Daily Devotional for November 12, 2016

Revelation 1:1-7
This is what God showed to Jesus Christ, so that he could tell his servants what must happen soon. Christ then sent his angel with the message to his servant John. And John told everything that he had seen about God’s message and about what Jesus Christ had said and done.

God will bless everyone who reads this prophecy to others, and he will bless everyone who hears and obeys it. The time is almost here.

From John to the seven churches in Asia.

I pray that you will be blessed with kindness and peace from God, who is and was and is coming. May you receive kindness and peace from the seven spirits before the throne of God. May kindness and peace be yours from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness. Jesus was the first to conquer death, and he is the ruler of all earthly kings. Christ loves us, and by his blood he set us free from our sins. He lets us rule as kings and serve God his Father as priests. To him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds. Everyone will see him, even the ones who stuck a sword through him. All people on earth will weep because of him. Yes, it will happen! Amen.

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

Let me begin by saying that I respect the Book of Revelation, but I am by no means an “End Times” scholar.  Frankly, I am not worried about what will happen when Jesus returns, because I know where I am headed!  At the same time, I read these words today and considered them in light of what is happening in our world.  I also read the entries in Jesus Calling* for November 11th and 12th, and a very clear message emerged…one of hope and promise - and kindness!

In the November 11th entry, I read that Jesus knows what our days will contain – both difficulties and blessings – and He empowers us according to how willing we are to rely on Him for help AND how difficult the circumstances may be.  We are encouraged to look at challenges as “opportunities to receive more of My Power than usual.”  We are to receive His kindness and peace…and share this with others.

In today’s entry, the speaker talks of how we have trudged through weeks (and maybe months) of challenges and difficulties…and now, we are enjoying a season of abundance and blessings.  Maybe you don’t feel like you are “there” yet!  But as I look at my own life over the last several months, I see how a lot of what I have experienced was akin to trudging through a deep, dark forest with heavy underbrush…and now I am somewhat emerging into the openness of “lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine.”

I feel Jesus with me.  I know that He has my best interests at heart.  This entry says that we often fail to receive all that Jesus wants to give us because we decide that we are unworthy.  Let me assure you, NONE OF US are worthy!  We did nothing…we can do nothing…to deserve Jesus and all that He has sacrificed for us. There is no logical reason for Him to return for us…much less prepare a place for us with Him for all Eternity.  These are GIFTS…and when we don’t readily accept and receive them, He is insulted – and heartbroken.

So I will take the gifts that Jesus is offering.  I will gratefully thank Him for bringing me through dark times and bathing me in His light and blessings.  I will share His kindness and peace with others and encourage them along the way.  I look forward to the day when I can sit at Jesus’ feet all the time and bask in His glory – forever and ever.  I am not afraid…of anything, past, present or future.  I am empowered by the Savior of the World…and He will never desert me.

Emboldened by the power of Jesus Christ, I look at the challenges and difficulties of this world and say…“Bring it on!”  Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

*Jesus Calling – http://jesuscalling.com

Daily Devotional for October 15, 2016

October 15 ~ Matthew 4:23-35
Jesus went all over Galilee, teaching in the Jewish meeting places and preaching the good news about God’s kingdom. He also healed every kind of disease and sickness. News about him spread all over Syria, and people with every kind of sickness or disease were brought to him. Some of them had a lot of demons in them, others were thought to be crazy, and still others could not walk. But Jesus healed them all.

Large crowds followed Jesus from Galilee and the region around the ten cities known as Decapolis. They also came from Jerusalem, Judea, and from across the Jordan River.

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

Sit with me for a bit while I throw a little pity party.  For someone who is retired, I have had a BUSY week that included a field trip with Timothy’s class to Little Rock on Thursday, and a morning of tutoring at school yesterday.  This was followed by an afternoon spent with Timmy and Zola, who got out of school early and came home to stay with Greg and me!  I was one tired aunt last night!  This morning as I enjoyed a second cup of coffee while perusing email and organizing my thoughts for this devotional, a car appeared in our driveway.

I looked out the window, and a man dressed in a suit was headed for the front door, papers in hand.  You guessed it…he wanted to invite us to attend his church – and he had literature ready to present to me. Still dressed in my pajamas, I peeped out the door and politely thanked him with the added note that “We belong to the Methodist church.”  He smiled and thanked ME - and turned to leave.

