James 1:12
God will bless you, if you don’t give
up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious
life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I
took the children to swim at our community’s Aquatic Center. The local
swim team was practicing in the lanes adjacent to the open pool area
where we were swimming. The children were so impressed. They knew some
of the team members from church, and I encouraged them to “race” in our
section of the pool “like the swim team.” Timothy eagerly said, “Okay,
okay…and you be our coach!”
I lined the three children up along
one wall of the pool and then backed away some 15 feet into the deeper
water. I would say, “Ready, set, GO!” and have them swim to me. All
three children would start out working hard, but about three or four
feet into the swim, Zola would stop dead in her tracks and start to try
to cry! “I can’t go!” she would say. “You’re not trying,” I would
tell her. “Kick your legs and pull with your arms and hands.” “But I
can’t!” she would wail.
Meanwhile, Timothy and Nathan would have
happily reached me, both excitedly squealing that “I won! I won!” They
did not give up. Even when a sibling moved into their path and blocked
them temporarily…they skirted around and kept swimming.
This is
what we are being told to do in James 1:12…keep swimming. Don’t give up
when things get tough. When you get stuck “dead in the water” for a
brief moment, don’t just throw up your hands and try to squeeze out a
few tears of defeat. Keep swimming! Keep trying, and stay faithful. I
held out my hands and encouraged Zola to “Come on! Keep coming to me.
I’m right here.” And you know what? That is exactly what God is
saying. “Come on…hang on just a little longer…I am right here with
you.”
This verse says that those who remain faithful and do not
quit will be rewarded with “a glorious life.” And I will agree with
you that there are days and circumstances in this earthly life that seem
anything but glorious. Some are downright hard and unpleasant –
and we want to run screaming into the night and say, “ENOUGH! I am
DONE!” But here’s the thing…God understands this…and He’s not going
anywhere. He can make even the lousiest day or circumstances
bearable…He will ultimately deliver us and give us joy and peace again.
And when we learn to remain faithful and trust God even in the worst
times, we discover that the rewards increase exponentially - in ways we
never ever dreamed.
So keep swimming. Stay focused on God and
trust His promises. Propel yourself forward toward His outstretched
hands. You can’t begin to imagine how He will bless you…but He surely
will. And in the end, you will also shout, “I won! I won!” Today is
the day…Ready…Set…GO!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label perseverance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label perseverance. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 2, 2014
Galatians 6:9
And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” ~ Dr. Seuss in The Lorax
If you are familiar with The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss, you know that it’s a story about greed. A character known as the “Once-ler” cuts down a “Truffula tree” and creates a multi-purpose object called a “thneed”. The Lorax protests the harvesting of the Truffula trees, citing a need to protect this vegetation and the surrounding environment. But the Once-ler persists. And as he sells his “thneeds” and begins to make money, he recruits others to help produce them. This leads to all sorts of problems…from pollution to safety hazards and risk to the lives of family members and friends. Ultimately, the last Truffula tree is hacked down…and there is no way to produce more “thneeds”. The workers are sick and injured…and things are in a mess.
It looks hopeless…and the Lorax disappears into the sky through a hole in the smog. Later, a boy comes along and begins asking questions. Where is the Lorax? What happened? The whole story is a flashback sequence, as the Once-ler explains what has transpired. He looks down upon a stone on which the Lorax had etched one word…unless. The Once-ler realizes that the Lorax was trying to tell him that UNLESS someone cares enough, things will never get better. UNLESS someone tirelessly does what is right, we’ll never get anywhere! So the Once-ler gives the little boy a seed…for a Truffula tree…and encourages him to plant it and set things right.
I once taught a series of Senior High Sunday school lessons one summer using Dr. Seuss books. The kids thought I was nuts for the first Sunday or two…and then they started showing up in bigger numbers. They were eager to see what book I would choose for the week and how I would dovetail it with scriptures to discover what God wanted to tell them and how this related to their life. We can learn a lot from a children’s book author…which is proof that God can use anyone – ANYWHERE! And the point I want to make today is that we cannot give up. We have to be like the Lorax …we have to keep standing up for what is right.
We have to keep helping people – and loving them – even when they hurt our feelings or disrespect us. We may have doors slammed in our faces, unanswered phone calls or messages (or even rude and dramatic hang-ups!), be the victim of unkind words and gestures, and more. We may feel discouraged, insulted, offended, heartbroken...and weary. But we must keep doing what God has commanded us to do in His name.
Have we learned nothing from Jesus? He was bruised, beaten, spit upon, humiliated, ridiculed, slapped…and crucified…all because of His message of love and kindness, grace and mercy, forgiveness and humble obedience to our Heavenly Father. For offering us Eternal Life, His very life was brutally taken…for our sins, His blood literally poured from His body and spread over the ground. In light of these facts, how can we fail to persist?
Don’t be confused…there is a difference between giving up and stepping aside to allow God room to work. I like to think that perhaps this is what the Lorax did. He had done the right thing…always and forever…and when there was nothing else that HE could do, he stepped aside. Ultimately, the Once-ler realized his mistake. Perhaps that wasn’t merely a “coincidence”! Maybe God used the Lorax to plant “seeds” of hope and reason…to teach long-lasting lessons that would not fully “bear fruit” until after he had moved on. There have been many times in my life when I have become discouraged over someone or a certain situation. Often, others have told me, “You are planting seeds that you cannot even realize – and may never see develop. But they are there.” I believe this is true…I have seen it firsthand in my life and the lives of others.
Let’s all remember three things… 1) it’s not over until GOD says “It’s over!”; 2) just because we cannot readily see results doesn’t mean that our efforts to do the right thing – to love and honor God with our obedience, our actions and our service – is not productive; and 3) “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” God is calling us to care. He is calling us to hang in there…to stick with it…to keep on “keepin’ on” in Jesus’ name. We cannot rest on our laurels…or slack off and hope that someone else will step up and take our place. The time for rest and reward will come…someday…in God’s time. And we will enjoy it fully in His presence. I’ll see you there… won’t I?
©2014 Debbie Robus
And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” ~ Dr. Seuss in The Lorax
If you are familiar with The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss, you know that it’s a story about greed. A character known as the “Once-ler” cuts down a “Truffula tree” and creates a multi-purpose object called a “thneed”. The Lorax protests the harvesting of the Truffula trees, citing a need to protect this vegetation and the surrounding environment. But the Once-ler persists. And as he sells his “thneeds” and begins to make money, he recruits others to help produce them. This leads to all sorts of problems…from pollution to safety hazards and risk to the lives of family members and friends. Ultimately, the last Truffula tree is hacked down…and there is no way to produce more “thneeds”. The workers are sick and injured…and things are in a mess.
It looks hopeless…and the Lorax disappears into the sky through a hole in the smog. Later, a boy comes along and begins asking questions. Where is the Lorax? What happened? The whole story is a flashback sequence, as the Once-ler explains what has transpired. He looks down upon a stone on which the Lorax had etched one word…unless. The Once-ler realizes that the Lorax was trying to tell him that UNLESS someone cares enough, things will never get better. UNLESS someone tirelessly does what is right, we’ll never get anywhere! So the Once-ler gives the little boy a seed…for a Truffula tree…and encourages him to plant it and set things right.
I once taught a series of Senior High Sunday school lessons one summer using Dr. Seuss books. The kids thought I was nuts for the first Sunday or two…and then they started showing up in bigger numbers. They were eager to see what book I would choose for the week and how I would dovetail it with scriptures to discover what God wanted to tell them and how this related to their life. We can learn a lot from a children’s book author…which is proof that God can use anyone – ANYWHERE! And the point I want to make today is that we cannot give up. We have to be like the Lorax …we have to keep standing up for what is right.
We have to keep helping people – and loving them – even when they hurt our feelings or disrespect us. We may have doors slammed in our faces, unanswered phone calls or messages (or even rude and dramatic hang-ups!), be the victim of unkind words and gestures, and more. We may feel discouraged, insulted, offended, heartbroken...and weary. But we must keep doing what God has commanded us to do in His name.
Have we learned nothing from Jesus? He was bruised, beaten, spit upon, humiliated, ridiculed, slapped…and crucified…all because of His message of love and kindness, grace and mercy, forgiveness and humble obedience to our Heavenly Father. For offering us Eternal Life, His very life was brutally taken…for our sins, His blood literally poured from His body and spread over the ground. In light of these facts, how can we fail to persist?
Don’t be confused…there is a difference between giving up and stepping aside to allow God room to work. I like to think that perhaps this is what the Lorax did. He had done the right thing…always and forever…and when there was nothing else that HE could do, he stepped aside. Ultimately, the Once-ler realized his mistake. Perhaps that wasn’t merely a “coincidence”! Maybe God used the Lorax to plant “seeds” of hope and reason…to teach long-lasting lessons that would not fully “bear fruit” until after he had moved on. There have been many times in my life when I have become discouraged over someone or a certain situation. Often, others have told me, “You are planting seeds that you cannot even realize – and may never see develop. But they are there.” I believe this is true…I have seen it firsthand in my life and the lives of others.
Let’s all remember three things… 1) it’s not over until GOD says “It’s over!”; 2) just because we cannot readily see results doesn’t mean that our efforts to do the right thing – to love and honor God with our obedience, our actions and our service – is not productive; and 3) “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” God is calling us to care. He is calling us to hang in there…to stick with it…to keep on “keepin’ on” in Jesus’ name. We cannot rest on our laurels…or slack off and hope that someone else will step up and take our place. The time for rest and reward will come…someday…in God’s time. And we will enjoy it fully in His presence. I’ll see you there… won’t I?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 3, 2013
Hebrews 6:10-12
God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown his people. We wish that each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever watched small children in a group setting, you have probably noticed that there is always at least one child who is eager to greet the others. This child wants to welcome the other children with hugs… wants them to come and play with him/her… wants to “hang out” with them. And often, at least a few of the children will bristle and resist these loving gestures. Some might even be downright rude in their rejection. It’s interesting to watch what happens next. Sometimes the loving, caring child will be upset and even lament to an adult… or pout. But most of the time, he/she simply moves on to another child – or another activity – and continues to happily dole out love and a positive attitude.
Have you ever been in a situation where no matter how much you do for someone… how much you love them and give of your time and energy to them… they seem to take every opportunity to kick you, put you down, and trample on your heart? In essence, you stick out your hand to greet them and say, “Come and play with me”… and their answer is a resounding – and sometimes ugly – “NO!” What do you do with this? How do you react?
I believe that we can learn a lot from the example of the children I described. I believe that this is exactly what God is telling us to do in this scripture passage… “Move forward… keep loving and giving. You may have to pick an alternate recipient, and/or you may have to grow a thicker skin toward those who reject and rebuke your efforts… but never lose confidence in God’s promises… and NEVER stop demonstrating your hope and faith to others in His name.”
