Proverbs 4:20-27
Dear friend, listen well to my words;
tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they’re bursting with health.
Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts.
Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.
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.
As I write this devotional, Greg is busy mowing our yard. His head is down, and he is focused straight ahead as he makes sure that each row neatly lines up next to the one before it - with no gaps. Were he to look to the left or right and allow his focus to wander, there is no telling what "pattern" we might end up with in our yard! Like a lot of things in life, this is a task that requires one to "keep it between the lines" and to "ignore all sideshow distractions."
How does this have relevance for us? Think about your life as if you were mowing a lawn. You have a task at hand...school, work, caring for your family, staying healthy, eating, sleeping, maintaining relationships...and yes, working on your Christian discipleship through prayer, Bible study, discipleships, and fellowship/worship with other believers. As long as you "push the mower" in a straight line and stay focused, everything goes well.
Then a "distraction" comes along. "Life" throws you a curve ball. Someone asks you to do something you don't want to do - or can't - and rather than tell them "No," you dodge and weave and say, "Let me think about it and get back to you." You've just looked to the left and gotten off track. Or someone says, "Hey, did you hear about So-and-so?" and you drop what you are doing to hear all of the juicy tidbits. You just veered to the right...and there goes another "jog" in your neatly trimmed "yard"!
Someone makes you doubt yourself - or your faith - and you stop in your tracks...frozen...unable to move in any direction. Your friends or family members express viewpoints with which you do not agree...or speak against someone or a particular group. You are uncomfortable and feel God telling you that this is not right...but you don't want to embarrass anyone - especially yourself - so you say nothing...or nod in silent agreement. Either way, you have veered off the course that God set for your life...and you probably don't fell all that great deep within your heart because of it.
This passage is a reminder for us to examine our hearts...and to spend some time talking with God. It's a wake-up call to have something of a "review" or "tune-up" to see where we have gotten off course...and where God is calling us to get back into His "lane"!
When Greg gets done mowing our yard, it looks like a beautiful, smooth green carpet. I'm afraid that the "carpet" of our lives often has quite a few frays and snags that stick up or out and mar the landscape. But we can change this. We can ask God to help us get back on track, and to stay there. God can help us keep vigilant watch over our hearts...and to avoid the distractions that pull us to one side or the other. And in doing so, we can really live...healthy, happy, and bursting with confidence that He is guiding our steps.
Who is really steering your life these days? It's a question we all need to ask ourselves. Getting to the right answer may take some work and attention, but it will be so worth the effort. Are you ready to start paying closer attention? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label paying attention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paying attention. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 13, 2014
Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and you will be given what you ask for. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened."
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Five years ago today, my niece Jasmine gave birth to the first of her three children. Entering the world at a weight of 8 pounds, 5 ounces, with 20¾” of length, Timothy Michael was a bright-eyed bundle of delight from the very beginning. I’ve learned a lot of lessons from this little guy in the last five years. But the biggest lesson God has demonstrated to me through him is the power and truth of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7. In many situations, I have asked, sought, and knocked…and God has opened the door and answered my petitions.
I find it no small coincidence that just this morning, I read in Anne Graham-Lotz’s book, Just Give Me Jesus, about the night that Jesus took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He begged the disciples to stay awake and pray with Him…Jesus pled with Peter to wake up and sit with Him. When the soldiers came, and Peter realized what was happening – and how dire the situation was – he panicked and cut off the ear of the soldier, Malchus.
Lotz maintains that the real reason that Peter reacted in this way was from his failure to pray. Had Peter stayed awake with Jesus and prayed, he would have possibly had a better understanding of the unfolding events. Had he sought God’s presence and wisdom, Peter might have essentially “knocked at the door”…and God would have answered and revealed many truths to him. This would not have prevented the crucifixion, but it might have given Peter a different perspective and changed his reaction.
I also opened another devotional book today – a recent gift from my mother titled Jesus Calling. Today’s “message” was to look for areas where we need to let go and leave things in the capable hands of Jesus. Boy, do I ever need to internalize this message! If we could learn to ask, seek, knock, and receive…then “let go and let God” have control, we would see such a difference in every aspect of our lives.
Clearly, God is sending me a message…one that is appropriate for all of us. We cannot find Him if we are “asleep” or inattentive. We won’t hear from God if we don’t ask, seek, and knock. If we will pray about everything, seek God’s will, and listen for His voice, He will open the door and answer…through a newborn baby, the daily events of our life, the anointed words of a devotional or inspirational book or song, and certainly through the fervent diligence of ongoing prayer.
When we stay awake and alert for God’s voice…when we petition Him with sincerity, humility, and persistence, He “answers the door”. Better still…He takes our requests and desires to heart…sifts and sorts them to find the perfect match with His will…and answers perfectly. It sounds like a simple formula…but I can tell you firsthand that it is not. We are stubborn know-it-alls who often think we should tell God how things ought to go! But if we will surrender control… if we will ask, seek, and knock…God will open the door and answer.
Where do you find yourself today…are you “asleep” in the garden…or are you poised at God’s door? Your answer could be life-changing. How will you respond?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“Ask, and you will be given what you ask for. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened."
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Five years ago today, my niece Jasmine gave birth to the first of her three children. Entering the world at a weight of 8 pounds, 5 ounces, with 20¾” of length, Timothy Michael was a bright-eyed bundle of delight from the very beginning. I’ve learned a lot of lessons from this little guy in the last five years. But the biggest lesson God has demonstrated to me through him is the power and truth of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7. In many situations, I have asked, sought, and knocked…and God has opened the door and answered my petitions.
I find it no small coincidence that just this morning, I read in Anne Graham-Lotz’s book, Just Give Me Jesus, about the night that Jesus took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He begged the disciples to stay awake and pray with Him…Jesus pled with Peter to wake up and sit with Him. When the soldiers came, and Peter realized what was happening – and how dire the situation was – he panicked and cut off the ear of the soldier, Malchus.
Lotz maintains that the real reason that Peter reacted in this way was from his failure to pray. Had Peter stayed awake with Jesus and prayed, he would have possibly had a better understanding of the unfolding events. Had he sought God’s presence and wisdom, Peter might have essentially “knocked at the door”…and God would have answered and revealed many truths to him. This would not have prevented the crucifixion, but it might have given Peter a different perspective and changed his reaction.
I also opened another devotional book today – a recent gift from my mother titled Jesus Calling. Today’s “message” was to look for areas where we need to let go and leave things in the capable hands of Jesus. Boy, do I ever need to internalize this message! If we could learn to ask, seek, knock, and receive…then “let go and let God” have control, we would see such a difference in every aspect of our lives.
Clearly, God is sending me a message…one that is appropriate for all of us. We cannot find Him if we are “asleep” or inattentive. We won’t hear from God if we don’t ask, seek, and knock. If we will pray about everything, seek God’s will, and listen for His voice, He will open the door and answer…through a newborn baby, the daily events of our life, the anointed words of a devotional or inspirational book or song, and certainly through the fervent diligence of ongoing prayer.
When we stay awake and alert for God’s voice…when we petition Him with sincerity, humility, and persistence, He “answers the door”. Better still…He takes our requests and desires to heart…sifts and sorts them to find the perfect match with His will…and answers perfectly. It sounds like a simple formula…but I can tell you firsthand that it is not. We are stubborn know-it-alls who often think we should tell God how things ought to go! But if we will surrender control… if we will ask, seek, and knock…God will open the door and answer.
Where do you find yourself today…are you “asleep” in the garden…or are you poised at God’s door? Your answer could be life-changing. How will you respond?
©2014 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
“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
Daily Devotional for October 2, 2012
Ezekiel 37:7-10
I did what the Lord said, but before I finished speaking, I heard a rattling noise. The bones were coming together! I saw muscles and skin cover the bones, but they had no life in them.
The Lord said: Ezekiel, now say to the wind, “The Lord God commands you to blow from every direction and to breathe life into these dead bodies, so they can live again.”
As soon as I said this, the wind blew among the bodies, and they came back to life! They all stood up, and there were enough to make a large army.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Ellen DeGeneres is well-known for her hidden camera pranks. For instance, she once sent one of her writers, Amy, to a supermarket disguised as a produce manager. She told Amy what to say to customers, and Amy had to say and do whatever Ellen told her. At one point, Ellen told Amy to ask a customer what she was buying, and then to ask her, “Do you have any cats?” Then she told Amy to yell out, “I have two cats!” Ellen got more ridiculous with the prank, and Amy the writer had people looking at her like she was insane.
It was all in good fun… and Amy was a good sport. She said and did everything Ellen commanded. At one point, a customer pushed her cart past Amy. Ellen told Amy to yell "TURNIP!” and then start tap dancing. Amy did exactly this! Finally, Amy was allowed to tell the customer that she was with the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and they were on hidden camera… and everything ended well.
There were a few tense moments when Ellen told Amy to do something, and Amy looked somewhat shocked and reluctant… as in, “Are you kidding me?!” And I have a feeling this is how we often react when God speaks to us – if we even recognize His voice in the first place! Unlike Ellen’s writer Amy, I’d be willing to bet that we have ignored God more than a few times… or disobeyed Him. And unlike the harmless prank that Ellen DeGeneres was pulling for her television show, the consequences of ignoring God can be life changing!
Just look at what happened to Ezekiel. Imagine if he had ignored God’s commands about the dry bones. What if he had failed to command the winds on God’s behalf? I must tell you, our failure to do what God commands us is every bit as critical! We must be awake, alert, and completely in tune with God and His will, so that when He speaks to us, we answer swiftly and obediently.
If God told you to yell “TURNIP!” and start tap dancing in a grocery store, would you do it? Would you hear His voice, recognize HE was speaking, and obey His command? I doubt seriously that God will ever tell any of us to do this. But we must be ready, willing and able to answer when He does speak… and to do whatever He tells us. Are you prepared to answer obediently? When God speaks to you, how do you respond?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I did what the Lord said, but before I finished speaking, I heard a rattling noise. The bones were coming together! I saw muscles and skin cover the bones, but they had no life in them.