As I watched the man make his way back to his car, I read this scripture passage again.  And I reminded myself that Jesus was busy, too!  The Bible tells us that He sought places to rest.  He grew weary from all of the preaching and teaching and healing.  But Jesus never stopped ministering to others.  He was strengthened for His journey…and God refreshed Him every time He began to tire.

I began to think about how God gives me strength to keep going when I am tired.  If I am doing what He has called me to do, I always manage to have everything I need to get it done…energy, stamina, courage, and more.  God equips me with His supernatural strength and ability.  And He will do that for each of us, when we listen for His voice and do what He has ordained.

The other thing I thought about was the man who knocked on my door on this Saturday morning.  Whether I agree with his church doctrine or not, this man and his fellow congregants are faithful to what they hear God telling them…to get up, go out, knock on doors, and invite people to worship.  A man was almost literally shouting scripture passages in Walmart a few days ago as I shopped…stopping people and talking their ear off about Jesus and salvation – and the promise of Heaven for those who believe.  He SAID that God told him to do this!  And while busy shoppers (and I was one of them) ducked down alternate aisles to avoid him and hurry on, I had to think…this man was doing what he heard God tell him to do.

Sure, there are people who THINK they hear from God about certain things, when in truth, we don’t know WHO they are hearing from…maybe aliens from outer space!  I know that some people use “God told me” as an excuse for crazy talk or behavior.  But you and I both know that there are plenty of times when we hear God speaking to us…or we feel a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit to say or do something in the name of Jesus.  And we roll back over in bed or look away and say, “Not today, Father” – or “Not me!  Ask someone else!”

My point is this…Isaiah 40:31 tells us “But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.”  When you grow weary, think of this passage – and the unending works of Jesus.  Remind yourself that Jesus NEVER quits working on our behalf…that He is always available to help us with whatever we require.  Even when we are not aware that we need Jesus, He is with us…working behind the scenes.  How can we stop doing what He calls us to do?  How can we gripe, complain, and say that we are too tired…too scared…too unprepared or ill-equipped?

God will give provide us with plenty of time to rest.  Meanwhile, it’s time for us to soar like eagles…to walk and run - and trust Jesus to supply us with everything we need for the work at hand. Are you ready to get busy with the work of the LORD?  Will this be the day that you begin?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 30, 2016

Acts 4:12
Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
It has been a long, emotional day.  I spent most of it at my mother’s house, sorting through her books and personal belongings.  It’s all part of the process…but I have to admit, I’m weary of it – and more than a little ready to be at a point where I can at least take a breather.  Right now, our house looks like a bomb went off, because I have boxes and bags of books, photos, and other “treasures” everywhere.

Greg and I spent more than 2 hours this afternoon sorting through two giant containers of photos.  You know those 5-gallon tins in which flavored popcorn is sometimes sold?  Mother had one of those filled with loose photos!  She also had an old hat box filled with more of the same…not to mention envelopes, photo boxes…and probably 2 dozen or more photo albums, which are now on a shelf in one of our closets until we have the energy to peruse them.

We found some real gems…a few of which I will share on Facebook soon to see if others in our community can help me identify the persons photographed…or determine actual locations depicted.  We laughed and reminisced, and it was actually fun.  My mother was a pack rat, like her dad before her.  And I admit, I have inherited many of those same traits.  So as I look around my office at just a handful of the books I brought home and think of all I sorted through today, I see a constant and pervading theme…Jesus.  I recall the countless booklets, programs and more that my mother saved in a box from Vacation Bible School, Training Union and other church-related events of my childhood and that of my siblings.  I think of the notations she made in my “baby book” over the first seven years of my life, and how she made a special effort to mention when I first attended church and other church-related events.

My mother made sure that my siblings and I knew about Jesus.  Even in her last days on this earth, she shared Jesus with others and encouraged them to give their hearts to Him.  I am pretty sure that I would be a blithering idiot by this point if I didn’t have the peace and comfort of knowing without a doubt that my mother sits at the feet of Jesus for all Eternity, alongside countless other loved ones…and that not only will I join them someday, but so will my family members and those I love and hold dear.  And I want even MORE people to join us!