It’s a tall order… especially when your feelings are raw and your heart is breaking. But God will not fail you… He will not leave you to suffer and flounder under the weight of insults and burdens. He will show you how and where to concentrate your efforts… where you can do the most good in His name. And He will BLESS YOU for your obedience and perseverance! Keep loving… keep doing things for others… and keep hoping and believing in God’s fairness and His promises. He will not forget the love you have shown His people…and they won’t either!
©2013 Debbie Robus
God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown his people. We wish that each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever watched small children in a group setting, you have probably noticed that there is always at least one child who is eager to greet the others. This child wants to welcome the other children with hugs… wants them to come and play with him/her… wants to “hang out” with them. And often, at least a few of the children will bristle and resist these loving gestures. Some might even be downright rude in their rejection. It’s interesting to watch what happens next. Sometimes the loving, caring child will be upset and even lament to an adult… or pout. But most of the time, he/she simply moves on to another child – or another activity – and continues to happily dole out love and a positive attitude.
Have you ever been in a situation where no matter how much you do for someone… how much you love them and give of your time and energy to them… they seem to take every opportunity to kick you, put you down, and trample on your heart? In essence, you stick out your hand to greet them and say, “Come and play with me”… and their answer is a resounding – and sometimes ugly – “NO!” What do you do with this? How do you react?
I believe that we can learn a lot from the example of the children I described. I believe that this is exactly what God is telling us to do in this scripture passage… “Move forward… keep loving and giving. You may have to pick an alternate recipient, and/or you may have to grow a thicker skin toward those who reject and rebuke your efforts… but never lose confidence in God’s promises… and NEVER stop demonstrating your hope and faith to others in His name.”
It’s a tall order… especially when your feelings are raw and your heart is breaking. But God will not fail you… He will not leave you to suffer and flounder under the weight of insults and burdens. He will show you how and where to concentrate your efforts… where you can do the most good in His name. And He will BLESS YOU for your obedience and perseverance! Keep loving… keep doing things for others… and keep hoping and believing in God’s fairness and His promises. He will not forget the love you have shown His people…and they won’t either!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 1, 2013
1 Corinthians 10:13
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks ago, I bought a stack of vintage linens at an estate sale. I carefully selected what I thought were “good” linens… or those that still had useful embroidery or details. After washing everything, I discovered that a few were pretty tattered. In particular, there was a pair of embroidered pillowcases that I really wanted to use to make little girls’ dresses. I decided that I could cut around the bad spots on one pillowcase and create a cute little blouse for our niece, Zola. There was almost the same scenario with a pair of pale pink pillowcases… and I decided I could use the “best” one to make a pair of pants to match Zola’s blouse.
I began to sew the blouse together, and about two-thirds of the way into the project, I tugged on the fabric to pull it taught… and it ripped. The fabric was so old and fragile that it gave way under stress. “No worries,” I thought…”I’ll stitch a decorative flower over that spot! After all, this is vintage fabric!” Then another spot tore…and another. I was almost ready to give up. This was too much. I had spent a couple of hours on the garment at this point. The temptation to cut my losses was there… did I dare succumb to it? In the end, I decided to keep going…to reinforce the torn spots with sturdy stitching and cover them in fabric flower enhancements. If Zola only wore this blouse one time and it fell apart in the wash, so be it!
The end result was darling… and then I experienced virtually the same thing when I made the pants. The fabric tore as I stitched the waistband! I added a little more sturdy “over-stitching”…and I was done. Again, the temptation was to throw in the towel and start another project. But I was able to work through this and finish both garments. I know there will be times when it is right to change directions and leave a project unfinished. But the lesson I learned from this experience and others is that God will tell me when that time comes. Until then, I am to persevere. I know that God will help me handle all of my temptations.
Every day, EVERY ONE of us tempted in one way or another, just as this scripture declares. No one is immune to this. Temptations go far beyond food, alcohol, nicotine and drugs, which are some of the ones that generally come to mind first.
Do we really think so little of God that we cannot trust Him to help us handle temptation? Is the choice really so tantalizing that we cannot resist with His help? Every day we have choices to make… and temptations to resist. God stands ready – and able – to help us in this. The only temptation we should entertain is the one to accept His help and care in all things. When impulses and decisions arise in your life… how – and WHO – will you choose to handle them? Will you opt to give up, give in… or let God guide your choices?
©2013 Debbie Robus
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks ago, I bought a stack of vintage linens at an estate sale. I carefully selected what I thought were “good” linens… or those that still had useful embroidery or details. After washing everything, I discovered that a few were pretty tattered. In particular, there was a pair of embroidered pillowcases that I really wanted to use to make little girls’ dresses. I decided that I could cut around the bad spots on one pillowcase and create a cute little blouse for our niece, Zola. There was almost the same scenario with a pair of pale pink pillowcases… and I decided I could use the “best” one to make a pair of pants to match Zola’s blouse.
I began to sew the blouse together, and about two-thirds of the way into the project, I tugged on the fabric to pull it taught… and it ripped. The fabric was so old and fragile that it gave way under stress. “No worries,” I thought…”I’ll stitch a decorative flower over that spot! After all, this is vintage fabric!” Then another spot tore…and another. I was almost ready to give up. This was too much. I had spent a couple of hours on the garment at this point. The temptation to cut my losses was there… did I dare succumb to it? In the end, I decided to keep going…to reinforce the torn spots with sturdy stitching and cover them in fabric flower enhancements. If Zola only wore this blouse one time and it fell apart in the wash, so be it!
The end result was darling… and then I experienced virtually the same thing when I made the pants. The fabric tore as I stitched the waistband! I added a little more sturdy “over-stitching”…and I was done. Again, the temptation was to throw in the towel and start another project. But I was able to work through this and finish both garments. I know there will be times when it is right to change directions and leave a project unfinished. But the lesson I learned from this experience and others is that God will tell me when that time comes. Until then, I am to persevere. I know that God will help me handle all of my temptations.
Every day, EVERY ONE of us tempted in one way or another, just as this scripture declares. No one is immune to this. Temptations go far beyond food, alcohol, nicotine and drugs, which are some of the ones that generally come to mind first.
- We are tempted to quit our job or give up on relationships.
- We are tempted to drop out of school or a class that seems too difficult.
- We are tempted to stop caring and trying with loved ones and friends who reject us.
- We are tempted to give up on exercise when results are slow in materializing.
- We are tempted to leave the church when we disagree with fellow members… someone is critical of us… or we experience a conflict of some sort.
- We are tempted to give others a piece of our mind when we are irritated.
- We are tempted to stick our noses in where they don’t belong.
- We are tempted to drink too much, dress too provocatively, curse, tell off-color jokes, and agree with derogatory slurs in order to fit in with the crowd.
- We are tempted to criticize or put down the other guy in order to make ourselves look more important or special.
- We are tempted to spend too much and acquire more “stuff” than we will ever need or use.
- We are tempted to fall apart when grief and/or tragedy strikes.
- We are tempted to pull the covers over our head and never get out of bed again!
Do we really think so little of God that we cannot trust Him to help us handle temptation? Is the choice really so tantalizing that we cannot resist with His help? Every day we have choices to make… and temptations to resist. God stands ready – and able – to help us in this. The only temptation we should entertain is the one to accept His help and care in all things. When impulses and decisions arise in your life… how – and WHO – will you choose to handle them? Will you opt to give up, give in… or let God guide your choices?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 7, 2013
Romans 9:19-23
Well then, you might say, “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?”
No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“It’s not how you start… it’s how you finish.” I have to admit, when I heard my friend Steve, the high school athletic director/head football coach, tell his elementary-school-aged son this one spring Saturday, I thought for a moment… “Well there’s a cliché if ever I heard one!” I’m sure he tells his football team this throughout the year… but just how relevant was this comment for a young boy? As I read this scripture passage today, I realized that these words are incredibly relevant… a phrase that we should drill into our children from an early age… and remember well into our adulthood.
These are not only words of patience and perseverance… but of hope. I don’t know why some people are born into poverty… but I know plenty who have worked their way out of it. I don’t know why some babies are born with birth defects and physical deformities… but I know those who have lived rich, full lives in spite of their afflictions. I don’t know why God allows “bad things to happen to good people,” but I can’t count the people I know who have “made lemons out of lemonade” – with God’s help and patient perseverance. I don’t know why some things have to be so hard… but I know that practice makes better musicians, workouts make better athletes, and studying makes better scholars. “It’s not how you start… it’s how you finish.”
We so often want to question God… and to blame Him. “God made me this way,” becomes a crutch rather than a fact. God may have made you a certain way… but that doesn’t mean He intended for you to finish the same as you began! God wants us to take what He has given us… what He allows to happen in our lives… and to faithfully and patiently call on His strength and power to do the very best we can with what we have been given. So as I read an interview with NBC television host Kathie Lee Gifford where she talked of her sister’s bout with colitis at age 23, I paid attention to the sister’s attitude. Gifford was ready to be angry with God because her sister, a new mother at the time, had to be fitted with a colostomy bag. She was heartbroken and bitter that her sister would have to wear this bag for the rest of her life. Her sister, however, said, “Because of this bag God gave me, I get to see my daughter grow up.” Now that’s patience, perseverance – and the right perspective - in action. That’s focusing on how you finish rather than how you start!
I have no idea what God has allowed in your life… or where you started. I don’t know where you are today, but I know you don’t have to stay there if you are dissatisfied or not living life to your fullest potential. I can’t say that God will make every poor person rich… or heal every sick person…because our lives are not that “black and white.” But what I can promise is that God stands ready to help you make the absolute most of your life and its circumstances… if only you will call on Him to help you. He will provide you with strength, courage, fortitude, and patience for the journey. He will help you finish strong! The adage really is true… “It’s not how you start… it’s how you finish.” Where does this leave you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Well then, you might say, “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?”
No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“It’s not how you start… it’s how you finish.” I have to admit, when I heard my friend Steve, the high school athletic director/head football coach, tell his elementary-school-aged son this one spring Saturday, I thought for a moment… “Well there’s a cliché if ever I heard one!” I’m sure he tells his football team this throughout the year… but just how relevant was this comment for a young boy? As I read this scripture passage today, I realized that these words are incredibly relevant… a phrase that we should drill into our children from an early age… and remember well into our adulthood.
These are not only words of patience and perseverance… but of hope. I don’t know why some people are born into poverty… but I know plenty who have worked their way out of it. I don’t know why some babies are born with birth defects and physical deformities… but I know those who have lived rich, full lives in spite of their afflictions. I don’t know why God allows “bad things to happen to good people,” but I can’t count the people I know who have “made lemons out of lemonade” – with God’s help and patient perseverance. I don’t know why some things have to be so hard… but I know that practice makes better musicians, workouts make better athletes, and studying makes better scholars. “It’s not how you start… it’s how you finish.”