The Lord said: Ezekiel, now say to the wind, “The Lord God commands you to blow from every direction and to breathe life into these dead bodies, so they can live again.”
As soon as I said this, the wind blew among the bodies, and they came back to life! They all stood up, and there were enough to make a large army.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Ellen DeGeneres is well-known for her hidden camera pranks. For instance, she once sent one of her writers, Amy, to a supermarket disguised as a produce manager. She told Amy what to say to customers, and Amy had to say and do whatever Ellen told her. At one point, Ellen told Amy to ask a customer what she was buying, and then to ask her, “Do you have any cats?” Then she told Amy to yell out, “I have two cats!” Ellen got more ridiculous with the prank, and Amy the writer had people looking at her like she was insane.
It was all in good fun… and Amy was a good sport. She said and did everything Ellen commanded. At one point, a customer pushed her cart past Amy. Ellen told Amy to yell "TURNIP!” and then start tap dancing. Amy did exactly this! Finally, Amy was allowed to tell the customer that she was with the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and they were on hidden camera… and everything ended well.
There were a few tense moments when Ellen told Amy to do something, and Amy looked somewhat shocked and reluctant… as in, “Are you kidding me?!” And I have a feeling this is how we often react when God speaks to us – if we even recognize His voice in the first place! Unlike Ellen’s writer Amy, I’d be willing to bet that we have ignored God more than a few times… or disobeyed Him. And unlike the harmless prank that Ellen DeGeneres was pulling for her television show, the consequences of ignoring God can be life changing!
Just look at what happened to Ezekiel. Imagine if he had ignored God’s commands about the dry bones. What if he had failed to command the winds on God’s behalf? I must tell you, our failure to do what God commands us is every bit as critical! We must be awake, alert, and completely in tune with God and His will, so that when He speaks to us, we answer swiftly and obediently.
If God told you to yell “TURNIP!” and start tap dancing in a grocery store, would you do it? Would you hear His voice, recognize HE was speaking, and obey His command? I doubt seriously that God will ever tell any of us to do this. But we must be ready, willing and able to answer when He does speak… and to do whatever He tells us. Are you prepared to answer obediently? When God speaks to you, how do you respond?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 27, 2012
James 1:22-25
Obey God’s message! Don’t fool yourselves by just listening to it. If you hear the message and don’t obey it, you are like people who stare at themselves in a mirror and forget what they look like as soon as they leave. But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don’t just hear and forget.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know if you do this or not, but sometimes when I watch television, I see and hear what is on the screen, but it doesn’t process. Often the problem is that I am distracted… trying to do something on my laptop or talking to my husband… and sometimes I fall asleep! Thank goodness for a DVR! I can back up and play the program again to get what I missed! And I have to do this quite often, it seems!
We have a bad habit of hearing God without really hearing Him… or as this scripture passage puts it… hearing and forgetting. We don’t internalize what God is saying to us and take His words to heart. God tells us what to do… how to handle certain situations in our life… which path to choose. But if we are not listening carefully and obediently, we might just as well be asleep. We do not have the luxury – or crutch – of a DVR with God. When He talks to us, we are expected to listen – and listen well. It’s not that God doesn’t offer second chances… He often does! But God wants us to hear what He is saying the first time… and He blesses our attentiveness and obedience to His word in amazing ways.
Let’s redouble our efforts to listen to God. Work hard at not only hearing what God is telling you… but remembering and acting on His word. Obey His message… and live in the blessings of a life that reflects compliance and respect for the perfection of God’s word. Make it a priority in your daily living to hear what He has to say – the first time.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Obey God’s message! Don’t fool yourselves by just listening to it. If you hear the message and don’t obey it, you are like people who stare at themselves in a mirror and forget what they look like as soon as they leave. But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don’t just hear and forget.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know if you do this or not, but sometimes when I watch television, I see and hear what is on the screen, but it doesn’t process. Often the problem is that I am distracted… trying to do something on my laptop or talking to my husband… and sometimes I fall asleep! Thank goodness for a DVR! I can back up and play the program again to get what I missed! And I have to do this quite often, it seems!
We have a bad habit of hearing God without really hearing Him… or as this scripture passage puts it… hearing and forgetting. We don’t internalize what God is saying to us and take His words to heart. God tells us what to do… how to handle certain situations in our life… which path to choose. But if we are not listening carefully and obediently, we might just as well be asleep. We do not have the luxury – or crutch – of a DVR with God. When He talks to us, we are expected to listen – and listen well. It’s not that God doesn’t offer second chances… He often does! But God wants us to hear what He is saying the first time… and He blesses our attentiveness and obedience to His word in amazing ways.
Let’s redouble our efforts to listen to God. Work hard at not only hearing what God is telling you… but remembering and acting on His word. Obey His message… and live in the blessings of a life that reflects compliance and respect for the perfection of God’s word. Make it a priority in your daily living to hear what He has to say – the first time.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 19, 2012
Hebrews 3:15-19
For who were the people who turned a deaf ear? Weren't they the very ones Moses led out of Egypt? And who was God provoked with for forty years? Wasn't it those who turned a deaf ear and ended up corpses in the wilderness? And when he swore that they'd never get where they were going, wasn't he talking to the ones who turned a deaf ear? They never got there because they never listened, never believed.
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.
Have you ever tried to tell give a person advice – or directions – or you tried to show someone how to do a particular task… and the whole time, you knew they were not listening? In the end, all you could do was stand by and watch this person go the wrong way… or make a poor choice… or royally botch whatever he/she was trying to accomplish.
Imagine how this feels for God… because we do these same things to Him all the time! He has shown us the way. He has given us His word, His Holy Spirit, fellow believers to minister and encourage us, and much more… and still we tune it all out and try to do things on our own. God has given us the beauty of His creation, yet we doubt His existence. He has blessed us immeasurably, still we gripe and complain and have some pretty big pity parties!
We are our own worst enemy (with the devil’s help, of course). We block hearing from God… and in doing so, we block His blessings – and for some, salvation and the promise of an eternity spent in Heaven. We make the same mistakes over and again… then wonder why nothing ever works out for us like we had hoped.
The secret of success is hearing from God. I don’t necessarily mean success in a financial or material manner… although not listening to God could block these, also. I am talking about the success that comes from finding the joy, peace, hope and encouragement that God stands ready to give us… the life-altering health and wealth of living in the abundance of His blessings. We can all still enjoy this! All it takes is a shift of attitude… a willingness to pay attention, seek God’s word and will, and truly LISTEN to what He is telling us.
God’s word blesses us… empowers us… allows us to excel in all things. Don’t you want that for yourself? Won’t you stop, look and listen… and learn what God has in store for you in the days to come?
©2012 Debbie Robus
For who were the people who turned a deaf ear? Weren't they the very ones Moses led out of Egypt? And who was God provoked with for forty years? Wasn't it those who turned a deaf ear and ended up corpses in the wilderness? And when he swore that they'd never get where they were going, wasn't he talking to the ones who turned a deaf ear? They never got there because they never listened, never believed.
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.
Have you ever tried to tell give a person advice – or directions – or you tried to show someone how to do a particular task… and the whole time, you knew they were not listening? In the end, all you could do was stand by and watch this person go the wrong way… or make a poor choice… or royally botch whatever he/she was trying to accomplish.
Imagine how this feels for God… because we do these same things to Him all the time! He has shown us the way. He has given us His word, His Holy Spirit, fellow believers to minister and encourage us, and much more… and still we tune it all out and try to do things on our own. God has given us the beauty of His creation, yet we doubt His existence. He has blessed us immeasurably, still we gripe and complain and have some pretty big pity parties!
We are our own worst enemy (with the devil’s help, of course). We block hearing from God… and in doing so, we block His blessings – and for some, salvation and the promise of an eternity spent in Heaven. We make the same mistakes over and again… then wonder why nothing ever works out for us like we had hoped.
The secret of success is hearing from God. I don’t necessarily mean success in a financial or material manner… although not listening to God could block these, also. I am talking about the success that comes from finding the joy, peace, hope and encouragement that God stands ready to give us… the life-altering health and wealth of living in the abundance of His blessings. We can all still enjoy this! All it takes is a shift of attitude… a willingness to pay attention, seek God’s word and will, and truly LISTEN to what He is telling us.
God’s word blesses us… empowers us… allows us to excel in all things. Don’t you want that for yourself? Won’t you stop, look and listen… and learn what God has in store for you in the days to come?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 19, 2011
Proverbs 22:4
Respect and serve the LORD! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine recently shared an amazing story with me. She said that on the morning of her aunt’s funeral, she awoke to a clear voice from the LORD saying, “Get up and make two pecan pies and TWO batches of chicken salad. Leave one salad at home… take the other to the church to be served for lunch.” She said the instructions were crystal clear. She told her sister about this and said, “I’ve made a grocery list, and we have to get busy.” Her sister trusted this word and helped make the pies and chicken salad.
When the family arrived at the church for the pre-funeral luncheon, my friend told one of the condolence committee volunteers, “I know you will think I’m crazy, but the LORD told me to bring this salad, so I did.” As it turned out, as many as twenty-five extra people showed up for lunch. Without the salad, there would not have been enough food. And as people returned to my friend’s house after the service, she served thin slices of the pecan pie and the second bowl of chicken salad to hungry guests. She told me, “I’m trying to pay attention when the LORD speaks… and I’m glad I did.”
My friend respects and serves the LORD. And while she may not be what some would consider wealthy or rich, all of her needs are met, and she lives in abundance. She is honorable… and on track to live a long, blessed life. I am taking a page from her book and listening to the LORD. I told her that I have really been trying to pay closer attention – and to do what God tells me to do. But her example has given me added inspiration to do this!