The only way this can happen is for each person to commit his/her heart to Jesus…to recognize that He is the only One with the power to save…and to surrender completely to Him.  If we will only ask Jesus to wash us clean of our sins and fill us with His Holy Spirit, He will do this.  Don’t do it for a “ticket to Heaven.”  Do this because of how much better everything about your earthly life will be if you make this choice. 

There will still be heartaches…there will still be diseases, trials and challenges. People you love will still die, and life might not ever be easy. But with Jesus, all things will be more manageable.  He will give you hope and courage, strength and perseverance.  With Jesus, you can still have joy in the midst of sorrow and struggle.  Because of Jesus, we could laugh and enjoy photos of my mother and dad and others who have left us, even though their passing makes us sad.  Jesus makes EVERYTHING better!  And I want you to know Him, just like I do. 

I was blessed to have parents and grandparents who took me to church and taught me about Jesus at an early age.  But it’s never too late to discover Jesus and start living for Him.  And there is no time like today.  Do you know the power and presence of Jesus?  Isn’t it time you did?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 3, 2015

2 Timothy 1:6-8
...I want to remind you to stir into flame the strength and boldness that is in you, that entered into you when I laid my hands upon your head and blessed you. For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.

If you will stir up this inner power, you will never be afraid to tell others about our Lord or to let them know that I am your friend even though I am here in jail for Christ’s sake. You will be ready to suffer with me for the Lord, for he will give you strength in suffering.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
       
In October 2014, I shared some of my Mam-ma Polly’s prized “Kentucky Wonder” bean seeds with friends who were visiting from Pennsylvania.  These friends are gardening enthusiasts extraordinaire!  They planted the seeds last summer and harvested a bumper crop of beans.  And a couple of days ago, a squishy padded envelope arrived in our mailbox – dried beans that our friends returned to us with best wishes for a good crop of our own next year.  I shared this story with my mother, and we agreed that my Mam-ma Polly would be tickled pink by this.  To her, “Kentucky Wonder” beans were like gold!

This got me thinking about my Mam-ma Polly.  She’s been on my mind a lot lately.  My grandmother was not afraid to speak her mind – about anything!  As I noted at her funeral, she was a mess – but she was our mess!  For all of the 56 years that I knew her, my Mam-ma Polly was never shy about sharing Jesus with others.  She did this in direct ways…and in subtle gestures.  Her table always had room for one more.  When she met a new neighbor, her first question was always, “Where do you go to church?”  She cared for the sick, shared with the needy, and prayed without ceasing.  She was an extraordinary role model for love of others and Christian discipleship…and I am blessed by her legacy.

In this letter from the Apostle Paul, we see him encourage Timothy to be bold and courageous…to call on the strength and inner power of God’s Holy Spirit as he represented the love and mercy of Jesus Christ to others.  And this is what we are called to do.  This is a season of generosity…of sharing love and giving to others.  We seem to find it easier to do this in December as we “get in the Christmas mood.”  But we need to expand our boldness and discipleship to the other eleven months as well.

It’s easier to share Jesus in these holiday weeks.  We smile more…we say “Merry Christmas” and display signage on everything from ornaments to sweatshirts that says, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.”  We give to charities, bake goodies for friends and acquaintances, and carefully select gifts for everyone from family members to co-workers and needy children.  We attend programs that proclaim the “Joy to the World” of Jesus’ coming.  We generally demonstrate in ways great and small how much we love Jesus - and how glad we are to celebrate His birth.

My challenge for all of us is to take a page from my Mam-ma Polly’s book and extend this spirit to encompass the entire year.  Let’s be more bold and courageous in our demonstrations of Christian faith and love.  Let’s do whatever it takes to become more comfortable sharing our story and telling others what Jesus has done in our lives.  This may require some practice…but I can tell you, repetition does make it easier!  Let’s get in the pattern of smiling more and representing the joy that comes from the peace of our salvation and faith in Jesus.

Even something as simple as the exchange of some pole bean seed can be an act of Christian love and discipleship.  I shared one of my grandmother’s most prized possessions with friends…and they reciprocated.  This opened the door for dialog and the exchange of love and friendship halfway across the country…and that’s sometimes all it takes to allow others to see Jesus in us…and to spur a deeper discussion of Christian faith. 

So get started…just jump in with both feet and do it!  Reach out to someone with a smile and a kind word or gesture, and see where God takes you.  Love people and genuinely enjoy being with them…and discover where and how God will stir the flame of boldness to further His Kingdom.

