people have done this with His help - and so can I!
The message for today, this first day of a new month is… “You can do it… whatever ‘it’ is, because God will fight on your side and help you destroy any and all enemies.” God will see you through your challenges and obstacles - and even the new and exciting adventures that seem a little scary. Nothing is too big for God! Have a wonderful summer, and keep always Him close!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 25, 2010
April 25 ~ Proverbs 15:13-15
Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you. Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness. The poor have a hard life, but being content is as good as an endless feast.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is a series of doors and windows. One closes – another opens. As a high school freshman, I planned on majoring in music in college (concert pianist, perhaps?). In the summer after my sophomore year, I worked with preschool children at Vacation Bible School. I loved the children, the art projects, the music – the “whole ball of wax,” and I realized… I needed to incorporate all of that into a profession – teaching! I knew I would never make a huge salary as a teacher, but that didn’t matter. Other teachers managed, and so would I.
Teaching made me happy, but the “red tape” did not. After nine years in the classroom, the door closed. I turned a needlework hobby into a business. The skills I developed creating a newsletter and needlework patterns prepared me with experience in printing, which lent a solid base to our publishing business. My husband closed the door on his profession in Park Administration, and his “people skills” and expertise in the areas of parks and recreation were put into play as we developed a business that was focused on RVers. For the next eighteen years, we were magazine publishers, and then the door closed on that chapter of our lives.
Several years ago, I began writing daily devotionals. I also wrote articles for our magazine, and soon I realized that I really liked to write! Today, the door has opened for me to utilize pieces of all of my “careers” to knit together articles and information for several publications and “PR” projects. I am blessed to be able to pursue something that brings me such happiness. And while our business ventures were successful, there have been times when life wasn’t all that hard, but we were counting our pennies and budgeting carefully. And those may have been our happiest years of all.
The point is… money doesn’t buy happiness. People can’t make you happy. Things won’t last – or satisfy. But doing what you love – being with people you love – appreciating the simplest things and places – truly experiencing a daily walk with God – these things make you genuinely happy! If you are traveling down any other road – if you are chasing dreams and ideas that aren’t your own or you know are bad for you – turn around! There is a saying that “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” Find your “doors and windows” and don’t be afraid to ask God to help you go through them. If He guides your steps, you’ll make the right choices – and you will always find joy on the other side.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you. Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness. The poor have a hard life, but being content is as good as an endless feast.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Life is a series of doors and windows. One closes – another opens. As a high school freshman, I planned on majoring in music in college (concert pianist, perhaps?). In the summer after my sophomore year, I worked with preschool children at Vacation Bible School. I loved the children, the art projects, the music – the “whole ball of wax,” and I realized… I needed to incorporate all of that into a profession – teaching! I knew I would never make a huge salary as a teacher, but that didn’t matter. Other teachers managed, and so would I.
Teaching made me happy, but the “red tape” did not. After nine years in the classroom, the door closed. I turned a needlework hobby into a business. The skills I developed creating a newsletter and needlework patterns prepared me with experience in printing, which lent a solid base to our publishing business. My husband closed the door on his profession in Park Administration, and his “people skills” and expertise in the areas of parks and recreation were put into play as we developed a business that was focused on RVers. For the next eighteen years, we were magazine publishers, and then the door closed on that chapter of our lives.
Several years ago, I began writing daily devotionals. I also wrote articles for our magazine, and soon I realized that I really liked to write! Today, the door has opened for me to utilize pieces of all of my “careers” to knit together articles and information for several publications and “PR” projects. I am blessed to be able to pursue something that brings me such happiness. And while our business ventures were successful, there have been times when life wasn’t all that hard, but we were counting our pennies and budgeting carefully. And those may have been our happiest years of all.
The point is… money doesn’t buy happiness. People can’t make you happy. Things won’t last – or satisfy. But doing what you love – being with people you love – appreciating the simplest things and places – truly experiencing a daily walk with God – these things make you genuinely happy! If you are traveling down any other road – if you are chasing dreams and ideas that aren’t your own or you know are bad for you – turn around! There is a saying that “When God closes a door, He opens a window.” Find your “doors and windows” and don’t be afraid to ask God to help you go through them. If He guides your steps, you’ll make the right choices – and you will always find joy on the other side.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 21, 2010
March 21 ~ Isaiah 26:19
Your people will rise to life! Tell them to leave their graves and celebrate with shouts. You refresh the earth like morning dew; you give life to the dead.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In late February and early March, the landscape around our area gets about as bare as bare can get! It almost looks like everything is dead except for the green of the pine and cedar trees. Then, almost overnight, things start to burst open with buds and color. Little flowers dot the yards, and jonquils, crocus and hyacinth rise and bloom and brighten what had been a dreary scene. Yellow forsythia and red-pink japonica bushes remind us that spring has sprung, and plant life is reborn before our very eyes. People come out of their houses and work in their yards, play ball, and start a new exercise routine. The doldrums of winter are over, and we all get a burst of rejuvenation and refreshment!