God is more than worthy of our respect and our obedience. So often we hear His voice and turn a deaf ear… or fail to pay close attention. And we miss out on so many blessings and opportunities to bless others in His name. It’s time to fine tune our listening skills. We need to open our hearts and minds to the voice of the LORD… to show Him our utmost respect… and to serve Him with everything we have. I’m in… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Respect and serve the LORD! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine recently shared an amazing story with me. She said that on the morning of her aunt’s funeral, she awoke to a clear voice from the LORD saying, “Get up and make two pecan pies and TWO batches of chicken salad. Leave one salad at home… take the other to the church to be served for lunch.” She said the instructions were crystal clear. She told her sister about this and said, “I’ve made a grocery list, and we have to get busy.” Her sister trusted this word and helped make the pies and chicken salad.
When the family arrived at the church for the pre-funeral luncheon, my friend told one of the condolence committee volunteers, “I know you will think I’m crazy, but the LORD told me to bring this salad, so I did.” As it turned out, as many as twenty-five extra people showed up for lunch. Without the salad, there would not have been enough food. And as people returned to my friend’s house after the service, she served thin slices of the pecan pie and the second bowl of chicken salad to hungry guests. She told me, “I’m trying to pay attention when the LORD speaks… and I’m glad I did.”
My friend respects and serves the LORD. And while she may not be what some would consider wealthy or rich, all of her needs are met, and she lives in abundance. She is honorable… and on track to live a long, blessed life. I am taking a page from her book and listening to the LORD. I told her that I have really been trying to pay closer attention – and to do what God tells me to do. But her example has given me added inspiration to do this!
God is more than worthy of our respect and our obedience. So often we hear His voice and turn a deaf ear… or fail to pay close attention. And we miss out on so many blessings and opportunities to bless others in His name. It’s time to fine tune our listening skills. We need to open our hearts and minds to the voice of the LORD… to show Him our utmost respect… and to serve Him with everything we have. I’m in… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 18, 2011
Proverbs 22:3
A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
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.
Timothy is tall for his age… nearly three feet in height at just 29 months. So when he started learning to walk and run, he would often pass near my piano or sofa table and wince. Sometimes he would actually bump into them, but he would make that “this is gonna hurt” face before he actually made contact. It was as if he knew he should duck or move away, but the circuit to complete that message from brain to body was not yet fully developed.
Even though most of us are a long way past two years of age, we still do this in so many ways. We get ourselves into some pretty big messes, knowing full well that we’re gonna get clobbered… yet we forge ahead anyway. We know we shouldn’t go to a party where there will be drinking and drugs. We understand on many levels the foolishness of speeding and/or drinking when driving. We often know we that we shouldn’t open our mouths and spark World War III. We are totally aware that we “don’t have a dog in the hunt,” but we stick our noses in where they don’t belong, say things that are hurtful or inappropriate… or fail to act when we know we should.
I will be the first to admit that I “open mouth, insert foot” more times than I care to count. I am often impulsive and reactionary. And yes, I often get clobbered! But I’m learning to stop and consult God first… to take a breath… count to ten… say a quick prayer… and let God lead me. Is it easy? Not always. Often I want to say, “But, God…” Yes, I am the “Burger King Christian” sometimes… I want to have things MY way. But I do get that trying to tell God how to run things is nothing short of ridiculous and absurd… and I’m working on this. Are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
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.
Timothy is tall for his age… nearly three feet in height at just 29 months. So when he started learning to walk and run, he would often pass near my piano or sofa table and wince. Sometimes he would actually bump into them, but he would make that “this is gonna hurt” face before he actually made contact. It was as if he knew he should duck or move away, but the circuit to complete that message from brain to body was not yet fully developed.
Even though most of us are a long way past two years of age, we still do this in so many ways. We get ourselves into some pretty big messes, knowing full well that we’re gonna get clobbered… yet we forge ahead anyway. We know we shouldn’t go to a party where there will be drinking and drugs. We understand on many levels the foolishness of speeding and/or drinking when driving. We often know we that we shouldn’t open our mouths and spark World War III. We are totally aware that we “don’t have a dog in the hunt,” but we stick our noses in where they don’t belong, say things that are hurtful or inappropriate… or fail to act when we know we should.
I will be the first to admit that I “open mouth, insert foot” more times than I care to count. I am often impulsive and reactionary. And yes, I often get clobbered! But I’m learning to stop and consult God first… to take a breath… count to ten… say a quick prayer… and let God lead me. Is it easy? Not always. Often I want to say, “But, God…” Yes, I am the “Burger King Christian” sometimes… I want to have things MY way. But I do get that trying to tell God how to run things is nothing short of ridiculous and absurd… and I’m working on this. Are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 20, 2011
Psalm 109:21-31
Be true to your name, LORD God! Show your great kindness and rescue me. I am poor and helpless, and I have lost all hope. I am fading away like an evening shadow; I am tossed aside like a crawling insect. I have gone without eating, until my knees are weak, and my body is bony. When my enemies see me, they say cruel things and shake their heads.
Please help me, LORD God! Come and save me because of your love. Let others know that you alone have saved me. I don't care if they curse me, as long as you bless me. You will make my enemies fail when they attack, and you will make me glad to be your servant. You will cover them with shame, just as their bodies are covered with clothes. I will sing your praises and thank you, LORD, when your people meet. You help everyone in need, and you defend them when they are on trial.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I watched an episode of “Oprah” recently about a young man in Indiana named Clayton, who was locked in a 2-ft by 2-ft closet, wrapped in wire fencing material and bound with chains. Sometimes he wasn’t fed for days. Clayton was only six years old when this happened. His abusers were his own mother and stepfather. They did unbelievably cruel, horrible things to this child. Police estimate this went on for three to six months.
Clayton’s 14-year-old stepsister was kind to him. When the parents would leave, she would sometimes let him out of the closet, feed him and rub lotion on his body wounds caused by the fencing and chains. At some point, the stepsister ran away to Kentucky, and when police found her, she told them everything. An astute policeman contacted the parents and told them he had their daughter, but they must come and get her. He was hoping they would bring Clayton. They did… and the officer insisted on speaking with him privately. It was a hunch – one that paid off.
The officer in Kentucky really had no jurisdiction over a matter in Indiana. But he sat Clayton on his lap and fed him peanut butter and crackers. He said later to Clayton, “You ate a lot of peanut butter and crackers!” He realized quickly that Clayton loved his stepdad, in spite of the abuse… and even blamed himself for some of it. So the policeman said, “Your father wants you to tell me exactly what has happened.” Clayton replied, “He does?” The policeman does not regret the “white lie.” It worked. Clayton confirmed his stepsister’s story.
Clayton is now 18 years old. Since the rescue 12 years ago, he has been reared by a great-aunt, Patti, and her husband. The couple adopted Clayton and worked through the challenges of helping him overcome the nightmare of his confinement and abuse at the hands of his parents. Clayton’s stepfather and mother received the maximum sentence for their actions… four years each in prison. However, his mother only served two years and three months, and his stepfather was released from prison after 21 months. You can read more of Clayton’s story at http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Claytons-Survival-Story/7#ixzz1VXOutjdN
Clayton’s great-aunt, Patti, said she had married and moved away when Clayton was little, and she had no idea that any of this was happening. When she was told of it, she dropped to her knees in horror and despair. And I understood that completely… I can imagine how devastated I would be if something like this happened to a young child I loved. But at the same time, I began to count the ways God worked in this situation to conquer enemies and save the innocent.
God surely gave Clayton a stepsister who loved him enough to risk her own safety to let him out, tend his wounds, and feed him. I can’t help but believe that God gave that teenage girl the courage to run away and try to gain safety for herself… and for Clayton. God equipped the investigating officer with wisdom and quick thinking… and he was able to gain the confidence of the teenage sister – and then that of little Clayton. God gave Clayton to loving adoptive parents… his great-aunt Patti and her husband… and he gave them the wisdom, patience and courage to help Clayton overcome his experiences and become the productive, happy young man that he appears to be today.
Clayton has not seen his parents since he was rescued, but he has come to terms with his experiences – and grown from them. He says he tries to be especially kind to others as a result… to be better for what has happened to him. And I can’t help but believe that God orchestrated that, too.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. I don’t know what your “closet” is - or what may have caused you to lose hope. But I know Someone who can rescue you… Someone who is equipped to handle whatever you throw at Him – and He wants to do just that! I also am not going to dwell on why these horrible things happened to little Clayton. Instead, I am going to look at what God has done with this situation to bring about positive results… and how this can serve as a lesson for each of us.
Oprah first aired information about Clayton in 2000, but she didn’t use his name. She told his story, and at one point in the show, she looked into the camera and said something to the effect of, “If you or someone you know is being abused or mistreated, tell a parent. If you can’t tell a parent, go to school and tell a teacher.” A six-year-old girl who was watching did just that. She was being raped by her stepfather, and the next day, she told a teacher. The stepfather was prosecuted and sent to prison for his crime. Because of Clayton’s story – and Oprah’s sharing of it… this little girl was rescued.
My point is that God may be placing you in a situation to connect the dots about someone who is in trouble. It may not be child abuse… it could be some other form of abuse… or a struggle with alcoholism, drugs, or another addiction. Someone could be despondent or in deep trouble… desperately needing others to pick up on the signs and point them toward appropriate help. God may be counting on you to be the “stepsister in Indiana” or the “officer in Kentucky”… or you may be the “Aunt Patti.” The question is… are you paying attention? Are you tuned in to God and His calling for you? Are you ready and willing to do your part? Notice I didn’t say “able”… because if God wants you to do something, He will give you the necessary ability!