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 22, 2015

Luke 4:4-8
But Jesus replied, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘Other things in life are much more important than bread!’”

Then Satan took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time; and the devil told him, “I will give you all these splendid kingdoms and their glory—for they are mine to give to anyone I wish—if you will only get down on your knees and worship me.”

Jesus replied, “We must worship God, and him alone. So it is written in the Scriptures.”

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

“He wore me down!”  If you have not uttered this sentence at some point in your life, you are probably lying!  Whether it was a child who persisted in the “Please, can I have just one piece of candy/toy/whatever” or a friend who said, “C’mon, it won’t hurt to try just one,” to the person who convinced you that “Everyone is doing it…it’s not that bad”…we have all been “worn down” at one point or another. 

This is the devil’s specialty – wearing us down.  He has the patience of Job – and the persistence of a five-year-old who really, really wants something!  And the only One who can truly stand up to him is Jesus Christ.  “So you are saying there is no hope for us?” you may ask.  No…I am saying that the only way that we can handle Satan is by calling on the power of Jesus Christ to work and through us.

Too many people think that the devil is just an imaginary “bogey man” that Christians use to manipulate others…that he isn’t real.  And they couldn’t be more wrong.  This evil being had the “chutzpah” to try to tempt Jesus Christ!  So we should be anything but surprised that he would take a stab at us on a daily basis!

What does this mean for you and me?  First, we must not think more highly of ourselves than we ought.  We must remember that we are powerless without God.  Additionally, we must work every single day to stay connected to God…to hear His voice…to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in our heart and mind, so that we have the strength and confidence to say, “I don’t need this…and I most certainly do not need you, Devil!”

Finally, we must not grow complacent.  This, too, is the devil’s stock in trade.  He needles us and whispers lies in our ears and waits for us to wear down – and to give in to his manipulations.  He plays on our frustrations and the fact that everything doesn’t always go as we hoped…and he says, “I’ll make it ALL better if you will join me.”  We MUST NOT fall for this! 

I know this will make me sound wack-a-doodle (and a lot of you already think I am) but I often find myself saying, “Go away, Devil!” I say this several times a day…from the little things like when my serger machine will not re-thread easily to when someone cuts me off in traffic or I am tempted to lose my patience over something.  (I've already had to speak to him this morning!)  You may not believe that "the devil is in the details" of something so insignificant…but I assure you that this is the case! Satan will start with the smallest things and escalate them into big ones, just to get your attention – and your heart.

Recognize that Satan is real…and that he wants you in his camp.  Stay connected to Jesus…listen for His voice and learn from His example.  Remind yourself often that the “Bread of Life” is all you need…and thank God for sending His Son.  Stand tall and strong against the devil, and never let him wear you down.  Only JESUS can “make it all better” and give you the desires of your heart.  Do not be fooled by this imposter.  If you really want Jesus to make a difference in your life, you must surrender completely to His will and trust in His strength and sustenance…on all levels.

Join the “Wack-a-doodle Club” and learn to put the devil in his place.  Call on Jesus to feed you and give you His will power.  Instead of being worn down, wear the full armor of God and stand up…for Jesus – the only One who can really make everything better.

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 15, 2015

John 15:5
I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
Last week, Timothy attended a “Day Camp” at our local Aquatic Center. On the last day, he received a tote bag filled with his arts and crafts, candy, and some toys. One was this squishy deep blue “creature” – similar to a beetle.  It felt pretty gross to the touch, and it was all sticky. At first, Timothy was unsure about this toy, but over the span of an hour or so, he grew to like it…until one of its legs came off…and then another.  Then Timothy began to pull on the legs – and soon there were six little “blobs of blue goo” and a 3-sectioned “body.”  Yesterday, one of the kids pulled off a “body” section…and I’ll be honest - last night, we deemed the pieces of “creature” to be a safety hazard, and the pile of goop went in the trash!

Intact, this “creature” was interesting to look at…and somewhat fun for the kids to hold in their hands.  The appendages by themselves were just little blue blobs of goo…icky and worthless.  It’s similar to a toy doll or robot that requires batteries to walk and talk.  Without the batteries, the toy can still be fun for awhile, if the children use their imagination…but the real “magic” happens when batteries are inserted!