In Isaiah, we read about people rising from their graves to new life, refreshed like morning dew. This refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who rose from the grave and ascended into Heaven to reign forever. It also refers to us – how we have a new life in Christ. Our old, sinful lives are dead, but a new life has risen. Just like the jonquils and the forsythia, we bloom and are called to brighten the day with the light of Christ!
Spring is a great time to regroup – to shake off the winter doldrums and revive ourselves. It is a great time to evaluate our Spiritual lives and see where we need a rebirth… and to ask Jesus to refresh us. Rise from your grave and celebrate with shouts! Because of Jesus, we have LIFE everlasting! Be filled with joy and new energy, and share His Good News with everyone you meet. Jesus is alive… and so are we who believe in Him! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Your people will rise to life! Tell them to leave their graves and celebrate with shouts. You refresh the earth like morning dew; you give life to the dead.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In late February and early March, the landscape around our area gets about as bare as bare can get! It almost looks like everything is dead except for the green of the pine and cedar trees. Then, almost overnight, things start to burst open with buds and color. Little flowers dot the yards, and jonquils, crocus and hyacinth rise and bloom and brighten what had been a dreary scene. Yellow forsythia and red-pink japonica bushes remind us that spring has sprung, and plant life is reborn before our very eyes. People come out of their houses and work in their yards, play ball, and start a new exercise routine. The doldrums of winter are over, and we all get a burst of rejuvenation and refreshment!
In Isaiah, we read about people rising from their graves to new life, refreshed like morning dew. This refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who rose from the grave and ascended into Heaven to reign forever. It also refers to us – how we have a new life in Christ. Our old, sinful lives are dead, but a new life has risen. Just like the jonquils and the forsythia, we bloom and are called to brighten the day with the light of Christ!
Spring is a great time to regroup – to shake off the winter doldrums and revive ourselves. It is a great time to evaluate our Spiritual lives and see where we need a rebirth… and to ask Jesus to refresh us. Rise from your grave and celebrate with shouts! Because of Jesus, we have LIFE everlasting! Be filled with joy and new energy, and share His Good News with everyone you meet. Jesus is alive… and so are we who believe in Him! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 19, 2010
March 19 ~ Psalm 143:8
Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Babies are so fun when they first awaken in the morning. They are usually rested and fresh, and it’s as if they are starting all over – another day, new discoveries, and new adventures. The first hour in the morning with Timothy is often filled with giggles and gurgles, smiles and laughs, and anticipation of a big day ahead. He looks at us as if to say, “What are you going to show me today?”
Do you realize that we are God’s babies… and to Him, we awaken each morning new, fresh, and ready for guidance, adventure and discovery? What if we asked God each morning, “What are You going to show me today?” Do we trust Him to teach us more? We surely don’t know it all… and we never will. But have we really asked God to teach us each day? Have we trusted Him to have new things in store for us and to reveal them to us according to His will?
Let’s start with today. Let’s ask God, “What are you going to show me today?” Let’s trust Him to teach us new things and to reveal more of Himself to us. Let’s keep an open mind and heart – and pay attention! It’s going to be a wonderful day, because TODAY we are going to learn more about God’s love and trust Him. Are you ready to get started?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Babies are so fun when they first awaken in the morning. They are usually rested and fresh, and it’s as if they are starting all over – another day, new discoveries, and new adventures. The first hour in the morning with Timothy is often filled with giggles and gurgles, smiles and laughs, and anticipation of a big day ahead. He looks at us as if to say, “What are you going to show me today?”
Do you realize that we are God’s babies… and to Him, we awaken each morning new, fresh, and ready for guidance, adventure and discovery? What if we asked God each morning, “What are You going to show me today?” Do we trust Him to teach us more? We surely don’t know it all… and we never will. But have we really asked God to teach us each day? Have we trusted Him to have new things in store for us and to reveal them to us according to His will?
Let’s start with today. Let’s ask God, “What are you going to show me today?” Let’s trust Him to teach us new things and to reveal more of Himself to us. Let’s keep an open mind and heart – and pay attention! It’s going to be a wonderful day, because TODAY we are going to learn more about God’s love and trust Him. Are you ready to get started?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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