We so often want to question God… and to blame Him. “God made me this way,” becomes a crutch rather than a fact. God may have made you a certain way… but that doesn’t mean He intended for you to finish the same as you began! God wants us to take what He has given us… what He allows to happen in our lives… and to faithfully and patiently call on His strength and power to do the very best we can with what we have been given. So as I read an interview with NBC television host Kathie Lee Gifford where she talked of her sister’s bout with colitis at age 23, I paid attention to the sister’s attitude. Gifford was ready to be angry with God because her sister, a new mother at the time, had to be fitted with a colostomy bag. She was heartbroken and bitter that her sister would have to wear this bag for the rest of her life. Her sister, however, said, “Because of this bag God gave me, I get to see my daughter grow up.” Now that’s patience, perseverance – and the right perspective - in action. That’s focusing on how you finish rather than how you start!
I have no idea what God has allowed in your life… or where you started. I don’t know where you are today, but I know you don’t have to stay there if you are dissatisfied or not living life to your fullest potential. I can’t say that God will make every poor person rich… or heal every sick person…because our lives are not that “black and white.” But what I can promise is that God stands ready to help you make the absolute most of your life and its circumstances… if only you will call on Him to help you. He will provide you with strength, courage, fortitude, and patience for the journey. He will help you finish strong! The adage really is true… “It’s not how you start… it’s how you finish.” Where does this leave you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 5, 2013
Romans 5:3-5
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, I attended the funeral of a man I have known since we were children, growing up a couple of blocks apart. I hugged his mom and dad, his sister and brother, cousins and in-laws…all of whom are grieving their loss. I understand the sadness of losing a brother. I cannot imagine the heartache of losing a son… watching him die by inches from an insidious brain cancer, as these parents did. There were dozens of people who came to offer their condolences and remember this man… to offer support to this family. It’s one of the neat things about living in a small town like ours… we come together to uplift one another at times like these.
But as I looked around the chapel, I saw countless people who are “hemmed in with troubles.” Parents who are concerned about children…families plagued by drug addiction, divorce, and dissention…others who are grieving their own losses… those who are caring for the aged, infirm, and some with dementia. And yet, I looked at the smiles on their faces… the hugs, handshakes and pats on the back we all shared… and I realized that virtually every person there is living with alert expectancy. In the midst of their grief and challenges, most of these people are trusting God to pour into their lives more blessings than they could possibly amass containers to hold!
To realize even this was a blessing to me! To see so many people who are anticipating what God will do next in their lives gave me inspiration! To live among so many people who have continued to shout praises to God even while facing such trials and adversities motivates me to be more patient… to focus on what God will do with the tests that come my way rather than concentrating on present difficulties. I am reminded of the common catch-phrase my friend’s pastor shared today… one he said my friend ended almost every conversation with – “How can I help you today?”
Imagine if we lived with such confidence that God was going to “trouble our troubles” and use them for good that we developed a passionate patience. What if we were able to face any circumstance in our lives with the attitude and this question for others - “How can I help you today?” My guess is that we would never have enough buckets to contain all of the blessings God would pour out on us! It’s a chance I am willing to take… a “leap of faith and patience” I am eager to make. I know that troubles will come… there will be days when I question it all and get discouraged. But I have seen too many examples of passionate patience not to believe in its power… and God’s power to produce blessings out of trials and turmoil. I’m ready to shout praises and operate with “alert expectancy.” And I’m getting my containers ready… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, I attended the funeral of a man I have known since we were children, growing up a couple of blocks apart. I hugged his mom and dad, his sister and brother, cousins and in-laws…all of whom are grieving their loss. I understand the sadness of losing a brother. I cannot imagine the heartache of losing a son… watching him die by inches from an insidious brain cancer, as these parents did. There were dozens of people who came to offer their condolences and remember this man… to offer support to this family. It’s one of the neat things about living in a small town like ours… we come together to uplift one another at times like these.
But as I looked around the chapel, I saw countless people who are “hemmed in with troubles.” Parents who are concerned about children…families plagued by drug addiction, divorce, and dissention…others who are grieving their own losses… those who are caring for the aged, infirm, and some with dementia. And yet, I looked at the smiles on their faces… the hugs, handshakes and pats on the back we all shared… and I realized that virtually every person there is living with alert expectancy. In the midst of their grief and challenges, most of these people are trusting God to pour into their lives more blessings than they could possibly amass containers to hold!
To realize even this was a blessing to me! To see so many people who are anticipating what God will do next in their lives gave me inspiration! To live among so many people who have continued to shout praises to God even while facing such trials and adversities motivates me to be more patient… to focus on what God will do with the tests that come my way rather than concentrating on present difficulties. I am reminded of the common catch-phrase my friend’s pastor shared today… one he said my friend ended almost every conversation with – “How can I help you today?”
Imagine if we lived with such confidence that God was going to “trouble our troubles” and use them for good that we developed a passionate patience. What if we were able to face any circumstance in our lives with the attitude and this question for others - “How can I help you today?” My guess is that we would never have enough buckets to contain all of the blessings God would pour out on us! It’s a chance I am willing to take… a “leap of faith and patience” I am eager to make. I know that troubles will come… there will be days when I question it all and get discouraged. But I have seen too many examples of passionate patience not to believe in its power… and God’s power to produce blessings out of trials and turmoil. I’m ready to shout praises and operate with “alert expectancy.” And I’m getting my containers ready… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 4, 2013
Romans 2:6-7
God will reward each of us for what we have done. He will give eternal life to everyone who has patiently done what is good in the hope of receiving glory, honor, and life that lasts forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
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.
If you are like me, there are days when you wonder why you bother… with certain people, projects and situations. I am reminded of the child whose family a social worker, a pediatrician, and I tried to help when I was teaching kindergarten. The more we did, the more the father demanded we do. One day he told the social worker, “Oh… and I need a car, too.” She replied, “What color would you like?” She said later, “The demand was so preposterous that I felt it merited an equally ridiculous response.” Of course, DHS was not going to provide this family with a car – nor was anyone else! But we didn’t stop trying to help them… and we certainly did not stop loving the innocent children in this situation.
And this is the point of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Romans. God expects us to “keep on keepin’ on.” He calls us to be patient and to persevere. He doesn’t expect us to be doormats or to take any and all “dirt” that others wish to heap on us. God doesn’t want us to be mistreated any more than He approves when we mistreat others. But God does want us to keep trying… to never stop loving, serving, caring… and behaving with dignity. To do otherwise is to ignore God and thumb our nose at how He has patiently loved and nurtured each of us… and in the long run, this could have significant consequences!
I like how these verses (and Verse 5) are stated in The Message… “You’re not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it’s going to blaze hot and high, God’s fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake: In the end you get what’s coming to you—Real Life for those who work on God’s side, but to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire!”
In the end, everyone who tried to help my little student’s family decided the only action that made sense was to buy them all bus tickets back to their home state of Pennsylvania, where hopefully family members who lived there could help them. But that doesn’t mean I quit caring about this little boy and his sister. To this day, I think of my little Chuckie often and wonder what became of him… and pray that he is safe and well. I believe this is my “part” now on behalf of this child… and that God will handle the rest.
I fully understand the temptation to quit… to give up on certain people, situations… and sometimes, even our faith in God - if things are really going badly. But this is not the hallmark of a faithful Disciple of Christ! We would not want God to give up on us… we most certainly do not want Him to become aggravated or disgusted and toss us into the Lake of Fire (and thankfully, I don’t believe He will do this to those who truly are His born-again disciples). I am so grateful for God’s patience with me… the blessings He continually pours out on me, even though on any given day I am so undeserving – and probably make Him feel like my doormat. I am determined to do better… to love and serve Him more… and to be more patient and caring toward others in His name. What about you… are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
God will reward each of us for what we have done. He will give eternal life to everyone who has patiently done what is good in the hope of receiving glory, honor, and life that lasts forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
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.
If you are like me, there are days when you wonder why you bother… with certain people, projects and situations. I am reminded of the child whose family a social worker, a pediatrician, and I tried to help when I was teaching kindergarten. The more we did, the more the father demanded we do. One day he told the social worker, “Oh… and I need a car, too.” She replied, “What color would you like?” She said later, “The demand was so preposterous that I felt it merited an equally ridiculous response.” Of course, DHS was not going to provide this family with a car – nor was anyone else! But we didn’t stop trying to help them… and we certainly did not stop loving the innocent children in this situation.
And this is the point of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Romans. God expects us to “keep on keepin’ on.” He calls us to be patient and to persevere. He doesn’t expect us to be doormats or to take any and all “dirt” that others wish to heap on us. God doesn’t want us to be mistreated any more than He approves when we mistreat others. But God does want us to keep trying… to never stop loving, serving, caring… and behaving with dignity. To do otherwise is to ignore God and thumb our nose at how He has patiently loved and nurtured each of us… and in the long run, this could have significant consequences!
I like how these verses (and Verse 5) are stated in The Message… “You’re not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it’s going to blaze hot and high, God’s fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake: In the end you get what’s coming to you—Real Life for those who work on God’s side, but to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire!”
In the end, everyone who tried to help my little student’s family decided the only action that made sense was to buy them all bus tickets back to their home state of Pennsylvania, where hopefully family members who lived there could help them. But that doesn’t mean I quit caring about this little boy and his sister. To this day, I think of my little Chuckie often and wonder what became of him… and pray that he is safe and well. I believe this is my “part” now on behalf of this child… and that God will handle the rest.
I fully understand the temptation to quit… to give up on certain people, situations… and sometimes, even our faith in God - if things are really going badly. But this is not the hallmark of a faithful Disciple of Christ! We would not want God to give up on us… we most certainly do not want Him to become aggravated or disgusted and toss us into the Lake of Fire (and thankfully, I don’t believe He will do this to those who truly are His born-again disciples). I am so grateful for God’s patience with me… the blessings He continually pours out on me, even though on any given day I am so undeserving – and probably make Him feel like my doormat. I am determined to do better… to love and serve Him more… and to be more patient and caring toward others in His name. What about you… are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 2, 2013
Romans 15:3-6
That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In her book, Just Give Me Jesus, Anne Graham Lotz recalls the story in John 4 of the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well in Sychar. Lotz explains that this woman practiced a different religion… she was someone with whom a Jew like Jesus would not normally interact. Think of the animosity – and distance – that often exists between Christians and Muslims, and you get the picture. Beyond that, this woman had lived a hard life… she was probably not all that popular, which might explain why she came to the well in the middle of the day instead of early morning with all of the other women. She had been married to five husbands and was currently living with a man to whom she was not married… and of course, Jesus knew this. Still, He spoke to her… asked her for water…and sat around waiting for her answer - and offering a few of His own.