Without seeming irreverent, I offer that Jesus is our “batteries” or “body.”  Without His power, we are pretty ineffective.  I wouldn’t go so far as to say that we are worthless, because we all know people who occasionally manage to do some fairly productive things with no apparent Spiritual support.  But if you “get down to brass tacks,” you will probably see that they were covered in the grace and mercy of Jesus – even if they didn’t acknowledge His presence.  If you trim a fruit-laden branch from the vine, the fruit will still be “good” for a little while…but ultimately, it will shrivel and become inedible – and destined for the trash heap!

What we can accomplish on our own – who and what we are – is pretty limited without the power of Jesus.  Like the “little blue blobs of goo” that once were the legs of an icky toy creature, we may hold the attention of others and “entertain” or “serve” for a brief moment.  But without attachment to the body…without the VINE – we will never be productive and complete for very long.

Where does this leave you?  Are you attached to the Body?  Is your “branch” firmly attached to the “vine” of Jesus?  Don’t end up in the “trash heap” of life.  Stay connected to Jesus!  Let Him power your life – in every way…and enable you to produce  His “good fruits” - today…and always!

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 15, 2014

August 15 ~ Luke 23:43
And Jesus replied, “Today you will be with me in Paradise. This is a solemn promise.”

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 would have been so easy for Jesus to write off those two thieves hanging on either side of Him.  After all, He was more than just a little preoccupied...beaten beyond recognition...every breath more painful than the last.  And yet, He took time to forgive a sinful man and welcome him preemptively into the Kingdom of Heaven.  It is understandable how Jesus found the strength to say “Good-bye” to His mother, Mary, and to commend her care to John the Apostle.  But it’s hard to comprehend that He cried out to God and asked Him to forgive the soldiers who “know not what they do”.  It is astounding to stop and think that Jesus’ last thoughts – and breaths – were largely spent on forgiving others.

So where does this leave us?  It’s a question I’ve been asking a lot lately – both of myself and of you.  I have to say, I am sensing that this is highly significant for many of us right now.  It would be so easy to write a few folks off.  I’m not talking in the sense of “unfriending” someone on Facebook...but truly cutting off virtually all contact with these people and acting as if they pretty much no longer exist in your world.  And sometimes, we have to distance ourselves from people who are causing us pain – whether physically, mentally, emotionally – or all three.

But here’s the thing...we serve a God of second chances (and third and fourth and fifth)...and in His eyes...it’s never too late for repentance – or for grace, mercy and forgiveness.  So it was God’s will that Jesus forgive that thief on the cross in his waning moments of life.  And it is God’s will that we forgive others who ask for a second chance.  It is His will that we operate in grace and mercy - and sometimes forgiveness...even when the other person did NOT ask for it. 

We’re not being weak by doing this...we are demonstrating 1) God’s amazing power in our lives and our obedience to His will; and 2) our desire to free ourselves of bitterness and anguish, because truly, when we are unable to forgive others, WE are the ones who suffer the most.

Don’t misunderstand me.  If someone is threatening to harm you – physically, mentally or emotionally - remove yourself from their presence.  Put a healthy distance between the two of you.  Do whatever is necessary to protect yourself and those around you. No one should stay in an abusive or dangerous situation.  I’m not suggesting in the least that you try to be a hero or “tough it out” in circumstances that are unhealthy or unsafe in any manner.  Get to a safe place, and then ask God to show you how to find mercy and forgiveness for the person who harmed you...from a secure distance!

For the rest of us, here are the things to remember about today’s scripture passage:

• The next time you think it’s too late...that you have messed up too badly, and you are doomed, remember the thief on the cross and Jesus’ response to His confession and request for mercy.
• The next time you say, “I cannot get past this.  I cannot forgive him/her”...remember the cross and Jesus’ words to God about those who had abused Him and nailed Him to a cross.
• The next time you think forgiveness is too hard for you – or that it will open the door for others to mistreat you or take advantage of you, remember Jesus and how He utilized His final breaths.

I will be the first to admit that forgiveness is hard sometimes.  I know that some have suffered incredible atrocities...and many of us have been insulted and degraded by another person at some point in our lives.  But nothing we have endured can ever, EVER compare to what Jesus experienced.  In Him we find the perfect example of how to proceed.  Can we really afford to do any less?

©2014 Debbie Robus