I know this message is long, but it is important that we recognize that God may be calling us to be His agents on this earth to bring about great changes… to rescue others from enemies we can’t even imagine. He may be giving us opportunities to physically demonstrate His amazing power and love… and to praise Him for the opportunity and the rescue afterward. Are you paying attention? Are you ready to do your part? Will you step up and be a rescuer in God’s name… and praise Him for the outcome?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Be true to your name, LORD God! Show your great kindness and rescue me. I am poor and helpless, and I have lost all hope. I am fading away like an evening shadow; I am tossed aside like a crawling insect. I have gone without eating, until my knees are weak, and my body is bony. When my enemies see me, they say cruel things and shake their heads.
Please help me, LORD God! Come and save me because of your love. Let others know that you alone have saved me. I don't care if they curse me, as long as you bless me. You will make my enemies fail when they attack, and you will make me glad to be your servant. You will cover them with shame, just as their bodies are covered with clothes. I will sing your praises and thank you, LORD, when your people meet. You help everyone in need, and you defend them when they are on trial.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I watched an episode of “Oprah” recently about a young man in Indiana named Clayton, who was locked in a 2-ft by 2-ft closet, wrapped in wire fencing material and bound with chains. Sometimes he wasn’t fed for days. Clayton was only six years old when this happened. His abusers were his own mother and stepfather. They did unbelievably cruel, horrible things to this child. Police estimate this went on for three to six months.
Clayton’s 14-year-old stepsister was kind to him. When the parents would leave, she would sometimes let him out of the closet, feed him and rub lotion on his body wounds caused by the fencing and chains. At some point, the stepsister ran away to Kentucky, and when police found her, she told them everything. An astute policeman contacted the parents and told them he had their daughter, but they must come and get her. He was hoping they would bring Clayton. They did… and the officer insisted on speaking with him privately. It was a hunch – one that paid off.
The officer in Kentucky really had no jurisdiction over a matter in Indiana. But he sat Clayton on his lap and fed him peanut butter and crackers. He said later to Clayton, “You ate a lot of peanut butter and crackers!” He realized quickly that Clayton loved his stepdad, in spite of the abuse… and even blamed himself for some of it. So the policeman said, “Your father wants you to tell me exactly what has happened.” Clayton replied, “He does?” The policeman does not regret the “white lie.” It worked. Clayton confirmed his stepsister’s story.
Clayton is now 18 years old. Since the rescue 12 years ago, he has been reared by a great-aunt, Patti, and her husband. The couple adopted Clayton and worked through the challenges of helping him overcome the nightmare of his confinement and abuse at the hands of his parents. Clayton’s stepfather and mother received the maximum sentence for their actions… four years each in prison. However, his mother only served two years and three months, and his stepfather was released from prison after 21 months. You can read more of Clayton’s story at http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Claytons-Survival-Story/7#ixzz1VXOutjdN
Clayton’s great-aunt, Patti, said she had married and moved away when Clayton was little, and she had no idea that any of this was happening. When she was told of it, she dropped to her knees in horror and despair. And I understood that completely… I can imagine how devastated I would be if something like this happened to a young child I loved. But at the same time, I began to count the ways God worked in this situation to conquer enemies and save the innocent.
God surely gave Clayton a stepsister who loved him enough to risk her own safety to let him out, tend his wounds, and feed him. I can’t help but believe that God gave that teenage girl the courage to run away and try to gain safety for herself… and for Clayton. God equipped the investigating officer with wisdom and quick thinking… and he was able to gain the confidence of the teenage sister – and then that of little Clayton. God gave Clayton to loving adoptive parents… his great-aunt Patti and her husband… and he gave them the wisdom, patience and courage to help Clayton overcome his experiences and become the productive, happy young man that he appears to be today.
Clayton has not seen his parents since he was rescued, but he has come to terms with his experiences – and grown from them. He says he tries to be especially kind to others as a result… to be better for what has happened to him. And I can’t help but believe that God orchestrated that, too.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. I don’t know what your “closet” is - or what may have caused you to lose hope. But I know Someone who can rescue you… Someone who is equipped to handle whatever you throw at Him – and He wants to do just that! I also am not going to dwell on why these horrible things happened to little Clayton. Instead, I am going to look at what God has done with this situation to bring about positive results… and how this can serve as a lesson for each of us.
Oprah first aired information about Clayton in 2000, but she didn’t use his name. She told his story, and at one point in the show, she looked into the camera and said something to the effect of, “If you or someone you know is being abused or mistreated, tell a parent. If you can’t tell a parent, go to school and tell a teacher.” A six-year-old girl who was watching did just that. She was being raped by her stepfather, and the next day, she told a teacher. The stepfather was prosecuted and sent to prison for his crime. Because of Clayton’s story – and Oprah’s sharing of it… this little girl was rescued.
My point is that God may be placing you in a situation to connect the dots about someone who is in trouble. It may not be child abuse… it could be some other form of abuse… or a struggle with alcoholism, drugs, or another addiction. Someone could be despondent or in deep trouble… desperately needing others to pick up on the signs and point them toward appropriate help. God may be counting on you to be the “stepsister in Indiana” or the “officer in Kentucky”… or you may be the “Aunt Patti.” The question is… are you paying attention? Are you tuned in to God and His calling for you? Are you ready and willing to do your part? Notice I didn’t say “able”… because if God wants you to do something, He will give you the necessary ability!
I know this message is long, but it is important that we recognize that God may be calling us to be His agents on this earth to bring about great changes… to rescue others from enemies we can’t even imagine. He may be giving us opportunities to physically demonstrate His amazing power and love… and to praise Him for the opportunity and the rescue afterward. Are you paying attention? Are you ready to do your part? Will you step up and be a rescuer in God’s name… and praise Him for the outcome?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2011
John 1:29-34
The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said:
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I told you about when I said, "Someone else will come. He is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born." I didn't know who he was. But I came to baptize you with water, so that everyone in Israel would see him.
I was there and saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven. And the Spirit stayed on him. Before this I didn't know who he was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water had told me, "You will see the Spirit come down and stay on someone. Then you will know that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." I saw this happen, and I tell you that he is the Son of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to an airport – particularly one in a major city – you have probably seen people standing at the gates holding signs that say things like “Smith” or “Adams Party” or ones that bear the name of a business, like XYZ Company. The driver holding the sign does not know the people he/she is collecting, but the people needing a ride will recognize this person by the sign bearing their name. Perhaps you have been given directions to someone’s office or place of business, and someone said to you, “You’ll know him right away – he has a dark beard, thick glasses, and dark curly hair.” Or maybe someone said, “Look for the tall girl with the blond hair,” or “Ask for Tom – tell them Bill sent you.”
Maybe you have said later, “I would have known So-and-so anywhere – your description was spot on!” Or maybe you have said to someone you just met, “Your reputation precedes you… XYZ has told me a lot about you already!”
We’ve been told a lot about Jesus… as much or more than John the Baptist! The question is… would we – do we – recognize Him? We see artists’ renderings of Jesus… how they believe He looked as a mortal man. Yet in the book Heaven is for Real, 4-year-old Colton Burpo looked at picture after picture and insisted, “That’s not Jesus!” When he was shown a painting by a 10-year-old girl who had experienced her own brush with death and a visit to heaven, he was so excited and told his parents that this was the picture of Jesus!
Now, I don’t know if Colton is right… I’ve seen a copy of the painting, and it is compelling – but I don’t know if it’s really Jesus in the flesh. But I do know this… when I get to heaven, I will know Him instantly! Meanwhile, I want to know Him now…to recognize when He speaks to me… to hear His instructions and follow His lead. I want to feel His arms embracing me even today… and to bask in His comfort, joy and peace. I hope you want this, too.
We have “signs and wonders” all around us. We have information and indications from Jesus about how to manage every single minute of the day… but we have to recognize Him and acknowledge His presence. Just as John knew about Jesus… just as he recognized God’s anointing of Him – the sign of the dove - we must recognize Jesus now… the “signs” of His presence and His power in our own lives. Are you hearing from God? Do you know Jesus… do you really know Him? Are you paying attention? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said:
Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I told you about when I said, "Someone else will come. He is greater than I am, because he was alive before I was born." I didn't know who he was. But I came to baptize you with water, so that everyone in Israel would see him.
I was there and saw the Spirit come down on him like a dove from heaven. And the Spirit stayed on him. Before this I didn't know who he was. But the one who sent me to baptize with water had told me, "You will see the Spirit come down and stay on someone. Then you will know that he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." I saw this happen, and I tell you that he is the Son of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever been to an airport – particularly one in a major city – you have probably seen people standing at the gates holding signs that say things like “Smith” or “Adams Party” or ones that bear the name of a business, like XYZ Company. The driver holding the sign does not know the people he/she is collecting, but the people needing a ride will recognize this person by the sign bearing their name. Perhaps you have been given directions to someone’s office or place of business, and someone said to you, “You’ll know him right away – he has a dark beard, thick glasses, and dark curly hair.” Or maybe someone said, “Look for the tall girl with the blond hair,” or “Ask for Tom – tell them Bill sent you.”
Maybe you have said later, “I would have known So-and-so anywhere – your description was spot on!” Or maybe you have said to someone you just met, “Your reputation precedes you… XYZ has told me a lot about you already!”
We’ve been told a lot about Jesus… as much or more than John the Baptist! The question is… would we – do we – recognize Him? We see artists’ renderings of Jesus… how they believe He looked as a mortal man. Yet in the book Heaven is for Real, 4-year-old Colton Burpo looked at picture after picture and insisted, “That’s not Jesus!” When he was shown a painting by a 10-year-old girl who had experienced her own brush with death and a visit to heaven, he was so excited and told his parents that this was the picture of Jesus!
Now, I don’t know if Colton is right… I’ve seen a copy of the painting, and it is compelling – but I don’t know if it’s really Jesus in the flesh. But I do know this… when I get to heaven, I will know Him instantly! Meanwhile, I want to know Him now…to recognize when He speaks to me… to hear His instructions and follow His lead. I want to feel His arms embracing me even today… and to bask in His comfort, joy and peace. I hope you want this, too.