Lotz concludes that this woman was searching for something. She had a “thirst” that she was unable to quench. Like many of us, she had tried to fill her emptiness with the things of the world… possessions, relationships, money, a job, “busyness,” and more. Still, she was troubled. She needed Jesus and the “Living Water” that only He could give. Jesus went out of his way to pass through a city where He was not all that welcome in order to sit by a well and visit with a woman with whom He should not have been visiting (according to most)… and He took on the troubles of this troubled Samaritan woman. He was patient with her… He offered kindness. He was steady and constant. And He invited her to drink from His Living Water and never be thirsty… or empty… again.
God is calling us 1) to drink the Living Water of Jesus Christ… to fill that emptiness we may have with Him, rather than the things of this world; and 2) to take on the troubles of the troubled - and offer them Jesus, as well. He is summoning us to offer steady, constant, warm kindness and patience to others… to lead by example and live by the Scriptures… to gently invite them to drink from the well that is like no other… a life in Christ that satisfies completely.
So many of us do not fully understand that to giving our heart to Jesus is only the first step in beginning a New Life in Christ. We must continually drink from His well… study the scriptures, truly converse and communicate with God, and fellowship with others. We must live by Jesus’ example and take on the troubles of the troubled. We must let them know that there is someone Who can quench their thirst and fill their emptiness. We can’t reach out to only one race… one denomination or religious faction… one socio-economic class…those with high moral standards or people with whom we seem to “click.” We must “sit at the well” and exercise patience and tolerance with all who approach. We must make sure that they see in us the very thing they are seeking… and that we show them how to acquire it for themselves.
So where does this leave us today? Are we ready and willing to wade into the deep, muddy waters of life? Are we equipped with our own solid relationship with Jesus…is He our constant and steady companion? Will we linger at the well and wait on those who need us, or are we too busy with our own agenda… and too good to be bothered by such “sinners?” Take a look in the mirror… you and I are the “Samaritan woman” just as much as the person depicted in John 4. Jesus waited for us and took on our troubles… and now it is our turn to share this GOOD NEWS with others. Will you “sit”… and “wait”… and offer others a drink of the life-changing “Living Water” of Jesus Christ? Are you a “member of the choir” or a sideline spectator in your faith? Isn’t it time you decided where you stand?
©2013 Debbie Robus
That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In her book, Just Give Me Jesus, Anne Graham Lotz recalls the story in John 4 of the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well in Sychar. Lotz explains that this woman practiced a different religion… she was someone with whom a Jew like Jesus would not normally interact. Think of the animosity – and distance – that often exists between Christians and Muslims, and you get the picture. Beyond that, this woman had lived a hard life… she was probably not all that popular, which might explain why she came to the well in the middle of the day instead of early morning with all of the other women. She had been married to five husbands and was currently living with a man to whom she was not married… and of course, Jesus knew this. Still, He spoke to her… asked her for water…and sat around waiting for her answer - and offering a few of His own.
Lotz concludes that this woman was searching for something. She had a “thirst” that she was unable to quench. Like many of us, she had tried to fill her emptiness with the things of the world… possessions, relationships, money, a job, “busyness,” and more. Still, she was troubled. She needed Jesus and the “Living Water” that only He could give. Jesus went out of his way to pass through a city where He was not all that welcome in order to sit by a well and visit with a woman with whom He should not have been visiting (according to most)… and He took on the troubles of this troubled Samaritan woman. He was patient with her… He offered kindness. He was steady and constant. And He invited her to drink from His Living Water and never be thirsty… or empty… again.
God is calling us 1) to drink the Living Water of Jesus Christ… to fill that emptiness we may have with Him, rather than the things of this world; and 2) to take on the troubles of the troubled - and offer them Jesus, as well. He is summoning us to offer steady, constant, warm kindness and patience to others… to lead by example and live by the Scriptures… to gently invite them to drink from the well that is like no other… a life in Christ that satisfies completely.
So many of us do not fully understand that to giving our heart to Jesus is only the first step in beginning a New Life in Christ. We must continually drink from His well… study the scriptures, truly converse and communicate with God, and fellowship with others. We must live by Jesus’ example and take on the troubles of the troubled. We must let them know that there is someone Who can quench their thirst and fill their emptiness. We can’t reach out to only one race… one denomination or religious faction… one socio-economic class…those with high moral standards or people with whom we seem to “click.” We must “sit at the well” and exercise patience and tolerance with all who approach. We must make sure that they see in us the very thing they are seeking… and that we show them how to acquire it for themselves.
So where does this leave us today? Are we ready and willing to wade into the deep, muddy waters of life? Are we equipped with our own solid relationship with Jesus…is He our constant and steady companion? Will we linger at the well and wait on those who need us, or are we too busy with our own agenda… and too good to be bothered by such “sinners?” Take a look in the mirror… you and I are the “Samaritan woman” just as much as the person depicted in John 4. Jesus waited for us and took on our troubles… and now it is our turn to share this GOOD NEWS with others. Will you “sit”… and “wait”… and offer others a drink of the life-changing “Living Water” of Jesus Christ? Are you a “member of the choir” or a sideline spectator in your faith? Isn’t it time you decided where you stand?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 25, 2013
Luke 8:15
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The major news networks continue to present story after story of courage from the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma last week. In particular, there have been numerous profiles of brave teachers who hunkered down – and hovered over – their precious charges…singing with them, praying, and assuring them that “This will be over soon.” One teacher said, “I just kept telling them, ‘It’s almost over! It’s almost over!’” Like most teachers and former teachers, these will tell you that our students become like our own children… each one precious to us. After all, for some nine months or more, teachers spend as much time – or more – with their students than their own parents do! I can tell you firsthand that a deep bond develops.
Last Monday in Moore, Oklahoma, the patience and perseverance of these teachers and students paid off hugely. Monthly tornado drills that suddenly became a reality helped to keep the children safe. The love and courage of dozens of teachers shielded these children… both physically and emotionally. And while there were heartbreaking losses… there were tremendous harvests of safe, relatively unscathed students and teachers. Experts of all kinds have asserted that nothing further could be done to protect those children. Even where students perished, the teachers and those involved were doing what they had trained to do… they were following protocol and heeding the instructions they had been given.
While earthly lives were lost, there are blessings and positive points even in these deaths. We have come to know a lot about the precious children who died… and their families. God has shown us courageous parents who are facing unbelievable heartache with boldness and resolution. We have learned about little ones who crammed more living into 9 years or so than many of us who live three, four, or even ten times that long!
Just as these teachers and students heeded the safety instructions they had been given… we must listen to God’s word. Just as these teachers planted seeds of love and devotion for their students and channeled that courage and conviction into becoming a human shield and shelter… we must plant seeds of the Good News of Jesus Christ with total conviction. We must nurture and shield others as we sew God’s love into them… and we must patiently wait on His harvest. And just as those children who lost their lives spent what time they had on earth embracing love and blessing others, we must do the same.
I’m sure that it seemed like the tornado roared over these Oklahoma cities for hours... even though it was minutes. And often, it seems like God’s answers and evidence of our efforts on His behalf are taking far too long. But I assure you, “It’s almost here… it’s almost here!” God’s answers are always perfect… and right on time. Our job is to stay hunkered down and keep working until He delivers. Are you patiently working – and waiting – on God? Are you anticipating a huge harvest? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The major news networks continue to present story after story of courage from the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma last week. In particular, there have been numerous profiles of brave teachers who hunkered down – and hovered over – their precious charges…singing with them, praying, and assuring them that “This will be over soon.” One teacher said, “I just kept telling them, ‘It’s almost over! It’s almost over!’” Like most teachers and former teachers, these will tell you that our students become like our own children… each one precious to us. After all, for some nine months or more, teachers spend as much time – or more – with their students than their own parents do! I can tell you firsthand that a deep bond develops.
Last Monday in Moore, Oklahoma, the patience and perseverance of these teachers and students paid off hugely. Monthly tornado drills that suddenly became a reality helped to keep the children safe. The love and courage of dozens of teachers shielded these children… both physically and emotionally. And while there were heartbreaking losses… there were tremendous harvests of safe, relatively unscathed students and teachers. Experts of all kinds have asserted that nothing further could be done to protect those children. Even where students perished, the teachers and those involved were doing what they had trained to do… they were following protocol and heeding the instructions they had been given.
While earthly lives were lost, there are blessings and positive points even in these deaths. We have come to know a lot about the precious children who died… and their families. God has shown us courageous parents who are facing unbelievable heartache with boldness and resolution. We have learned about little ones who crammed more living into 9 years or so than many of us who live three, four, or even ten times that long!
Just as these teachers and students heeded the safety instructions they had been given… we must listen to God’s word. Just as these teachers planted seeds of love and devotion for their students and channeled that courage and conviction into becoming a human shield and shelter… we must plant seeds of the Good News of Jesus Christ with total conviction. We must nurture and shield others as we sew God’s love into them… and we must patiently wait on His harvest. And just as those children who lost their lives spent what time they had on earth embracing love and blessing others, we must do the same.
I’m sure that it seemed like the tornado roared over these Oklahoma cities for hours... even though it was minutes. And often, it seems like God’s answers and evidence of our efforts on His behalf are taking far too long. But I assure you, “It’s almost here… it’s almost here!” God’s answers are always perfect… and right on time. Our job is to stay hunkered down and keep working until He delivers. Are you patiently working – and waiting – on God? Are you anticipating a huge harvest? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 21, 2013
Hebrews 6:9-12
I’m sure that won’t happen to you, friends. I have better things in mind for you—salvation things! God doesn’t miss anything. He knows perfectly well all the love you’ve shown him by helping needy Christians, and that you keep at it. And now I want each of you to extend that same intensity toward a full-bodied hope, and keep at it till the finish. Don’t drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We cannot escape talking about what happened in Oklahoma yesterday. As a former teacher, and the aunt to nieces, nephews, cousins and other little ones for whom I would walk across hot coals, I was heartbroken to learn that young children were missing and/or injured – and dead. When I heard that a third grade class was involved, I immediately thought of my precious 3rd-grade cousin, Olivia… and my eyes filled with tears. I tried to busy myself with other things…but I kept being drawn back to the television news reports. I prayed for those involved… particularly the little children – “LORD, please don’t let them be afraid. Shelter them. Comfort them, as only You can.”
Very clearly, I was reminded of a passage in William P. Young’s novel, The Shack. A six-year-old girl has been abducted while on a family camping trip. She has been brutalized and killed… and her father is understandably distraught. Jesus comes to sit beside the father, who says that he keeps thinking about his little girl being all alone with her deranged attacker. Jesus tells him that she was not alone – not for one minute. He and the Holy Spirit never left her… He could never do that!
This greatly comforted me. I felt as if God was saying, “I never left the people of Oklahoma. They were not alone for one instant.” And somehow, I felt that they were wrapped safely in Jesus’s arms… and they were peaceful, sheltered – and unafraid in those horrifying moments.