We have “signs and wonders” all around us. We have information and indications from Jesus about how to manage every single minute of the day… but we have to recognize Him and acknowledge His presence. Just as John knew about Jesus… just as he recognized God’s anointing of Him – the sign of the dove - we must recognize Jesus now… the “signs” of His presence and His power in our own lives. Are you hearing from God? Do you know Jesus… do you really know Him? Are you paying attention? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 5, 2011
Proverbs 22:4
When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it-- be smart and hide.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was returning home from a trip to the grocery store, and I came upon a car wreck. Emergency personnel were on the scene - attending to those who were injured and clearing the debris - and traffic was at a standstill. There was nowhere to turn off the road… no side routes for a detour… so I had to sit in the line of traffic and wait for a deputy to signal that I could proceed forward and past the collision area.
When something like this happens, some people stupidly turn and head directly toward the accident scene… we sometimes call them “rubberneckers.” They enjoy seeing the trouble of others. Others simply are not paying attention. They heard sirens… they saw ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks whiz past them… yet they forged ahead and drove right into the heart of the chaos and found themselves caught up in it. Still others sometimes unwittingly end up in troublesome situations, through no fault of their own.
There are lots of situations that fall somewhere between the rubberneckers and those who are not paying attention. Many of us get involved in things that are none of our business… or we end up “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” We become embroiled in others’ arguments and drama… we find ourselves in the car with someone who is drinking - or covering for someone in a lie… we interject our own feelings and opinions and make a bad situation much worse.
We all have our “moments,” but God wants us to be awake and alert… and seeking His will and guidance at all times. He can help us avoid many of the “minefields” of life… the troublesome situations in which we do not – or should not – have a part! He helps us look for side roads and detours to take in order to bypass direct involvement in a collision or conflict.
How do you handle trouble… or the potential for a troubling situation? Do you ask God to guide your steps, or do you drive blindly forward and “let the chips fall where they may”? Are you seeking the guidance and wisdom of The One who can help you live in harmony… and bring glory and honor to His name? Isn’t it about time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it-- be smart and hide.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was returning home from a trip to the grocery store, and I came upon a car wreck. Emergency personnel were on the scene - attending to those who were injured and clearing the debris - and traffic was at a standstill. There was nowhere to turn off the road… no side routes for a detour… so I had to sit in the line of traffic and wait for a deputy to signal that I could proceed forward and past the collision area.
When something like this happens, some people stupidly turn and head directly toward the accident scene… we sometimes call them “rubberneckers.” They enjoy seeing the trouble of others. Others simply are not paying attention. They heard sirens… they saw ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks whiz past them… yet they forged ahead and drove right into the heart of the chaos and found themselves caught up in it. Still others sometimes unwittingly end up in troublesome situations, through no fault of their own.
There are lots of situations that fall somewhere between the rubberneckers and those who are not paying attention. Many of us get involved in things that are none of our business… or we end up “in the wrong place at the wrong time.” We become embroiled in others’ arguments and drama… we find ourselves in the car with someone who is drinking - or covering for someone in a lie… we interject our own feelings and opinions and make a bad situation much worse.
We all have our “moments,” but God wants us to be awake and alert… and seeking His will and guidance at all times. He can help us avoid many of the “minefields” of life… the troublesome situations in which we do not – or should not – have a part! He helps us look for side roads and detours to take in order to bypass direct involvement in a collision or conflict.
How do you handle trouble… or the potential for a troubling situation? Do you ask God to guide your steps, or do you drive blindly forward and “let the chips fall where they may”? Are you seeking the guidance and wisdom of The One who can help you live in harmony… and bring glory and honor to His name? Isn’t it about time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 9, 2011
Jeremiah 7:5
The LORD told me to stand by the gate of the temple and to tell the people who were going in that the LORD All-Powerful, the God of Israel, had said: Pay attention, people of Judah! Change your ways and start living right, then I will let you keep on living in your own country. Don't fool yourselves! My temple is here in Jerusalem, but that doesn't mean I will protect you. I will keep you safe only if you change your ways. Be fair and honest with each other. Stop taking advantage of foreigners, orphans, and widows. Don't kill innocent people. And stop worshiping other gods. Then I will let you enjoy a long life in this land I gave your ancestors.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s all about who you know. Isn’t this how many of us operate? You get into certain organizations or events because you know “the guy” in charge… or your dad was a friend of someone who is involved. Or you vouch for someone because, “His brother is a friend of mine,” or “I know her mother.” A lot of people go through life playing the system and riding on the coat-tails of other people in this manner.
But this passage is telling us that we can’t do this with God. When it comes to our own Christianity, it doesn’t matter if our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, friends and acquaintances are all faithful disciples of Christ. It’s not enough that your parents belong to such-and-such church or your wife goes to worship every Sunday. If you want God to bless you and protect you… if you want to get into heaven and spend Eternity with your Heavenly Father... YOU have to change your ways and make a commitment to serve Him. Nobody can do this for you… and you can’t stand in for anyone else.
God sees everything we do. He hears every word we speak and knows every thought we create. He knows our heart… when we are being sincere – and when we are playing a game. But our relationship with God is no game. We cannot manipulate the Holy Spirit – or expect Him to protect us when we merely “go through the motions.”
It’s time for us to renew our commitment to God. It’s time for us to forget about invoking the name of others or expecting anyone else to serve in our place. We need to get serious about our faith and make real and lasting changes. Are you ready to do this? Haven’t you played around with your relationship with God long enough? If you are willing to make the change, He is willing to meet you more than halfway. How can you refuse such an amazing offer… and why would you? Step out in faith today. Make the needed changes and face God with confidence in His promises… and His amazing protection.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD told me to stand by the gate of the temple and to tell the people who were going in that the LORD All-Powerful, the God of Israel, had said: Pay attention, people of Judah! Change your ways and start living right, then I will let you keep on living in your own country. Don't fool yourselves! My temple is here in Jerusalem, but that doesn't mean I will protect you. I will keep you safe only if you change your ways. Be fair and honest with each other. Stop taking advantage of foreigners, orphans, and widows. Don't kill innocent people. And stop worshiping other gods. Then I will let you enjoy a long life in this land I gave your ancestors.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s all about who you know. Isn’t this how many of us operate? You get into certain organizations or events because you know “the guy” in charge… or your dad was a friend of someone who is involved. Or you vouch for someone because, “His brother is a friend of mine,” or “I know her mother.” A lot of people go through life playing the system and riding on the coat-tails of other people in this manner.
But this passage is telling us that we can’t do this with God. When it comes to our own Christianity, it doesn’t matter if our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, friends and acquaintances are all faithful disciples of Christ. It’s not enough that your parents belong to such-and-such church or your wife goes to worship every Sunday. If you want God to bless you and protect you… if you want to get into heaven and spend Eternity with your Heavenly Father... YOU have to change your ways and make a commitment to serve Him. Nobody can do this for you… and you can’t stand in for anyone else.
God sees everything we do. He hears every word we speak and knows every thought we create. He knows our heart… when we are being sincere – and when we are playing a game. But our relationship with God is no game. We cannot manipulate the Holy Spirit – or expect Him to protect us when we merely “go through the motions.”
It’s time for us to renew our commitment to God. It’s time for us to forget about invoking the name of others or expecting anyone else to serve in our place. We need to get serious about our faith and make real and lasting changes. Are you ready to do this? Haven’t you played around with your relationship with God long enough? If you are willing to make the change, He is willing to meet you more than halfway. How can you refuse such an amazing offer… and why would you? Step out in faith today. Make the needed changes and face God with confidence in His promises… and His amazing protection.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 30, 2010
Proverbs 10:21
Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are like most people, at least once in your life you have gotten a new appliance or device, opened the package, and tried to use the gizmo without reading the instruction manual first. Think of the old adage, “When all else fails, read the instructions!”
I’ll admit, I’ve had instruction manuals that might as well have been written in Greek. I’ve also had instruction manuals that gave almost zero instruction, leaving me scratching my head and wondering what in the world I was supposed to do to operate the device.
Thankfully, God’s instruction is neither “Greek” nor lacking. The Bible gives us clear details on how to gain salvation through Jesus Christ – and how to conduct our lives afterward. Scripture tells us how to be disciples of Christ, what happens when we follow His teachings … and what happens when we don’t! It’s all there!
So we really have no excuses. I would venture to say that everyone reading this devotional has heard the word of God and received these instructions … probably many times! Yet we seem to think we know it all. We fail to consult the “manual” by ignoring the scriptures, forgetting to pray, and not taking advantage of opportunities to fellowship with other Christians who can strengthen and encourage us.
It’s time for a reality check. We do not have all the answers. We are not capable of navigating life as a Christian on our own … with no instruction! To try to do so will get us “killed” by our own stupidity in the form of failures, sorrow, disappointments, and all types of destruction. Failure to follow God’s instruction manual can even lead to an eternity without Christ for those who never invite Him into their hearts and accept His salvation.
Read the “Manual.” Listen to God’s instructions. In fact, seek them before you make a single move. Make sure you have all of the information and instruction necessary before you do anything else. You’ll be amazed how much more smoothly things operate.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are like most people, at least once in your life you have gotten a new appliance or device, opened the package, and tried to use the gizmo without reading the instruction manual first. Think of the old adage, “When all else fails, read the instructions!”
I’ll admit, I’ve had instruction manuals that might as well have been written in Greek. I’ve also had instruction manuals that gave almost zero instruction, leaving me scratching my head and wondering what in the world I was supposed to do to operate the device.
Thankfully, God’s instruction is neither “Greek” nor lacking. The Bible gives us clear details on how to gain salvation through Jesus Christ – and how to conduct our lives afterward. Scripture tells us how to be disciples of Christ, what happens when we follow His teachings … and what happens when we don’t! It’s all there!
So we really have no excuses. I would venture to say that everyone reading this devotional has heard the word of God and received these instructions … probably many times! Yet we seem to think we know it all. We fail to consult the “manual” by ignoring the scriptures, forgetting to pray, and not taking advantage of opportunities to fellowship with other Christians who can strengthen and encourage us.
It’s time for a reality check. We do not have all the answers. We are not capable of navigating life as a Christian on our own … with no instruction! To try to do so will get us “killed” by our own stupidity in the form of failures, sorrow, disappointments, and all types of destruction. Failure to follow God’s instruction manual can even lead to an eternity without Christ for those who never invite Him into their hearts and accept His salvation.
Read the “Manual.” Listen to God’s instructions. In fact, seek them before you make a single move. Make sure you have all of the information and instruction necessary before you do anything else. You’ll be amazed how much more smoothly things operate.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 31, 2010
Matthew 7:12
Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, a dear friend of mine was having surgery in a Little Rock hospital. I telephoned the hospital to inquire about my friend and see how her surgery went. After talking to several people, the consensus was, “She’s not here.” I knew she was there, and I was insistent that they keep looking. Eventually, someone on the hospital staff located her – she had been moved to another area of the recovery room, and quite frankly, they had temporarily lost track of her! This was a scary thought.
While the staff was able to excuse it by saying the woman’s children had stepped out for a bite to eat and there was no one there to speak up when her name was called in the waiting area, the fact that my friend’s name was not on any lists or computer files made me wonder about how careful people were at that facility. I had to ask myself … what if they were the ones having surgery? Wouldn’t they want documentation that showed that they were in the building? Wouldn’t they want someone to be able to locate them?
This is a drastic, dramatic illustration of treating others as we want to be treated … but isn’t this in essence what we do quite often? We “lose” others because we lose focus and become self-absorbed. We don’t see the needs and consider the feelings of others because we are so busy with our own. Their names don’t appear on our “roster” … and we have ample excuses should we be called out for it. But the truth is … we want others to notice us and care about us! We don’t want to be misplaced or forgotten.
It’s time for a reality check. We need to be looking up, out, and all around. Who in our path needs something from us today? It could be a simple smile, handshake, e-mail message, ride to school or the store, or a brief phone call. Others may be sick or injured and in need of more specific or detailed attention. Never assume that you know the level of someone’s need until you have done a proper assessment. The single older lady with the “sniffle” may need more help and attention than the woman half her age who is hospitalized with pneumonia. The student with the broken wrist may need help with school work, dressing and putting on shoes, and getting in and out of the building each day for classes. The grieving parent may need someone to come and help with everyday chores around the house until he/she can get a few days/weeks under the belt and begin to think clearly and function somewhat normally again.
The harried single mother with two kids may need someone to listen to her vent … or to sit and read stories to the children while she takes a hot shower. The college student who is juggling a full class load and a part-time job to pay for tuition and books may simply need to know that someone is available to listen or help where needed.
The bottom line is that we are called to serve others and meet their needs … just as they are called to do the same for ours. If we make excuses and let others get “lost in the shuffle,” we can hardly expect anything different for ourselves, can we? Ask God to open your eyes, ears, heart and mind to the needs of those around you. As you ask Him to meet your needs each day, think about who He will send to help you – and how this will be accomplished. Then ask where you have something to offer in return. God and others are counting on you to find the right balance.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, a dear friend of mine was having surgery in a Little Rock hospital. I telephoned the hospital to inquire about my friend and see how her surgery went. After talking to several people, the consensus was, “She’s not here.” I knew she was there, and I was insistent that they keep looking. Eventually, someone on the hospital staff located her – she had been moved to another area of the recovery room, and quite frankly, they had temporarily lost track of her! This was a scary thought.
While the staff was able to excuse it by saying the woman’s children had stepped out for a bite to eat and there was no one there to speak up when her name was called in the waiting area, the fact that my friend’s name was not on any lists or computer files made me wonder about how careful people were at that facility. I had to ask myself … what if they were the ones having surgery? Wouldn’t they want documentation that showed that they were in the building? Wouldn’t they want someone to be able to locate them?
This is a drastic, dramatic illustration of treating others as we want to be treated … but isn’t this in essence what we do quite often? We “lose” others because we lose focus and become self-absorbed. We don’t see the needs and consider the feelings of others because we are so busy with our own. Their names don’t appear on our “roster” … and we have ample excuses should we be called out for it. But the truth is … we want others to notice us and care about us! We don’t want to be misplaced or forgotten.
It’s time for a reality check. We need to be looking up, out, and all around. Who in our path needs something from us today? It could be a simple smile, handshake, e-mail message, ride to school or the store, or a brief phone call. Others may be sick or injured and in need of more specific or detailed attention. Never assume that you know the level of someone’s need until you have done a proper assessment. The single older lady with the “sniffle” may need more help and attention than the woman half her age who is hospitalized with pneumonia. The student with the broken wrist may need help with school work, dressing and putting on shoes, and getting in and out of the building each day for classes. The grieving parent may need someone to come and help with everyday chores around the house until he/she can get a few days/weeks under the belt and begin to think clearly and function somewhat normally again.
The harried single mother with two kids may need someone to listen to her vent … or to sit and read stories to the children while she takes a hot shower. The college student who is juggling a full class load and a part-time job to pay for tuition and books may simply need to know that someone is available to listen or help where needed.
The bottom line is that we are called to serve others and meet their needs … just as they are called to do the same for ours. If we make excuses and let others get “lost in the shuffle,” we can hardly expect anything different for ourselves, can we? Ask God to open your eyes, ears, heart and mind to the needs of those around you. As you ask Him to meet your needs each day, think about who He will send to help you – and how this will be accomplished. Then ask where you have something to offer in return. God and others are counting on you to find the right balance.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 17, 2010
1 John 1:6-7
If we say that we share in life with God and keep on living in the dark, we are lying and are not living by the truth.
But if we live in the light, as God does, we share in life with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus washes all our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I attended a bridal shower for a friend. I had never met the hostess before, but she was warm and friendly, and we found we instantly had quite a few things in common. The conversation turned to Facebook, and how some people utilize it to communicate with others. She noted a childhood friend who is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. This friend is using Facebook to keep her “friends” updated on her condition … posting comments about chemotherapy treatments, sharing photos of her newest hair scarves, and more.
On the other hand, the woman had a co-worker who became ill with cancer last March, but she chose not to tell anyone except a very small number of close friends and family. She endured her illness in secret, not allowing most people to visit her or even be advised of her condition. And in May, she died. The woman related that she felt badly that she did not know her co-worker was ill and suffering virtually in secret.
I was reminded of a friend whose mother became ill and didn’t want anyone to know. I asked, “If people don’t know she is ill, how can they know to pray for her healing?” I respect a person’s right to privacy. But at the same time I am reminded of what a former pastor once told me … “I can’t visit someone who is sick if I don’t know about them.” Frankly, if I am ill, I want all of the prayers I can get … don’t you?!
Looking at this passage another way … if we are claiming to have faith in God, but we pretend we have no needs … or we make a concerted effort to hide our situation out of embarrassment or a sense that we should be able to handle things on our own – or that some aspect of our life is too dark or ugly to admit to anyone else - we are not living by the truth. And certainly, if we are acting smugly and giving others the impression they cannot be “real” with us for fear of judgment or retribution, we are lying and failing to share in life with each other.
When Jesus died for our sins, He gave us a new life in Him – a life in which He charges us to go into the world and be His light – to offer hope and healing to others in His name, and to love unconditionally, with grace and mercy. This means we must welcome opportunities to pray for others and to share their concerns. We must offer others the promise of help in Jesus … reconciliation and restoration because of the cross. It’s somewhat the “go big or go home” concept. Because of the blood of Jesus, we can no longer hide in the shadows and darkness and live a lie. We must step up and step out … live and love in the light of God.
What about you? Where do you stand today? How “big” are you going with your faith and ministry?
©2010 Debbie Robus
If we say that we share in life with God and keep on living in the dark, we are lying and are not living by the truth.
But if we live in the light, as God does, we share in life with each other. And the blood of his Son Jesus washes all our sins away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I attended a bridal shower for a friend. I had never met the hostess before, but she was warm and friendly, and we found we instantly had quite a few things in common. The conversation turned to Facebook, and how some people utilize it to communicate with others. She noted a childhood friend who is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. This friend is using Facebook to keep her “friends” updated on her condition … posting comments about chemotherapy treatments, sharing photos of her newest hair scarves, and more.
On the other hand, the woman had a co-worker who became ill with cancer last March, but she chose not to tell anyone except a very small number of close friends and family. She endured her illness in secret, not allowing most people to visit her or even be advised of her condition. And in May, she died. The woman related that she felt badly that she did not know her co-worker was ill and suffering virtually in secret.
I was reminded of a friend whose mother became ill and didn’t want anyone to know. I asked, “If people don’t know she is ill, how can they know to pray for her healing?” I respect a person’s right to privacy. But at the same time I am reminded of what a former pastor once told me … “I can’t visit someone who is sick if I don’t know about them.” Frankly, if I am ill, I want all of the prayers I can get … don’t you?!
Looking at this passage another way … if we are claiming to have faith in God, but we pretend we have no needs … or we make a concerted effort to hide our situation out of embarrassment or a sense that we should be able to handle things on our own – or that some aspect of our life is too dark or ugly to admit to anyone else - we are not living by the truth. And certainly, if we are acting smugly and giving others the impression they cannot be “real” with us for fear of judgment or retribution, we are lying and failing to share in life with each other.
When Jesus died for our sins, He gave us a new life in Him – a life in which He charges us to go into the world and be His light – to offer hope and healing to others in His name, and to love unconditionally, with grace and mercy. This means we must welcome opportunities to pray for others and to share their concerns. We must offer others the promise of help in Jesus … reconciliation and restoration because of the cross. It’s somewhat the “go big or go home” concept. Because of the blood of Jesus, we can no longer hide in the shadows and darkness and live a lie. We must step up and step out … live and love in the light of God.