We are heartsick for this community and its residents. We are eager to help. For several hours last night, my Facebook wall “lit up” with comments like “Prayers for Oklahoma,” and “Our hearts are with the tornado victims.” But by this morning, people were beginning to post recipes, pretty pictures, and other mundane thoughts that crowd this social media venue on a daily basis. It didn’t happen to us directly, so a lot of us have moved on already. And to a degree, we are supposed to get back to living our lives. But we must not forget completely. We must not drag our feet in doing what we can to help…sending donations and manpower – or even stopping to pray.
In any situation where our immediate instinct is to “do something,” we must not let our adrenaline wane as time passes. We must remain vigilant in checking on those who are in need, whether it is tornado victims, someone who is sick, elderly, shut-in, or hurting emotionally. We must continue to reach out to others… to think of the person who is grieving six months later - and not just for the first six days… to encourage those who are struggling financially even after they find a job or obtain some sort of assistance… to pray for those who might appear to have rebuilt their homes and lives after a “disaster” of one sort or another.
We were playing with Timothy and Zola in a local park a few weeks ago when our high school football coach and his family arrived… the mom and younger children by car… the coach and his two older sons by bicycle, where they had ridden over from a nearby nature trail to play with the rest of the family. When they were all ready to leave, the mom suggested they go for frozen yogurt. The coach/father said that sounded good… but he and the boys would have to ride their bikes back to the trail and get their car, which would take about twenty minutes. One of the boys did not want to do this… he wanted to load his bike into Mom’s car and ride over. His dad told him that he must ride his bike. He explained to the boy… “Son, it’s not how you start… it’s how you finish!”
I’m sure the coach has told his football team this more than once. But it was great advice for all of us… especially as Christians. How we start to care for others is important… but how we finish is even more so. We must be diligent in our efforts to help others… and patient with them as they grapple with the struggles and challenges of rebuilding and recovery. We are all a work in progress. The GOOD NEWS is that we are not alone on the journey… Jesus never leaves us – not for one instant! This should give us courage and incentive to persevere with patient endurance.
As you pray for the people of Oklahoma – and others who are in need – thank God for never leaving us, especially in the midst of such horrific disasters as the Oklahoma tornado. Ask Him to show you “salvation things”. Ask God to reveal how and where He wishes you to minister to others… and call on Him to grant you a hefty dose of patience and persistence. As important as it is for us to get up and get going, it’s equally important that we not drag our feet in ministry and service. The question we must ask ourselves today is “Where do I begin?”… but just as importantly, “How will I finish?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
The Shack – ©2007 William P. Young – Published by Windblown Media.
I’m sure that won’t happen to you, friends. I have better things in mind for you—salvation things! God doesn’t miss anything. He knows perfectly well all the love you’ve shown him by helping needy Christians, and that you keep at it. And now I want each of you to extend that same intensity toward a full-bodied hope, and keep at it till the finish. Don’t drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We cannot escape talking about what happened in Oklahoma yesterday. As a former teacher, and the aunt to nieces, nephews, cousins and other little ones for whom I would walk across hot coals, I was heartbroken to learn that young children were missing and/or injured – and dead. When I heard that a third grade class was involved, I immediately thought of my precious 3rd-grade cousin, Olivia… and my eyes filled with tears. I tried to busy myself with other things…but I kept being drawn back to the television news reports. I prayed for those involved… particularly the little children – “LORD, please don’t let them be afraid. Shelter them. Comfort them, as only You can.”
Very clearly, I was reminded of a passage in William P. Young’s novel, The Shack. A six-year-old girl has been abducted while on a family camping trip. She has been brutalized and killed… and her father is understandably distraught. Jesus comes to sit beside the father, who says that he keeps thinking about his little girl being all alone with her deranged attacker. Jesus tells him that she was not alone – not for one minute. He and the Holy Spirit never left her… He could never do that!
This greatly comforted me. I felt as if God was saying, “I never left the people of Oklahoma. They were not alone for one instant.” And somehow, I felt that they were wrapped safely in Jesus’s arms… and they were peaceful, sheltered – and unafraid in those horrifying moments.
We are heartsick for this community and its residents. We are eager to help. For several hours last night, my Facebook wall “lit up” with comments like “Prayers for Oklahoma,” and “Our hearts are with the tornado victims.” But by this morning, people were beginning to post recipes, pretty pictures, and other mundane thoughts that crowd this social media venue on a daily basis. It didn’t happen to us directly, so a lot of us have moved on already. And to a degree, we are supposed to get back to living our lives. But we must not forget completely. We must not drag our feet in doing what we can to help…sending donations and manpower – or even stopping to pray.
In any situation where our immediate instinct is to “do something,” we must not let our adrenaline wane as time passes. We must remain vigilant in checking on those who are in need, whether it is tornado victims, someone who is sick, elderly, shut-in, or hurting emotionally. We must continue to reach out to others… to think of the person who is grieving six months later - and not just for the first six days… to encourage those who are struggling financially even after they find a job or obtain some sort of assistance… to pray for those who might appear to have rebuilt their homes and lives after a “disaster” of one sort or another.
We were playing with Timothy and Zola in a local park a few weeks ago when our high school football coach and his family arrived… the mom and younger children by car… the coach and his two older sons by bicycle, where they had ridden over from a nearby nature trail to play with the rest of the family. When they were all ready to leave, the mom suggested they go for frozen yogurt. The coach/father said that sounded good… but he and the boys would have to ride their bikes back to the trail and get their car, which would take about twenty minutes. One of the boys did not want to do this… he wanted to load his bike into Mom’s car and ride over. His dad told him that he must ride his bike. He explained to the boy… “Son, it’s not how you start… it’s how you finish!”
I’m sure the coach has told his football team this more than once. But it was great advice for all of us… especially as Christians. How we start to care for others is important… but how we finish is even more so. We must be diligent in our efforts to help others… and patient with them as they grapple with the struggles and challenges of rebuilding and recovery. We are all a work in progress. The GOOD NEWS is that we are not alone on the journey… Jesus never leaves us – not for one instant! This should give us courage and incentive to persevere with patient endurance.
As you pray for the people of Oklahoma – and others who are in need – thank God for never leaving us, especially in the midst of such horrific disasters as the Oklahoma tornado. Ask Him to show you “salvation things”. Ask God to reveal how and where He wishes you to minister to others… and call on Him to grant you a hefty dose of patience and persistence. As important as it is for us to get up and get going, it’s equally important that we not drag our feet in ministry and service. The question we must ask ourselves today is “Where do I begin?”… but just as importantly, “How will I finish?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
The Shack – ©2007 William P. Young – Published by Windblown Media.
Daily Devotional for May 20, 2013
Hebrews 12:1-3
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite hymns is “Be Still My Soul”… published by Katharina A. von Schlegel, in 1752. These words were set to the tune Finlandia, composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899. This hymn was became popular during World War II, as the words offered hope and encouragement to countless soldiers and citizens who were enduring horrific tragedies and hardships. They desperately needed to hear, “Don’t give up!” – and this hymn offered this message and more.
The words of this hymn are just as significant for us today. I don’t know what challenges you face. I don’t know what has caused you to feel discouraged, ashamed, tired and worn down. But I do know that we have a hope in Jesus Christ, Who never gave up! I know that a lot of us need to strip down and “trim the spiritual fat”… to remove the parasitic sins that trouble us day in and out. We need to focus on where we are headed… and Who is with us along the way. We must “keep our eye on the prize”… eternity in Heaven at the feet of Jesus… and a place of honor at the King’s table. We would do well to study the words of this hymn and take them to heart… to internalize them and make them a part of our daily living.
Here are the lyrics to “Be Still My Soul”...may they encourage you today and energize you for your Spiritual journey. May you take heart and truly “be still” as you realize that the LORD is on your side… that we can “bear patiently the cross of grief or pain” because of Jesus and all that He endured on our behalf. My prayer for you today is that you would thoughtfully read these verses and take a few moments to still your soul. In the words of this scripture passage, “we’d better get on with it!” I believe this is a great place to begin… don’t you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of my favorite hymns is “Be Still My Soul”… published by Katharina A. von Schlegel, in 1752. These words were set to the tune Finlandia, composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899. This hymn was became popular during World War II, as the words offered hope and encouragement to countless soldiers and citizens who were enduring horrific tragedies and hardships. They desperately needed to hear, “Don’t give up!” – and this hymn offered this message and more.
The words of this hymn are just as significant for us today. I don’t know what challenges you face. I don’t know what has caused you to feel discouraged, ashamed, tired and worn down. But I do know that we have a hope in Jesus Christ, Who never gave up! I know that a lot of us need to strip down and “trim the spiritual fat”… to remove the parasitic sins that trouble us day in and out. We need to focus on where we are headed… and Who is with us along the way. We must “keep our eye on the prize”… eternity in Heaven at the feet of Jesus… and a place of honor at the King’s table. We would do well to study the words of this hymn and take them to heart… to internalize them and make them a part of our daily living.
Here are the lyrics to “Be Still My Soul”...may they encourage you today and energize you for your Spiritual journey. May you take heart and truly “be still” as you realize that the LORD is on your side… that we can “bear patiently the cross of grief or pain” because of Jesus and all that He endured on our behalf. My prayer for you today is that you would thoughtfully read these verses and take a few moments to still your soul. In the words of this scripture passage, “we’d better get on with it!” I believe this is a great place to begin… don’t you?
Be Still My Soul
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 19, 2013
Hebrews 10:32-39
Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn’t touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion.
It won’t be long now, he’s on the way;
he’ll show up most any minute.
But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust;
if he cuts and runs, I won’t be very happy.
But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.
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.
On the television show “The Biggest Loser,” contestants discover that losing weight and seeing results happens more quickly at the beginning than the end. In fact, as these participants become lighter and leaner, it becomes harder with each passing week to shed the last pounds and inches. Progress is still possible, but the thrill of those first few weeks and the truly drastic changes are gone. This is where the real work begins.
It’s easy to become discouraged… or at least complacent. After all, some of these contestants have dropped 100 pounds or more. Losing that last stubborn 15 to 50 seems akin to climbing Mt. Everest. There is a temptation to reward all of the hard work with a favorite dessert… or to skip a workout here and there. After all, the entrant has come so far… what would it hurt? OR… the challenge may be finishing. The desire to keep going and lose the rest may wane… settling for the current weight and size may seem appealing. This is when the patient endurance must kick in and keep these contestants going. They have made it this far… reached countless milestones… and they must keep going and finish strong!
In our Christian faith, we often seem to lose steam after a while. The spark and excitement of our initial salvation experience may pale. Our encouragement and support from others may wane… and our inner resolve to forge ahead and continue to grow with the Holy Spirit can fade. We’ve come so far… God has given us so much… maybe we could just stop and rest here a while! And many of us do exactly that. The trouble is… too many of us grow stale at our “resting point.” We settle for a “good enough” relationship with the Holy Spirit - and miss out on all He wants to give us by doing so.
Just as in a weight-loss program that we hope will bring permanent, lasting results, we must practice patient endurance as we grow in our faith. We must keep on “keepin’ on,” continue to study, pray, fellowship and learn. We must not “rest on our laurels” – or on the blessings we have received from God already. We cannot quit! We have to keep trusting God for outcomes, learning how He works, and expecting His promises to be fulfilled. We have to wait on the LORD in all things… and believe that He will show up, right on time!
This is a tall order… but such a “sure thing” as the blessings and rewards of a life in Christ is certainly worth it! Are you ready to press forward and persevere? Are you still “in the game” and trusting all the way? Will you make it to the Finish Line with Jesus… or will you give up and quit? The choice is yours… what will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn’t touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion.
It won’t be long now, he’s on the way;
he’ll show up most any minute.
But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust;
if he cuts and runs, I won’t be very happy.
But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.
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.
On the television show “The Biggest Loser,” contestants discover that losing weight and seeing results happens more quickly at the beginning than the end. In fact, as these participants become lighter and leaner, it becomes harder with each passing week to shed the last pounds and inches. Progress is still possible, but the thrill of those first few weeks and the truly drastic changes are gone. This is where the real work begins.
It’s easy to become discouraged… or at least complacent. After all, some of these contestants have dropped 100 pounds or more. Losing that last stubborn 15 to 50 seems akin to climbing Mt. Everest. There is a temptation to reward all of the hard work with a favorite dessert… or to skip a workout here and there. After all, the entrant has come so far… what would it hurt? OR… the challenge may be finishing. The desire to keep going and lose the rest may wane… settling for the current weight and size may seem appealing. This is when the patient endurance must kick in and keep these contestants going. They have made it this far… reached countless milestones… and they must keep going and finish strong!
In our Christian faith, we often seem to lose steam after a while. The spark and excitement of our initial salvation experience may pale. Our encouragement and support from others may wane… and our inner resolve to forge ahead and continue to grow with the Holy Spirit can fade. We’ve come so far… God has given us so much… maybe we could just stop and rest here a while! And many of us do exactly that. The trouble is… too many of us grow stale at our “resting point.” We settle for a “good enough” relationship with the Holy Spirit - and miss out on all He wants to give us by doing so.
Just as in a weight-loss program that we hope will bring permanent, lasting results, we must practice patient endurance as we grow in our faith. We must keep on “keepin’ on,” continue to study, pray, fellowship and learn. We must not “rest on our laurels” – or on the blessings we have received from God already. We cannot quit! We have to keep trusting God for outcomes, learning how He works, and expecting His promises to be fulfilled. We have to wait on the LORD in all things… and believe that He will show up, right on time!
This is a tall order… but such a “sure thing” as the blessings and rewards of a life in Christ is certainly worth it! Are you ready to press forward and persevere? Are you still “in the game” and trusting all the way? Will you make it to the Finish Line with Jesus… or will you give up and quit? The choice is yours… what will you decide?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 17, 2013
Philippians 3:15-16
So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
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 hardest things about a diet and exercise regimen is sticking to it for the long haul. In the early stages, as you begin to drop pounds and inches – and feel better – you probably find it easy to stay focused. For one thing, the results are clearly visible. You see the number change on the scales. You notice that your clothes are now fitting loosely. You may even discover muscle tone and definition when you look at your body in the mirror.
But then the plateaus come… the weight becomes harder to lose, and your visible results seem stymied. You are still making progress, but it is as if your vision has become blurred – you just can’t see as much of an effect. This is when a lot of us “fall off the wagon” and return to our old habits. But actually, this is when the real work begins. If you thought your workouts were hard at the onset… get ready for even bigger challenges now. The exercises may seem a little easier… but the determination and perseverance may become even more of test.
Our spiritual life is much the same. When we first commit to Jesus - or even to a Bible study or a renewed pledge to be a better Disciple - we are all in, “gung-ho,” filled with determination, excitement and satisfaction at how God’s Holy Spirit is sustaining our longings and building us up with wisdom, courage and hope. But over time, our initial energy may wane. We may settle into a routine and grow weary of the day-to-day “spiritual exercise” regimen.
Maintaining the initial level of spiritual fire requires hard work… and a lot of us lack the discipline, commitment and determination for it on our own. This is not because God didn’t equip us for the journey… but rather, because we are human – and Satan is standing in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to weaken our resolve. He is perfectly content to keep us hovering on his side of the line between an all-out commitment to attaining everything that God wants to give us – and “playing Christian” when it suits our needs and whims.
When I think about all that God has in store for me, I cannot even comprehend it. I feel so blessed already. But like that last five pounds or few inches that seem so hard to lose, I know that the harder I work and the more diligent I remain, the more I will “gain.” When it comes to God’s blessings and plans for me, I’m incredibly greedy… I want it all!
On one of my workout DVDs, trainer Jillian Michaels points to one of her athletes and says, “Look at those abs! They don’t come without hard work. And I would do just about anything to have abs like that…wouldn’t you? You have to work for this!” We need to approach our life in Christ the same way! We need to be willing to do just about anything God requires of us in order to receive all He has in store for us. This includes not only spending time in His presence, studying His word and listening for His voice… but also offering others grace, mercy, love, compassion, and forgiveness in His name.
The trainers in the gyms and on our workout videos don’t rest on their laurels… and neither can we! In order to achieve maximum results, we are going to have to remain vigorous in our efforts to exercise and eat right… and to “work out” with God on a daily basis. How committed are you? Have you fully identified your goals… and are you focused on achieving them? Today is a great day to renew your dedication to become all that you can be… mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Focus on getting all that God has in store for you… and make every effort to do whatever it takes to get there. Let others see in you a person who has clear vision, the Holy Spirit in his/her heart, and a deep desire to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in every way. Let’s get on the right track… and stay there! Are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
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 hardest things about a diet and exercise regimen is sticking to it for the long haul. In the early stages, as you begin to drop pounds and inches – and feel better – you probably find it easy to stay focused. For one thing, the results are clearly visible. You see the number change on the scales. You notice that your clothes are now fitting loosely. You may even discover muscle tone and definition when you look at your body in the mirror.
But then the plateaus come… the weight becomes harder to lose, and your visible results seem stymied. You are still making progress, but it is as if your vision has become blurred – you just can’t see as much of an effect. This is when a lot of us “fall off the wagon” and return to our old habits. But actually, this is when the real work begins. If you thought your workouts were hard at the onset… get ready for even bigger challenges now. The exercises may seem a little easier… but the determination and perseverance may become even more of test.
Our spiritual life is much the same. When we first commit to Jesus - or even to a Bible study or a renewed pledge to be a better Disciple - we are all in, “gung-ho,” filled with determination, excitement and satisfaction at how God’s Holy Spirit is sustaining our longings and building us up with wisdom, courage and hope. But over time, our initial energy may wane. We may settle into a routine and grow weary of the day-to-day “spiritual exercise” regimen.
Maintaining the initial level of spiritual fire requires hard work… and a lot of us lack the discipline, commitment and determination for it on our own. This is not because God didn’t equip us for the journey… but rather, because we are human – and Satan is standing in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to weaken our resolve. He is perfectly content to keep us hovering on his side of the line between an all-out commitment to attaining everything that God wants to give us – and “playing Christian” when it suits our needs and whims.
When I think about all that God has in store for me, I cannot even comprehend it. I feel so blessed already. But like that last five pounds or few inches that seem so hard to lose, I know that the harder I work and the more diligent I remain, the more I will “gain.” When it comes to God’s blessings and plans for me, I’m incredibly greedy… I want it all!
On one of my workout DVDs, trainer Jillian Michaels points to one of her athletes and says, “Look at those abs! They don’t come without hard work. And I would do just about anything to have abs like that…wouldn’t you? You have to work for this!” We need to approach our life in Christ the same way! We need to be willing to do just about anything God requires of us in order to receive all He has in store for us. This includes not only spending time in His presence, studying His word and listening for His voice… but also offering others grace, mercy, love, compassion, and forgiveness in His name.
The trainers in the gyms and on our workout videos don’t rest on their laurels… and neither can we! In order to achieve maximum results, we are going to have to remain vigorous in our efforts to exercise and eat right… and to “work out” with God on a daily basis. How committed are you? Have you fully identified your goals… and are you focused on achieving them? Today is a great day to renew your dedication to become all that you can be… mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Focus on getting all that God has in store for you… and make every effort to do whatever it takes to get there. Let others see in you a person who has clear vision, the Holy Spirit in his/her heart, and a deep desire to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in every way. Let’s get on the right track… and stay there! Are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 28, 2012
1 Peter 4:11
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today, many in our state are without power, following an epic Christmas Day blizzard. These folks are staying with friends or family members… huddled around a space heater powered by a generator… or bundled up in layers of clothing and blankets trying to stay warm in a freezing cold house. Thousands of support people are working diligently throughout the area to provide safety, emergency medical services, transportation, a warm meal, and whatever assistance is needed. Men and women from our state and those around us are making every effort to clear downed trees and power lines and restore electrical connections.
Whether they realize it or not, all of these people are exercising their gifts and calling on the strength and energy that God supplies to accomplish vital tasks. You may have never considered that providing a warm meal or a place to stay for a needy neighbor or relative was your gift… but it certainly can be! You may not have thought about those who work for utility companies or soldiers in the National Guard as people who are answering God’s call on their life… but this very well may be the case. As I spent a snowy day doing laundry in my warm, cozy house, I thought about the clothes I washed, dried and folded. Believe it or not, keeping a clean, well-run household… and yes, even doing laundry, can bring glory to God when done right! These simple tasks show others that you care about them - and their comfort and appearance.
Cleaning your room and holding up your end of the household bargain, being a good student and doing your best in school, caring for family pets, doing your best as a parent and/or spouse, and working hard at your job can all be considered gifts. When done to the best of our ability, whatever we do can be strengthened and energized by God. And when we give Him our best, He magnifies and multiplies our efforts.
So the next time you start to think of the things you do in a day as routine, mundane or unimportant, ask yourself how well you are performing the task… and whether you have given an effort that God cares to bless and strengthen. Are you using your gifts to glorify Him? Are you giving Him your best at all times? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today, many in our state are without power, following an epic Christmas Day blizzard. These folks are staying with friends or family members… huddled around a space heater powered by a generator… or bundled up in layers of clothing and blankets trying to stay warm in a freezing cold house. Thousands of support people are working diligently throughout the area to provide safety, emergency medical services, transportation, a warm meal, and whatever assistance is needed. Men and women from our state and those around us are making every effort to clear downed trees and power lines and restore electrical connections.
Whether they realize it or not, all of these people are exercising their gifts and calling on the strength and energy that God supplies to accomplish vital tasks. You may have never considered that providing a warm meal or a place to stay for a needy neighbor or relative was your gift… but it certainly can be! You may not have thought about those who work for utility companies or soldiers in the National Guard as people who are answering God’s call on their life… but this very well may be the case. As I spent a snowy day doing laundry in my warm, cozy house, I thought about the clothes I washed, dried and folded. Believe it or not, keeping a clean, well-run household… and yes, even doing laundry, can bring glory to God when done right! These simple tasks show others that you care about them - and their comfort and appearance.