What about you? Where do you stand today? How “big” are you going with your faith and ministry?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 26, 2010
April 26 ~ Proverbs 15:30-33
A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong. Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise. You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it. Showing respect to the LORD will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Some of you have heard my story about the time my sister, my cousin and I went to my Mam-ma’s house before Christmas to get a lesson in making peanut brittle. For the record, my Mam-ma Polly is the undisputed Queen of Peanut Brittle Making. Hers is thick and filled with peanuts, but it’s as light and crisp as any of that thin stuff people sell in the buckets… and much tastier. She can still wield a heavy cooking pot of the molten candy, although at 97+ and getting a little shaky, we’d rather she didn’t!
Anyway, several years ago we went for “the lesson,” and she carefully instructed us to stir the sugar and water mixture over heat until it made what she called a “hair” (a very thin ribbon of candy syrup that resembles a curly hair) when you dipped a spoon in it and held it up to let the liquid flow back into the pot. We watched carefully and tried to do it just right. The candy made thin stream of syrup that did indeed look like a little curly “hair,” and we added the peanuts and let them cook. Then we added baking soda and let the mixture foam. We were supposed to stir vigorously at this point, and we took turns doing the various steps. When it came time to pour the hot candy onto a buttered cookie sheet, I was holding the pan, and I took my spoon and started to “help” the candy out of the pan and onto the sheet. BIG MISTAKE! My grandmother went nothing short of ballistic and started screaming, “NO! DON’T EVER SCRAPE IT OUT OF THE PAN! YOU’LL RUIN IT!”
To this day, I have never made a decent batch of peanut brittle. I guess my idea of a good “hair” and my grandmother’s are not the same, because my candy is always chewy, and she says it’s because I don’t cook it long enough. Mine certainly never pours smoothly from the pan, although I have never used a spoon to help it along again! I have decided that I will not be the one carrying on the family legacy of peanut brittle making to future generations. Thankfully my grandmother was more successful at teaching me to make yeast rolls and sweet potato pie. I’ll carry the torch on those and leave the candy to someone else!
We’ve had dozens of good laughs over that day and my “mistake” of pulling the candy from the pot… and my grandmother’s reaction. And it IS good to laugh and smile. But sometimes, we receive instruction from others that we fail to accept, and the results are not funny at all. We sometimes fail to recognize when someone is lovingly offering advice or help, and we interpret their efforts as a judgment on us that we are not doing a good enough job. Or we resent the fact that someone thought we needed help or advice in the first place. OR… we feel our way is better, and we are insulted by the offer.
Sadly, we often reject the instruction of our Heavenly Father… and this is serious business. How many times have you clearly heard or felt God telling you to do something – or to proceed in a certain way – and you did something else? Tell me… how did that work for you? If ever someone was trying to offer help and advice – or instruction – that we truly need, it was God! And He will continue to guide our path. The question is… will we listen? Unlike carrying on a legacy of making delicious peanut brittle, we don’t have the luxury of saying, “I think I’ll pass on God’s guidance.” Oh… many will try… but the results will be far more disastrous than a ruined pan filled with cooked-on candy. Humbly consider this scripture passage today… see where you need to accept good counsel from God – and from mere humans. Grow in wisdom by learning from others – and have the good sense to take a little advice along the way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong. Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise. You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it. Showing respect to the LORD will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Some of you have heard my story about the time my sister, my cousin and I went to my Mam-ma’s house before Christmas to get a lesson in making peanut brittle. For the record, my Mam-ma Polly is the undisputed Queen of Peanut Brittle Making. Hers is thick and filled with peanuts, but it’s as light and crisp as any of that thin stuff people sell in the buckets… and much tastier. She can still wield a heavy cooking pot of the molten candy, although at 97+ and getting a little shaky, we’d rather she didn’t!
Anyway, several years ago we went for “the lesson,” and she carefully instructed us to stir the sugar and water mixture over heat until it made what she called a “hair” (a very thin ribbon of candy syrup that resembles a curly hair) when you dipped a spoon in it and held it up to let the liquid flow back into the pot. We watched carefully and tried to do it just right. The candy made thin stream of syrup that did indeed look like a little curly “hair,” and we added the peanuts and let them cook. Then we added baking soda and let the mixture foam. We were supposed to stir vigorously at this point, and we took turns doing the various steps. When it came time to pour the hot candy onto a buttered cookie sheet, I was holding the pan, and I took my spoon and started to “help” the candy out of the pan and onto the sheet. BIG MISTAKE! My grandmother went nothing short of ballistic and started screaming, “NO! DON’T EVER SCRAPE IT OUT OF THE PAN! YOU’LL RUIN IT!”
To this day, I have never made a decent batch of peanut brittle. I guess my idea of a good “hair” and my grandmother’s are not the same, because my candy is always chewy, and she says it’s because I don’t cook it long enough. Mine certainly never pours smoothly from the pan, although I have never used a spoon to help it along again! I have decided that I will not be the one carrying on the family legacy of peanut brittle making to future generations. Thankfully my grandmother was more successful at teaching me to make yeast rolls and sweet potato pie. I’ll carry the torch on those and leave the candy to someone else!
We’ve had dozens of good laughs over that day and my “mistake” of pulling the candy from the pot… and my grandmother’s reaction. And it IS good to laugh and smile. But sometimes, we receive instruction from others that we fail to accept, and the results are not funny at all. We sometimes fail to recognize when someone is lovingly offering advice or help, and we interpret their efforts as a judgment on us that we are not doing a good enough job. Or we resent the fact that someone thought we needed help or advice in the first place. OR… we feel our way is better, and we are insulted by the offer.
Sadly, we often reject the instruction of our Heavenly Father… and this is serious business. How many times have you clearly heard or felt God telling you to do something – or to proceed in a certain way – and you did something else? Tell me… how did that work for you? If ever someone was trying to offer help and advice – or instruction – that we truly need, it was God! And He will continue to guide our path. The question is… will we listen? Unlike carrying on a legacy of making delicious peanut brittle, we don’t have the luxury of saying, “I think I’ll pass on God’s guidance.” Oh… many will try… but the results will be far more disastrous than a ruined pan filled with cooked-on candy. Humbly consider this scripture passage today… see where you need to accept good counsel from God – and from mere humans. Grow in wisdom by learning from others – and have the good sense to take a little advice along the way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 8, 2010
April 8 ~ 1 Timothy 6:6-8
And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have. We didn't bring anything into this world, and we won't take anything with us when we leave. So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently watched an episode of The History Channel’s “American Pickers,” about two men from Iowa who trek across the country in search of “one man’s junk” that can be recycled and restored and turned into another man’s “treasure.” On the episode I viewed, the men visited a gentleman who has an incredible collection that includes a turn-of-the-century wood rim bicycle and a high-wheeler from the 1880’s. At every turn, the two men asked the owner, “How much for this?” The man’s standard reply was, “Oh… a couple thousand.” In other words, he didn’t want to sell! He even remarked, “I am going to have to buy a really big casket to take all this with me!”
The truth is, we won’t take any of our “stuff” with us when we die, and a lot of it isn’t adding much to our lives in the present! I know, I know… I have closets full of things I don’t need, too. But sadly, for a lot of us, we fill our lives with things we don’t even want out of some deep-seated idea that we can gain satisfaction with “stuff!” The truth is that what we really need is more of JESUS!
Many people are trying to fill a void with things, people, trips and activities, drugs, alcohol and more… and there is never enough. If you just had one more car, video game or pair of shoes… that would be enough. If you could just go to Europe or take a cruise one more time, your life would be complete. Have you ever seen the Kohler bath commercial where the Italian grandma is dying, and she is saying that her life is complete… she accomplished and experienced everything she could possibly want – until the door opens to show a beautiful woman running her hands through the water that fills a bath tub in a spa-like setting. The grandma utters a curse word and dies, regretting that this was the one thing she missed.
What are you missing? If we truly search our hearts, I think most of us would find we are missing more of Jesus. We are missing a deeper sense of trust, a stronger faith, a more intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. I recently commented to my mom that if I spent adequate time praying over the people and concerns on my prayer list these days, I would be in prayer all day… and then we both laughed. We both realized the absurdity of what I had just said, because this obviously is not the priority in my life it should be. See, I’ve let “things” get in the way of spending time with God, and I suspect you may have, too. I could give up a couple of mindless television shows per day to pray. I could walk an extra loop on my exercise route and talk to God a little longer. Instead of surfing the Internet shopping for my next purchase, I could be covering someone in prayer who has deep needs… or finding out what God wants me to do with the next few hours/minutes/days of my life.
We need to realize what is really important. It’s okay to have nice things… to live full lives and go places and do things. But it is not okay to give these first place in our lives. Priorities matter… GOD matters. We can’t take it with us when we die… and we wouldn’t want to anyway. Where are your priorities? What are your treasures?
Leland's Cafe. (2010). The History Channel website. Retrieved 3:33, April 6, 2010, from http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers/episodes/american-pickers-episodes#slide-2.
©2010 Debbie Robus
And religion does make your life rich, by making you content with what you have. We didn't bring anything into this world, and we won't take anything with us when we leave. So we should be satisfied just to have food and clothes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently watched an episode of The History Channel’s “American Pickers,” about two men from Iowa who trek across the country in search of “one man’s junk” that can be recycled and restored and turned into another man’s “treasure.” On the episode I viewed, the men visited a gentleman who has an incredible collection that includes a turn-of-the-century wood rim bicycle and a high-wheeler from the 1880’s. At every turn, the two men asked the owner, “How much for this?” The man’s standard reply was, “Oh… a couple thousand.” In other words, he didn’t want to sell! He even remarked, “I am going to have to buy a really big casket to take all this with me!”