Cleaning your room and holding up your end of the household bargain, being a good student and doing your best in school, caring for family pets, doing your best as a parent and/or spouse, and working hard at your job can all be considered gifts. When done to the best of our ability, whatever we do can be strengthened and energized by God. And when we give Him our best, He magnifies and multiplies our efforts.
So the next time you start to think of the things you do in a day as routine, mundane or unimportant, ask yourself how well you are performing the task… and whether you have given an effort that God cares to bless and strengthen. Are you using your gifts to glorify Him? Are you giving Him your best at all times? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 27, 2012
1 Corinthians 10:13
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.
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.
My husband and I watched Ken Burn’s documentary, The Dust Bowl, about the tragic situation man created in the Great Plains of America in the 1930s by turning the grasslands into wheat farms. When a drought ensued, huge storm clouds of dust were created as the winds whipped across the Plains. Much of the land in four or five states was buried beneath the soil. Cattle, crops and homes were destroyed and/or buried. Families gave up and moved away… many to California. Still others stayed and toughed it out… some became so despondent that they committed suicide. One woman who was interviewed told of her mother walking away one day and never returning. The woman was just a tiny girl at the time. That was the last time she ever saw her mother.
Burns interviewed a number of survivors who experienced the Dust Bowl as small children. The pervading story they told was one of perseverance… and of faith. One man told of being at church with his sister when a particular storm hit. Others spoke of parents and grandparents who were “religious sorts” or had a strong faith [in God] that sustained them.
What struck me profoundly as I watched this film was that all of the troubles and tribulations we face today are certainly nothing new… financial woes, sick and hungry children and family members, natural disasters, loss of jobs and relationships, homelessness, depression and despondency. I was reminded that God never left the people of the Great Plains… and He will never leave us. Sure, many succumbed to temptations… or lost their lives to such things as dust pneumonia, getting buried in a dust storm – or even suicide. But many hung on and survived. And I have to believe that a good number of them recognized God’s presence by their side.
I don’t know what you are facing today. I don’t know what tempts or troubles you. I have no idea what challenges you face each day… or whether you feel discouraged – or even hopeless. But I am here to tell you that God is still with you. He has not left… and He will not desert you. If you will only call on Him, you can feel Him lifting you out of the dirt and saying, “I’m gonna help you… we’ve got this!” You are not alone… you are not experiencing anything that God has not helped countless others survive already… and He will do the same for you. Have you asked Him to help? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.
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.
My husband and I watched Ken Burn’s documentary, The Dust Bowl, about the tragic situation man created in the Great Plains of America in the 1930s by turning the grasslands into wheat farms. When a drought ensued, huge storm clouds of dust were created as the winds whipped across the Plains. Much of the land in four or five states was buried beneath the soil. Cattle, crops and homes were destroyed and/or buried. Families gave up and moved away… many to California. Still others stayed and toughed it out… some became so despondent that they committed suicide. One woman who was interviewed told of her mother walking away one day and never returning. The woman was just a tiny girl at the time. That was the last time she ever saw her mother.
Burns interviewed a number of survivors who experienced the Dust Bowl as small children. The pervading story they told was one of perseverance… and of faith. One man told of being at church with his sister when a particular storm hit. Others spoke of parents and grandparents who were “religious sorts” or had a strong faith [in God] that sustained them.
What struck me profoundly as I watched this film was that all of the troubles and tribulations we face today are certainly nothing new… financial woes, sick and hungry children and family members, natural disasters, loss of jobs and relationships, homelessness, depression and despondency. I was reminded that God never left the people of the Great Plains… and He will never leave us. Sure, many succumbed to temptations… or lost their lives to such things as dust pneumonia, getting buried in a dust storm – or even suicide. But many hung on and survived. And I have to believe that a good number of them recognized God’s presence by their side.
I don’t know what you are facing today. I don’t know what tempts or troubles you. I have no idea what challenges you face each day… or whether you feel discouraged – or even hopeless. But I am here to tell you that God is still with you. He has not left… and He will not desert you. If you will only call on Him, you can feel Him lifting you out of the dirt and saying, “I’m gonna help you… we’ve got this!” You are not alone… you are not experiencing anything that God has not helped countless others survive already… and He will do the same for you. Have you asked Him to help? Isn’t it time you did?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 25, 2012
Galatians 6:9
Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Somewhere around 1980, when I was teaching kindergarten, the principal asked me if a first-grade boy could spend most of his day in my classroom, because he was not able to function properly in his own. The child was evaluated and deemed to perform on the level of a child of about age 3. So I agreed to let Chuckie play in my classroom. And he did spend most of his day quietly playing with toys, puzzles and games. The other children even accepted that this was what Chuckie did all day - that is…when he wasn’t eating.
I could not feed this little boy enough. Clearly, the only time Chuckie really ate was when he was at school. The cafeteria manager gave him double helpings. I fed him “snacks” for breakfast and again before the last bell rang. I knew that he might not eat again until the next morning. He would tell me that he and his sister ate “pasketti” (spaghetti)… but all they got was what was left after his mother ate. Chuckie’s dad was determined to keep Mom happy, so she ate first.
The Department of Human Services was notified of this situation, and a caseworker was assigned. And the more she did for this family, the more the parents demanded. One day, the father was listing his “needs” to the caseworker, and he ended with… “Oh, and we need a car.” The caseworker replied, “What color would you like?” She said, “This was such a preposterous request that I figured it deserved a similar response!”
Ultimately, most everyone who tried to help this family came together in a court of law, where a judge was prepared to sign adoption papers for the children to be placed with a loving, stable couple. The parents were ready to sign, until the judge told them they would never get their children back. The parents reneged. And a local pediatrician bought the entire family bus tickets to Pennsylvania, where other relatives lived. Those in the courtroom had reached the end of their rope… they had given all the help they could… they were exhausted and exasperated.
I don’t know whatever happened to Chuckie and his family. I probably don’t want to know. I don’t fault those who made the decision to stop trying to help, because they had given all they had to give… and more. Their efforts were better served helping children whose families were more cooperative. But I do wonder about Chuckie…and others like him. And I think about people in our own circles who exhaust and exasperate us - so we throw up our hands and move away. What happens to them? Do they find other benefactors? More importantly, what if God threw up His hands and walked away from us?
Here’s what I have concluded. When you are tired and fed up… when you don’t have anything left to give to others…you can still love them and pray for them… and that is something. But don’t close the door completely. Don’t shut them out of your heart and stop caring. There is always hope. You don’t have to spend yourself into bankruptcy. You don’t have to give of your physical time and energy until you are literally sick and tired. But you must continue to care. And prayer is a powerful tool…often the only one we really need.
I am grateful to know that God never gives up on me… even when I exhaust and exasperate Him (which must be a dozen times a day or more!). And I must remind myself not to give up on others. I am not looking for a tangible “reward” – and neither should you. It should be payment enough to know that we are doing what God does for us… that we are serving Him as the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth – and showing His love to others in the bargain. In my heart, I am believing that God sent another loving group of people to minister to Chuckie and his sister. And I am thankful for the opportunity I had to look after this child, if only for a few brief months. I was greatly blessed by this experience… and forever changed.
How and where is God using you in the life of someone who needs help? And how are you answering His call?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Somewhere around 1980, when I was teaching kindergarten, the principal asked me if a first-grade boy could spend most of his day in my classroom, because he was not able to function properly in his own. The child was evaluated and deemed to perform on the level of a child of about age 3. So I agreed to let Chuckie play in my classroom. And he did spend most of his day quietly playing with toys, puzzles and games. The other children even accepted that this was what Chuckie did all day - that is…when he wasn’t eating.
I could not feed this little boy enough. Clearly, the only time Chuckie really ate was when he was at school. The cafeteria manager gave him double helpings. I fed him “snacks” for breakfast and again before the last bell rang. I knew that he might not eat again until the next morning. He would tell me that he and his sister ate “pasketti” (spaghetti)… but all they got was what was left after his mother ate. Chuckie’s dad was determined to keep Mom happy, so she ate first.
The Department of Human Services was notified of this situation, and a caseworker was assigned. And the more she did for this family, the more the parents demanded. One day, the father was listing his “needs” to the caseworker, and he ended with… “Oh, and we need a car.” The caseworker replied, “What color would you like?” She said, “This was such a preposterous request that I figured it deserved a similar response!”
Ultimately, most everyone who tried to help this family came together in a court of law, where a judge was prepared to sign adoption papers for the children to be placed with a loving, stable couple. The parents were ready to sign, until the judge told them they would never get their children back. The parents reneged. And a local pediatrician bought the entire family bus tickets to Pennsylvania, where other relatives lived. Those in the courtroom had reached the end of their rope… they had given all the help they could… they were exhausted and exasperated.
I don’t know whatever happened to Chuckie and his family. I probably don’t want to know. I don’t fault those who made the decision to stop trying to help, because they had given all they had to give… and more. Their efforts were better served helping children whose families were more cooperative. But I do wonder about Chuckie…and others like him. And I think about people in our own circles who exhaust and exasperate us - so we throw up our hands and move away. What happens to them? Do they find other benefactors? More importantly, what if God threw up His hands and walked away from us?
Here’s what I have concluded. When you are tired and fed up… when you don’t have anything left to give to others…you can still love them and pray for them… and that is something. But don’t close the door completely. Don’t shut them out of your heart and stop caring. There is always hope. You don’t have to spend yourself into bankruptcy. You don’t have to give of your physical time and energy until you are literally sick and tired. But you must continue to care. And prayer is a powerful tool…often the only one we really need.
I am grateful to know that God never gives up on me… even when I exhaust and exasperate Him (which must be a dozen times a day or more!). And I must remind myself not to give up on others. I am not looking for a tangible “reward” – and neither should you. It should be payment enough to know that we are doing what God does for us… that we are serving Him as the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth – and showing His love to others in the bargain. In my heart, I am believing that God sent another loving group of people to minister to Chuckie and his sister. And I am thankful for the opportunity I had to look after this child, if only for a few brief months. I was greatly blessed by this experience… and forever changed.
How and where is God using you in the life of someone who needs help? And how are you answering His call?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 6, 2012
Hebrews 11:1-4, 7, 13-16
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.
By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That’s what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.
By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn’t see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
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.
I always think about my dad this time of year. He died on October 9, 1999, following a two-year illness that began with a “simple” diagnostic procedure for his heart one morning that led to a near-fatal exploratory surgery that night. The surgeons discovered this procedure had triggered the onset of renal failure. Two years later, Daddy suffered a paralyzing stroke the day after undergoing surgery to repair a hernia… and he died a few hours later from a massive heart attack. Talk about “turning points!”