The truth is, we won’t take any of our “stuff” with us when we die, and a lot of it isn’t adding much to our lives in the present! I know, I know… I have closets full of things I don’t need, too. But sadly, for a lot of us, we fill our lives with things we don’t even want out of some deep-seated idea that we can gain satisfaction with “stuff!” The truth is that what we really need is more of JESUS!
Many people are trying to fill a void with things, people, trips and activities, drugs, alcohol and more… and there is never enough. If you just had one more car, video game or pair of shoes… that would be enough. If you could just go to Europe or take a cruise one more time, your life would be complete. Have you ever seen the Kohler bath commercial where the Italian grandma is dying, and she is saying that her life is complete… she accomplished and experienced everything she could possibly want – until the door opens to show a beautiful woman running her hands through the water that fills a bath tub in a spa-like setting. The grandma utters a curse word and dies, regretting that this was the one thing she missed.
What are you missing? If we truly search our hearts, I think most of us would find we are missing more of Jesus. We are missing a deeper sense of trust, a stronger faith, a more intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. I recently commented to my mom that if I spent adequate time praying over the people and concerns on my prayer list these days, I would be in prayer all day… and then we both laughed. We both realized the absurdity of what I had just said, because this obviously is not the priority in my life it should be. See, I’ve let “things” get in the way of spending time with God, and I suspect you may have, too. I could give up a couple of mindless television shows per day to pray. I could walk an extra loop on my exercise route and talk to God a little longer. Instead of surfing the Internet shopping for my next purchase, I could be covering someone in prayer who has deep needs… or finding out what God wants me to do with the next few hours/minutes/days of my life.
We need to realize what is really important. It’s okay to have nice things… to live full lives and go places and do things. But it is not okay to give these first place in our lives. Priorities matter… GOD matters. We can’t take it with us when we die… and we wouldn’t want to anyway. Where are your priorities? What are your treasures?
Leland's Cafe. (2010). The History Channel website. Retrieved 3:33, April 6, 2010, from http://www.history.com/shows/american-pickers/episodes/american-pickers-episodes#slide-2.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 7, 2010
February 8 ~ Jeremiah 32:17-25
LORD God, you stretched out your mighty arm and made the sky and the earth. You can do anything. You show kindness for a thousand generations, but you also punish people for the sins of their parents. You are the LORD All-Powerful. With great wisdom you make plans, and with your great power you do all the mighty things you planned. Nothing we do is hidden from your eyes, and you reward or punish us as we deserve. You are famous because you worked miracles in Egypt, and you are still working them in Israel and in the rest of the world as well. You terrified the Egyptians with your miracles, and you reached out your mighty arm and rescued your people Israel from Egypt. Then you gave Israel this land rich with milk and honey, just as you had promised our ancestors.
But when our ancestors took over the land, they did not obey you. And now you have punished Israel with disaster. Jerusalem is under attack, and we suffer from hunger and disease. The Babylonians have already built dirt ramps up to the city walls, and you can see that Jerusalem will be captured just as you said.
So why did you tell me to get some witnesses and buy a field with my silver, when Jerusalem is about to be captured by the Babylonians?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever known someone who seemed to “get by with murder?” They never appeared to get caught – or to be punished when they did. And then, one day, something happened that was not “fixable.” Maybe they broke the law and their parents said, “We can’t get you out of this one.” Their mistakes and mis-steps caught up with them, and they had to “do the time,” so to speak for whatever they had done. Or maybe drinking and driving caught up with them and they had a terrible accident. Or maybe their dishonesty and deceit finally ended their relationship with a dear friend or loved one – and/or damaged their reputation.
As Christians, it may seem like God lets us get by with things for a while, and then one day, the world comes crashing down around us. And sometimes, when things seem their darkest, God gives us an inner sense of hope… an inexplicable feeling that we can ride out this storm and things will once again be good for us. This is how a person who goes to prison can have hope for a future “on the outside” once his/her sentence is completed. This is how someone who has lost a loved one or suffered a broken relationship can believe that joy can return. This is how you can lose your job and everything you own and be confident you will find new employment and rebuild your life.
God knows that His children make mistakes. And sometimes He has to allow us to wallow in them for awhile. Or sometimes, He allows hardship and struggle to come to faithful Christians to strengthen their trust and confidence in His ability to work in and through them. But when God shows you how to “buy a field with silver” – to have hope and courage even in the middle of a crisis – He is preparing you for blessings and renewal. He is saying, “Hang on… help is on the way. Walk through this valley, and prepare for blessings on the other side.”
Our job is to pay attention when God tells us to “get ready.” We must trust Him in hard times AND good times. We must accept our challenges and work through them with confidence and faith that He will be waiting on the other end to bless us. This is very much a leap of blind faith, but that’s what God demands. Hang in there… stay close to God and trust Him to redirect you when you get off track… and to bless you for your obedience.
©2009 Debbie Robus
LORD God, you stretched out your mighty arm and made the sky and the earth. You can do anything. You show kindness for a thousand generations, but you also punish people for the sins of their parents. You are the LORD All-Powerful. With great wisdom you make plans, and with your great power you do all the mighty things you planned. Nothing we do is hidden from your eyes, and you reward or punish us as we deserve. You are famous because you worked miracles in Egypt, and you are still working them in Israel and in the rest of the world as well. You terrified the Egyptians with your miracles, and you reached out your mighty arm and rescued your people Israel from Egypt. Then you gave Israel this land rich with milk and honey, just as you had promised our ancestors.
But when our ancestors took over the land, they did not obey you. And now you have punished Israel with disaster. Jerusalem is under attack, and we suffer from hunger and disease. The Babylonians have already built dirt ramps up to the city walls, and you can see that Jerusalem will be captured just as you said.
So why did you tell me to get some witnesses and buy a field with my silver, when Jerusalem is about to be captured by the Babylonians?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever known someone who seemed to “get by with murder?” They never appeared to get caught – or to be punished when they did. And then, one day, something happened that was not “fixable.” Maybe they broke the law and their parents said, “We can’t get you out of this one.” Their mistakes and mis-steps caught up with them, and they had to “do the time,” so to speak for whatever they had done. Or maybe drinking and driving caught up with them and they had a terrible accident. Or maybe their dishonesty and deceit finally ended their relationship with a dear friend or loved one – and/or damaged their reputation.
As Christians, it may seem like God lets us get by with things for a while, and then one day, the world comes crashing down around us. And sometimes, when things seem their darkest, God gives us an inner sense of hope… an inexplicable feeling that we can ride out this storm and things will once again be good for us. This is how a person who goes to prison can have hope for a future “on the outside” once his/her sentence is completed. This is how someone who has lost a loved one or suffered a broken relationship can believe that joy can return. This is how you can lose your job and everything you own and be confident you will find new employment and rebuild your life.
God knows that His children make mistakes. And sometimes He has to allow us to wallow in them for awhile. Or sometimes, He allows hardship and struggle to come to faithful Christians to strengthen their trust and confidence in His ability to work in and through them. But when God shows you how to “buy a field with silver” – to have hope and courage even in the middle of a crisis – He is preparing you for blessings and renewal. He is saying, “Hang on… help is on the way. Walk through this valley, and prepare for blessings on the other side.”
Our job is to pay attention when God tells us to “get ready.” We must trust Him in hard times AND good times. We must accept our challenges and work through them with confidence and faith that He will be waiting on the other end to bless us. This is very much a leap of blind faith, but that’s what God demands. Hang in there… stay close to God and trust Him to redirect you when you get off track… and to bless you for your obedience.
©2009 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 31, 2010
January 31 ~ 1 John 5:14-15
We are certain that God will hear our prayers when we ask for what pleases him. And if we know that God listens when we pray, we are sure that our prayers have already been answered.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been talking to someone – either in person or on the phone – and you realized that they were not listening to you at all. They had tuned you out and were “somewhere else.” Maybe you got a cursory “yeah,” or “uh-huh” once in a while, but you knew they weren’t really listening. You might have even stopped and said, “You’ve not heard a word I’ve said!”
The cool thing is that God NEVER tunes us out. We can ramble… we can rant… we can talk about everything and nothing at all… and He listens. He sifts through the nonsense and hears our true needs and desires… and He answers them according to His will for our lives. With people, we may not know whether they are listening and paying attention to us… but with God, we know He always listens. And when we listen to God and follow His plans for our lives… live in a way that honors Him and serves others in His name... the doors of Heaven open and God pours out answers and blessings we can’t begin to imagine.
Are you listening to God? Are you asking Him for what is pleasing… and are you acting in a way that honors Him? Are you experiencing the full measure of God’s blessings in your life, or are you “somewhere else?” Prayer works – especially when we are humble, faithful, and truly listening to God. Are you paying attention to the details of your relationship with Him these days?
©2009 Debbie Robus
We are certain that God will hear our prayers when we ask for what pleases him. And if we know that God listens when we pray, we are sure that our prayers have already been answered.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been talking to someone – either in person or on the phone – and you realized that they were not listening to you at all. They had tuned you out and were “somewhere else.” Maybe you got a cursory “yeah,” or “uh-huh” once in a while, but you knew they weren’t really listening. You might have even stopped and said, “You’ve not heard a word I’ve said!”
The cool thing is that God NEVER tunes us out. We can ramble… we can rant… we can talk about everything and nothing at all… and He listens. He sifts through the nonsense and hears our true needs and desires… and He answers them according to His will for our lives. With people, we may not know whether they are listening and paying attention to us… but with God, we know He always listens. And when we listen to God and follow His plans for our lives… live in a way that honors Him and serves others in His name... the doors of Heaven open and God pours out answers and blessings we can’t begin to imagine.
Are you listening to God? Are you asking Him for what is pleasing… and are you acting in a way that honors Him? Are you experiencing the full measure of God’s blessings in your life, or are you “somewhere else?” Prayer works – especially when we are humble, faithful, and truly listening to God. Are you paying attention to the details of your relationship with Him these days?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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