Renal failure really does a number on your body – and your mind. My dad had to have daily dialysis to clean the impurities from his body, because his kidneys no longer functioned properly. This caused all sorts of problems, from sensitivity to smells (especially food) to almost constant itching, a continual sense of not feeling well, and general fatigue. Understandably, Daddy sank into a deep, deep depression. We all prayed for healing and a reprieve from the torment of this disease, just as we had prayed for my brother to be healed of liver disease the previous year. And ultimately, healing came… just not in the form we wanted or expected.
And this is the point of today’s passage. The writer cites several Old Testament examples of people who were faithful and obedient to God… who expected Him to deliver on His promises to them. And God did exactly this… but not necessarily in the way that was anticipated. Many of these faithful followers never experienced the fulfillment of God’s promises in their earthly lifetime. But I am sure they now walk the streets of gold in Heaven. They may have had bodies that betrayed them on this earth, but now they are healthy and whole. Their examples give the phrases, “Hang in there,” and “Keep the faith!” all new meaning!
What does this mean for you and me? I believe that God has tremendous blessings and favor for each of us. I also believe that a life lived in faith and trust does not ensure that we will have a continual “bed of roses” on this earth. Healing does not always come in the form we expect. Blessings are not always immediate… or clearly visible. One of the mysteries of God and our relationship with Him is that we don’t understand everything – and we are not supposed to! But one of the truths of our Christian faith is that God will deliver on His promises. We simply don’t know when, where or how this will happen.
So the next time you wonder, “When is it my turn?” or “When will my healing come?”… the next time you ask God to show you how He is fulfilling His promises to you… remember that faith is our “handle on what we can’t see.” God will surely deliver. He will answer - when the time is right and in the most perfect way. Once we begin to fully operate in faith – to believe with every confidence that God is working things out perfectly, we turn the corner. And everything becomes clearer. We settle in and serve with a little more patience – and confidence that serving faithfully will be so worth the effort.
I don’t know how, when, or where God will work in your life…but I know that He will. Our job is to live in anticipation of His favor… to make pleasing God and serving Him our focus… and to know that when He does answer, it will be perfectly. How strong is your faith? Do you have a solid “handle on what you can’t see?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.
By an act of faith, Abel brought a better sacrifice to God than Cain. It was what he believed, not what he brought, that made the difference. That’s what God noticed and approved as righteous. After all these centuries, that belief continues to catch our notice.
By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn’t see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
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.
I always think about my dad this time of year. He died on October 9, 1999, following a two-year illness that began with a “simple” diagnostic procedure for his heart one morning that led to a near-fatal exploratory surgery that night. The surgeons discovered this procedure had triggered the onset of renal failure. Two years later, Daddy suffered a paralyzing stroke the day after undergoing surgery to repair a hernia… and he died a few hours later from a massive heart attack. Talk about “turning points!”
Renal failure really does a number on your body – and your mind. My dad had to have daily dialysis to clean the impurities from his body, because his kidneys no longer functioned properly. This caused all sorts of problems, from sensitivity to smells (especially food) to almost constant itching, a continual sense of not feeling well, and general fatigue. Understandably, Daddy sank into a deep, deep depression. We all prayed for healing and a reprieve from the torment of this disease, just as we had prayed for my brother to be healed of liver disease the previous year. And ultimately, healing came… just not in the form we wanted or expected.
And this is the point of today’s passage. The writer cites several Old Testament examples of people who were faithful and obedient to God… who expected Him to deliver on His promises to them. And God did exactly this… but not necessarily in the way that was anticipated. Many of these faithful followers never experienced the fulfillment of God’s promises in their earthly lifetime. But I am sure they now walk the streets of gold in Heaven. They may have had bodies that betrayed them on this earth, but now they are healthy and whole. Their examples give the phrases, “Hang in there,” and “Keep the faith!” all new meaning!
What does this mean for you and me? I believe that God has tremendous blessings and favor for each of us. I also believe that a life lived in faith and trust does not ensure that we will have a continual “bed of roses” on this earth. Healing does not always come in the form we expect. Blessings are not always immediate… or clearly visible. One of the mysteries of God and our relationship with Him is that we don’t understand everything – and we are not supposed to! But one of the truths of our Christian faith is that God will deliver on His promises. We simply don’t know when, where or how this will happen.
So the next time you wonder, “When is it my turn?” or “When will my healing come?”… the next time you ask God to show you how He is fulfilling His promises to you… remember that faith is our “handle on what we can’t see.” God will surely deliver. He will answer - when the time is right and in the most perfect way. Once we begin to fully operate in faith – to believe with every confidence that God is working things out perfectly, we turn the corner. And everything becomes clearer. We settle in and serve with a little more patience – and confidence that serving faithfully will be so worth the effort.
I don’t know how, when, or where God will work in your life…but I know that He will. Our job is to live in anticipation of His favor… to make pleasing God and serving Him our focus… and to know that when He does answer, it will be perfectly. How strong is your faith? Do you have a solid “handle on what you can’t see?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 22, 2012
James 5:19-20
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On June 9, 1995, six-year-old Morgan Nick asked her mother’s permission to catch lightning bugs with friends at a Little League ball field in Alma, Arkansas. Morgan’s mother, Colleen, reluctantly agreed. That was at 10:30 p.m. At 10:45, Colleen Nick went searching for Morgan. Other children told her that Morgan was seen emptying sand from her shoes near the family car and talking to a “creepy” man. When Colleen got to the car, Morgan was gone. Seventeen years later, she is still missing… but Colleen and countless others are still searching.
On September 12, 2012 - Morgan’s twenty-fourth birthday - Colleen Nick was in Onia, Arkansas, just outside of Mountain View, as a three-year-old child who had wandered from home some 30 hours earlier was located. The little boy was kneeling at the edge of a pond, caked in mud. He unassumingly told the rescuer, “I’m playing.” That he was found some 3+ miles from home was amazing. That he was physically unscathed, save a few scratches, was truly a miracle. Hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement personnel searched the thickly wooded, snake-and-critter-infested forests of the central Arkansas Ozarks for this child who was wearing only his Spider-Man underwear.
The child wandered off… and many went after him. Through tears and shouts of praise and “God is so good,” the rescue workers celebrated the safe return of this little guy. There is still hope that someday, somehow, now 24-year-old Morgan Nick might be rescued, as well. Her mother’s efforts are a testament to faith and perseverance. And this is what God asks of us… not only in the rescue of lost and abducted children in this physical world… but in the realm of those who have wandered away spiritually - gotten off track, and lost their way.
You probably know at least one person who fits into this category. I’m not asking you to pass judgment on others or lord over them how good and righteous you are. But surely you know someone you can lift in prayer and say, “LORD, I see So-and-so struggling. Help them to get on track and find their way back to You. If there is a way You can use me to help them, show me what to do.” If you know someone who could use gentle encouragement and guidance – and you feel close enough to this person to do so – by all means, speak a word of love and hope to them. You can also offer redirection to others by simple acts of kindness. Sometimes all the other person needs to know is that someone genuinely cares about him/her… and that you have not deserted them.
Prayerfully ask God to show you how to work in the lives of others, for His glory. When you are clearly led to take direct action, be bold and trust God to work out the details. When you feel hesitation, take that as a cue from God to proceed more cautiously. Prayer and a smile NEVER go out of style or lose effectiveness! Often, this is all God requires of us… that we pray for others… offer kindness… and never stop caring.
Who do you need to lift in prayer today? Where are you led to offer a hug or a smile? Is there someone you have been tempted to write off… to toss in the towel and say, “I give up on him/her”? Isn’t today a great day to redouble your efforts on their behalf… to say, “LORD, this precious child of yours has gotten lost, but I will not stop seeking him/her on Your behalf.”? Just as with the toddler lost in the woods whose location was uncertain… the value of finding him was sure. Just as Colleen Nick and others continue to believe that Morgan will be found, we must trust God to bring those who have wandered from Him back home once again. Are you doing your part in the rescue efforts?
©2012 Debbie Robus
My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On June 9, 1995, six-year-old Morgan Nick asked her mother’s permission to catch lightning bugs with friends at a Little League ball field in Alma, Arkansas. Morgan’s mother, Colleen, reluctantly agreed. That was at 10:30 p.m. At 10:45, Colleen Nick went searching for Morgan. Other children told her that Morgan was seen emptying sand from her shoes near the family car and talking to a “creepy” man. When Colleen got to the car, Morgan was gone. Seventeen years later, she is still missing… but Colleen and countless others are still searching.
On September 12, 2012 - Morgan’s twenty-fourth birthday - Colleen Nick was in Onia, Arkansas, just outside of Mountain View, as a three-year-old child who had wandered from home some 30 hours earlier was located. The little boy was kneeling at the edge of a pond, caked in mud. He unassumingly told the rescuer, “I’m playing.” That he was found some 3+ miles from home was amazing. That he was physically unscathed, save a few scratches, was truly a miracle. Hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement personnel searched the thickly wooded, snake-and-critter-infested forests of the central Arkansas Ozarks for this child who was wearing only his Spider-Man underwear.
The child wandered off… and many went after him. Through tears and shouts of praise and “God is so good,” the rescue workers celebrated the safe return of this little guy. There is still hope that someday, somehow, now 24-year-old Morgan Nick might be rescued, as well. Her mother’s efforts are a testament to faith and perseverance. And this is what God asks of us… not only in the rescue of lost and abducted children in this physical world… but in the realm of those who have wandered away spiritually - gotten off track, and lost their way.
You probably know at least one person who fits into this category. I’m not asking you to pass judgment on others or lord over them how good and righteous you are. But surely you know someone you can lift in prayer and say, “LORD, I see So-and-so struggling. Help them to get on track and find their way back to You. If there is a way You can use me to help them, show me what to do.” If you know someone who could use gentle encouragement and guidance – and you feel close enough to this person to do so – by all means, speak a word of love and hope to them. You can also offer redirection to others by simple acts of kindness. Sometimes all the other person needs to know is that someone genuinely cares about him/her… and that you have not deserted them.
Prayerfully ask God to show you how to work in the lives of others, for His glory. When you are clearly led to take direct action, be bold and trust God to work out the details. When you feel hesitation, take that as a cue from God to proceed more cautiously. Prayer and a smile NEVER go out of style or lose effectiveness! Often, this is all God requires of us… that we pray for others… offer kindness… and never stop caring.
Who do you need to lift in prayer today? Where are you led to offer a hug or a smile? Is there someone you have been tempted to write off… to toss in the towel and say, “I give up on him/her”? Isn’t today a great day to redouble your efforts on their behalf… to say, “LORD, this precious child of yours has gotten lost, but I will not stop seeking him/her on Your behalf.”? Just as with the toddler lost in the woods whose location was uncertain… the value of finding him was sure. Just as Colleen Nick and others continue to believe that Morgan will be found, we must trust God to bring those who have wandered from Him back home once again. Are you doing your part in the rescue efforts?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)